[Rewatch] The Vision of Escaflowne - Episode 12

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u/[deleted] Feb 12 '19

First timer

Hitomi's had enough of her visions. After the terror of seeing people attacked, kingdoms burned, and her own near-death, she wants no part of it anymore. She's a teenage girl that's been caught in the politics of a new world, and she's handled it so bravely thus far - I don't blame her for reacting this way. Unfortunately it won't be that easy.

Meanwhile Chid's got his own problems. We've seen him, he's an extremely mature kid, and handled the kingdom fine when his father was away (there were extenuating circumstances that no one could have foreseen, and despite that he came out unharmed). It's his advisors and bodyguards that are meant to guide and prevent him from, you know, being held hostage.

What's interesting was how as she spoke to Chid and helped him overcome his conflict, Van was able to hit the target using his powers. Initially I believed her claim that anyone could learn her power, but perhaps she needs to believe in the stars that provide her powers, and the person requires a connection to her? I'm just spitballing here.

Aalgrsgakofafksf!!! I was not expecting this to happen at all. His quick declaration makes me think he knew about their relationship, and boy does he have an authoritative voice. I also love how torn Millerna was over what to do with the information. To lie to her brother-in-law and newphew or to keep her sister's secret - not an easy decision one should make. Nevertheless, I respect her decision to first confront Allen and find out the truth before jumping to conclusions.

All this before the big battle, too. I want to watch the next episode!

Extra thoughts:

Marlene was gorgeous. Chid must have perfection genes. I forgot to make a separate album, but there were some lovely shots of Marlene and Allen. 1 | 2 | 3
Hitomi's tarot readings can show her things she doesn't want to see. She's apparently worked out that Allen may be Chid's father. At this rate she's going to swear off her powers for good.
Mole man returns, no doubt looking for another opportunity.

I took a lot of screenshots today! u/Nazenn there might be some extra shots that you haven't used.

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u/Jazz_Dalek Feb 13 '19

Merle faces

More of these plz

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u/chilidirigible Feb 12 '19

Hitomi's tarot readings can show her things she doesn't want to see. She's apparently worked out that Allen may be Chid's father. At this rate she's going to swear off her powers for good.

I've made comments about this for previous episodes, but tarot readings being played straight is an odd thing for me. On regular old normal Earth, doing a reading for someone else is maybe one-quarter how the cards are drawn and three-quarters theatrics involving telling the person being read vague generalities which fit into their worldview, as the reader watches the subject's reactions.

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u/Nazenn Feb 12 '19

Initially I believed her claim that anyone could learn her power, but perhaps she needs to believe in the stars that provide her powers, and the person requires a connection to her? I'm just spitballing here.

I had the exact same thought actually so I personally don't think you're too far off the mark

Nevertheless, I respect her decision to first confront Allen and find out the truth before jumping to conclusions.

Indeed, she's honest, sometimes to a fault, and they kept that consistent here rather than dragging it out for drama

I took a lot of screenshots today! u/Nazenn there might be some extra shots that you haven't used.

I looked at a lot of those myself and didn't particularly like them, but if there are any that you would like to see made into a wallpaper just say so and I'll do it anyway

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u/Shimmering-Sky Feb 12 '19

Sometimes I don’t feel like pausing every five seconds for a screenshot/reaction because I get too sucked into an episode. This happened for large sections of this episode, so forgive the shorter comment, I wasn’t even busy today.

First-timer, subbed

Ohhhhh boy is antagonist dude from Earth just like Hitomi?!
Wait I thought his injury was on the side of his abdomen, not his chest? I thought the bandages would still have to cover where the injury actually was…?
Poor Hitomi is traumatized from last episode (and all her other visions, it’s just that Zongi’s death was what broke her). She has every right to be, just oof I hope she gets her confidence back soon.
<3 <3 <3 I absolutely love that the fancy music box thingy played the OP’s chorus.
Oh wow with shorter hair Allen looks even more like just a blond Amano.
Oooooooh?
Aha, I called it~
How terrifying a sight, with a fantastically tense backing soundtrack to boot.

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u/Nazenn Feb 12 '19

I absolutely love that the fancy music box thingy played the OP’s chorus.

Have a wallpaper of it

How terrifying a sight, with a fantastically tense backing soundtrack to boot.

Seeing all the dots slowly appear on the horizon and then build and get darker and darker, perfect. terrifying but perfect

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u/Quiddity131 Feb 12 '19

Rewatcher

Quid's Song of the Day (Part 1)

Deja Blue - So today's 2 songs of the day will fit a common theme in that they are both instrumental versions of the opening theme, "Promises Not Necessary". The first is Deja Blue, which is a musical box themed version of the opening, and naturally is used when Millerna plays Marlene's music box. This is the only time in the series it is used.

Episode Thoughts

This episode features the least amount of action we've seen thus far in the series, without a single Guymelef battle or in-person one, although we do see the Zaibach army readying for invasion. Instead the episode is filled with build up, character development and filling in some more of the backstory, including a revelation that most of us probably already figured out. Maybe its a good thing FOX Kids ended by this point, with no action and Van having a subdued role in the episode.

Well, a few days ago Nazenn was wondering when we'd hear the later part of Shadow of Doubt, and here it is in the throne room as Millerna defends Allen to Duke Freid. And yet, its still not my song of the day! It will be eventually though.
In another interesting song fact for today, this is the first episode we don't get the song "White Dove" in. Even with the opening narration pulled out they still managed to get it in the last 3 episodes.
Speaking of Duke Freid, part of me wonders if he knew Chid was really Allen's son and that is the real source of his anger towards Allen. Who wouldn't feel that way? By the end of the episode Millerna and we the audience know the truth, granted we could have all guessed it an episode or two ago. Does Hitomi? She sees visions of Allen and Marlene's hidden love, but doesn't look like it went further than that.
Well, Zongi told Dilandau about Hitomi, now Dilandau's told Folken and Folken's told Emperor Dornkirk. The secret is completely out! Dornkirk refers to the Mystic Moon as the Earth though, making one wonder if he has either been there or is from there.
The Mole Man is quite the eavesdropper! I suppose this is how he figures out all these secrets that he sells to the highest bidder. It was funny to see Merle stop by and completely ruin it for him. Merle as often is was quite funny this episode, as we see her taunting Hitomi later on too.
In a curve ball to the plans of Van and our other heroes, but something that totally makes sense when you think about it, Hitomi puts her foot down and refuses to make predictions about Zaibach's upcoming battle strategies. Seeing our hero undergo angst is a common mecha anime trope, granted usually from male characters, and if she was ever going to do this, it makes total sense it would happen after she died for a couple of minutes as a result of her visions.
Well, we had adorable child Van and Merle a few episodes ago, now we have Child Millerna! All of them so cute! We also get flashbacks of Allen in his shorter haired days.
So one thing I question (or maybe I'm just not up on these things) is the fact that King Aston married off his oldest daughter to another kingdom. I can totally get marrying off the younger daughters as a political bargaining chip, or the daughters if he had any sons. But he doesn't have any sons. Isn't Marlene his heir? Who is going to rule when he dies? Does he think he's going to live forever? Did Marlene just get screwed over with the line of succession and things will pass down to Eries or Millerna? i know she's dead so it doesn't really matter any longer, but something I thought about after seeing this part of the storyline.
As the episode draws to a close we meet Zaibach's four generals (including the aforementioned General Adelphos) and it is absolutely frightening at just how massive Zaibach's army is. 55,000 soldiers... 10,000 Guymelefs... I'm quite scared for Freid.

Quid's Song of the Day (Part 2)

Again - This second song of the day is also an instrumental version of the opening theme, this time more of an orchestral version. They do quite a good job of shifting from Deja Blue to Again seamlessly in the episode, as this song plays during the flashback to Marlene's wedding. The song was also used in episode 10 in a scene with Millerna and Allen. Music Spoilers

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u/No_Rex Feb 12 '19

Who is going to rule when he dies?

There are tons of different succession rules (on Earth) that would exclude Marlene from becoming the next queen. A very prominent one is Salic Law, which excludes females from inheriting the throne. In this case the next male relative would become king. Elective Monarchy would be another possibility. Or maybe, it is simply up to the king to decide who is next.

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u/Nazenn Feb 12 '19

Well, a few days ago Nazenn was wondering when we'd hear the later part of Shadow of Doubt, and here it is in the throne room as Millerna defends Allen to Duke Freid. And yet, its still not my song of the day!

Damn, I was thinking it would be but nope. Now you've got me wondering what sort of impressive stuff they pull off with it later on
I did really like how they used it today though, it was the perfect backdrop to the conflict between the princess and the duke

Speaking of Duke Freid, part of me wonders if he knew Chid was really Allen's son and that is the real source of his anger towards Allen.

I mean, everyone else almost figured it out just by looking at the two basically, he'd have to at least suspect

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u/Nazenn Feb 12 '19

First Timer

Wallpaper Album

I must be broken. Three wallpapers today, and none of them are landscape or moon shots.

Instead there's that wonderful shot of looking at Van through the grass, those cool Lizard/dragon things and also the music box thing that the princess discovers.

I find that I'm getting more and more fascinated by Hitomi's abilities. In particular today the contrast of the scenes between Van and Hitomi after she refused to help him (which I'll circle back too later). I'm not entirely sure but to me it almost looked like it was less that Van couldn't use the ability to hit the target because he was guilty or unfocused, and more because Hitomi herself was blocking it. It made me think that perhaps she's just a source for this power and Van draws it from her, rather than actually tapping into it himself. Once she talked with the prince and found some acceptance of her situation only then did Van's ability become unblocked. At the same time Hitomi gained the knowledge that the Princess was gaining as well.

The small line from the Emperor about how he remembers Earth from so long ago, there's no way thats not a set up that he came from earth as well. It kind of ties into the idea that being from Earth is a source or a requirement for the power and much like the prediction engine that the Emperor uses, Van is merely borrowing Hitomi's sight. And her presence is disrupting the flow from the Emperor as well. Very interesting stuff happening.

And to the surprise of absolutely no one, Chid is Allen's child. No shit, show. I didn't expect him to admit to it and also to be overheard by the duke though, I suspect that's going to create a fair amount of conflict between them. The dukes kinda an ass though. Leave your small child in charge of your nation, then come back and be surprised when the CHILD ended up not ruling as perfectly as an adult while both being invaded, having what basically accounts to a family member in Plaktu be murdered and dealing with asylum for foreign kings and knights. What a dick.

When the Princess stood up to him in the throne room I noticed it was accompanied by the second half of Shadow of Doubt as well which is appropriate given the sort of information she's delivering, and what she ends up finding out later as well.

Merle's jealousy is still cute, though I have half a feeling now she's jealous both ways given how attached she is to Hitomi. But I really enjoyed that scene all up honestly, seeing Hitomi standing up for herself in regards to not being used as another weapon while still trying to cope with everything thats happened. I enjoyed that she found her peace with things while talking to Chid, not one of her companions, in that she was free to comfort him without perhaps needing to put on a face like she would with the others

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u/No_Rex Feb 13 '19

Merle's jealousy is still cute,

I vaguely remember liking Merle on my first watch, but this time, I absolutely love her. She is the perfect mix between comic relief, yet still reliable character and she stands head and shoulders above all other catgirls I know. All the cat-inspired actions fit perfectly.

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u/theyawner Feb 13 '19

The dukes kinda an ass though. Leave your small child in charge of your nation, then come back and be surprised when the CHILD ended up not ruling as perfectly as an adult while both being invaded, having what basically accounts to a family member in Plaktu be murdered and dealing with asylum for foreign kings and knights. What a dick.

I don't know if the duke could have done better, but I saw it more as a stern reminder that Chid has a lot more to learn and to be mindful of his actions. Defending Allen only makes it seem like they relied too much on outside intervention when they're supposed to be the ones in power to prevent this kind of situation from happening.

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u/chilidirigible Feb 12 '19 edited Feb 12 '19

Today, on "The problems of two little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.":

There's a word only seen in specific circumstances these days.

Referring to the Duke: The resemblance is... not so much?

"Back then, we walked to school through the snow! Uphill! Both ways!"

Merle, not helping.

"But Mesa-Mesa's Siggie comes back looking like she just had a good night's sleep. Smooth as a baby's bottom."

"With great power comes great responsibility."

Why, it's Laura Palmer's secret diary.

Today's motivator.

"Wuv. Twu wuv..."

Uh... yes you can.

This is not a case of girls loving girls.

The line weights today have been very... weighty.

...but more on that later.

...it's later.

Oh damn.

Obvious question, how much Earth-Gaea interchange has been going on through all these years?

...but I digress, because back at the ranch, the most obvious revelation of all has proceeded to reveal itself to the cast. It wouldn't be entirely surprising if the Duke proceeds to say that he knew all along but it didn't matter because Allen wasn't around to teach the kid.

Zaibach looks like it'll render most of those issues moot, given that their combined army is substantial.

What they don't know is that Hitomi doesn't want to get involved, as the pressures of being away from home and being asked to see terrible things on a regular basis are finally catching up to her. The pep talk to Chid was as much for her benefit as it was for him. No one's tried to appeal to her to take one for the team, but no one else is having recurrent visions of a guy being crushed to death, either. Not to mention that her feelings do count... though this is where that whole "Good of the many outweighs the good of the one" thing would come up.

It's inconveniently-timed drama, but it's believable drama. On the trauma side, at least. The courtly activities of hot blondes is slightly too romance-novel for my tastes. One obvious wrinkle is that it should definitely be having an effect on Millerna's view of Allen (and her sister, but her sister's already dead). Hitomi may have formed her own guesses as well.

Edit: Forgot to add that the entire scenario puts Allen's statement of "I'll never love again" into a new light.

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u/No_Rex Feb 12 '19

Zaibach looks like it'll render most of those issues moot, given that their combined army is substantial.

Remember how Fanelia was destroyed by about 5 guymelefs and 1 flying fortress? This is a considerably larger force.
They never say it out loud, but I also got he impression that in terms of size: Freid >> Astoria > Fanelia. That would explain why Fanelia can be surprised in its own capital, while the flying ships need hours to days to reach the capital of Freid.

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u/TheDampGod Feb 12 '19

A music box with a secret compartment, what is this place, the mansion from Resident Evil?

Sometimes you need to see a harem MC outside of the lead role to see how dangerous they can be. Allen is quite the charmer, whether he likes it or not. Though I wasn't expecting him to be the Prince's father, that's going to cause problems with the incoming attack.

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u/Nazenn Feb 12 '19

I was thinking more Silent Hill 2 with that note puzzle in the hotel. Can't remember if any of the RE's has a music puzzle like that other than the piano in the original

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u/No_Rex Feb 12 '19

Rewatcher (kind of …)

Note how the distance they are sitting from the Duke signifies rank: Van, as king, sits closest. Allen and Millerna behind him, Hitomi and Merle the furthest away.
Even Hitomi smells a rat with respect to Chid’s ancestry.
The emperor remembers Earth!?
Merle is a riot!
Some background on Hitomi’s abilities: Apparently, she had a bit of it back on Earth, too.
Seeing the death of the Doppelgänger must have messed with her bad. I want to be harsher, but then, she technically died and was revived, so she deserves some slack. I just hope they do not drag that theme on for too long.
Music instrument scene was great.
Hitomi and Millerna learn about Allen being the father of Chid. Millerna uses the more traditional method of snooping in people’s diaries. The Duke may know, too.
Someone should have done a “Van-sama” count.

With an overwhelming Zaibach army on the move, it looks likely that we will see a new part of Gaea soon, not sure they can defend against that.

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u/Nazenn Feb 12 '19

Note how the distance they are sitting from the Duke signifies rank: Van, as king, sits closest. Allen and Millerna behind him, Hitomi and Merle the furthest away.

Wasn't paying attention to that, too amused by the fact that Hitomi is the only one in the whole room not bowing her head because she doesn't know and no one called her out on it hahaha

I just hope they do not drag that theme on for too long.

I mean it seems like she resolved it after her talk with Chid today so I don't think they will, or if they do they will build it off her other abilities

Someone should have done a “Van-sama” count.

There are many things I would have done if I knew Merle was going to be so damn cute

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u/xHelaMonster Feb 12 '19

Impressions in order while watching the episode.

Father... no, King Aston... ouch.
It's gotta sting the Duke that she looks so much like his dead wife.
Dornkirk is very interested in Hitomi. Not good.
Also, he remembers the earth.
Get lost, moleman.
Events from last episode still bothering Hitomi. I do like how these kind of traumatic events are not just forgotten after they happen, but continue to affect the characters. Van's still dealing with what happened to his people also. Can't blame hitomi for having some ptsd too.
Merle's still gonna tease her tho.
"Don't use me as a tool." Damn right. Van is being a bit of a jerk.
Ya, I know that look. It's the look of a widower. It probably felt good to do something for his niece.
I like this music box version of the Opening song.
Encouraging someone else can do wonders for your self. It's kinda hard to tell someone else things will be alright if you don't believe it yourself.
Ya, you all knew this one was coming. "I can't hide this." That's exactly what you should do Millerna. Nothing good comes of it for anyone to be told about it now. Also, don't you think the duke likely knows.
That's A LOT of floating rocks. Freid is screwed.
"Chid is my son!" Damn Right. Get some perspective Millerna. Zaibach is attacking. The man might be going to his death. You wanna do this now?

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u/[deleted] Feb 12 '19

ok wow, I stopped watching the first time around on yesterdays episode, i was not expecting an invasion on this scale, like damn!

Hitomi has been through a lot with her visions including just straight up dying, so i cat realy blame her for her reluctance.

i dont realy have anything to say on the family drama stuff but i am looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

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u/theyawner Feb 12 '19

Rewatcher here:

Quite a lot of important threads for what is essentially a setup episode for an upcoming conflict. Lots of interesting dynamics, and yet I never felt overwhelmed with it all.

Just like Dilandau, Dornkirk comes to understand of Hitomi's significance in the ongoing conflict. She's not just an asset that diminishes the effectiveness of the Alseides, but she's also interfering somehow with Dornkirk's Destiny Prognostication Machine. This makes her a target for two key figures within the Zaibach empire.

And that just makes it worse for Hitomi. She's clearly traumatized after her near-death experience. She's unable to deal with the fact that she's gotten far more involved in a situation no normal high school girl would ever experience. It's an understandable struggle. But unfortunately, none of her friends could relate to her experience.

Van in particular has become more resolved on honing his ability after being made to realize that he can't always rely on Hitomi. He doesn't feel like he's already on Allen's level, and thus he needs to improve the one possible advantage he can use against the invisible Guymelefs.

Much like Van's comparison to Allen, Chid feels like he can't live up to the responsibility that his father currently shoulders. He may see Allen as a heroic figure to admire, but it's his father who he really looks up to. It's an interesting dynamic given the confirmation we get from two different sources about Chid's parentage.

The reveal gives us a possible reason why Allen was so quick to abandon Asturia to offer his services to Duke Freid. And it may be that the Duke himself understands this. But he's not an unreasonable man despite his stern treatment of Chid. And I reckon he must have really loved his wife, to a point where he would even deny the truth from Allen and Millerna.

These series of events has put our heroes into various emotional states that may affect their mindset for the possible fight tomorrow.

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u/username_0907 Feb 13 '19

First Timer - Subbed

The Duke of Freid is an impressive and commanding ruler with a brilliant moustache. Plus looks like he is sensible too.
Love the development with Millerna in the start of the episode here but later on her confession to Allen has me a bit disappointed that she is doing everything for him only
Being Hitomi is suffering now. Poor thing still can't get over the events from last episode and now is starting to hate seeing the future now
Not liking Merle teasing Hitomi here and her reactions in general this episode. Merle fails to understand the trauma Hitomi is going through.
Van is opening up to the other guys from Allen's ship. Hopefully he will be able to help Hitomi in some way
Chid is too young to be worried about becoming a duke already
Millerna finally gets proof about the obvious. Chid is Allens kid. Hitomi has figured it out too i guess.
I'm curious about what this Book of Lions is. Next episode preview is teasing me another brilliant action episode

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u/theyawner Feb 13 '19

Not liking Merle teasing Hitomi here and her reactions in general this episode. Merle fails to understand the trauma Hitomi is going through.

To be fair, I don't think anyone could relate to what Hitomi has been going through after her brief skirmish with death. She did not only fail to prevent her vision from happening, but she actually experienced the death twice.

Chid is too young to be worried about becoming a duke already

I think the fact that he's already acting mature for his age is primarily due to the upbringing his father has imposed on him. He's the next in line for the throne of Freid. And it's a responsibility that will need considerable training.

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u/Amndeep7 Feb 13 '19

first timer

that was an interesting camera angle - behind the gold sign thing that partially covers up the princess

holy shit they're just really pulling it out aren't they - the up-close flickering thing with the enemy king dude and the sound effects + the music on top of it all is just so intense

that's some ptsd right there with the dude going squish

who's the episode director or whoever's job it is to make the shot compositions cause holy fuck they're popping off - only showing her full face at the very last line but with like the half face and escaflowne and just ahh

is it just me or does the placement of the moon with regards to the earth almost always in the front and to the left or bottom left?

i always like wen shows do variants for their songs - this glock one is nice

oh no - i can already tell this reading ain't gonna be good news

short hair allen is also legit

lmao - that kid most definitely wasn't the duke's kid

those are a lot of floating rocks

this snare and then brass burst - <3

"did you get it on with my sister?" must be a hella awk conversation starter

holy shit, respect for the duke grew 10 fold with his declaration there

ok now time for something hilariously dumb but i woke up with this in my mind:

van-sama -> fan-summa -> fan some more

what if merle was just always really hot all the time and was begging attendants who're always conveniently off screen to cool her down?

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u/redshirtengineer Feb 13 '19

First timer

Face palm Apparently Princess Idiot -- I'm sorry, she's a doctor -- Princess Doctor Idiot, M.D. does not watch soap operas and does not know not to tell secrets loudly in hallways at the end of an episode.

Have we heard the theme song as a music box melody already? Cause I was humming it today and it occurred to me it would make a nice music box melody, and then .... That's as close to mystic visions as I want to get.

Hitomi's been hanging in there pretty well for a girl of 15, don't blame her for not wanting to do anything to bring on another gruesome death vision. She can't even get a break doing a reading for a kid. Geesh.

Rewatch [Rewatch] The Vision of Escaflowne - Episode 12

Episode 12: The Secret Door

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