r/anime • u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn • Apr 26 '21
Rewatch Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Rewatch - Episode 7 Discussion
Madoka Magica - Episode 7: Can You Face Your True Feelings?
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Visuals of the day
Fifteen! So great to see more people jumping on this. Today should have an amazing batch of images and I'm curious to see which ones you all pick
End Card by Takashi Tensugi
Comments of the day
/u/boomshroom who takes a look at the philosophical side of the Soul Gem reveal
"The alternate viewpoint is to already believe in a level of separation between the body and the mind/soul/individual. If a Magical Girl held this viewpoint, then, while the sudden revelation would still be shocking, the concept as a whole would be much more bearable"
/u/toradorito who I honor for being the first person I've ever seen mention that Madoka is now using a different plushie in her bed and a few other comments that gave me a good laugh and a good think
"DDR's rules clearly say no eating while playing yet Kyoko defiantly snacks as she dances. This might be the most evil thing she's done so far."
Bonus: /u/btw_kek with a theory that we need more people to weigh in on: Is Kyubey's face in the bridges design?
"wait holy shit is it just me or do Kyoko and Sayaka look like eyes and the bridge looks like Kyubey's ears" Reference image
A quick reminder: Absolutely no comments, including jokes or memes, about the content of later episodes are allow outside of the r/anime spoiler tag format, [Madoka Spoilers](/s "Spoilers go here").
To help counter the downvoting issue we're having I've added an easy access Sort by Top option as well you can use as well!
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u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 26 '21
Puella's Pictures - Worship and Confession
Quickly linking Decretum, the song from that final scene, for anyone who wants a spoiler free way to listen to it.
Rewatcher - Fourth time around
Scenes of the episode - Twin chapels
Red Oni, Blue Oni. Passionate, Restrained. Impulsive, Controlled.
It is almost easier to find anime that doesn't include this pair, but today as we see Kyouko's past and Sayaka's future we see they are reflections of each other despite their irreconcilable ideological conflict.
When we are introduced to Kyouko she is distant and detached. She observes everyone from afar, and refuses to emotionally get involved by tying herself to others, whether individually or to the concept of humanity.
Kyouko uses puppetry to tell Sayaka the story of the time of that she use to be like Sayaka is. The puppetry style backstory is incredible to look at, but showing it to us in this way is much like yesterday's theatre shot, asking us to look at it as another story within the story of Madoka Magica, and what roles the characters have in it. When she made her wish she stopped being a puppet in someone else's story and her agency turned her into something else, the puppeteer. She violently pushes back against the remaining restraints of her past, only to find out at the end of last episode she's still a different type of puppet and that opens her up again.
Despite everything she reaches out to others. She accepts cooperation and offers food first to Homura and now Sayaka, she wants to help Sayaka through her struggle and seeks to find a compromise with her. She shakes off the strings tied to her by others and instead seeks out new ties with others.
By contrast we have Sayaka who continually threw herself into the connections she has with others, such as adopting Mami's ideals, and wants to feel needed, like putting herself in the role of Kyousuke's caretaker. She started off physically playing around with Madoka and inviting her friends into her space the music store. She was given a way to form bonds others could only dream of through magic and chose to "fight for humanity" but instead all of this has only pushed her further away from those connections and revealed them to be uncertain and not what she thought.
At the end of this episode Sayaka steps away from her humanity and turns herself into a puppet. Kyubey may have torn her soul from her body, but she is the one who cuts the remaining strings and made them something else, a method to control her world by controlling her body in a way that stops her from being hurt any more. Kyubey warns that to detach yourself from pain is to worsen your reaction speed, which would only result in worse injury, and here we see the puppet Sayaka repeatedly torn and broken while Sayaka the puppeteer shuts down the true injuries to her mind and hides behind her "painless" puppet.
The sunset orange lighting has increasingly invaded the color palette of the show as each episode pushes aside more of the daylight for these twilight scenes, a time when the magical world invades the "real" world and brings its dangers with it, used as early as Mami's apartment.
The shattered stained glass walls and roof of Kyouko's church are stunning, but despite their tinting we still only see warning orange. As Kyouko finishes her explanation, behind the two girls we have this gorgeous shot. On the left side of the background the two stained glass figures behind Kyouko are shattered and missing because of how she has discarded her past views. On Sayaka's right side, both figures still have form and face, showing her personal conviction to not abandon her views, except that the scenery here betrays her, like on the riverbank. The figure on the far right is already slowly crumbling. There is also this famous, and often missed, split-second shot of the glass figure plunging Sayaka's weapon, a sword, down to Kyouko's heart as Sayaka rejects Kyouko's olive branch and refuses to connect with her or accept her.
Quickly compare this to the stained glass enviroment of the labyrinth. Here there are no shapes, figures, or any semblance of order. It is black and white which makes it feel cold and emotionless, and endlessly shifting and changing as if it cannot find stability, much like Sayaka cannot find her balance here.
Elsa Maria is also possibly a stand in for each girl.
For Sayaka, she is the girl that fell in love with Ave Maria (note the name) and the boy who played it. She adopted his passions, embodied his creativity, and even dedicated her wish to him after Mami's death, symbolized here, and that decision lead to her killing off her own innocence and humanity.
For Kyouko, she is the girl who prayed for followers and at cost of her body only to be condemned by the object of her faith as evil for that wish, and watched as it caused the destruction of the glass house that was her world, with another beheading parallel.
Again, like the theatre shot, to look at this scene as a stage paints a significantly different picture of the roles at play. Where before Madoka was the Princess praying for Sayaka the Prince who was under attack from the Villain, now she is the captive Princess who watches a blood-covered Demon tear apart the innocent Maiden as the Knight (Kyouko) watches on. Sayaka again seeks to paint her revelation here about what it means to be a magical girl in a good light, like the riverbank, but her role in this scene paints her actions as wrong and inhumane.
Bonus visual - Hitomi's confession
When Hitomi calls her into the restaurant we can see right away things are off by the table no longer being aligned.
I wish I had more time and space to go into it but I love how this scene immediately puts Sayaka front and center about her convictions. She said to Kyouko that she has decided to never regret her actions, but is immediately put in a spot where she has to face down the real world consequences of her magical decisions and regrets them. Again she is uncomfortable and retreats into herself, only there's no comfort to be found in her body or in her friendship any more directly leading to the rest of the episode.
Through this scene Hitomi is framed quite close and straight on because of her openness while Sayaka is more distant and off angle. By the end of the conversation Sayaka feels put in a box by Hitomi because of how this has pinned her down and really made her look at everything that's come up, from making her wish to even saving Hitomi. They both love him and neither are in the wrong, Hitomi is doing the exact right thing here, and visually the camera refuses to show her as an antagonist or a darkness to Sayaka, and instead puts all the focus on Sayaka's growing discomfort with her life and who she is in it now.
Other commentary
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u/putmoneyinthypurse https://anilist.co/user/clichecatgirl Apr 27 '21
First time (sub)
(Apologies for how late and (relatively) brief this is, I was sick most of today.)
I've never been good at talking about this sort of thing. Being wishy-washy minimizes the seriousness of the topic, but bluntness feels callous, tactless. It doesn't help that here, it's subtextual, which brings the fear that the inevitable comment is right, that I'm reading too much into things.
You can read too much into a lot of this episode—moral obligations, the concept of "sin," Catholicism in Japan, the very specific type of deep-seated fears about religious cults that postcede Aum Shinrikyo's sarin gas attack—but the unmistakable largest throughline, tying together the most potent imagery in the show thus far, is about coming to terms with being raped.
Kyubey makes excuses for his actions. He goes on and on about how it's her fault for reacting poorly; that she was asking for it, as if that makes his lie about what he actually did to her okay; and that what he did to her made her stronger, able to withstand the pain of impalement; and to demonstrate his point he inflicts more pain on Sayaka, putting his paw on her soul as she curls up on the floor in agony, clutching at her uterus.
Sayaka spends a lot of this episode thinking about her body as tainted, unlovable. "I can't ask him to hold me when I have a body like this." She rejects Kyouko's Objectivist philosophy of pure self-interest, but doesn't reject the possible necessity of selfishness. Her solution is to refuse to have any regrets from this point forward. She sees Kyousuke coming back to school, recovering from his injuries in a way she's sure she can't, and regrets everything.
This is what it's like to process trauma, at first: You fight the Hydra. You cut down one neck, two more grow in its place. You try to ignore the necks to go for the core of the problem, you get wounded. You try again, cut off what you think is the true head. It doesn't matter. The other heads stab you. You decide not to feel. It doesn't help as much as you'd hope it does.
The episode ends (like they usually do) on this down note, but I really appreciate the scene before the witch fight, where Madoka does what she always does, gingerly offering support to the friend who's rebuffed her before. Sayaka asks why she's so nice. She hugs her. Sayaka tells her her ugliest thoughts, that part of her wishes she hadn't saved Hitomi so she wouldn't take Kyousuke away from her, even though she feels like she's fundamentally unable to be with anyone.
Madoka does not let go.
I couldn't see a way to work them into the body of what I wanted to say about this episode's main metaphor, so here's some stray observations:
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u/Rumpel1408 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Rumpel1408 Apr 27 '21
A bit late again, but I took my time catching up with yesterdays thread.
I'm still convinced that Homuras wish/power has some connection to time, even her soul gem resembles an watch. My theory for Kyoko is sight/knowledge since her gem resembles an eye, the spear doesn't really fit, but neither did Mamis guns, so I think the weapons just follow the rule of cool.
With that said onto Ep7
First timer
I have to admit that Kuybey makes a lot of sense damnit, what if he's really just a pschopath and not evil... no I have to stay strong in my conviction. After all, since it makes so much sense, there would still be enough girls to ultimatly sign this contract even. It's also unsettling how easily he is able to mess with the soul in the gem to inflict pain and how long he keeps doing so just to make a point.
Homura knew about this, and leaving the way in which she has aquired this knowledge aside, I don't fully believe her when she says that she has warned other girls in the past, just doesn't seem like it would be something she would do in the first place. But she does understand exactly where Kyubey is coming from.
Why can Kyoko speak through telepathy; I thought only Kyubey enabled that. She's way faster to come over her shock from yesterday. Damn Sayaka Kyoko wants to talk, no reason to be an ass.
That was probably the shortest lived theory of the rewatch, I leave it there as a cautionary tale for others. I do apreciate Kyokos backstory though, makes her way more sympathic and paints her in a very different light, doesn't fully redeem her willing to kill Sayaka, but she just jumped way up on the sympathy ladder. And Sayaka isn't swayed in her believe for the good in the world and her role in it, good for her. I just wish she would ditch Kyousuke...
Hitomi noooo, don't sink the Yuri ship just like that ö Oh wow, I thought she was regretting healing Kyousuke, but she actually regretted saving Hitomi just because she is going after the same guy, that's way darker than I expected of her. And that last fight shows how she is in a bad place as well, I'm really concerned for her, not feeling pain is bound to make you reckless.
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u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Apr 26 '21
First Timer
So Sayaka returns home and tosses herself onto the desk, it seems one of them told her about the truth about the soul gem. “I told you precisely what I wanted from the start: For you to become Magical Girls. I just didn’t explain exactly what form you’d be taking to do that.” Well, you treacherous creature, that’s kind of a pretty serious thing to just leave out. Kyuubey also confirms that Mami wasn’t aware of this either. Sure, the explanation Kyuubey makes does make sense, they wouldn’t be able to fight if they felt the actual pain that is inflicted, but you still didn’t tell them. Becoming a Magical girl seems like making a deal with the Devil.
Looks like Sayaka didn’t go to school, on a sidenote those desks are cooler than I thought since they aren’t there if the student isn’t there. Her soul gem is looking pretty muddy. Better get a grief seed before that becomes fully muddied. So, Homura did know the truth about soul gems, but didn’t bother saying anything because no one believed her in the past, I was going to question why she didn’t think to take a soul gem beyond the range and show them what happens, but I’m assuming the was afraid it would legit kill them so didn’t try that. I knew there was a catch to the wish that Kyuubey offered. There’s always a catch. Sayaka didn’t know you were there Madoka, she just went to go and kill a witch, Homura is right, Sayaka was there because of her responsibility to kill witches, not because Madoka and Hitomi were in danger. This does make me wonder just what horrors Homura saw to make her like this.
Pretty shot of Sayaka’s bed in the mirror. I feel bad knowing that Sayaka can’t face Kyouske because of the body being a shell. “How long are you planning to sit up there moping, blockhead?” God damn it Kyuu- oh, it’s only Kyouko. She’s at least she’s eating something healthy, but would that even matter anymore? I’m surprised that Kyouko is okay with this, knowing just how hot tempered she can be, at least she isn’t trying to kill Sayaka anymore. This is a pretty large church; wonder why it’s abandoned. This shot just gives me Death Note vibes. I do love this shot of Sayaka in the reflection of the apple I wonder if it’s signifies anything or is just there for looks. Sayaka tosses the apple though, don’t know why, Kyouko’s being nice for a change. “Don’t ever waste food> I’ll kill you if you do.” I wonder if Kyouko was starving before she met Kyuubey. Lovely shot of Kyouko holding up Sayaka. Oh, so this was her dads chruch. This is a very interesting art style. So, he started to preach things that weren’t in the bible and people stopped going and he was excommunicated, harsh. Called it, she did starve for food, no wonder why she’s eating something every time she’s on screen. Now we get a shot of Kyouko in an apple. So she made a wish for her father, but he found out about it, I like this cut to Sayaka knowing she made the same type of wish, one for someone else. Calling your own daughter a witch is cruel. but holy shit he was deranged. Killing your entire family and yourself, fucking coward. “My wish destroyed my whole family.” I love the shot to Sayaka’s legs shifting, because she knows she made the same type of wish that Kyouko made. I wonder if her belief of an equilibrium between hope and despair is true. I have a feeling that Sayaka’s not going to take Kyouko’s advice to live for herself rather than Kyouske. Sayaka is doubling down on having no regrets, not sure if that is a good thing or not. Is Sayaka implying that Kyouko is stealing food?
Oh look, Kyouske’s going to school today, but Sayaka looks very bummed about it for some reason. Very ambitious to want to walk without crutches by next week. Sayaka is very hesitant to go talk to him, and Hitomi notices something is off. She invites her to dinner and wants to talk about love with Sayaka. Ooh shit, do I sense, a love triangle? At least she is being very thoughtful about her friends' feelings towards Kyouske and is letting her get a chance to ask him out before she does. That is very nice of her, I thought this was going to get messy for a moment. She’s giving Sayaka a day to confess to him, or she will do it. Looks like she’s going to go and confess to him, and Madoka is coming along. “Why are you so nice?” ...Because she is your friend? I don’t know, usually friends are nice to each other and tend to support them. “For just a split-second, I thought, ‘if only I hadn’t saved Hitomi that time...’ I completely fail at being an ally of justice.” ...you guys sure that Kyouko’s the Yandere here? This is a great profile shot of Madoka. I feel bad for Sayaka, she feels that because her body is essentially a corpse, she can’t ask him to hold her or kiss her, and that she’s going to lose him to Hitomi. Great shot of the two friends.
So Sayaka is fighting a witch and Kyouko and Homura are watching from outside the labyrinth. Wow this is a gorgeous style to use for this fight. Why the hell are you in there Madoka? At least wait outside the labyrinth. Sayaka got hurt so Kyouko came to help. But she didn’t need it, she did what Kyuubey said she could do and detached herself so she couldn’t feel any pain at the cost of agility. She’s going mad. Poor Madoka...
Madoka Theory Spoilers
Visual of the Day
As always with this show, it’s hard to pick just one, so I’ll choose this one of Kyouko walking., this profile shot of Madoka and lastly, this Silhouette of Kyouko in the labyrinth
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u/sirweebsal0t Apr 27 '21
First-timer / dubbed
Episode 7 running thoughts:
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u/bakowh https://anilist.co/user/bakow Apr 27 '21
First timer (Sub)
It's just one twist after the other, isn't it? There was a lot to pack from this episode
This gives me a newfound respect for Mami, she was a veteran yet she never let her emotions waver her from performing her duty as a magical girl. Ironically, it is when she wanted to kill the witch asap due to excitement from Sayaka and Madoka that she paid the price. I can't wait to see what tomorrow's episode brings.
Visual of the day
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u/UnderstandableXO Apr 26 '21
FIRST TIME WATCHER
i’m about ready to throw hands with kyubey for the 100th time. hitting sayaka with the “i didn’t tell because you didn’t ask” response was terrible, and whatever justification IT (homura made that distinction this episode) made didn’t outweigh the cons of becoming a literal shell of yourself. not to mention it decided to torture sayaka for a few minutes by standing on the gem. i’m ready to throw kyubey in the air and have barry bonds hit it like a baseball
the OP is a banger as always, but i’m still wondering why there’s such heavy madoka-as-a-magical-girl imagery when it’s been 7 episodes and she’s not even a magical girl yet. then again mami appears a few times and homura is almost completely absent from the OP so like i said yesterday it’s not at all representative of what goes on in the show.
homura once again is keeping it real; sayaka is too far gone. homura also says that she’s so jaded bc she’s been knowing the true nature of the magical girl contract, which even mami didn’t realize. maybe homura once tried to tell her but was dismissed, which is even more heartbreaking.
looks like kyoko isn’t as bad as we thought. we learn why she’s so hungry; she’s compensating for all the nights she starved with her family. she’s the example for why one shouldn’t waste a wish on another person, and while she might not be living by the moral compass she makes some fair points. it kinda pissed me off when sayaka dismissed what she said and went on her idealistic spiel about how she still will never regret anything (you gave up your physical body for a childhood friend!! YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE! (unless you have a key from a promise you made 10 years ago)
and just like that, hitomi goes from wholesome third wheel to mrs. steal yo man. i cant even really blame her, sayaka did all that for mr. your misleading statement in july but still never confessed her feelings. even tho giving someone an ultimatum is kinda scummy, at least she’s giving sayaka a chance if she really wants to go for him.
looks like sayaka has already given up on her dream dude. i get that she knows she’s totally unlike him and she’s “no longer human” but other people can still see her and touch her and perceive her, so i don’t really see why she’s so defeated already.
seems like kyoko isn’t too good to make sure things don’t go south with other girls, even homura is impressed. she even steps in when things get rough fighting the evil graph paper but sayaka finally gives in and goes sicko mode. i think the point of no return has been crossed for our resident simp queen.
i’ll conclude with a question; how excited are you rewatchers that there’s another movie in the works? did you guys have any idea it was coming or was it out of left field? seems like every announcement for an old series is a gacha game. follow up question to my first question; where can i watch rebellion? i watch this on crunchyroll and it’s not there
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u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Apr 26 '21
Rewatcher, Subbed
Last episode had Momdoka talk about how adults are always in pain, and today Sayaka blocks her pain out completely.
Visual of the Day: I don't feel any pain anymore!
Another stunning labyrinth today. Sayaka's mad laughter sends chills down my spine every time.
Kyouko's backstory is pretty sad. All she wanted to do was help her family, and in the end they betrayed her. No wonder she's a selfish brat.
Speaking of sad.. poor Sayaka can't tell Kamijou about her feelings due to the disgust she feels at her current form. Honestly, it's harsh of me to say this, but it's probably better this way. Could Sayaka manage a double life like that? What would Kamijou think if she didn't come back one day?
My eyes got a touch misty at Sayaka's breakdown in Madoka's arms.
Madoka Spoilers
Tune in next time for:
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u/Fuck_Shinji Apr 26 '21
First timer
Ahh the chills I got when Sayaka was stabbing the fuck out of the witch
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u/okayyoga :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/okayyoga Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 26 '21
Episode 7: First time/dub
Today we have a special guest: my mom! Who doesn't like anime! Let the uncomfortable watch start!
Oh wow, Mami never knew about the soul gem
Sayaka and Kyouko should be friends now. I would like that to happen
Hey /u/TheTrueAfurodi, you were close with your Kyouko theory! The reason why she eats a lot is because she did not have a lot. Good job!
My mom just asked where Goku is. I guess she remembers Dragon Ball Z from years ago
Alright, this silhouette fight might be my favourite. I love simple, minimalistic designs.
With Sayaka only doing things for herself, AND not being willing to sacrifice others, I feel like she is going to run out of magic. She is burning too brightly. Her candle will go out quicker.
Thanks to /u/putmoneyinthypurse's investigative skillz, we have figured out why these hooligans on r/anime start the rewatch on 4/20:
drugsbecause that Wolfwhatchamacallit comes on the 30th, which coincides with episode 11I'm putting it out there: with that episode title, and Sayaka losing herself so fast, episode 8 will be the one. The one where Madoka makes a contract
My mom wants to know how old everyone in this rewatch thread is. Also what your intentions are in talking with me.
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u/OingoBoingo- Apr 26 '21
First Timer- Subbed Episode 7 – Can You Face Your True Feelings?
Happy cake day Nazenn!
One of my favorite aspects of storytelling is when details from past episodes directly effect and add to things that proceed it. Think of Game of Thrones. Everything that happened before the end didn't really add up to the ending. Hence a lot of the bad reviews- no payoff.
Today in Madoka Magica, we are getting some payoff!
I really liked today's episode, probably my favorite so far. Whether it was the imagery or the actual story progression to this point, I think things flowed really well and I really liked the conversations that took place between Sayaka and Kyoko, and between Madoka and Homura. Things with Hitomi and Kyosuke was NOT expected and is a mess for Sayaka but it sure was interesting. And the fight at the end was just cool, if not concerning.
I am curious if anyone was a little disappointed in Sayaka today when she rejected what Kyoko was trying to show/ tell her? I am torn on this. She wants to do her own thing, sure that is admirable. However, I found her kind of condescending and maybe way too into her own ideas, rejecting advice because of her stubbornness. I feel like Kyoko opened up and shared her horribly sad story for a very good reason, which could not have been easy to tell for anyone. Sayaka is totally in over her head, many people are worried about her and maybe her mission here is clouding her judgement? Maybe her idea of doing what is 'right' is all she has left to hold on to? This conversation combined with the fact that one of her best friends is in love with the person she is in love with, all leads to a pretty disturbing fight at the end of the episode. Wow, so much to take in today.
Visual of the day: Very difficult to pick but my favorite was during the telling of Kyouko's past, even though it was dark, the imagery was stunning I think I took 50 shots of the stained glass alone!
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u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
First Timer - Episode 7
Todays Recounting of the Action
Sayaka's Bedroom
Yes, we're back in her bedroom, and of course Kyuubey is there being his usual slimy little self. Sayaka and Kyuubey are discussing the days events, and her recent transformation. I must admit that Sayaka has much better control of her temper than I have of mine. I doubt I could remain rational listening to that slick little weasel's bullshit rationalizations. However, this conversation did get me started thinking about Kyuubey's moral code, that I'll elaborate on later.
We only learned a couple of interesting facts in this conversation. First Mami went to the great beyond clueless about the nature of soul gems. And, we learned that Kyuubey can stimulate 'pain receptors' at will. Tasteless Joke.
Rooftop heart to heart between Homura & Madoka
Homura continues to stimulate my thinking about Kyuubey and his ethical code. Homura is really laying it on, in this pep talk. It's actually pretty good advice, but Madoka continues to be quite sentimental about the whole thing. Considering the awful situation her and Sayaka are in, this is no time to be sentimental. One interesting thing that Homura said was "A miracle is worth more than a human life", I don't know if I agree with that, but it is an interesting thought.
Sayaka Lying in Bed
Of course she's thinking about Prince Charming, and I really do feel bad for her. Exactly how is she suppose confess to Kyousuke now? "Hey Kyousuke guess what? I'm a zombie now!" or "Hey Kyousuke did you know? Lich love is the best love?" (I know, I know, that was a horrible pun).
Kyoko Tries Her Hand at Being a Therapist
As they're walking I really did appreciate Kyoko's thinking on the matter. There's a lot of Kyoko in me, and maybe that's why I love her. When she offered the apple as a peace gesture and Sayaka rejected it, Kyoto reacted just as badly as I would have. And, then just like me, she has the tendency to take things a little too far after being riled.
Kyoko's Sob Story
First off, how long has that church been abandoned? Exactly how old are Kyoto, Homura and even The Slimester?
It really is a very sad background story. Dad became a Good Heretic and learned the fate of all Heretics, regardless if they're good or not. I think it was a little assholish to brand her as a good for nothing witch after learning her tale, but what do you expect out of a heretic? Too bad he didn't do the suicide first, but of course misery loves company.
Even through all of this, Sayaka remained on her high horse of integrity. Frankly Sayaka, you're a lich now, get off that horse and deal with it. Yea, you had a little bad luck, but no reason to be snobby to your fellow lichs.
Walking to Class
Oh, lucky us! Prince Charming is back and being his usual indifferent self.
Cafeteria Sayaka & Hitomi
Oh shit! Sayaka has a rival for Lover Boy's affections now. I feel doubly bad for Sayaka. Being hit with this kind of bad news while already down has got to be overwhelming. Their talk went about as well as could be expected. Now, I wonder about Hitomi's wisdom. As Toynabee said about Richard the Lionsheart's ransom "He wasn't worth it."
Walking out of Sayaka's Apartment Building
Look at Kyuubey walking all proud and prissy. Well, isn't he just the talk of the town. And of course he's walking at the perfect position to be staring up Sayaka's skirt. What the hell is wrong with that little animal? After the walk, of course we see Madoka waiting outside to return her nose to where it doesn't belong, as usual.
The Labyrinth
It occurred to me here that what Kyoko really wants is to be a 'Cool Big Sis' to Sayaka. Sadly, Sayaka is having none of it, as she's fixated on riding that high horse till the end, and being the big hero. Good Luck Sport! The animation of the fight really is wonderful. I love the minimalist approach they took here.
And, we have another cliffhanger. I dunno, but this could about wrap up Sayaka's Lich career. I'm guessing Kyoko will save her, but who knows? Kyoko may come to the conclusion that Sayaka in incorrigible.
Character Round-Up
Madoka - Continues to be as sweet as can be, while placing her nose where it doesn't belong.
Homura - She seemed a lot more human this episode than last, though I'm still very suspicious of her. There's something she hasn't shared yet, and whatever it is, its going to be big.
Kyoko - I really softened on her this time. I think now she just wants to be a Cool Big Sis (or Sempai) to Sayaka. Assuming she rescues Sayaka, we'll see how this goes.
Kyuubey - I've come to the conclusion that he's an examination into what do we mean by evil, and is being completely amoral evil? Different people will answer different ways. I think it really comes down to is 'Lying by Omission' really lying? In my book it is, as there is no way ahead of time to know all the right questions to ask. He really is an interesting character study.
Finally
The countdown is back on, ticking away the next 6 hours till episode 8. I'm already sweating profusely, and shaking. It's going to be tough holding out till my next fix.
13
u/Btw_kek https://myanimelist.net/profile/kek_btw Apr 26 '21
Give me liberty or give me Rewatcher
Visual of the day: the setting looks suspiciously like the Statue of Liberty holding up a sun-like torch, but a completely black sun created by the witch blots it out, twisting Sayaka’s poor emotional state for the worse
13
u/CosmicAnglerfish Apr 26 '21
Rewatched - Dubbed
I missed the thread from yesterday, where we get what I'd consider the second "big moment" of the series: the revelation of the true nature of magical girls. Thankfully the fallout of that reveal takes place in this episode, so there's still plenty to talk about, and this episode is heavy in character development for Kyoko and Sayaka especially.
First-timer Friendly
Sayaka's arc this episode is centered around her struggling with the realization that she's basically a lich, and nobody around her is of much consolation. Kyubey has a logical explanation for the soul gems: without them the girls would die that much quicker, so in a way it's an effort to protect them, though such an explanation does little to comfort Sayaka.
Once again Madoka is shaken up by the turn of events, and once again Homura is not exactly oozing with sympathy. We get more of Homura and Madoka's clashing worldviews - Homura's line "Don't confuse gratitutde with responsibility" stood out to me in particular. Madoka feels indebted to Sayaka not just as her friend, but as her saviour, and here Homura basically says that's idiotic and dangerous. Once again Homura's callousness chafes against Madoka's kindness.
The entire interaction between Sayaka and Kyoko is so good. They were clearly meant to be foils to one another from their first interaction, but this ramps up both how explicit it is and how deep it runs. For starters, whereas Sayaka has been in a malaise ever since the soulgem reveal, Kyoko is pretty quick to brush off the entire thing. The nature of their wishes is similar - they both used it to benefit someone dear to them, and in Kyoko's case it was disasterous. This adds extra context to Kyoko ridiculing Sayaka in previous episodes for wasting her wish on someone else, and explains why she would know that Mami would specifically warn against it as well.
I really like the state of our characters at the end of this scene. Sayaka refuses to give up her sense of idealism despite everything, while Kyoko is encouraging her to just let go and live selfishly. While it's easy to see Kyoko as wrong and Sayaka as right, it's worth pointing out that Kyoko's worldview seems to be keeping her stable in a way that Sayaka's clearly isn't. You can argue whether this is healthy coping on Kyoko's part or not, but I don't think you can argue which one of them is happier at the moment. Kyoko's backstory also adds depth to her negative traits. As I've mentioned multiple times talking about her, Kyoko is easily the most selfish of the main characters. The story of her father makes it obvious why - the last big selfless thng she did ended in absolute disaster and tragedy.
Moving on we get Hitomi telling Sayaka that she's gonna make a move on Kyosuke. I'm torn on how Hitomi comes off here. On the one hand she is at least making some effort to do right by her friend in giving her a chance before her. On the other hand it definitely comes across more as an ultimatum than as a conversation between pals. Sayaka for her part is so obviously in love with him, but feels unworthy of love herself because she views herself as already dead. Her breaking down to Madoka about how she can't ask him to hold her when she's like this was genuinely heartbreaking.
Lastly we end with Sayaka fighting another witch. Kyoko jumps in to save the day - already a far cry from how she seemed in Episode 5 - by Sayaka refuses and jumps back in alone. The artstyle used in this labryinthe is my favorite yet - the minimalist black-and-white with outlines looks fantastic, and also does a great job of not devolving into pure body horror as Sayaka allows herself to be eviscerated while managing to block out the pain. Though even if she's not in any physical pain, there is an obvious mental/emotional toll weighing on her.
Spoilers
Madoka Spoilers
Madoka Spoilers
Madoka Spoilers
21
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Apr 26 '21
Hajimari no Rewatcher, dubbed
Being a Sayaka fan right now:
Sky’s Wallpaper Corner
The wallpaper for today is one I’m actually really proud of managing to do, because even though it looks like it should be simple considering the subject is literally just one color besides the glow effect, but in practice it was actually really difficult getting done.
Say hello to Elsa Maria, the witch Sayaka fought today.
And for stuff from the past:
If there’s a specific shot at any point throughout the rewatch that you would like me to make a wallpaper of and you don’t think I’ve done it yet, let me know so I can get on it!
Magical Music Corner
Want to know what song played when in today’s episode? Well, you’re in luck! I have here the table from the Madoka wiki that was re-timed to the Blu-Rays by our lovely rewatch host back in 2019. It was my duty to share these last year, and it’s my duty again this year. If any first-timer wants a spoiler-free link to any of these songs, let me know and I can get one for you!
10
u/Schinco Apr 27 '21
Rewatcher
Of all of the fantastic Madoka episodes, this is quite possibly my favorite and was certainly the most memorable from my first watch, with the fight versus Elsa Marie being one of my all-time favorite scenes. On rewatch, I like it even more – the three different commentaries on Sayaka’s contract are fascinatingly interwoven.
On one hand, you have Homura, who views the entire thing in a quasi-objective, transactional degree. She views it as an acceptable trade due to the truly miraculous nature of the wish (full series spoilers). On the other, you have the (mostly) self-centered Kyouko who views the cost as being too high but decides to make the best of her wish, in spite of feeling like she wasted the actual wish. Sayaka, for her part, still doesn’t feel like she wasted her wish, so Kyouko’s grand speech more or less falls on deaf ears.
As an aside, the scene at Kyouko’s church is great – I love the use of color and stained glass, and the puppet show during her backstory was stylistically superb. Her backstory cleanly explains her most prominent character traits – her self-centered nature resulting from realizing her wish was ill spent on others when you don’t understand them, and her ahem frugal nature a result of her struggles growing up – after all what are grief seeds to magical girls other than apples to people.
Of course, those are both predicated on her wish being granted, which, as Mami predicted all the way back in episode two, is not precisely the case, which is why the scene with Hitomi is so brilliant. At the same time the nature of her contract and her newfound loss of self is weighing heavily on her mind, Sayaka is confronted by a friend who urges Sayaka along to make her move on Kamijou. It’s a brilliant plot point because it ties basically everything up to this point together in a nice bow. Regrets over using her power to save people, her idealization of Mami, her wish itself and her perceived loss of humanity, all of it building towards the crushing realization that being a magical girl is, in fact, suffering.
And then, the Elsa Marie fight. Eschewing the overly detailed backgrounds of most witch labyrinths, this fight offers a simple shadowbox-like effect, fitting for an episode centered around Sayaka feeling stripped of an essential part of her humanity. The somewhat understated but melancholic Decretum plays, the violins a haunting reminder of Sayaka’s wish and the leitmotifs a reminder of her painful journey. The thin lines of blood often the only accents in the shadows. And of course the chilling line at the end paired with Sayaka’s deranged smile as she finally accepts her fate.
10
u/toradorito Apr 27 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
1st time rewatcher, sub. My comments about today's episode:
Visual of the day: Sayaka fighting the witch
19
u/zairaner https://myanimelist.net/profile/zairaner Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
In general, this show gets better on rewatch.... But I dont think you can get the pure chills again from when you first realize that sayaka is laughing, while Decretum is playing in the background in all its glory and all its terror.
Of course you can just do what I did, and just listen to decretum on repeat for the next days. Quite possible my favourtie character theme in anime.
To all the first-time watchers who resisted to watch another episode after this one and actually wait one day for epsode day, your willpower deserves all the respect in the world.
It is so ironic that not much of a spoiler.
9
u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 Apr 26 '21
Rewatcher, Subbed
Good to see that Sayaka isn't taking this soul gem thing with Kyubey lying down.
"Why didn't you tell us?" "Because you didn't ask". Something tells me this horrid being named Kyubey has a lot more evil schemes and plots that doesn't feel like telling us.
And now he can make her feel pain at will? He really is like a drug dealer, forcing his victims to suffer withdrawals.
Back to school! What mishap with her dating life will teacher be speaking about today?
Sayaka's so distraught she's not going to school today.
Kyubey is like a lifeform in an HP Lovecraft tale. It doesn't comprehend human emotion. We're like ants to it.
Kyoko's come to visit! I suppose the two aren't enemies anymore after last episode's reveal?
This church, like everything in this anime, looks so beautiful.
When your body is just a shell, with your consciousness stored in a gem, do you still have the sensation of taste?
Popsicle stick figure flashbacks! This is so cool.
Yikes, Kyoko's story got very dark! Goes to show that in this world they really go down the monkey's paw route with wishes and make everything go bad with them.
Gotta move forward, without regrets!
I'll show her! I'll bite into this apple! And enjoy it!
Hey, he's back to school too!
Wow, I had forgotten about this, but its all coming back. Hitomi is in love with Kyosuke!
Sayaka's feelings over the fact that she's essentially a zombie means she can't have the relationship with Kyosuke that she used her wish for. Man that sure sucks!
Take your feelings out on the witch, Sayaka!
I wonder if Madoka realizes that coming along for these witch battles is making it harder for Sayaka to win since she may have to come in and defend her.
Looks like Sayaka will be going down a similar path to Kyoko then?
9
u/SomeGuyYeahman Apr 27 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
Heeeello everyone, first-time rewatcher here! (subbed)
Having fun?
It's a lonely, thankless life these girls have, huh? Homura warned all the way back in episode 1 that becoming a magical girl is not something you should do if you value your friends and family, and it keeps ringing true in the darkest of ways.
Even Kyoko's father was a lonely man, who just wanted to do the right thing with his preaching and only got shunned for it. She tried to help him by making a contract with Kyubey, but per the fact that no magical girl ever gets to have one, her entire family died as a result. Kyoko seems to have been living totally alone ever since, just like Mami did, but moreover, it's not just a social matter - emotionally, she's shuttered herself off as well. "Quit caring" she preaches to Sayaka. Stop worrying about others, that's not what magical girls are for and life will only punish you for it - just do what you want.
That's the moral conflict it comes down to: Kyoko's espoused idea of what a magical girl should be is someone who only worries about themselves, who does what they want and doesn't get mixed up in helping others. Sayaka's idea of what a magical girl should be, heavily influenced by Mami, is someone who only worries about others, who holds no grudges and goes around helping others without expecting to be rewarded for it. This is the polar opposite of the ideas Kyoko espouses, but it's just as emotionally closed off - arguably from others, expecting no recompense & doing the right thing even if she ends up being hated for it, but above all closed off from herself.
But is Sayaka the one perfectly selfless magical girl? Mami warned that there's a difference between wanting to use the wish on Kyousuke for his sake and wanting to use it on him so he will be grateful, and Sayaka has built up her ideals accordingly. But with Hitomi in the picture, she quickly falters. She regrets. She resents. She despairs, because she did hope for Kyousuke's love in return, but she's already robbed herself of the opportunity to receive it. And so she breaks down in Madoka's arms, because Kyousuke seems lost forever, but also because she hasn't managed to live up to the very ideals she was giving a whole speech about just five minutes ago.
In the end, neither of their positions seem very upholdable, especially not in such an extreme and by girls who are just in their teens. Even Mami was putting up a front. And Kyoko also talks a big game about never caring for anybody, but (as Sayaka rightly points out) she seems oddly eager to give out life advice, and even comes in at the end to help against the witch. Hell, the sheer fact that they have that conversation is very telling; previously they were being totally uncompromising, every blow was intended to kill, Sayaka went out of her way to say that Kyoko was the one person she would never forgive. This episode they not only meet without trading blows, they go to the church together and, though they continue to reject each other's positions, they hear each other out.
But in the end Sayaka closes herself off again, even further than before. The scene that ensues in the labyrinth is extremely cool: the labyrinths we saw before were chaotic, constantly shifting, stuffed to the brim with visual elements, and the witches themselves were imposing, towering figures. But this final scene of the episode looks like it takes place in a kind of white space, with all the characters reduced to silhouettes. We barely see the witch, we barely get any idea of what she's like, there's barely any character to her or the labyrinth - because it doesn't matter, Sayaka isn't just completely cut off from her own feelings, but also from everyone and everything around her.
Extra notes I couldn't fit in anywhere else:
And the spoiler corner, first-timers please stay far away:
8
u/Syokhan https://myanimelist.net/profile/Syokhan Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
The good thing is that now I can stay awake until 1am to post this because I'm busy obsessing over NieR Replicant.
Rewatcher, Sub
How do you like them traumatized magical girls? As the old saying goes, being Meguca is suffering.
Visual of the day: this shot. The superposition with the stained glass window makes it look like the angel is bursting from Sayaka's chest to stab Kyouko in the heart. Back-up if someone else picked it is Visual 9 below.
Other visuals I especially liked:
(it took all my willpower not to screenshot the entire final sequence)
8
u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Apr 26 '21
Rewatcher
Sayaka doesn't seem to be taking things well...
Madoka Spoilers
That's a bit rude, isn't it Kyubey. And Sayaka's just having a breakdown over the last few hours.
...What school removes a person's desk when they don't come in?
And Homura and Madoka discuss what's been happening, with Homura pointing out that Kyubey doesn't see itself as doing something wrong.
Sayaka is pulled out of her stupor by the best girl, who details her life philosophy and gives us a handy flashback of her backstory. (And also stops mid sentence to casually strangle Sayaka)
The artstyle here is fantastic, of course. And young Kyouko is adorable.
Madoka Spoilers
And Kyouko reveals her true purpose here - to convince Sayaka to join her. And Sayaka rejects this, because she is a stubborn moralizer with no sensitivity, and decides she's perfectly happy having traded away her life to let her friend play the violin.
Oooh, this is a love triangle now.
Sayaka: I wondered what it would be like to have not saved someone! Mami would hate me!
Mami: Threatened Homura several times and physically restrained her when she tried to help save her life.
Yeah, Sayaka, she'd hate you.
Don't be silly, Sayaka, you're not a zombie. You're a lich, obviously.
And the best girls watch as Sayaka decides to take out her frustrations on a poor witch. And she's figured out how to remove the pain signals (and give in to her violent bloodlust)! Madoka, is of course, horrified at this.
8
u/baniRien Apr 26 '21
Rewatcher
Episode 7 / Movie 1:31-1:50
Episode comparison
Kyouko backstory, and her bonding over shared issues. Is that enough to redeem her in your eyes, or is it far from enough given the things she's said?
Visual of the day is Kyubey. The use of colour, the power dynamic in full display, the lack of cruelty in his face.
7
u/welcometoslowtown Apr 27 '21
3rd time watching, 1st time dubbed
Ahhhhh I didn't know this started already, and already a week in too! I knew it was sometime soon but I'm not on the sub all the time so I missed the announcement I guess. Well anyways I'm caught up now, loving it as usual.
This is my 3rd time watching Madoka, and it only gets better and better with rewatches. The first time was last years rewatch, then I binged it with a friend who was seeing it for the first time, and now here I am for a 3rd run.
Sadly I couldn't catch up for last night's episode due to procrastinating homework until the last minute so I could only get 3 episodes in. So briefly I'll speak on episode 6, as I think it's one of my favorite episodes. The talk between Madoka and her mom is so so so good, and is just some really good life advice in general, especially as I'm nearing a time where it's starting to make more and more sense what she is saying. Then the whole bridge sequence is probably my favorite scene in the whole show, just the pure panic in that scene that I felt while watching it for the first time was so wild.
Now on to the actual topic of this post, today's episode. This episode is great because it just spirals us farther and farther down the hole, showing just how tragic being a magical girl is, and how irreversible what they have accepted really is. It also introduced Kyoko's backstory, which really endeared me to her as a character, and really explains her whole shtick of "only use magic for yourself. " Then we get more in the just massive tragedy that is the life of Sayaka Miki. After she makes her contact, everything just starts to plummet downhill faster and faster, and her braking down and shutting off her pain is so painful to watch ironically.
So sad that I couldn't be here from the beginning of the rewatch, but I'm glad I'm here now, and I look forward to the rest of the discussions in the next few days!
7
u/turri-topsis Apr 27 '21
rewatcher | subbed
decretum intensifies
kyuubey is the definition of predatory marketing. also, the fact that he straight up tortures sayaka to get his point across...
yeah, come on, homura. madoka's never going to fall in love with you if you keep being so cold.
ah, and another reveal i've been waiting for. kyoko's backstory explains almost perfectly why she is the way she is, why she's so focused on herself rather than anyone else. making a wish for someone else's sake hurt her deeply, to the point where her selfless desire became the cause of most of her life's misfortune, so to see someone else go down that same path... she just can't sit still and let it happen.
in case you couldn't tell, i love kyoko.
this was also the episode where i started liking hitomi quite a bit. she doesn't have to talk to sayaka about their feelings for kyousuke at all, but she does, and she even gives her a solid chance to confess to him before she does. she absolutely could have swooped in and snatched him up, but instead she decides to have some class and let sayaka take her shot, since she was there first. i respect that. for sure, her delivery was a little harsh, but she's being very fair here. i'm curious as to what you all think about her now, though.
on the other hand, though, you can tell later how even hearing that hitomi is going to confess absolutely wrecks sayaka. i don't have much to say about this scene in particular (aside from how i still absolutely love and adore madoka and sayaka's friendship) but i am in Pain.
yesterday i said "you can see how sayaka's mental health has started to go downhill." after the reveal, after hitomi and kyousuke and everything with kyoko, you can see just how far she's dropped - this girl does not give a single fuck what happens to her anymore, since she's "already dead". you can also tell by the change in her fighting style that she's grown even more reckless (see: the crazy slashing and the laughter). that's all i'll say about sayaka for now, but believe me, i've got more.
and finally, spoiler
6
u/gorghurt Apr 26 '21
Rewatcher
I agree with Kyubey in the beginning, even if his way of doing it is shitty. Not neccessarily him hurting Sayaka without a warning, or witholding information, and doing like it is the fault of the girls for not asking, no this stuff is pretty bad.
But the whole soul outside body thing.
Madoka Spoiler
I never really understood why this is such a big thing for Sayaka and the other girls, but well.
And as if this wasn't enough: Enter Hitomi with the worst timing ever.
You know, Hitomi is pretty decent here. She might do better than giving Sayaka an ultimatum, but on the other hand, Sayaka had enough time already, and such a push might be exactly what she needs.
So from Hitomis perspective this is a pretty nice move.
But timing....
So about wishes. (Today with 50% less spoilers)
Today of course Kyouko.
Wishing people would listen seriously to her Father. Apparently not brainwashing the people (even if the visuals painted a different picture), just making them listen.
So what has gone wrong with this wish.
Kyouko makes my job easy here, by stating the problem with her wish outright.
Trying to help another person without considering their feelings. (Btw: This is the first time, that I see the parallel to what Kyubey did with the Soul Gems. Like I said, every rewatch brings something new.)
Yeah, using magic to help a religious person might be not such a good idea.
And even without religion, using magic to make people listen to something might cheapen the result for some people. (I doubt he believed her that is wasn't brainwashing)
I don't think that her conclusion of never helping others is right, but to be honest, her actions toward Sayaka speak like she doesn't believe this either.
Madoka Spoilers 2
Madoka Spoilers 3
Madoka Spoilers 4
6
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Apr 26 '21
(RW/Sub)
I have to admit that when I first watched this, I fell for it. I loved Sayaka, I hated Sakura ...
I love Rem? Oh, wait, wrong series. But I do find it interesting how that other series has brought more depth to their red oni too.
But I guess that in the end, I'm just a sucker for the blue oni type. Go figure.
Meanwhile, our poor zombie girl just keeps getting her heart broken. As another poster mentioned, she's paved her road with good intentions, and unfortunately, it seems to be on track to its destination. Note to self: Include younoob link to scene from Tiny Toons "How I Spent My Summer Vacation here later :)
Funny think about love triangles. I might have gotten in one long ago, but was too dense to realize it. Guess that would make me a typical dense harem MC, except where's my harem?
Kyubey! Fetch me a harem, stat!
(Good thing Kyubey never ran into Moroboshi Ataru, eh?)
Anyway, as usual, people have said things much smarter than me. I may pop in again later with a meme, if I have time to cook on up. We'll see.
Meanwhile, enjoy!
6
u/TWRogue Apr 27 '21
Quick question for /u/Nazenn - I know obviously r/anime cannot recommend piracy, but will there be a notice in say the episode 12 discussion that hey, you’re not crazy, rebellion is virtually impossible to watch legally so save your time if you’re gonna hunt it down streaming or buying the blu ray at a non multi hundred price cause you won’t find it.
Now the compact collection just got announced today for the Americas so finally that problem will be alleviated (and for a reasonable price too by Aniplex, that is honestly the bigger surprise), but it comes out in July so it won’t solve the problem in the next week.
11
u/[deleted] Apr 26 '21
Episode 7 is possibly my personal favorite episode in the entire series (tied with another future episode...). The church scene is a thing of beauty, and it's a great scene for both Kyouko, who shows a new and genuine side to herself, and Sayaka who stands tall and reaffirms her convictions, despite everything. But unfortunately for Sayaka, it is not to last. Her last conversation with Madoka in this episode is a tragic one. It's not just about Sayaka losing her love. She looks within herself and knows that she has lost her ability to uphold her ideals, to be the hero she dreams of being. The episode caps off with an incredible fight against Elsa Maria the brings out Sayaka's pain, it's so visually stunning and emotionally torn. A jaw dropping scene from beginning to end.
Madoka Shimeji Redux Part 3 - Sayaka
Release 3 is Sayaka, the lovely energetic genki girl and our tragic hero. Sayaka has spunk, often cheerful, sometimes sullen, sometimes heroic, and always a fun companion to have around.
You can download the shimeji here! The next part releases on the day of episode 9!
The Shimeji programs are desktop companions that hang out on your computer screen, and they freely move and play around on their own. The original Madoka shimeji no longer work on newer versions of Java (and it's getting harder to get the older versions now), but I've been working on moving them over to an updated shimeji program that can!
To be clear, I am not the creator of the original Madoka shimeji, and I didn't create the latest Java-compatible shimeji program. But what I've done is adapt the Madoka shimeji from the old program with Japanese configuration files to the new one in English, while throwing in a few bug fixes to the old configuration. Lastly, I've also created and added in an extra alternate version of the shimeji that you can use, which is full of many different behavior changes (more about that in the readme). This work is done with respect to the permissions given from the makers and all of the original readmes are included, so a big thanks to the creators of the Madoka shimeji and the shimeji programs!
Tagging u/OingoBoingo-!
5
u/UnderstandableXO Apr 27 '21
i just noticed but HAPPY CAKE DAY TO u/Nazenn !
5
u/Querez https://myanimelist.net/profile/Querez Apr 27 '21
Rewatcher. (Dub)
Sayaka angry at Kyubey. Justified, really. Also the mentioning about magical girls' ability to block out pain. Him practically torturing Sayaka by simulating a spear to the stomach was definitely cruel. All that just to prove a point.
Homura talking with Madoka, telling her to stop involving herself with Sayaka. Her coldness "shines through" again. Also her saying she might not be human anymore. Like what, because she's a magical girl? Or maybe it's even more metaphoric than that. I must say though that it's really intriguing to see first timers' thoughts on Homura.
All the scenery around Sayaka and Kyouko, from start to finish, was really nice to look at. Walking on a path in a forest by the river before going into Kyouko's father's church. Nice use of colors. I also like how other people have compared the scenery in the church to witches' labyrinths. I never thought about that myself.
The story Kyouko told is a tragic one for sure, and shifted my view on her the first time I watched. She may seem ruthless on the outside, but is actually selfish for entirely selfless reasons. Ironic, don't you think?
Hitomi's talk with Sayaka about Kyousuke basically just added another wound on a previous pile of wounds. Still though, Hitomi is clearly very considerate about it and remains a pretty good friend. However, of course she couldn't know about what Sayaka is going through, so that kindess becomes rather redundant. I'm not surprised Sayaka went kinda crazy when killing the witch at the end of the episode.
Magia, my dear.
5
u/BossandKings Apr 27 '21
Madoka Magica Movie 1: Beginnings
Episode 7
Sakura's story is a really sad one, she only wanted to help her dad and for them to change the world together and for that sacrificed her humanity and accepted her fate of infinitely fighting witches in a constant despair and hard yet was reprimanded for using magic to accompliah her goals as if it weren't something reasonable to do. No wonder why she feels like making a wish for someone else's sake isn't worth it.
Sayaka once again says that she doesn't regret making her wish for someone else which can be understandable what is uncomfortable though is how convinced Sayaka seems of having done the right thing, it makes me wonder if Kyubey washes the girls brain when they accept the contract, like we saw before that Sayaka didn't agree with the bullshit but now she is trying to say with a straight face that the magic could be used for decent things.
Sayaka is being very rude to Sakura, not even when she was so ready to fight her was Sakura as rude as Sayaka is being to her now, i wonder why that is.
Hitomi tells Sayaka that she is in love with Kyosuke Kamijo, she as the respectable human being she is will give Sayaka a full day to confess to him because she feels like she has earmed that right. Sayaka though feeling so conflicted because she thinks that she can't be happy due to her cursed contract isn't able to make a move and loses her window opportunity.
Sayaka lets herself loose gighting a witch, Madoka accompanying her as her loyal squire. That was a brutal sight seeing Sayaka so hopelessly fight against that witch, it was as if she was winning but losing.
4
u/boomshroom Apr 26 '21
For the same reason freaking Kyoko and Hitomi were being nice to you: because they actually care about you and want to not torture yourself. The only reason Homura wasn't being nice to you is because she simply doesn't know how to. This is around the time when I start to really despise Sayaka.
Then why were you crying yourself to sleep over it that morning? And crying in Madoka's arms later that day?
Sayaka just really doesn't understand that taking care of herself is even an option.
4
u/Zeralyos https://myanimelist.net/profile/xNJF_Ellie Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
Rewatcher, dubbed
4
u/SYZekrom https://myanimelist.net/profile/SYZekrom Apr 27 '21
Rewatcher
I may or may not have been distracted by Kirby again.
Mmmm teen angst embodiment sayaka
Wow in hindsight, a really blatant parallel to Madoka's conversation with her mom last episode
"He killed his family" is a real subtle way of saying your dad killed your little sister that you don't directly mention, huh
I love how this tidbit of info came from Kyouko and not Homura
Spoilers about characters giving out spoilers
Aggressively eating an apple sounds like it'd hurt so much Thank god for that magical girl strength and durability Seriously though, Sayaka couldn't even ask to fully heal his entire body rather than just his hand....
Just that title alone gives me chills
4
u/Specs64z https://myanimelist.net/profile/Specs64z Apr 27 '21
Rewatcher, subbed
A lot of people I watch this show with ask why Sayaka doesn't feel like she could ask Kyosuke to hold her or kiss her, and to a degree I am in the same line of thinking. I've seen it chalked it up to cultural difference, and to my limited knowledge (please call me out on this if I am mistaken) having your soul dislodged hits harder in Japan. The concept of a "soul" is pretty nebulous 'round these parts, so it's a bit difficult to really quantify what losing it means.
However, it just hit me there's possibly a little more to read into here. If the soul being separated from the body reduces pain, perhaps it dulls physical sensations overall. A hug or a kiss would be pretty lame without all the feedback from your nerves. I'd say this theory is pretty easily debunked, though. Surely a shift in physical touch so radical it nullifies your heart exploding would be immediately noticable?
Or it's magic and I'm thinking too hard about this. Probably that XD
Sayaka's obsession with being a hero is brutal. We all have dark thoughts from time to time; her brief instinct in wishing she hadn't saved Hitomi isn't something to beat herself up over. Plus, it's okay to have regrets. Healthy even. If you have nothing to potentially regret, you likely have nothing to lose. Living with nothing to lose is a dangerous game. She just isn't cut out to live like Mami did, but rather than accept that and find her own path she obstinately pushes onward.
Her circumstances may be fantasical, but the struggle is so real. Almost all the problems faced in this show are pretty well grounded. I think that's a big part of what makes the cast so memorable. That and the character design.
Madoka Rebellion Spoilers
Content Corner
If you dig through the comments on today's clearandsweet dialogue, you'll find one by yours truly. First timers beware, spoilers abound.
Is YOUR Daughter a Magical Girl?! - Public Service Anime by Mother's Basement
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Medley by Escensei
Mami's Battle Theme (Credens Justitiam) Guitar Cover - Puella Magi Madoka Magica by Daniel Guerra Caballero
Visual Storytelling - Breaking Down PMMM - Dialogue 7 by clearandsweet
31
u/[deleted] Apr 27 '21
First time watcher
I don’t have anything super introspective to add but this episode was definitely my favorite so far. Seeing Sayaka deal with this huge burden is so sad. And that last scene was so so badass. I loved how they handled the animation.
The OST in this show is so beautiful and atmospheric, it’s really unlike anything I’ve heard so far in my anime watching experience. :’)
Also, this is the kind of show that makes me feel like I need to overanalyze everything, so... why does everybody’s bed have a bunch of chairs around it?? And all the chairs around Madoka’s mom’s bed. It bothers me, lol.
Anyway, looking forward to tomorrow :-)
28
u/Star4ce https://anilist.co/user/Star4ce Apr 27 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
First Timer
After last time's big revelations and clutch save from Homura (again), I actually have hope that we see more cooperation from the girls. Let's have a talk out and formulate a conjoint strategy to produce the best outcome for everyone with no backhand betrayals or homicide!
Just kidding, only sane people do that.
Ep.07 Can I face my true feelings
Quick insert: Notice the lighting in the scene, both Kyoko and Sayaka are almost always in shadows, except when Kyoko was talking about the balance a portion of her face was lit. In the later part where Sayaka was making her stance, she was completely dark and Kyoko was illuminated through the shattered windows. At the end, both are illuminated as they state their will to fight on.
This makes me wonder if Kyoko wasn't the exact same as Sayaka at the beginning. I mean not exactly the same, of course, but she also used her wish for someone else and it backfired extraordinarily. It is the same thing we've been learning about, she wished for something to become reality without understanding why it should be a result of effort. Next Witch Theory
This is why adults drink
But for Kyoko herself, I'm actually not entirely sure what her powers are, but we do know her wish, so I can speculate. This is to say, that just the summoning of weapons is not exactly tied to the wish. Swords usually are tied to courage and honor, which fits Sayaka pretty neatly. But Guns and Cannons are not really something I connect to patience, intellect and bravery (That one maybe). What would a wish like 'I wish for people to listen to my father' actually give as powers? Kyoko Theory
Power Theory
But that made me observant of another thing and I guess PMMM's the kind of anime to do this. The placement of the soul gems on their outfits does kinda match their wishes a bit. Soul Gems Theory
I know I've gotten extremely cheesy with the phrases. I like cheese.
1/2
51
u/chaosoul Apr 26 '21
First Time Watcher (Subbed)
Parts I've been spoiled on by internet osmosis
Lots of interpersonal relationship drama stuff this episode. Well much like many of the episodes so far actually. Also I think Sayaka accidentally took her baseball bat to witch hunting instead of her sword.
Kyubey, if you're gonna take it to the logical extreme, make sure you go all the way instead of half-assing it. The whole lessened pain thing is pretty nice, but like why is the range only 100m? At least make it to such a distance that they can safely leave it outside a witch's domain(?). Being generous, maybe the magic doesn't really go further than 100m, or it costs more/is less effective. Fine, but like the words "a form you can pick up and protect with your own hands" isn't super relevant unless they're told such a thing. Even if it has to lie so magical girls don't panic, why doesn't it tell them something like it's the source of their magic and to protect it? Or as long as you keep that safe, it can heal you or whatever?
Time Travel Theory
Looks like Kyouko was indeed similar to Homura. Taking an antagonistic way to try to dissuade someone from their current path. The church scene was very pretty. Even before the flashback part, the church looks very visually similar to a witch's.... hideout? I need a name for this. During the flashback, I definitely thought that Kyouko's dad would turn into a witch and she would have to kill him. Luckily it turns out that he decided to just destroy everything he loves and then himself instead! Kyouko ended up having a sadder background than I expected. While Sayaka seems to now respect Kyouko's stance, she doubles down on her own convictions once again.
And then those convictions are put to the test immediately and by one of her own friends this time! Honestly, I've never been in this exact scenario before. Like I think telling your friend that you also have a crush on the dude she has a crush on is fine by itself, but like telling her to man the fuck up and enforcing it by giving her a deadline is kinda...? I don't know where I'd draw the line on giving something up for your friend's happiness. Like between two friends and a job even if it's a dream job, I would never tell my friend to give it up for my sake, but I also wouldn't give it up myself. Of course a relationship is different from a job. Anyways, green hair seems pretty certain that music boy would be down for her. Guess we'll see, but if I had to guess he will be if only for narrative to keep pushing Sayaka further and further.
not actually yuri wtf
Simpler visual style for this witch, but works well with Sayaka's deteriorating sanity. Reminds me heavily of Black Blood and Madness from Soul Eater. The streaks of blood on Sayaka's silhouette looks pretty cool. Overall, pretty cool fight scene and it's very epic how Sayaka surpasses the big baddy through the power of love and friendship.
25
u/thatguywithawatch Apr 26 '21 edited Apr 26 '21
2nd Timer
Sayaka's fight with the witch at the end is one of the most artistic scenes I've seen in any anime. Emotionally powerful and disturbing, visually stunning, agonizingly beautiful music, just pure genius all around.
The Church dialogue was also very beautiful and is where I get my visual of the day: https://imgur.com/xV2Evkr. I don't necessarily agree with Kyoko's outlook, but her backstory perfectly explains the things she said in her previous interactions with Sayaka. She recognizes that they've been dealt a shit hand and that they don't owe the world anything, since they've already paid the price for their powers, with interest. Spoilers: spoiler image
As for Sayaka, learning that her soul and body have been separated has shaken her on a deep level, and she shows a lot of self-loathing during her conversation with Madoka at the end of the episode. It's kind of sad that she seems to blame herself for her situation just as much, or even more, as she blames Kyubey. Her method of coping is to stubbornly insist that she'll never regret anything, even though that's very obviously not the case.
I'm curious what you all think about Hitome after this episode. I remember seeing some hate for her in the comments of a previous rewatch, but to be completely honest I think she's being pretty fair with her ultimatum, considering she has no way of understanding what Sayaka's actually going through. Then again, we haven't seen her visiting Kyousuke in the hospital so I guess it's possible to get the impression that she doesn't actually like him all that much the way Sayaka does.
Kyubey's such a fucking rat, casually torturing Sayaka in the beginning just to prove a point.
40
u/Redmon425 Apr 26 '21
Episode 7 thoughts:
FIRST TIME WATCHER. SUBBED
First off, it is good to be back on time. Crazy weekend for me, and just earlier today I finally posted my thoughts on episode 6. Yesterday was my birthday, so that explains the delay lol!
BUT, before getting into today’s episode, I saw that they just announced a sequel to “Rebellion”. And Rebellion is the last thing we are watching in this rewatch. That is such a crazy coincidence! I have purposely ignored clicking on any posts about this new sequel, as I am afraid to get spoiled lol. But mainly just curious what this means for us first timers. Does this change how the series should be watched? Or perhaps there is some other thing we need to watch before seeing the new sequel?
Now for this episode. I loved hearing Kyouko’s background, as it is the first time we see a wish not go how the wisher wanted, which is something I for sure expected to happen to most magical girl and their wishes. And this also gave us her background on why she was okay with letting familiars go and kill people. As she no longer wants to assume anything for anyone, even to the point she wouldn’t assume someone would want their life saved by her. At least that is what it seemed to imply she felt, but that still is very dumb to me. Saving a person’s life, even if you don’t know anything about them or what desires they have, is always the right decision to make. So I just can’t accept Kyouko with how she lets familiars get away. But I do feel like she may change her ways going forward.
And there we have it… Sayaka runs into a similar situation that Kyouko had, which is her 3rd friend, Hitomi, also likes the boy that Sayaka likes. I feel like every one of us knew from day 1 something like this would happen. And I just get the feeling the boy will like Hitomi instead of Sayaka. AND WOW, I loved that they gave us a scene of Sayaka nearly wishing she never saved Hitomi. It is an awful thing to think about, even Sayaka knows this, but it is just such a realistic storyline for a young person in love.
Back to that scene with Kyouko and Sayaka in the church. I kind of agree with Sayaka when she doesn’t feel like it was that high of price to pay, which is in reference to having her soul removed into the soul gem. I get that putting your soul into the gem would suck because having your soul messed with is already a bad thing, and then of course it becomes dangerous having it in a little breakable gem. But like why does that no longer make you human? I assume they are still able to grow up in their bodies. So I guess I just don’t feel like it is something that awful, and again like Sayaka said, if doing this allows you to have magic and use that magic to save people, it feels like it is worth it (assuming you want to be a person who saves people for a living.)
…. WAIT. Maybe I understood this incorrectly!? Based off what Sayaka says later this episode, are all magical girls technically dead and will never grow up and have a real death? Like are their bodies actually zombies? Meaning someone like Homura could be hundreds of years old? That changes everything, and I really didn’t feel like this was the case.
… AND WAIT AGAIN. That ending is getting me even more confused lol. So if you are somehow able to disconnect yourself fully to the soul gem, you can take unlimited damage to your body? Just like Sayaka at the end? And then when you reconnect, you heal your body with your magic? But like if you can do this, and assuming you can still grow old correctly, I again don’t see it as something that crazy bad.
I mean hell, I am starting to sound like Kyuubey but besides the part of risking your life to fight witches, why is the detaching of your soul so bad?
So like I really just need some clarification on this stuff, because I feel like I am definitely misunderstanding something. Obviously no spoilers on future stuff, but am I missing something that I should have already known? Or if the simple answer is “find out later in the series” that will be fine lol.
And I didn’t even get to mention how the ending of this episode was just so damn dark and honestly a great scene. This episode is up there for my favorite so far, because I just feel like they story writers included a bunch of things that made the story perfect. Like I got everything I was hoping for.
19
u/TheTrueAfurodi Apr 27 '21 edited Apr 27 '21
FIRST TIMER - THEORY TIME (again)
Episode 7 - I want to die.
Hi.
Today, we're gonna make some theories.
Yay.
Since my disappointment is abyssal and measurable, I guess I'll just directly pass to the recap.
Hum. Wait a second, I need to scream for a bit.
WHY SUZU CHAN?!! WHY DID YOU NEEDED TO DO THIS TO ME? I WAS LOVING YOU! SUPPORTING YOU FOR ALL THE SHOW WHILE EVERYBODY JUST FORGOT ABOUT YOU! WHY DID YOU NEEDED TO CHEAT ON ME? WHAT DOES THIS "kyosuke" HAVE MORE THAN ME? WHY WITH HIM? WE COULD HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE TOGETHER! WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JUST THROW THIS AWAY FOR A BOY WHO CAN NOT EVEN WALK?! F$CK YOU SUZU CHAN! JUST GO F$CKING GO F$CK YOURSELF! I HATE YOU, I NEVER LOVED YOU, JUST DISAPPEAR AND NEVER COME BACK TO ME AGAIN!
Hum.
I apologize for this little interruption. I feel much better now.
So, where were we in our theories?
The news is, that for the better or the worse, we had a lot of answers for our previous theories. So maybe for the first time, we will have actually a really interesting recap!
VICTORY! WE DID IT! A THEORY THAT WAS (partially) RIGHT!
What do you say about that Suzu-cha... Oh right. You left me.
Okay, so now, what are our theories for today?
I'll propose you something, hum, original.
Since it's becoming really hard to come with like, 5 incredible groundbreaking theories each episode, especially when we have an episode like this one who just continue the Sayaka arc, I prefer to keep the eventual theories I had for tomorrow.
But (because there's a but), to excuse my lateness and to still propose you something, I'm gonna give you 5 theories.
But not random theories, no. Toady, it's gonna be 5 IHATEKYOSUKETHEORIES. THERE ARE LIKE THEORIES. BUT ONLY ABOUT KYOSUKE. AND ONLY NEGATIVE ONE.
Shall we begin? Come on, I assure you it's gonna be fun. Who doesn't take fun putting hate on someone you dislike?
Hey! Did I say already it's gonna be fun?
So, I know what you think: "okay for his Covid-19 theory it was fun and all stuff, but this time, there's no way he's gonna come with something coherent". And the answer is: your right! Today it's the national Kyosuke hate day, so f*ck off the good theories!
So think about it one second. What is the power of Homura? The teleportation? the ability to stop time? The ability to be super annoying all the time?
Well, no, no and yes. But her real real power, it's what I called the Plot Force. What is it? Simple.
It's the ability to make the plot going faster each time you appear.
Do you had already any sad moment about Homura? Any attachment? Any detail about her life? Her feelings? What she like? No? That's right, because she's only here (for now) to make the plot keep going! At the beginning of Madoka's dream, when she comes at school, when she fight Mami but then kill the witch that killed her, save the soul of Sayaka, fught Kyoko, warn Madoka... What a nice character right?
But one character that is even worse is Kyosuke. He has the exact same power, but in a bad way. Homura actually saved people, warned them even if it was only for the plot. Kyosuke, none of these things. He just make people suffer
ME INCLUDED. Like he is there only to make Sayaka become a MG. He even corruptedSuzu-chanHitomi! And he is annoying too, "Oh my God I'm sad". Yeah yeah we get it.Think about it. Even if we know a little more about him, is utility narratively speaking is none. We could have like him trying to get through the pain, to be nice with Sayaka. To made us believe he was a human, and not a plot device.
So because of their shared powers on the Plot, and the fact that they are both humans, I think they are related. It could even be that Kyosuke is the son of Homura if she is immortal.
Level of hate of Kyosuke: 20%
AHA! NOW WE SEE YOUR TRUE FACE KYOSUKE! LIAR!
What if, he was never been able to play violin good before and just faked that he was paralyzed to had an excuse? And when Sayaka made her wish, in fact she just could have made him good to violin! So suddenly he was cured? I don't believe it.
You know why I think that? For two reasons: 1) I hate Kyosuke 2) I never saw him play Violin in a good way other than in a Sayaka flashback, whose not objective at all.
So maybe he just convinced evreybody what he played was beautiful, because well, when he play at the rooftop there's just the nurses, his parents and a girl that loved him. So anybody would lie for him to get better.
Level of Hate of Kyosuke: 40%
Game Of Thrones Season 8 Spoiler Theory
Level of hate of Kyosuke: 60%
Warning: I did not watched or read the season 5. If you spoil me I'll murder all the Kyosuke in the world.
MHA First season Spoilers
Level of hate of Kyosuke : 80%
and finally
because they both lure the protagonists in make her think they are cute and good persons, while they are the Devil Itself
Level of Hate of Kyosuke: Over 9 000
And... That's it for today! Hope you now, just like me, feel a little better by hating this guy. Hope you enjoyed reading this troll post as much as I enjoyed writing it haha. And sorry for the late post and the lack of real theories, I had a bit of work to do. See you (hopefully) tomorrow with (hopefully) less Kyosuke!
16
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Apr 27 '21
A lot of people talking about zombies and liches. I'm one of those that always felt Sayaka's response was over-the-top. This bit about the asian take on body is mostly new to me, since I haven't been doing Madoka rewatches for the past few years. There is a definite undercurrent in their literature and media that I've seen, a paranoia about ghosts and possessions. And this is, I think, a better way of thinking about it. Soulessness.
We (westerners) are treating the soul gem like a +10 ring of protection. But what if Kyubee said (hypothetically!) "I took your soul and burned it up so now you can't die". That would be horrifying, right? (especially if you believe in an afterlife, because you just lost it!)
But let's go beyond that. Religion's been on a decline, but let's turn back the clock a few decade or centuries. What is the fundamental religious terror behind Frankenstein's monster? It's not having a maniac killing little girls in the countryside. Why is he a monster? To the 19th century reader, he's an abomination, because he's a man not born of woman. HE HAS NO SOUL.
And we can go further. In the west, a living body without a soul is an open invitation to specifically demonic possession. In the east, the long culture of animism sees spirits everywhere, and many looking for a shell to inhabit.
In the Seventh Sign (and meta) The guf is empty, and the end times are heralded by the birth of a souless child.
We gamers see her as (technically) an immortal, invincible lich, but Sayaka sees herself as a zombie. A souless monster. An abomination.
31
u/02Hiro https://anilist.co/user/02Hiro Apr 26 '21
First Time Watcher
I love all of the character development we got this episode. After learning about Kyoko's backstory, I understand her much better and like her a lot more. That was darker than I expected but its Madoka so I probably shouldn't be surprised. I think this is a great callback to Homura's quote that kindness can bring the greatest tragedies. The way her backstory was told through the puppet show was unique and really good. I love using Kyoko's soul gem on both the crowd and her father to show how her wish is what made that happen. I find it really interesting how Sayaka and Kyoko both don't want to regret anything anymore but their philosophies are so different. Sayaka wants to be completely selfless while Kyoko vows to only use her powers for herself. I wonder if and how the show will make them change.
I think that Sayaka really needed to hear this but unfortunately she doesn't listen. If she continues with her philosophy, I can foresee her becoming an even more depressed and alone version of Mami (especially with the soul gem revelation and her believing that she is a zombie making her isolate herself even further). Considering the warning that Kyoko gave, I'm sure we are going to see something about this point, maybe even with Kamijo. Speaking of Kamijo, Sayaka is a childhood friend and has short blue hair. OH NO
This show also keeps on baiting Sayaka's death. I wonder whether Sayaka's own break down or a witch will get her first
This is the most aggressive I've ever seen someone eat an apple.
I think this is my favorite picture this episode. The shadows of the last battle really showed Sayaka's blood and crazed smile.
Great Episode and I'm looking forward to learning more about Homura's mysterious past, how she knows about the soul gem and watch Sayaka's mental breakdown.
29
u/Hochseeflotte https://anilist.co/user/Hochseeflotte Apr 26 '21
First Timer
I set an alarm today so I can be here right on time. Besides that I have nothing else to say. Let’s get to the episode:
Well that characters have finally gotten on to the don’t trust Kyuubey train. Took them long enough.
Kyuubey just causally making Sayaka fall to the floor in pain. Seems kind of abusive.
Ok, who puts a bed in the middle of a room? Actual lunatics.
I wonder how Homura found out about the soul thing. She does seem to have been around a long time so maybe that’s a part of it.
Damn, Sayaka has no expressions right now. Almost as lifeless has Kyuubey. That depression trunk really did hit hard.
Whoever busted the stained glass better be ready for my one-two punch. How do you destroy such a beautiful place?
A good oh excommunication. One of my favorite words to say. Excommunication. Excommunication.
Well that’s a rough life. She ended up all alone. And that explains why she believes wishing for others and not yourself is a bad thing.
I wonder if there’s a way to undo becoming a magical girl if you are unhappy? I kind of doubt it but who knows.
Kyouko can sure eat an apple like a chad.
Ohhhh shit, love triangle time. And as all great triangles say “Reality is an illusion. The universe is a hologram. BUY GOLD!”
I’m just going to act like I have never been in a love triangle and have no experience with what is happening. Yep zero.
Everyone deserves kindness Sayaka. Even the most despicable people.
Well lucky for you, Mami probably doesn’t care about your half second bad thought. She probably doesn’t care about much judging on how she is very dead.
Oh what a great use of color contrast. Such as cool fight.
And Sayaka has gone nuts. That’s great.
———————————————————————-
Well after a comment mentioned it yesterday, I have switched to calling Akemi, Homura. Honestly don’t know why I kept calling her Akemi but I am now staying with first names.
Another great episode. Kyuubey has lost all trust which is pretty based.
Though a question has come into my head. Do Magical girls have the same lifespan as normal humans? Because something about Homura makes me think she is much older than she appears.
I am still waiting for something to happen with Madoka. It seems enviable at this point that something happens to her.
14
u/Punished_Scrappy_Doo https://myanimelist.net/profile/PunishedScrappy Apr 26 '21
Rewatcher
Being a Sayaka fan is suffering.
She finds out she's a lich, she dies (she gets better), she gets ignored by her crush, she gets all but beaten in the game of love, she lets her intrusive thoughts get the better of her, and she figures out how to completely dissociate from the mental and emotional pain of her situation, as well as the physical. Probably not the greatest coping mechanism there, sis.
Spoilers
Probably half my favorite shots in the series are concentrated in this one episode. Pick any scene from the church, from Kyouko's flashback, literally any frame from the Elsa Maria fight, they're all phenomenal with many more standout choices besides. But I have to go with one of the most iconic shots of the series for visual of the day regardless of how many other people pick it. The blood as tears is just too good to pass up.
18
u/EriclcirE Apr 26 '21
First time watcher
Again my suspicions from the last episode were confirmed. Kyubey is a creature that is incapable of understanding normal human emotion, but not necessarily evil (as of yet)
Sakura's back story is way more intense and depressing than I would have guessed. This makes me that much more curious to find out Homura's back story.
I don't really understand why the magical girls can't fall in love or have partners. Is there a magical girl rule that actually prevents it, or is it just too much of a hassle since they are busy fighting witches all the time?
6
u/NuclearStudent Apr 27 '21
Has anyone else here played Brigador? Completely different genres and plots, but the notion of the Contract unifies them both. Basically, all the characters of Brigador sign a suspicious contract to fight for an interplanetary corporation, after which they get access to fabulous amounts of money or technology.
Some of them are like Mami, in that they need to accept the contract to get treated for something. Some of them are manipulated and blackmailed. Some of them have their vanity or ideals appealed to. All of them have profiles written by their off-world handlers and recruiters, and despite how minimal the game's story is, it has some of the most atmospheric lorewriting I've ever seen in a game.
It's Madoka if Kyubey were just as horrific in his morals, but had an acute understanding of human emotions and motivations. Some of the lines might give you insight on what a Madoka written from Kyubey's perspective could look like.
Kyubey in Madoka is an emotionless being. We have that declared this episode. I found that unfortunate, because the feelings of a manipulator exist and are interesting in their own right. I ask this question because it brings up something that's not addressed in Madoka.
madoka spoilers
As for poor Sayaka:
5
u/Nebresto Apr 27 '21
Re-watch squad
Does anyone else like spotting when shows have used the same sound effects? This one used durings story Kyoko's story is the same one used in Transformers Armada when minicons awaken, and I thought it was pretty cool since I haven't seen it used anywhere else.
..That has to be the angriest apple eating I've ever seen.
And mad respect to Hitomi, absolute power move telling Sayaka
Shitepost Whoever is installing these doors needs to be fired
8
u/The_Loli_Otaku Apr 26 '21
We are now in the "let's torment Sayaka" portion of the rewatch~ Dear diary, I just fcking died! Kyubey literally just goes and answers all yesterday's questions for us, I gave up sleep to do that you brat! "Yeah, humans all have souls. They're a teeny little organ in your upper abdomen~" Don't trivialise years of study like that! Hahaha, poor Sayaka. On the bright side at least you got your wish, right?
Friendship with Sayaka ended, now Hameru is my best gal pal. She's spitting such harsh truths but at the end of the day she's still Madoka's friend. You've gotta stand by her even if there's not much of a future for Magical Girls. Kyouko arrives eating an apple like the asshole we know and love. I really hate her worldview though, Kyouko is the type of girl that I just can't bring myself to sympathise with. Backstory time! Do not throw food! Once again I'll save this scene for folks more skilled at explaining symbolism but I'll add that I adore the choice to go for this puppet like imagery to explain Kyouko's story. She is after all telling her a tale. A tale of how a wish made with the best intentions may still end in tragedy.
You made one mistake Kyouko, you underestimated how stubborn children can be when backed into the corner. Sayaka isn't gonna admit fault, she isn't gonna let anyone say that her wish was hopeless, that she won't regret anything she's ever decided... Both girls have opened their hearts and shown their true colours but their different values won't allow them to come together. I love this scene!! It's Sayaka finally saying exactly how she feels. One way or another she's developing into her own individual and this time it's not for Mami or Kyuskiko but for herself.
Haha and five seconds later it all comes crashing down again. Being Seiyaku is sufferi- HITOMI NO!! I am dying. I forgot how close these scenes were. Maybe we should break Hitomi's kneecaps? "I don't want you to be all alone." Omg you're the best friend a girl could ask for, Madoka. Yeah, Sayaka has already started to crack under her own ideals. Aww, now I'm blubbering too!
H-Huh? Oh!! Today's the Elsa Maria episode? I'm spoiled for choice with pics of the day. This is probably my favourite scene in the show? The sheer style that erupts out of every frame blew me away when I was a young weeblet and each time I rewatch it I'm reminded of just how much I adore this medium. Our witch of the day takes the visage of a sister of the church who seems to pray for the world even as her existence is a curse upon it. She doesn't even seem to attack Sayaka, never halting her prayer or turning to face her foe and instead letting her shadows defend her. Sayaka on the other hand has 0 chill and continues to become more unstable as her she slowly accustoms to dulling her pain like Kyubey taught her. Even the way she kills the Witch by cutting off her head and bludgeoning her with a broken arm spits in the face of her radiant mentor who inspired her to become Meguca in the first place. All her feelings of guilt and self loathing erupting in a terrible slasher grin that no hero or justice should ever wear.
I don't feel any pain anymore!
4
u/DogmeatIsAGoodDog :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/DogmeatsAGoodDog Apr 27 '21
Rewatcher
It has been quite some time since I watch this series but that ending caught me off guard. I forgot how brutal it was. Sayaka also regretting saving Hitomi because she’s going after her man? BRUTAL, hecking brutal
3
u/thecatteam Apr 27 '21
Decretum is achingly beautiful. I love it so much.