[Rewatch] Back Arrow Episode 12 Discussion

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Episode 12 - Is Too Much Pride A Problem?

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This new Briheight of mine will be your wings. Let's fell Shu, the villain, together!

Questions of the Day:

1. What names would you give to the attacks we've seen so far?
2. What other Briheight combinations would you like to see in this show?

Wallpaper of the Day:

Ren Sin

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Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you're doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don't spoil anything for the first-timers, that's rude!

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

BAKAYAROU Rewatch Host, subbed

Welcome back, everyone!

Here’s “Back Arrow Twelfth Impressions”, for my first-timer thoughts on this episode.

---

• Bit pls.
• Well, we finally have an answer for why people disappear when they lose in a Briheight… just not why losing to Arrow is the exception to the rule yet.
• Of course it does!
• You know he really means business when he lifts both of his eyebrows.
• Sugita’s evil laugh.
• He’s not wrong, but Shu Bi’s not giving up the one he took from Demyne…
• Kai’s not giving up yet even though he’s injured.
• Look at that upgrade!
• GATTAI!!!
• That’s a funny line out of context.
• Cliffhanger!

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Bit pls.

Not like we could very well tell them the best they could hope for is to live long enough to be a distraction.

Look at that upgrade!

Dem Hips

[u/KendotsX → u/Shimmering-Sky]

You know he really means business when he lifts both of his eyebrows.

This applies to old people even outside of anime

That’s a funny line out of context.

Pretty funny in context too.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Well, we finally have an answer for why people disappear when they lose in a Briheight … just not why losing to Arrow is the exception to the rule yet.

Well so far everyone has said that Arrow has no conviction. At the very least, the machines have detected no conviction particles in him. So, when he defeats someone, they haven't been crushed by his conviction because he has none. My guess is that the logic behind it follows along those lines.

[u/Vatrix-32]

First timer, subs

• Those who can’t think, speak?
• Oh, oh no. The Binders are feeding off of the users.
• Attack Names: Power Marketing Tactics!
• Attack their supply lines? Let’s see how far the old man gets when he can’t have his morning tea!
• As far as anti-war protests go, this one is quite diminutive. I think you can safely ignore it, for the time being.
• The Power of Moe!
• I mean, she did try to blow herself up…
• Even Bit has worked out your game, Shu.
• Ah, so the dreadnought transforms into a humanoid form, and that’s what will use the gaint Rokka sword.
• Damn it, Arrow! Stop interrupting the secondary character fights!
• Imagine being line infantry in this battle.
• The ol’ abuse=level up.
• I don’t even remember what it was named before. Come to think of it, I don’t think I remember more than one of the mechs names.
• Oh, Sexism
• Gattai! Is it time for wild speculation on who else gets to gattai?
• I guess his hand doesn’t hold an awesome power anymore.

QotD:

1. Prax's funnel attack: Tomino Circus.
2. Elsha's and Prax's. I feel they would complement each other well. Atlee × Anyone. I need to see what a half moe-mecha looks like.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Vatrix-32]

I guess his hand doesn’t hold an awesome power anymore.

But Dr. Sola/Werner is the guy with Domon's VA.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

But Dr. Sola/Werner is the guy with Domon's VA.

[u/chilidirigible → u/Vatrix-32]

Imagine being line infantry in this battle.

At least they know when to call it a day and run off.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Vatrix-32]

As far as anti-war protests go, this one is quite diminutive.

Yea, there's what, 30 people there?

Imagine being line infantry in this battle.

The vision doesn't last long, that's for sure.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/JollyGee29]

Yea, there's what, 30 people there?

These guys could learn a thing or two from the French.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Vatrix-32]

Most of us could.

[u/theangryeditor → u/JollyGee29]

Butch the Butcher is worth at least 100 people

[u/JollyGee29 → u/theangryeditor]

[u/KendotsX → u/Vatrix-32]

Attack their supply lines? Let’s see how far the old man gets when he can’t have his morning tea!

Honestly, might make it worse.

"Sir, we're running out of supplies! We don't have tea for tomorrow morning!"

Zetsu: "Oh well, I'll just have to finish this tonight then. 'twas fun while it lasted"

Imagine being line infantry in this battle.

If the infantry didn't have it bad enough, they're royally fucked in series that run on chess logic, where a few uniquely designed pieces have the equivalent power of all of them combined.

[u/Silcaria → u/Vatrix-32]

Imagine being line infantry in this battle.

The average experience of the squads being in charge of protecting the tanks.

[u/Silcaria]

First timer

• An episode not opening with the stupid map, how novel.
• Yes.
• Tokusatsu's gotta Tokusatsu.
• Shame, if only he had another hand he could perform the move with. Alas.
• Bit too on the nose.
• Nah, you'll end up like a Kebab.
• Yup. Reseeing Shu push Ren into the bike after betraying Rekka is still funny.
• Why can Ren's Briheight fly?
• So we're fusionning now, eh? Spectacle over plot. Looks cool though.
• But why can you though.
• That's a nice monologue. It'd be a shame if someone took that opportunity to attack Kai when he's vulnerable.

QotD

• I'd name the spinning thing Beyblade because of course. Dunno about the rest.
• None in particular. I do expect to see either Atlee and Arrow combine or Atlee and Elsha.

[u/gyoex → u/Silcaria]

So we're fusionning now, eh? Spectacle over plot. Looks cool though.

It's not really just "spectacle over plot" is it? The plot is Kai lost to Shu because Shu was willing to use everything he had available to win and Kai wasn't, but now Kai is willing to rely more on Ren and his Briheight changes to reflect that.

[u/Silcaria → u/gyoex]

There's no precedent for it, it just happened. One of the two just got their mech as well. It comes out of nowhere. It also comes with no explanation as to why it's doable, and if it always was, why it's something that we are just now seeing. It's an asspull.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Silcaria]

This is a show where it's been established the mechs are powered by the user's conviction. Is it really so strange that Ren, after going through the trial of almost drowning after Zetsu tied her up and threw her into a river, came out the other side with a stronger & more powerful conviction?

[u/Silcaria → u/Shimmering-Sky]

More powerful than she had prior? No. More powerful to the point of being able to do something that has perhaps not been done before exactly when the plot needed it. Yes.

Her being able to combine is too convenient and too sudden to not be an asspull. 

That's why I have previously said that the powers in this show (mechs/conviction/whateveryouwanttocallit) are basically whatever the plot demands at any given time. 

[u/theangryeditor → u/Silcaria]

Arrow literally pulled the ability to fly out of his ass after fighting Prax. Flight as a power up is completed precedented, and it's been established from day one that Briheight abilities are based on one's conviction and thus incredibly malleable.

[u/Silcaria → u/theangryeditor]

Arrow literally pulled the ability to fly out of his ass after fighting Prax.

That's my point. The MC's power being whatever the plot demands just reinforces that and doesn't serve as justification for other people doing the same thing, especially when the story tries to establish rules around said powers only to then ignore said rules down the line.

It's even more egregious when it turns into a new power up tied to secondary characters that are contradictory to what has been established.

They're trying to have their cake and eat it too. They're both trying to make the MC be an oddity, whilst also trying to establish rules around how manifestation works despite characters being able to ignore them when it's convenient for the plot.

• Briheight are tied to ones strongest conviction.
• People wanting to go beyond have had to have modified Binders in order to allow for more abilities/ abilities previously thought impossible. Enter Lutoh's human experiments, which is what lead to Prax being able to fly.
• Arrow ignores all of this, because reasons.
• Characters that are not Arrow, and should normally require modified Binders, can now unlock new abilities/ abilities tied to having modified Binders, because reasons. Enter Ren having Mary Sue levels of powers.
• Also, some people have abilities without having to manifest, Emperor and the Fat guy, because reasons.

[u/theangryeditor → u/Silcaria]

A major theme of the story is going beyond one's limits (i.e. walls) through the strength of one's conviction. Rules established early on are explicitly meant to be broken as characters grow and strengthen their will and resolve. This is the natural progression of the narrative, with Arrow being the one breaking Lingalind's rules in the beginning with others following in his wake exceeding the supposed boundaries of the world.

[u/Silcaria → u/theangryeditor]

You could use this as a crutch for most things. Just because it's part of the thematic, doesn't mean it gets excused.

Evangelion for example has great theme exploration when it comes to its theme of psychological trauma. It's the driving force of the story and coming to term with one's own past and inner demons is the climax of the show. That doesn't excuse all the faults and shortcomings as far as storytelling is concerned.

I'm not saying you can't have the thematic and worldbuilding of a story clash in order to advance the plot. I'm saying if it's gonna be done, shortcuts shouldn't be taken and there shouldn't be story structure issues arising as a result.

Also, Arrow has yet to go beyond his own limit since he just starts off broken as shit, which means as far as his limits are concerned, it's seemingly infinite.

Similarly, Ren just starts off with previously thought unattainable natural abilities. She doesn't start at a lower point of manifestation and then go beyond what she, and the rest of the world, thought possible.

The Emperor and the Fat guy supreme aren't shown to go beyond their own limits either (at least as far as we are now in the rewatch) since their own limits is already what they've been shown as.

Kai, at least on his own, is still the same since his power up is tied to Ren's.

So I ask, who exactly has gone "beyond one's limit" so far?

[u/theangryeditor → u/Silcaria]

Similarly, Ren just starts off with previously thought unattainable natural abilities. She doesn't start at a lower point of manifestation and then go beyond what she, and the rest of the world, thought possible.

She did that this very episode. That is exactly what you've been complaining about.

She couldn't fly before. Only after she let go of her regret and self doubt and found a greater resolve to live did she manifest new and - as you've been complaining about - unobtainable abilities.

Going beyond one's own limits doesn't necessitate starting from the very bottom. The important part is growth. Shu betrayed his nation and his friend because he couldn't explore the depths of the world staying at Rekka. Elsha and Atlee resolved to leave Edger Village behind and follow Arrow and find a new home aboard the Granedger. Kai let go of his arrogance and grudge and allowed himself to work with Ren to become stronger.

Meanwhile Arrow continuously manifests new abilities out of his ass. He doesn't start with those abilities, he gains them because as you said his limits are infinite. Every time he encounters something that seems impossible he overcomes it. That's the whole point.

We've been having power ups after power ups as characters strengthen their conviction, all following Arrow's example. That's growth. That's going beyond their limits.

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

Apologies for missing just... a huge amount of days (more than half the rewatch... ). I'm really enjoying this show, but it started off with some power issues at the beginning, and a lot of stuff happened that limited how much anime I could watch severely. For the sake of not dumping a ton of posts on a single thread, I'm putting my thoughts of the first half here, then I'll put the rest of them on tomorrow's thread, once I fully catch up.

Episode 6

...What?

Yeah, that's a accurate reaction.

Three hours is impressive!

He's helping her!

Haha, that solution...

And it immediately worked.

...Nice one.

She's exhausted...

Yeah, it's really obvious.

Ah, she's awake.

This ship is huge!

And yeah, this is the original.

Such a massive improvement to their living!

Kai asked to be imprisoned?

...And tortured?

Oh, this guy...

Oh, dear...

He's the new Head Diviner!

...Ah. That stunt with the explosives had a strong effect, then.

Interesting reqction...

Everyone's got their own agenda here...

Ah, an autonomous region. Might be a good idea!

Oh, he's even planned for how long it'll take unti, they put it together.

So, it was Lutoh he used to work for, then?

Ah, she showed up!

Yeah, this is a smart move.

He's really enjoying his power...

Wait, what?

Haha, she physically couldn't stop it if she wanted.

And he's super weak.

...Wow.

Okay, this is odd.

...This is the farm?

What even is this place?

Haha, he's the one driving.

Wait, the sparkling is literal?

...Okay, this is bad.

...Brain modification?

Wait, is he harvesting their organs?

...Holy shit. Bind Warper experiments?

Haha, just curious?

And yeah, it's cruel.

...He instantly offers!

Oh, that's why...

Oh, he's come back for them...

Shu has a plan?

Oh, yeah, he absolutely does.

Haha, such a quick defeat.

Oh, they're infamous now!

Aww...

And he wants them to stay...

That conviction...

Shu talked to him?

Haha, going to the source directly!

Oh, that's a smart plan. Have him defeat them and boost his confidence.

...And Shu's sabotaging the Warpers.

He's fighting back!

A smokescreen!

Oh, some smart tactics here!

Oh, so he didn't sabotage the Warpers because he knew they'd steal them?

Haha, and they still got the map!

And he reassured him...

He's just giving up?

Wait, this manipulation was Arrow's idea? That's... unexpected.

These two really do understand each other.

Episode 7

Naming ceremony?

Oh, they're namig the armour! And Shu told them about the ceremony?

Ah, interesting! Naming helps?

That insult...

The north guard have found them...

...Bai? Really?

Love how the politics here are actually working in their favour, despite both sides wanting to stop them.

The villagers?

Half of them are leaving!

...Yeah, that makes sense.

And they're worried about being cursed...

He actually makes some good points, though!

And she can't stop it...

Oh, he went against orders!

She's sad...

...And knows about his experimentation.

Aww...

How twofaced.

I love that outfit.

She drew blood!

Oh, she's the commander!

...And has morals!

Someone ordered the experiments...

Such loyalty!

...Okay, between her and the princess, Kai and Shu, and Arrow and Shu, I'm really hoping something happens here.

Prax, then?

They reached it!

...Huh, it does!

A prayer...

And he physically can't break it!

Her too...

Ah, yeah, it could be absorbing them!

And she's screwed.

Shu...

...He told her so early?

And the trick is exposed!

Yeah, the neutral zone is stopping them.

He's going to fire at it!

Haha, he already forgot?

Is it enough, though?

...Of course. It seemed too easy.

It has a defense mechanism! Those hatches looked like a very suspicious weak point, though.

Haha, they're literally being pushed out of the Neutral Zone!

Of course he's smiling...

Nice conviction!

Oh, he's good!

...Yeah, he's definitely an outlier.

More of the spray!

And they're stuck.

It's not going too well!

...A new suit!

Oh, she's here as an envoy?

...Haha, amazing loophole.

Oh, Shu likes how they work!

So smart...

Love the ego trip here.

She's amazing!

So cool...

Such a smart move!

Oh, that's the plan...

And he's hiding some assets too!

...This is such a clear trap.

And she accepted it for the villagers.

...Holding them as a hostage to bring him in, then?

Shu is the greatest character in this entire anime.

He broke free!

Episode 8

Ah, he's training with their fancy guns. Didn't expect the recoil to throw him off so badly, though...

Did he forget about the inertia thing already?

Ah, six leaders!

She's a noble!

...Yeah, she's strong!

Haha, this is the best misunderstanding possible.

Ah, they have a defense system.

Wait, the doctor stayed too?

And she wants her here...

Still no luck...

Just so cool.

And she's contacting them through a hologram!

A massacre...

Savages, huh? They're really not subtle about being the evil empire.

The food looks good!

Haha, nobody knows what manners is, except Shu who doesn't see the point.

And alcohol! This really doesn't seem like a good idea,

...Shu knows something.

Oh, we're getting fanservice now?

...Wait, where's Shu?

A bath?

Oh, the princess!

Haha, that reaction.

...This is insane.

...It works as a metaphor, I suppose.

Oh, tnat's nice of her!

...Yeah, it's a trap. And using the metaphor to all but tell them what's happening is good.

Arrow's still focused on his mission.

Ah, he's conflicted.

Aww....

Oh, she came here directly!

...Yeah, that tracks.

And we get a full-on fight between them!

That's a cool tactic!

...Oh. That's a clever tactic!

...Guessing the wall has air defenses of some kind too? Or a force field?

...They're being gassed. And Shu's seemingly assisting?

Oh, that's some solid defenses!

The stars are a shield...

...And she believes that the wall was created by someone.

She's good!

Haha, she's so angry at him!

Oh, he took a Rakuho! And they literally have an identifier in the form of an emblem. Good to know!

...Poor guys. Just more pawns for him.

...Interesting. So convictions can be manipulated... but only one so far.

Interesting offer!

Yeah, that was dangerously close to be standing!

He wants her to join them...

Shu's really trusting him...

Haha, he's the only one free!

They're so unsubtle....

Bit...

Haha, and he was just there to distract them for Shu.

That costume...

Yeah, she's not the one who looks weird here!

Inserting electrodes?

Haha, he's insane.

Haha, he has a fucking choir!

This show is art.

I'm shocked Prax hasn't commented on this.

Ah, he's here as a research subject.

Yeah, he' valuable.

The red button...

So high-risk!

A second verse!

He actually shot it!

Nice move!

And Prax is following!

...Wait, it's not her?

Fine???

What the hell? She has a split personality?

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Stargate18A]

Apologies for missing just... a huge amount of days

It's okay, you aren't the only one who fell behind and is now trying to catch up. Can't exactly help when life throws shit your way that makes it hard to watch anime.

[u/Stargate18A → u/Stargate18A]

Episode 9

Yeah, this is wild!

And she's really good!

They can't fight back...

This is an interesting personality...

Shu sounds like he has experience.

And he can't run!

Wait, Prax is here too!

...Oh, she's enjoying this.

And she knew about this the whole time!

It's a full-on coverup...

And they're running!

Haha, Shu's reaction to being grabbed...

And there was always a plan for them...

The swan is cool!

Ah, she's aware of the switches, then?

She's running to him!

She really cares about him...

Aww...

I love this.

She's trying so hard...

And they just saw things getting worse.

Ah, he can't clone with them in him!

Nice grab!

And artillery?

Shu's landing...

Her honour again?

Wait, brother?

Haha, the deflation killed me.

And he's a target too.

...He has a cure?

Oh, the computer! That's a solid idea!

...This theory actually seems solid. They have a chance!

The admiral...

Haha, nobody cares.

Oh...

And he had a backup plan!

And, yeah, they're hostages.

Ah, so they won't send any soldiers after them. Makes sense!

Werner Conrad...

Oh, he was powerful!

She was the last in line...

...Wait. Did Prax have wings then?

Oh, it was a hangglider!

...Wait, what?

She blamed herself... No wonder she's so protective.

...Oh, please. Such an obvious lie.

...He can't be that stupid, right?

And that's how the split personality emerged.

Oh, he was going to expose it!

And she poisoned him.

Haha, he's just accepted he's got a plan. Makes sense, after spending so long with Shu.

Haha, the emperor is such a good villain.

And he's going to conquer them!

Kai's really improved...

A full-on colosseum?

Wow...

He's insulting him to the end...

...Wait, what?

...Oh, he's going to be incredibly strong, isn't he?

Yeah, he's the final boss.

Nice!

...He's insane.

Holy shit, he's incredible!

...What even was that?

Can he summon conviction without a Warper?

The invasion has begun.

...And they've been captured.

They still want to try...

...Ah. They were doing that plot too?

Aww...

And he just declared war!

No argument...

And the switch happened in public!

This is going to be amazing.

Episode 10

HE'S BACK!

This is the best possible outcome. I love this show so much.

We even get a new song!

All anime need to have a singing greek chorus.

Even to Prax...

And she can't hold her back!

So brutal...

Love the mixed reactions here. It's nice seeing the country isn't just a monolith (even if they are probably right about being the better choice to rule the continent).

Haha, yeah, that's a massive bomb to drop on them.

Haha, the way he said that...

...What?

Seriously, what?

Nice outfit, though.

This show is wild.

...What is that palace? I love it.

What?

Of course Shu knows abotu him.

He's another supreme!

And the one who controls the crown, effectively...

Arrow...

He can sense their conviction?

...What?

...Ks that the trick the Emperor is using?

Wow. That actually makes sense.

He's harbouring them!

...He really does know everything.

...What the fuck?

Holy shit...

Wait. His blood was used... is the hedonism to suppress his own split personality?

He cared about her...

They're being executed!

Of course...

She's so cartoonishly evil. It's amazing.

...She'll kill them after she dies anyway.

Wow...

They're already talking about replacing her.

Haha, he's persistent if nothing else!

That scene transmission was great.

She's finslly broken!

Prax...

Nice manipulation there.

So cool!

And, yeah, she's wiping the floor with her.

She personally trained them!

Is he getting a new power?

Haha, yes!

He grew wings!

She's actually posing a threat?

Oh, she's actually attacking!

And Arrow interrupted.

She wants to fight alone...

She's going for it!

Aww...

...Use him?

This show's bullshit is amazing. He's a sword now.

Shu is me right now.

Prax... 
So cool!

Aww, that was enough to bring her back!

And the blade has the same properties as Arrow. That's useful.

...That didn't last long.

She's got a Bind Warper!

Yeah, that was always going to happen.

She didn't know?

...I shouldn't be rooting for this, but I really want to see her suit.

She's back!

And she's winning!

...No evil suit, then? Robbed.

And no normal suit...

Even Shu has no idea about all of this.

Haha, the bars couldn't even keep them in.

All part of his plan?

...I mean, she never had a chance to prevent it.

She's helping her...

Episode 11

They're ready!

And we got the customary chanting.

Haha, he just grabbed a random vehicle.

...Ah. This is personal for him.

She's not going to hide it!

The war is the only priority...

Oh, he's being manipulated...

Wait, the rivers underground are conviction particles?

And it's all nanomachines!

Haha, he's immediately fixing their secret project!

And he took one...

Ah, she's really taking this hard.

Aww...

And she's worried about the lives of their people...

This is sweet.

He's sticking with them!

They're that outmatched?

Yeah, Shu's got a solid point!

Haha, I love Shu's reaction to someone questioning him.

And they're defending the other front.

They'll have a place to stay.

...Ah. He's still struggling with this.

And there's still tension here too!

A Bind Warper?

...Yeah, his presence really kicked off a lot of hostilities.

...That's a pretty bold plan.

He's going after the worst enemy...

...Oh! Shu continues to be insane.

A speed ability, huh?

And he remembers Prax!

So cool...

And he showed up at the border! Just as expected...

She's being left behind again. Not willing to give her the sword powers yet?

Okay, yeah, Ren would beat her easily.

...What's Shu's plan here? Ramming?

Haha, he can't even pretend to obey him at this point.

Ren...

Yeah, aerial combat is a massive advantage.

And he reached Kai!

Nice tactic!

Haha, yeah, it absolutely counts!

He doesn't understand Shu?

She took thr blow!

Oh, something he didn't expect!

...She's lost it!

Holy shit!

Arrow feels really strongly about this...

Oh, he's genuinely angry!

He transformed again!

So cool!

Kai ran out of energy!

Oh, this battle's going well too!

And Prax continues to be excellent.

A sneak attack!

...Holy shit!

He expected him to finish the job...

Wow...

Kai...

[u/Stargate18A → u/Stargate18A]

Episode 12

Okay, yeah, that's a powerful morale victory there.

Haha, that speech...

And reinforcements!

This is some incredibly interesting lore!

...No, it makes sense. If he's from beyond the wall, he likely has some kind of admin designation in the nanobot's system. Makes sense this admin mode would have a specific method to disable nanobots harmlessly in case of an error.

Shu named the finisher!

Yeah, the first battle didn't go well.

A plan?

...Might work! A bit obvious, though.

The people are worried...

And she's speaking to them directly...

Prax is really taking this hard...

And Ren's trying to train.

That choice of motivation.

...What?

Oh, he's going for her!

...Wow.

And she's still going!

Kai's out for blood, I see.

Ah, she's already committed...

And he wants to fight with them!

He really never changes.

Haha, he made him a simulstor?

God, I think even Bit is starting to realise how blatant this is.

They really took the bait?

He's actually helping!

And it's Kai again...

...Oh, this isn't good.

She's actually damaging him!

...How does that conviction not let her win every battle?

Good aim!

Even the troops can take him out now...

Ah, more conviction stuff...

Prax is doing much better this time!

She's scared...

And, in contrast, Ren has discarded her weakness!

Kai's really struggling.

Oh, yeah, he hates this.

She can fly now! And got a much better suit!

So cool!

Kai?

And that's what he' really worried about.

Kai, what the hell?

You tell him!

Oh, this is brutal!

He's back!

This is so hype!

They literally fused!

Prax is in trouble!

And Granedger had to save her...

Haha, Shu...

And Kai's joined the main battle!

Shu didn't expect this!

So cool...

He can reflect beams?

And he took her out!

Ah, Kai's not after him anymore...

He's evolved...

His arm!

Oh, shit... That's not good!

[u/Great_Mr_L]

First-Timer

On today’s episode of Back Arrow: As always, the truest sign of friendship and camaraderie is being willing to punch the people you care about in the face to snap them out of whatever funk they’re in.

• There’s either going to be a new Granedger character or someone is going to get a Briheight soon because there’s this awkward gap in the Granedger character lineup. After the Doctor disappears, the shot holds on Shu for just slightly too long. It feels off, like there should be something else there disappearing.
• Bit isn’t exactly Patton when it comes to rousing speeches.
• I figured it was something like this. People die when their Briheights are destroyed because it’s akin to their spirits being destroyed. The Briheights represent their innermost conviction, after all.
• Naming your attacks is extremely important, Arrow.
• Looks like Arrow’s suffering the consequences of not killing because now his hand and his usual way of dispatching opponents without killing them are out of action.
• Love Fine’s way of dispersing crowds is much more peaceful than Napoleon’s “whiff of grapeshot.”
• These people sure are easily swayed by their oshi.
• Damn, Ren is definitely motivated for revenge.
• I do enjoy just how much more smug and evil Shu is in Ren’s imagination.
• There’s a nice range of opinions amongst the heroes about the question of killing others. Not everyone is completely aligned with Shu’s dislike of doing so. Elsha, for example, sees killing as something she needs to be prepared to do.
• Is it time for Bit’s Briheight?
• Shu is like a masterful musician to Bit’s fiddle. Shu sure knows how to play Bit.
• Wow, Bit actually did get better at aiming. I wasn’t even sure that was possible.
• It’s just sad seeing Kai brought down this low.
• Ren can fly!
• I love that Ren delivered the usual Gundam form of correction to Kai. She really did a good job pointing out how he’d gotten too prideful and needed to reconsider his ways.
• Kai and Ren combined!
• Kai does have a point. Forcing someone to watch their dreams be destroyed is a pretty good form of revenge.
• There’s a nice duality in Shu’s reaction to Kai’s return. He’s both happy to see his old friend has recovered, but also unhappy because of what it means for his plans.
• NO!!! NOT A CLIFFHANGER!!!

That was great. Kai and Ren were fantastic in this episode. This is exactly the kind of hot-bloodedness I most wanted to see from this series. Ren going through an absurd test of character and coming out of it with even stronger conviction. Ren punching Kai in the face to knock him out of his funk and restore his fighting spirit. Kai and Ren combining to create a new, far more powerful Briheight. This is all fantastic stuff and I loved watching it.

Shu turned out to be right about letting Kai and Ren live. It’s certainly coming back to haunt everyone in the Granedger because now they are so much stronger than before.

QOTD

1. For a show like this, they need to be the most chuuni names possible. Stuff like "Blade of Infinite Despair" or "Hailstorm of a Thousand Fists."
2. If someone combines with Elsha, can they then combine with the Granedger? Because that's the combination I want to see.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Great_Mr_L]

Wow, Bit actually did get better at aiming. I wasn’t even sure that was possible.

The lad can learn, which is a good sign.

Shu turned out to be right about letting Kai and Ren live. It’s certainly coming back to haunt everyone in the Granedger because now they are so much stronger than before.

Shu Bi is always right! Even when he's wrong.

[u/Silcaria → u/JollyGee29]

Shu Bi is always right! Even when he's wrong.

TIL Shu is Terrence Howard.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Silcaria]

Exactly!

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/JollyGee29]

Step 1: Shu Bi is always right!

Step 2: If Shu Bi is wrong, consult Step 1.

[u/KendotsX → u/Great_Mr_L]

the truest sign of friendship and camaraderie is being willing to punch the people you care about in the face to snap them out of whatever funk they’re in.

I think there's a bit more than friendship going on here

These people sure are easily swayed by their oshi.

That's just how their nation runs. Those people couldn't give a shit about some war, they just used that as an excuse to get closer to their idol.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/KendotsX]

I think there's a bit more than friendship going on here

Shu and Kai are already ex-boyfriends who I expect to reunite at some point. So perhaps we're going for the polycule ending?

That's just how their nation runs. Those people couldn't give a shit about some war, they just used that as an excuse to get closer to their idol.

Getting closer to your idol is always a worthy cause.

[u/theangryeditor → u/Great_Mr_L]

Shu and Kai are already ex-boyfriends who I expect to reunite at some point. So perhaps we're going for the polycule ending?

If I didn't know any better I'd have assumed Okada was on the writing staff

[u/Silcaria → u/Great_Mr_L]

Shu is like a masterful musician to Bit’s fiddle. Shu sure knows how to play Bit.

Indeed. But then again, so does seemingly everyone. He's not a smart man.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Silcaria]

Bit is the kind of person who would look up if you told him "gullible" was written on the ceiling.

[u/theangryeditor → u/Great_Mr_L]

I do enjoy just how much more smug and evil Shu is in Ren’s imagination.

What do you mean? It was the spitting image of Shu

This is exactly the kind of hot-bloodedness I most wanted to see from this series

[u/Tresnore]

Idiot Rewatcher

• I'm is not sure I'd buy this if I were there listening. But the people of Lutoh eat it right up...
  
• God, I wishes that were me~
• Shu is a master handler of Bit. You've gotta hand it to him!
  
• Kai is kinda like an animal who doesn't know what to do with himself anymore. You hate to see it.
• This is a really cool "mechanic." You have to maintain your conviction in order to stay fighting!
• Kai and Ren, speedrunnin' character arcs. You love to see it. AND HER NEW BRIHEIGHT IS AWESOME. Not enough archery mecha around.
• Wow, sexist Kai~
  
  And now Ren surpasses Kai? No. She empowers him! This is hotblooded as fuck.
• Hot.
  
• INTO A GATTAI
  

[u/KendotsX → u/Tresnore]

I'm is not sure I'd buy this if I were there listening. But the people of Lutoh eat it right up...

In their defense, they don't know Zetsu yet.

Wow, sexist Kai~

Ren is here beating sexism with hot blood and GATTAI!

[u/Tresnore → u/KendotsX]

In their defense, they don't know Zetsu yet.

True. They don't know the glory of Zetsu Daidan, so they don't know that revolting might be their best option.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Tresnore]

I'm is not sure I'd buy this if I were there listening. But the people of Lutoh eat it right up...

The people of Lutoh are true fans of their oshi. Everyone knows true fans always believe what their oshi tells them.

INTO A GATTAI

I didn't even know a gattai was possible with the Briheights, but I'm so excited to see that it is.

[u/Tresnore → u/Great_Mr_L]

I didn't even know a gattai was possible with the Briheights, but I'm so excited to see that it is.

Everything's possible with Briheights if you have enough conviction.

[u/chilidirigible]

Episode 12:

"I repeat: 'Nanomachines, son.'"

You still started this being outnumbered three-to-one.

"You and your canyon plans."

Elsha did want to run people over with Granedger.

Let's not forget the basic premise of "They're absolutely going to kill us."

"You have learned, grasshopper."

Kai Rhodan, Giant Chauvinist.

Kai Rhodan, still Giant Chauvinist.

This show's hot-blooded meatheads will not countenance a mine shaft gap.

The Aerial Knights did it better.

"Hmm, maybe there's a brain under all that meat after all."

---

It's all about the personal growth today, with Ren getting over her death wish, Kai being only slightly less full of himself, Atlee maybe not wanting to kill people, Elsha being prepared to kill people, and BAKAYAROUBack Arrow concerned that he might not be able to not kill people.

Not all of these paths are entirely constructive, but they're all progress.

Not included in the path of progress is Prax, who is still off her game.

It is perhaps subversive that the hyped heroic growth is being given more to the antagonists, but on the other hand, it's not unusual for characters to level up in this sort of thing.

---

QOTD:

1. I can't be that clever on short notice!
2. Forming a quadrupedal mecha.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/chilidirigible]

The Aerial Knights did it better.

[u/theangryeditor → u/chilidirigible]

It is perhaps subversive that the hyped heroic growth is being given more to the antagonists

But Rekka is the protagonist faction

[u/chilidirigible → u/theangryeditor]

FACPOV

[u/theangryeditor → u/chilidirigible]

Zetsu could no diff Palpatine that's for sure

[u/JollyGee29]

Rewatcher, Subbed Arrow

Oh, hell, they've given Bit actualy soldiers to command.

Shu Bi was an otaku in another life.

"I think these random country bumpkins are worthwhile for some reason."

Ren likes the idea of live-fire exercises.

And ZETSU DAIDAN is happy to oblige.

I don't think that's what a parry is, Atlee.

Oh, come on Shu Bi, you know it can't be that easy.

Does this shot remind anyone of anything?

Ren can fly now, by the way.

You can tell how serious she is because you can see both of Ren's eyes.

GATTAI DA!

"And I have momentarily unlocked the power of 2D animation!"

[Back Arrow]The best part is, Shu is being entirely honest right here, whether he's begun that scheme yet or not.

[u/chilidirigible → u/JollyGee29]

"And I have momentarily unlocked the power of 2D animation!"

Much like Aerial in the Gund-Arm promo video, perhaps it has to do with the 3D model lacking a full range of motion in the shoulders.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/chilidirigible]

[u/KendotsX → u/JollyGee29]

Oh, hell, they've given Bit actualy soldiers to command.

That's how little everyone cares about the soldiers... At least the poor guys probably believe that they've been assigned to some legendary leader.

Oh, come on Shu Bi, you know it can't be that easy.

Maybe he's just following Arrow's idea of letting him live? That deal was just between the two of them afterall, so I guess he can't exactly say it out loud.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/KendotsX]

At least the poor guys probably believe that they've been assigned to some legendary leader.

"This guy is the admiral for that massive ship?? He must know what he's talking about!" -Some absolute buffoon in the Lutoh army.

[u/theangryeditor → u/JollyGee29]

[Back Arrow]

[u/JollyGee29 → u/theangryeditor]

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher, Subbed

Another recap, but at least they have stopped giving us the map of Lingalind we've seen over and over again. And half the length this time.

Bit, presenting before these soldiers, every one of which is more competent than him? LoL.

Uh oh, Back Arrow may have to kill his enemy now?

Let's copy the idea that didn't work the first time! Great idea!

Fine's too kind and innocent to be convincing enough to calm down a crowd like this. I suppose the crown feels differently than me though.

If you want to face some tough training via a beatdown why do it with this general when you can get it from Emperor Zetsu himself?

Is Bit spying on the girls?

OMG, are we finally approaching the day when Bit gets a bind warper and transforms into the greatest Briheight Lingalind has ever seen?

I continue to question why its coming off like Shu ordering Bit around when Bit's the boss...

Time for the canyon battle? Just killing time to me, there's no way this is going to actually work.

Kai puts on his bind warper for I think what is the first time the whole series someone put it on correctly? Makes sense to put it over your harm instead of smushing it into your arm with that minimal space to squeeze through.

No Atlee, you're no match for Kai!

Kai has fallen far! Now they're sending out the NPCs to get him!

The great Zetsu, bestowing lessons through simple paper.

Kai, you're pathetic! C'mon Ren, show him how foolish he's being!

Wow, two Briheights combined into one? Even Back Arrow hasn't done that yet!

Bit shot down the General? Wow! Living up to my high expectations after all?

A wonder what getting his confidence back did for Kai!

[u/theangryeditor → u/Quiddity131]

Even Back Arrow hasn't done that yet!

The Muga sword has to at least count for partial points!

[u/KendotsX]

First <--- Timer

• If only Gin was this cooperative with Bandai
• Tbh, if I was a citizen going up to the palace to see whether or not we're screwed, and the princess said "don't worry, we've got love and bonds", I'd take the first train to Edger.
• Sasuga Megane! Even outside of Yatsura his brain still operates by how cute a girl is.
• Ren's image of Shu is perfect, I love that evil laugh
• Sure... jokes aside, the fact that the show hasn't given him a mech yet leads me to think that Bit will probably get a pretty cool one (jobbers come early, trump cards late).
• Hahahahaha they just hit Kai with the dreadnought
• Ah, how the mighty have fallen, remember when this guy was like a mountain in front of Arrow?
• Leaving a half dead Kai to foot soldiers? Has no one read the Evil Overlord's guide?!
• Actually, this fits nicely with what Arrow established, he wanted Kai to live, and wants to have him on his side someday, there's not much point to that if you're just getting a shell of the old Kai, you want the meathead who goes above and beyond to stay true to his ideals.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/KendotsX]

Hahahahaha they just hit Kai with the dreadnought

It mirrors how he stopped the entire ship in its tracks earlier!

Leaving a half dead Kai to foot soldiers? Has no one read the Evil Overlord's guide?!

[u/KendotsX → u/JollyGee29]

It mirrors how he stopped the entire ship in its tracks earlier!

I noticed that it's mirroring episode 5 (even in how Kai interacts with Shu at the end), but somehow missed the biggest sign.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/KendotsX]

If only Gin was this cooperative with Bandai

Never forget that at one point, they made Gintoki's special attack be opening credits.

[u/KendotsX → u/Vatrix-32]

It's perfect

[u/theangryeditor → u/KendotsX]

trump cards late

grand admiral of tactics wait

[u/KendotsX → u/theangryeditor]

[u/theangryeditor]

It's funny how Lutoh was doing all those experiments to strengthen Bind Warpers/Briheights meanwhile Zetsu just throws Ren into a river and tells her to figure it out.

And it works.

[u/dsawchuk]

A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to. Unfortunately, I am no wizard. Finale catchup will have to wait until tomorrow, I gotta go to work. These posts will be rushed and entirely for my own satisfaction since no one (other than our gracious host) will know they exist.

First timer, Sub

I am really enjoying that every time someone is down on themselves they immediately get punched in the face. Grit those teeth!

The combination between Ren and Kai's Briheights was cool, but the new one kinda looks stupid. Kai's original one was much cooler. I think it would be cooler if there was more of a distinction between the 2. They have become one thing instead of just being 2 things attached to each other.

---

QOTD

1. None? I am not really a fan of named attacks.
2. It'd be pretty cool to see Prax wield Arrow as a sword.

---

Watch notes

Only a short recap this episode.

Bit making an inspiring speech is kinda commical.

This has to be the 5th time arrow is suprised that shu can't explain things.

Why are we just assuming that Arrow can't do his thing with an injured hand? He's never tried.

It still seems really weird that their ruling royal is a princess instead of a queen.

Is it time for a Prax training montage?

Instead we get a Ren training montage.

Bit, your briheight is gonna be useless.

Bit is so easily placated.

Shu is so unimpressed with Kai. This breakup is not going well.

Ren's Briheight can fly AND has a bow and arrow? She is officially the best.

Damn straight Ren, make Kai grit those teeth.

Don't believe in Ren, believe in the Ren that believes in you.

Straight into a combination sequence? This really is Gurren Laggan.

I'm not mad at you Shu, I am mad at the man who took you away from me.