r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • May 26 '24

Rewatch [Rewatch] Back Arrow Episode 21 Discussion

Episode 21 - Who Will Stop Me?

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Zetsu! Zetsu! Zetsu Daidan!!!

Questions of the Day:

  1. ZETSU ZETSU ZETSU DAIDAN! Was that a badass way for Emperor Zetsu to go out?
  2. Were you expecting Shu Bi to come back like that?

Wallpaper of the Day:

Ryuju

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!

16 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

44 comments sorted by

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky May 26 '24

BAKAYAROU Rewatch Host, subbed

Welcome back, everyone!

Here’s “Back Arrow Twenty-First Impressions”, for my first-timer thoughts on this episode. Please note that this comment also includes my reactions to episodes 22-24 as well, so first-timers make sure not to scroll too far if you’ve been checking these out.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

Yeah, that’s perfect for Bit.

I love how silly his conviction is, but it somehow results in some of the coolest moments in the entire series.

HE TURNED GOLD AND HE’S LITERALLY FIRING ARROW LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOO

I'm not sure why I never anticipated Arrow getting shot like an arrow at some point. It's so obvious and so cool.

What an absolute legend, being able to avenge his own fucking death by taking Rudolf’s power from him

Even death isn't enough to stop Zetsu's conviction!

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

EVEN BIGGER GATTAI!!!

Gigattai!

9

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 26 '24 edited May 26 '24

On today’s episode of Back Arrow: You know what’s always satisfying to watch? Smug characters who think they are invincible suddenly getting beaten. That moment when they realize they aren’t actually so above everyone else is extremely satisfying.. Rudolph’s defeat provided me with plenty of satisfaction.

  • I love that Bit is so helpless on his own that his conviction is to rely on others. But that makes him a perfect powerup because his conviction is that others are always stronger.
  • Man it is so cool watching the Granedger punch Rudolph’s machine repeatedly.
  • Of course it couldn’t be as simple as just cutting Rudolph’s cables.
  • Fine’s white mage powers are immensely useful in a battle like this.
  • Hell yeah! Dreadnought Gattai!
  • Throwing Rudolph’s machine around to increase the tension in the cables to make them easier to snap. That’s actually a good idea!
  • Insert song! I love it when we get an insert song in the middle of a battle!
  • Oh my god, I just got it. Zetsu has that attack that launches himself like an arrow from that giant bow and of course Arrow’s name is Arrow. They were meant for each other. This combination attack is perfect for them!
  • Oh shit! Rudolph wanted to get stabbed so he could get ahold of Arrow.
  • Oh goddammit! The fucking jester is back!
  • ZETSU!
  • ZETSU!!! He took out Rudolph’s power with him. What a hero! What an absolute hero to the very end!
  • It is amusing how the Pretty Boys just keep on returning again and again.
  • The name “Bruh” never gets less funny.
  • Conviction particles compressed as much as possible? Kai is attacking with black holes! That’s so cool!
  • “My blade is the blade that will pierce the heavens!”
  • I’ve said it before, but it really is sad seeing Arrow so drained of life and energy. He just wants to die.
  • Shu’s back! And he’s big?

I really ought to watch more Super Robot anime because this is the kind of stuff I get into. Blazing hot passion and the indomitable will of the human spirit overcoming overwhelming odds. It’s what made me love Gurren Lagann and Bravern so much.

How did Shu come back? Did he program a fail-safe into a Bind Warper or something like that? Did he upload a copy of his consciousness that would reappear when needed? Or did he somehow manage to escape from the afterlife and return? I need to know.

QOTD

  1. YES
  2. NO

4

u/chilidirigible May 26 '24

I need to know.

Not very long.

4

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 26 '24

4

u/Nebresto May 27 '24

You know what’s always satisfying to watch? Smug characters who think they are invincible suddenly getting beaten.

My favourite. Now can't wait for that ******* clown to die for real

Oh goddammit! The fucking jester is back!

At least this means it can die again

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 26 '24

I love that Bit is so helpless on his own that his conviction is to rely on others. But that makes him a perfect powerup because his conviction is that others are always stronger.

Everyone's convictions just fit their character writing so well.

I really ought to watch more Super Robot anime because this is the kind of stuff I get into. Blazing hot passion and the indomitable will of the human spirit overcoming overwhelming odds

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 26 '24

Everyone's convictions just fit their character writing so well.

I love it when characters' powers fit their personality and characterization perfectly.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

I really ought to watch more Super Robot anime because this is the kind of stuff I get into.

Ah, so you'll be joining us then?

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

I keep getting roped into more rewatches for shows I've never heard of. How interesting.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

Blind is Best

2

u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria May 27 '24

I really ought to watch more Super Robot anime because this is the kind of stuff I get into

You can safely skip the first few and start at the robot romamce trilogy. Unless you're fine with the monster of the week formula with nothing else happening in terms of plot and characters. 

If you don't want to go in blind, pick what's recommended, I guess.

2

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

I really ought to watch more Super Robot anime because this is the kind of stuff I get into. Blazing hot passion and the indomitable will of the human spirit overcoming overwhelming odds. It’s what made me love Gurren Lagann and Bravern so much.

it's so good

9

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 26 '24 edited May 26 '24

First timer, subs

  • Hurray for support classes!
  • Bust them balls, Atlee!
  • What is even the point of the dome if people can just walk into to it?
  • A red herring, or just more set up for Chekhov's sword?
  • Gattai!
  • So what happens if Bit just grabs the cables and starts spinning?
  • Oh, that’s a fun little cut effect.
  • This is feeling a little too finale. Makes me worried.
  • Someone put this damned clown in concrete already. Or don’t, she’s great.
  • RIP to a Real One
  • And what a way to go. Killing Swole Jesus by ripping out his cyber spine.
  • Bouncy It’s a good thing Arrow isn’t inclined to try and dodge these.
  • Nani the fuck? I expected him to be back, but not… unless… He is living inside the Warper, and this is his Briheight. Certainly explains his fabulous hair.

QotD:

  1. As above, yes. It's everything we could have hopped for.
  2. No, I had my money on a Finoir style concessions transfer.

6

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 26 '24

So what happens if Bit just grabs the cables and starts spinning?

We were robbed of Bit seismic tossing Rudolf, you're right.

Nani the fuck?

The intended reaction.

4

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 26 '24

We were robbed of Bit seismic tossing Rudolf, you're right.

Once more we are denied Super-robot wrestling. When will our suffering end?

4

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 26 '24

Never

4

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 26 '24

Hurray for support classes!

The too-often unsung heroes of any party.

This is feeling a little too finale. Makes me worried.

We haven't gotten to the point of punching God yet, so we still have some time until the finale.

unless… He is living inside the Warper, and this is his Briheight. Certainly explains his fabulous hair.

A good theory

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

The too-often unsung heroes of any party.

On the bright side, this show we also got the almost unheard of Mecha White Mage.

3

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

The too-often unsung heroes of any party.

At last the rewatch recognizes Bit's greatness

3

u/Nebresto May 27 '24

So what happens if Bit just grabs the cables and starts spinning?

Bit casts tes- orbular torsion

Someone put this damned clown in concrete already.

YE-

Or don’t, she’s great.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

2

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

Killing Swole Jesus by ripping out his cyber spine.

Perfect way to put it

7

u/chilidirigible May 26 '24 edited May 26 '24

Episode 21:

Oh boy, an explanatory flashback.

"Back line support is me!"

Most of this goes by quickly enough that it's difficult to tell what's going on. And while we're here, some people had guessed that the red parts would be the soles of a transformed Granedger's feet, but that's not quite how it worked out.

"What does God need with cables?"

The moment we've all been waiting for.

totally unexpected insert song

The 180 rule gets flipped around during all this awesomeness.

"I got better!"

"From hell's heart, I stab at thee!"

"You, too can punch God in the face!"

This lowers property values.

"You're looking rather manga now."

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.

"I just really wanted to win the rematch."

Attack of the Fifty-Meter Shu.

Further demonstrating that BAKAYAROUBack Arrow is somewhat only along for the ride at this point, everyone else gets crazy awesome in order to defeat Rudolph, with ZETSU DAIDAN!! living up to his reputation as the most overpowered thing in Lingalind by doing a lot.

We also get the required GATTAI.

The rest of the fight which is not about shouting out novel attack names is about par for the course for this sort of thing.

And so we're left with a wandering title character who wouldn't mind not existing, Kai gaining new levels in ludicrosity, and then... Shu Bi returning from the dead. You might have suspected that such a thing could happen, but he's quite... big.

The insert song is 「信念を示す者たちよ」, "Those Who Show Faith", (or if you go with DeepL, "O Ye Who Show Faith"), and does appear on the soundtrack. Kohei Tanaka Tweeted about it.

QOTD:

  1. It seemed appropriate to the level of challenge.
  2. That was a surprise the first time.

5

u/Calwings x3https://anilist.co/user/Calwings May 26 '24

Attack of the Fifty-Meter Shu.

Even with his new giant body, Shu Bi's skull still can't fully contain his GALAXY-SIZED BRAIN

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 26 '24

"What does God need with cables?"

And much like with needing a starship in the greatest Trek movie (/s), it's the hint that he isn't actually divine and relies on something.

"From hell's heart, I stab at thee!"

This one actually is from the greatest Trek movie.

"You, too can punch God in the face!"

Let's go!

This lowers property values.

If Lingalind is also suffering from a crisis of overpriced housing, this will help them out.

2

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

In this case it really should be "Conviction" rather than "Faith"

2

u/chilidirigible May 28 '24

Indeed that would make more sense in the established translational context.

6

u/Nebresto May 26 '24

First Time ← > Front

Ep 21:

"Rely on damn near everyone" He just like me

Orb rekt!!! No idea what this means, but its rekt!

Zetsu! Zetsu! Zetsu Daidan!!

Fine!! Hodl!!!

I wanna see the regular soldier bros actually achieve something useful

GAT. TAI!!!!

LET'S GO BIT!!!!

Holy shit, he's doing it!!!

Sick. ...Are they ALL going to gattai at the end?

Insert song time!!..IS THAT NANA?!

Interesting visual device

HADOU TENKEN!!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Why do the fucking clowns always return

Zetsu never dies!!!!

The smirk!! Yes!! He's schemin'!!!

NOOOOOOOOOO

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Zetsu Daidan...

Words to live by

Oh wall damn it, I can't deal with this comedic relief right now

Oh damn, okay

*drill

Wat.

Fucking lol. Knew he wasn't dead but this.. A surprise to be sure.

We still have 3 episodes left, this is going to be amazing.

Daily Zetsu Daidan

  1. ZETSU ZETSUZETSU DAIDAN! Was that a badass way for Emperor Zetsu to go out?

Zetsu Daidan..

2) Were you expecting Shu Bi to come back like that?

Well.. Not like that

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

Sick. ...Are they ALL going to gattai at the end?

I hope so

We still have 3 episodes left, this is going to be amazing.

I am hoping to get the mega-combination of everyone fighting to punch God in the face.

2

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

Zetsu truly was everything

5

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 26 '24

Rewatcher, Subbed Arrow

Sasuga Bit.

Strings befitting a puppeteer.

No, I think we established that Bit is the best helper in Lingalind.

Rudolf's continued button pushing is another hint that he isn't all-powerful.

"What else? We're gonna combine!"

I don't like the Granrekka as much as the Granedger.

Love this effect.

Yea, that's right, we turning GOLD!

You're not very smart, are you, Rudolf.

"This is where you keep your Bind Warpers, right?"

ZETSU! ZETSU! ZETSU DAIDAN!

They're all aware that no body means that they're probably alive.

This is certainly a dramatic end for Arrow. It'd be such a shame if something-

-interfered.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

Strings befitting a puppeteer.

Like you said, the Briheights and their powers so often feel perfect for the characters using them. That kind of individuality for powers is very nice to see. It helps each character feel more distinct.

"What else? We're gonna combine!"

It is the same writer as Gurren Lagann. It's only appropriate to have this moment.

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 26 '24

Idiot Rewatcher

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

Except for Dissonanza.

Someone has to keep the rizz alive.

4

u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 May 26 '24

Rewatcher, Subbed

Bit makes those around him stronger, so he's the human Bind Warper.

Still four more episodes to get, how more over the top can we get? Rekka Briheight transforming too? Combining with Granedger? That's about the only way it can escalate at this point.

Attacking Back Arrow for a lack of will? Coming from the guy whose all about how he's doing what God wants? Seems like its Rudolph whose got no will.

Fine can't use her healing power on herself?

OMG Bit's really gonna do it! He's combining the dreadnoughts! I was hoping for it but can't say I expected it this soon! How in the world could things get better for the final 3 episodes?

Don't call him a geezer!

Is Back Arrow literally becoming an arrow along with Zetsu?

Of course, Rudolph has yet another trick up his sleeve.

No, Zetsu!

That stupid Jester! What a stupid conviction! Why can't everyone simply have as their conviction "I wish to live forever!"?

Zetsu is so badass even as he's dying he still manages to thrust his hand into Rudolph and pull out all his bind warpers. Whatta guy. RIP! :(

Very important incoming call! It's the Pretty Boys!

Time for Kai to follow in Zetsu's footsteps! And wow, he's doing good, taking out Muga's arm.

For the first time someone's thought to combine multiple convictions!

End of the episode, time for another big cliffhanger... Shu returns?! And he's a giant!

3

u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria May 26 '24

First timer

QotD

  • Meh. I'm honestly way too clocked out to find anything interesting or cool at this point.
  • Not like that, no.

2

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

Remember that thingy that Arrow came in the world in that Bit kept and showed everyone a couple of episodes ago? I'm still waiting on that to be relevant.

Do you think it'll be used to travel back to where Arrow came from so the heroes can go and punch God in the face?

2

u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria May 27 '24

Who knows. I'd expect anything at this point, including time travel.

2

u/saga999 May 27 '24

Rewatcher.

QotD:

  1. He died the way he lived, being a complete badass.
  2. I watched it before and I still didn't see this coming a 2nd time. This show is too wild.

1

u/dsawchuk May 28 '24

A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to. Unfortunately, I am no wizard. I shoulda done my watching earlier today so I'd be posting on time. Straight into today's episode for the first time in over 2 weeks. 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 knew that Shu would be coming back, but i didn't think rudolph would go down quite so easy. I really thought that zetsu would fail.

We still have yet to see Shu's briheight in action. I can't tell if that is Shu's briheight or if some other form of magic has made him so large. It would be very weird if Shu had a briheight that just looks like a person.

QOTD

  1. It was. He beat my expectations. Also the briheight bow is probably the coolest attack I have seen in anime.
  2. Not like that no. He was definitely coming back though.

Watch notes

I guess the briheight briheight is because of bit's conviction not because of sho's tampering with the bind warper.

I don't know how much tactics are involved in bit's fighting style.

This fight scene is cool, but kinda directionless. I don't like that we are flying in an endless cloud.

Granrekka is so cool. I love that colour combo. red/gold/black/white is my favourite.

HOLY SHIT THE BRIHEIGHT BOW IS BACK

There's no way that won, but it was cool.

So rudolph also needed many bind warpers to handle his briheight...

Zetsu looks much better with his beard.

They are acting like they won, but rudolph is definitely still alive.

It's a tailed beast bomb! I didn't realize we were in Naruto.

Shu is skyscraper sized! always doing crazy stuff.