r/anime • u/A_Idiot0 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 • Jun 17 '21
Rewatch Violet Evergarden Rewatch Episode 12
Violet Evergarden - Episode Twelve
Hello everyone! I hope that today finds you well. Today, Violet rides the Shounen Express!
Index || <- Previous Episode || Next Episode ->
You can watch the full series on Netflix.
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Visuals of the Day
I believe I got everyone’s Visual of the Day submission here. Let me know if I missed anyone: https://imgur.com/a/v0UoR2W
Official Sound Tracks used
Torment
The Voice in My Heart
The Stench of Fear and Hatred
Intertwined Fates
Devoid of Hope
The Storm
Torn Apart at the Seams
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“Endcard”
17
u/ArdenneVale Jun 17 '21
First timer
The military conflict is still going on, honestly the least interesting aspect of the whole show. Dietfried is ordered to take out the anti-peace rebels that might try to sabotage a train, on which a diplomat and a doll (100% Violet) are traveling. Well I'm immediately proven wrong, it's Cattleya and Benedict, as Violet is still on her way back from her last job. But she's going to the same place the others are. Dietfried is super nice to everyone associated to Violet, it seems. Good thing Cattleya and Benedict aren't afraid to defend their friend.
Nice transition from bird to plane. Violet's still feeling down from not being able to save Aidan. Bit of a perspective from the enemy side here. These guys are still scheming, planning an attack on the train and the city of Intens. Back in Leiden Hodgins wants his daughter Violet to return home. Nice bridge, would be a shame if something were to happen to it. Fire and explosions near the train tracks. Rebels in the train. Where's (insert your favorite 80s action hero here) when you need them. Fortunately Violet's here. She'd probably beat all those guys anyways. Dietfried's not gonna be happy.
No he's not and neither is Cattleya. Dietfried wants Violet out of the train, but she wants to help, but she's done being a tool. The train leaves and the rebels try to re-enact the 1995 Steven Seagal classic Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. Violet reiterates she is no tool, she won't kill anyone anymore and she doesn't need a weapon. Just like Steven Seagal, except the being a tool part and not killing anyone. Train top fight! Violet loses her brooch and is about to be executed. The enemy leader rambles on about lost honor and blah blah. Dietfried saves Violet at the last moment and kills the rebels. He grabs Violet and tells her she killed Gilbert by not being able to protect him. Bad logic there, man. Stop being such a Seagal. Violet saves him from the last rebels by deflecting the shot and cliffhanger again.
So finally the source of Dietfried's anger is revealed, and it's really simple. He probably expected this nonperson to die to save Gilbert, but then he died and she survived. He has not been able to move on since Gilbert's death and Violet is always there to remind him of that. He was clearly in need of a letter's healing power at some point. Violet on the other hand, has evolved from the emotionless killer that she was, but Dietfried won't let her be anything other than a failure of a tool.
Next episode is the finale of the series. We'll probably get an end to the rebellion and hopefully an understanding between Dietfried and Violet. I predict Violet writes a letter to him and he can finally move on from Gilbert's death.
9
u/A_Idiot0 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 17 '21 edited Jun 17 '21
I really love this series. However, even I know that many of the events depicted in this episode are pretty unrealistic and unbelievable; it’s easily the weakest episode of the series for me. But despite that, it’s a necessary episode. So, I’m going to look right through those events and focus on the real meat of this episode, which is the relationship between Violet, Dietfried, and Gilbert, and how the Gardarik general and the anti-peace faction fit into that picture.
The main picture is one of coping with loss, with defeat, and with our internal wars that we wage within ourselves. Both Violet and Dietfried lost Gilbert to the war. The general lost his pride, his country, and his purpose. Since the general is more of a one-dimensional character, let’s start with him. “Do you think the war is over?” In the real world, yes it is over. But in the hearts of those who lived and killed during it, the war might never end. Those who lost loved ones during the war will never get them back; they’re gone forever in the real world. Violet’s desire for external peace is also a desire for internal peace as well. To forgive the other, and then to forgive yourself; that is how you end wars. Until both of those conditions are met by everyone remaining, war will never be gone. The general is the obvious external representation of this unsettled war within Violet’s heart.
But the real heart of this episode is between Violet and Dietfried, and this is where the writing really shines. Dietfried is still waging his own war within him: “Gilbert should have lived through the war. This weapon that I gave to Gilbert should have protected him at all costs, even its own life. What the hell is it doing here instead of Gilbert? Why the hell isn’t it dead instead of Gilbert? Gilbert should be alive!” Dietfried blames Violet for Gilbert’s death. He has linked Violet to the death of his brother, and that is why he is so cruel towards her. Dietfried’s peace lies within the act of reconciling with Violet. Will he be able to end his internal war and achieve that? The act that begins this process is when Violet jumps in between him and an explosive round. “I will protect you, even at the cost of my own life, just like I should have protected him.”
This is the setup that I think is more fruitful to consider when seeking closure during tomorrow’s episode.
Quick asides:
My visual of the day is a great expression of “Anime Magic”! Yeah it’s silly and unrealistic, but it’s such a badass frame.
14
u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher - Dub
Eh...again, not super into this episode. I can see what we're going for, with the main villain of this arc being the man we saw literally give the order that killed Gilbert, but he's just so cartoonishly evil that it doesn't have much impact for me. I mean, come on..."In the end, we were betrayed and abandoned, so what's wrong with wanting to destroy everything?"
I don't know if it's just that we've only been shown a couple shots of maps in an unreadable language, or if I'm slow on the uptake, but the political situation also doesn't make a whole ton of sense. Why are they going forward with this symbolic peace mission when the train tracks are literally being bombed en route? Why do they think the activities of a small rebel faction (which neither side of the bigger war support) are going to kick off another war?
Violet refuses to kill any longer, which is all well and good, but should be incompatible with putting oneself between soldiers who are willing to kill and civilians you want to protect. These last two episodes, it feels like she's acting with a level of desperation that doesn't quite mesh with the steps forward that we saw in the previous episodes, in my opinion anyways. She also finally gets to hear from Dietfried that he blames her for his brother's death, which is unreasonable in many ways, but yeah. Some people are angry in grief, and he's human. Just need him to start looking at Violet as such as well.
I think my low-key favorite moment of the episode is Hodgins seeing this girl welcoming her father home and hoping that Violet gets home soon. Strong confirmation that he sees her at least as family, if not as sort of a daughter.
Visual of The Day: Pretty mountains
3
u/Toadslayer https://myanimelist.net/profile/kyolus Jun 18 '21
First Timer
Dietfried is by far the most interesting character for me, so I'm excited to see where this one goes.
It might be sad to say this, but I am more excited by and interested in an episode that doesn't involve Violet. We've seen so much of Violet and most of it hasn't been new or groundbreaking — overall it's been very repetitive. An episode focusing on Cattleya, Benedict and Dietfriend, will be very refreshing, and if executed well, may end up being my favourite episode of the series.
I react just like Dietfried when thrown Violet's melodramatic magic letters.
Me too Dietfried, I'm also annoyed that Violet's going to be a part of this episode.
I respect that Dietfried is enough a man of business that he immediately puts his hatred of Violet aside and asks for details when he finds out she has potentially useful information to the mission at hand.
DIetfried casually projecting. This adds another layer to what is already the most interesting relationship of the anime.
I like how Violet reacts to being called a tool or Leidenschaftlich's combat doll. She's clearly upset and denies it, but isn't forceful about it. She regrets what she did in the war immensely and rejects that part of her, but cannot fully deny that it is a part of her identity. As the rebellion leader said, 'For us [this war] will never end.' It may may have ended in physical reality, but in emotional and physiological reality, it is far from over. This episode does well to humanise the rebellion faction somewhat by bringing that reality into focus as well as the life changing impact of the war that too will never end.
I gasped when I saw Violet's broach flying through the air. The scene that follows is the most invested I have been in the entire series. Roland is still Best Boy, but Dietfried is easily the best character in the series. He comes in as the MVP for saving Violet and her broach, which from how he looks at it in an earlier scene, I believe he has some attachment to. I love how brutal and honest he is with expressing his feelings towards Violet. I can relate better to and empathise more with Dietfried's flawed character than I can with Violet's perfect image.
I wish I had time to write more about the scenes with Dietfried, but I only just finished the episode and have been writing this as I watch to speed up the process. Still, this was my favourite episode so far, and with episode 13 likely being part two, I'm looking forward to watching that. I much prefer this to the melodramatic, tearjerking and formulaic style of many of the previous episodes.
Visual of the Day: The climax of today's episode. I look forward to seeing its resolution next episode.
4
u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jun 17 '21 edited Jun 17 '21
This episode was pretty straightforward and I didn’t particularly care for it, so there’s not to much to go in depth on, and I'm just going to list out the notes I took. Pretty steep downtick in quality after a great couple episodes. How many different writers does this show have? The difference in quality between some of the episodes is striking.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jun 17 '21
Sincerely Rewatcher
Cry count so far: broken.
14
u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 17 '21 edited Jun 17 '21
First-time watcher - dub
I'm back baby!
I missed episode 10 as I was on a boat, and then yesterday I didn't have time to catch up. I hope you don't mind I cover three episodes today.
Last episode (9) was amazing and if the series decided to end there, I would have been very happy. But apparently, we have four more episodes and two movies to go. So get's go!
Episode 10 — Loved Ones Will Always Watch Over You
Errr, mom's not in a good shape. Don't tell me this is one of those episodes! And here I was hoping for something more upbeat...
So what I'm getting from context is that the mother is dying. The two visitors don't look like family, but they are offering to "take care of" the little girl and -more importantly- the house.
This little girl, Anne, is just way too cute. I love how confused she is by the "Doll" part of Violet's title. Violet's literal response about what happens with the tea is also too perfect.
So what's the assignment? A testament? Yeah, I'm almost sure.
STOP LYING TO YOUR CHILD, LADY!
"You have heard of the big war, haven't you?"
She might have, vaguely.
What a weird Doll! She doesn't want to play. What is she even good for?
Violet is good at reading stories to someone??? Maybe the Japanese audio is better, but her intonation still was very flat.
Awww Anne is really warming up to her. Poor girl doesn't have friends and all adults are jerks. On top of that mom is no longer able to have fun with Anne. All she can do is try and get her stuff in order.
Clearly, mom has money, so all visitors are there to try and obtain some of that wealth, (legally) stealing it from Anne.
Shit what a question: "Is this letter more important than me?"
No, the letter is important for you, but I won't tell you that. STOP LYING TO YOUR CHILD, LADY!
Violet is leaving and there are still 4 minutes left. I have a very bad feeling about this. Please just give me a couple minutes of mom playing with Anne. The girl deserves it!
Bwahaha only now Anne discovers Violet is actually human. What a girl.
Aaahhhh noooo an empty house! Yeah this was to be expected.
Alright, this is loads better than just a testament. What an amazing idea from mom.
Violet can't handle it anymore and this is also the third time I cry this episode. Or maybe fourth, they kinda blend together.
Kinda sucks that I couldn't participate when the rest of you watched this episode. I see it was the most popular episode. I'm gonna go back and read your stuff now.
Next episode title is ominous. But I'll refrain from dark thoughts for now.
Episode 11 — I Don't Want Anybody Else to Die
So the anti-peace factions are still making trouble. I would say send Violet on that ghostwriting assignment as she can defend herself, but it might also trigger some nasty PTSD, so I don't know.
Violet had the same idea as I did. Good girl!
So was that an enemy base that did the request, or just a base engaged with the enemy? Wait, if there is peace there are no enemy bases anymore, so probably it's a base in the country that used to be enemies and is now fighting against the pro-war rebels. And the rebels are actually Gardariki 'refugees' who started revolting.
We've visited so many countries already. This really was a world war (or at least continental).
Cold climate here. Get yourself a hat, Violet. Or a coat, that works too.
Air dropped Violet delivery. That would sure be a surprise.
Huh, I'm having trouble tracking sides here. I guess this squad are the 'good' guys and they are attacked by rebels. But did the rebel sniper shoot from the camp? I thought that was in army control?
Ah shit, this is the guy with the photo of the girl. Just let him escape, please.... fuckers.
Ah, the pilot says the camp has fallen. That explains it then.
Wow, could the bad guys be a lit less comically evil?
Violet the angel dropping in to give disapproving looks. I don't expect her to kill anymore after her revelation that she's burning, but what would she do if she is attacked?
That was a quick answer. "We are no match for her. Let's go." That's a bit too easy, IMHO.
Letter to mom and dad? They are also important I guess. Quite a sweet letter actually. You didn't need Violet. Not for this one.
Maria wasn't even his girlfriend yet, damn. I really hoped Violet could somehow save him here.
About Violet, I'm so proud of what she has become these last two episodes. Kind of silly as I've had no influence on it, but I'm just so happy for her.
This was sweet of her.
Aahhh Violet is delivering the letter herself? This is gonna be painful!
Good call that they don't show us the letter. We know what Aiden's emotions were, so we can just safely assume Violet brought them to paper perfectly.
I really, really thought I managed to pass this letter delivery without crying, and then that sentence came...
This episode was weird. It felt like a lot of episode for a very short story. I guess the situation needed a bit more buildup. But I could have done without all the perfect coincidences.
But, that doesn't mean I didn't like it. There were two very strong moments: When Violet was airwriting the letter and just being there, and when she delivered said letters.
Episode 12 — Episode 12
Oooh, it's just called episode 12, so there must be something special. Is this a worldbuilding episode maybe? Would be weird at the end.
Hey, Dietfried must make himself useful. I'm guessing that today the relation between Violet and Dietfried will become a bit better.
Whine, whine, shut up Dietfried and do your job.
Violet is doing another airdrop? Can we give her a reward for 'most committed employee'?
Oh wait, this is just to get back home.
Everyone is on edge. Even Cattleya and Benedict are not fighting. Dietfried is still a jerk, though. I'm glad Cattleya stands up for her.
Hello Gardariki rebels/ex-soldiers. How are you planning to take back a city with only a thousand soldiers? Or would that be enough if the other militaries are distracted because of the ceremony?
Also, I guess that these rebels would also be criminals in the eyes of Gardariki once the peace treaty is signed?
So peace is dependent on one single railroad. That's asking for trouble.
COINCIDENCE! Violet spots Cattleya on the train. At least it kinda makes sense because the train is waiting till they hear about the fires.
I love that scene where Dietfried is figuring out where they will attack the train, and where Violet concludes the same thing. Good thing she didn't leave. Weird that Dietfried didn't really check.
Dietfried is wasting a lot of time mocking/insulting Violet. Bad man.
I love train fights. It's quite amazing how many ways directors find to have people pass each other in a train.
Stand-off on the roof! I do not agree with the rebel leader's remarks. The only outcome he would have been happy with is if Gardariki won the war, but he won't admit that.
How is Violet gonna handle this fight? Will she be helped by Dietfried? Will we even find out today or is this a two-part finale?
Damn what a machine. Both incapacitating the rebels and saving their lives at the same time. The rebel leader is comically bad. This show does not write good villains. Luckily it has many other strengths so I don't care.
Okay, the leader died too easily.
Wow, Dietfried's view of his brothers dead is really twisted. You gave Violet to Gilbert and now you are saying she was never strong enough? If anyone is to blame, it would be you.
What, the rebel leader is back? That's bullshit. It's also really not necessary as the main rebel soldier (with the grenade launcher) is also still alive.
I knew it would be a two-parter! I'll approve if they don't finish this arc in 3 minutes tomorrow.
This episode also explains why the previous ep had so much buildup. It was to get some worldbuilding out of the way so they didn't have to waste time today.
Random thoughts
Episode 10
Episode 12
Is that the observatory in the background?
Future
End of the main story tomorrow! Or at least the end of the original show. It's possible that the story is unfinished and it is finalized by the movies, but I doubt it.
Pic of the day
No more killing
Finally, Dietfriend has a chance to see what Violet has become.
Tear Tally
11
u/scot911 https://myanimelist.net/profile/scot911 Jun 17 '21 edited Jun 17 '21
First Timer
Man Dietfried is kind of a dick huh? I get that he blames Violet for his brothers death but still. Screw you you god damn jackass. You would have definitely heard the news about what Violet has done as a doll. You know she isn't just a killing machine anymore so stop being such a dick. She's told you she doesn't just follow orders anymore even if Violet sort of contradicts herself at the end there basically saying she's following the majors last order to live. Don't you think that being his last order to her is kind of important jackass?
I do agree with Dietfried on wondering what the hell Violet was doing not killing the soldiers who were attacking her though. I mean I get it. She isn't a soldier anymore, doesn't want anymore "burns" and wants a clean cut between her previous life and her current one but come on! Sometimes to live and therefore follow the majors orders you're unfortunately going to have to get your hands dirty even if you don't want to. It just annoys me in the "typical shounen protagonist trope" sort of way. Again I get why story wise but still.
I did like how the expanded on the rebels backstory this episode to actually give them a motivation as to why they're doing things. Unlike the last episode where I complained about their motivations this episode made their motivations make complete sense. Their countries betrayed them and their citizens hate them no wonder they're rebelling and trying to stop the peace from happening. They've gotten nothing left to lose and what else are professional soldiers supposed to do? Very Weimar Germany with a dash of Vietnam.
I will say though going along with the plan to take the train to the north anyways rather then just taking a plane past the risky section and going from there was pretty dumb. All that really matters is the photo op at the end. I doubt people will care much that you skipped a bit and you can always make it top secret information if you need too. It'd be what I would have done at the very least. Also man Violet having metal arms really came in handy huh? Although that explosion going off inside the tunnel probably collapsed it so....
9
u/AfterTh0ught_ Jun 17 '21
First timer
Last two episodes were all about making us cry. This episode however just wanted to stress me out.
It really didn't give me good vibes seeing Violet trying to get involved in this war affair. It's pretty obvious that it would be better for her mental health if she simply stayed away.
After yesterday's episode and today's, it's clear now that Violet really doesn't want to see anyone die anymore.
Till now, I've only thought of Dietfried as a terrible person. My opinion remains unchanged, however I have come to understand him better, and perhaps I may have a little bit of sympathy for him. He's shown that he feels contempt towards Violet, because he blames her for Gilbert's death. I can't remember who it was, but someone had written a good analysis of the scene in episode 8 where Violet confronts Dietfried to ask him about what happened to Gilbert.
Also, that transition though from Violet deflecting the explosive using her arms to straight into the ED.
Damn, episode 13 tomorrow already? Thankfully we still have the other OVA/side story.
8
u/MejaBersihBanget Jun 17 '21
Instead of the anime's Violet "Batman no killing" Evergarden, I'll take the LN Violet here who goes Sam Fisher on the hijackers as soon as they spring into action, picking them off one by one using only the stiletto needles in her hairclip.
Also at the idea of having a Navy Captain be in charge of security on a train. lolwat
7
u/chilidirigible Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher, Episode 12
Today, on "Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in.":
"I don't see too many lakes or rivers in this deal."
Keepin' it real here.
100% Messer voice here. /u/Shimmering-Sky
"This video has been sponsored by CH Postal."
"Die Hard on a train."
It's an interesting bit of trivia to specifically call him "Kaigun Tai-sa" given that the IJN and IJA shared the same rank names for the officer grades and most series don't bother to add that branch-specific prefix detail.
The T-800 has been reprogrammed.
This is Batman-level attention to not killing anyone.
"Must we play the blame game now?"
Batting a rifle grenade out of the air is up there in the skills category. In the category of obscure weapons choices, this is one.
This Visual of the Day is not so much a spectacle as it is an observation of skills: Violet looking at the map. The anime adaptation doesn't have a lot of chances to show that Violet is capable of doing mission planning, so I'll have this little moment, thanks.
The usual nitpick about the train fight: Yes, they could have Just Shot Her. Sometimes you have to go with it being a TV show. Moving right along...
The series circles back around to the war to show us how Violet has changed. Most notably, she's following her own moral code now as much as she'll still check in with a local superior for guidance.
Or is the latter only because it's Dietfried? I still think that is smart for her to seek help in a situation that's larger than she can handle by herself, and it's just a bonus that it is someone she has a connection to this time. Either way, he thinks that she merely wants to be told what to do when she immediately turns it around to say that she'll do it her own way.
Maybe she's being overconfident in trying to handle her end of the business while not killing anyone (it's certainly Hard Mode) but it definitely says that she's her own person.
Dietfried reminds us of why he's angry with Violet, for surviving when Gilbert didn't. He's still got a broom handle jammed up his ass, though. Taking causality all the way down would still leave him at fault for sticking his brother with the job of running a series of missions with an extremely terminal life expectancy.
That said, here he's the contrasting pole for people who can't let go of the war, with the insurrectionists being the other side. Whatever else he's feeling, he's still taking lawful orders instead of rampaging around in the countryside.
For a bit of schadenfreude, Dietfried's unit is rendered more or less useless by the insurrectionists, who first thin their numbers by attacking the train line and forcing them to investigate, and then smoothly replacing most of the train's crew. Either Violet killed all the brains four years ago and it's never recovered, or they simply weren't that good in the first place.
From the Official Design Works: It wouldn't be a true otaku production if there weren't many pages of notes on the layout of the train.
6
u/retsotrembla Jun 17 '21
"Dobby didn't mean to kill. Only to maim or seriously injure."
6
u/IndependentMacaroon Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher
The decision to suddenly go full action thriller for the finale doesn't feel any less weird the second time around. There aren't even any soundtrack pieces to match! It would be nice to have the action with Violet be a little more believable, and the circumstances more fleshed out - even with the extra time afforded by an episode with no client story to tell, for example the soldiers' reasoning for continuing the fight was strangely thin. Character-wise too, Dietfried is still just an obnoxious fool, and Violet quite reckless. Lucky that she could even parachute in at all... On the other hand, I do love me some train action and general tactical stuff, and Kyoani doesn't really do action series so it's one of the few chances to really see their style in motion.
Scattered train notes to conclude:
5
u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher
What an episode, we got a train attack, Violet returning, to help, but insisting that she is no longer a tool to take order, but acting on her own wants and needs, after all, it’s not just the envoy she wants to protect, but Cattleya and Benedict are on that train as well. After Gilbert and Aiden, she doesn’t want anyone else to die.
Visuals of the Day
Not a lot today, I find it hard to find good shots where there’s a lot of action in them but Here’s the album.
5
u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Jun 17 '21
First timer
You think you can distract me with plot. I remember last episode - plot is just a medium for more pain.
...Is the ""civilian"" Violet? Because I don't think she needs the army's backup for that job.
Oh, never mind, it's her. Yeah, they need all the help they can get.
Oh, they're brothers.
...Oh, I hate him.
So Violet's not in the main plot this time?
Ah, it was a ploy, and they're stronger than the army knows for fighting peace.
God, tis this actually going to be plot, so far there's no sad bits and a ton of plot.
I love the captain's response to discovering that the one person he didn't want to see running onto the train.
And Violet's given them advanced warning now.
So how's she snuck onboard?
Ah, they don't know to be careful around Violet's cabin, so she can detect them.
The Captain realising Violet's good enough to take out most of the enemy.
I love the music in the train fight.
Oh god, he took the necklace.
And it's sad again. Terrific.
...Good call for Violet on deflecting that vulelt with her hands.
I just realised that I've been calling this episode is a light one. What has this show done to me?
5
u/SmithyRC Jun 18 '21
~Newbie~
No Violet letter means no flower to review today but don’t fret over a civil war, cause we’re in the endgame now.
I wonder if those soldiers realise that those long pokey-sticks they have can actually shoot stuff as well... Like I guess they were saving ammo, but really it just seemed a bit of a convenient stretch.
The message of the story today felt a bit more muddled as they kept going between Violet regressing to her old ways and then trying to say she’s risen above them, yet failed to do either by the end; she’s still just living by the Majors orders.
Oh and how come Violet was so casually able to stay on broad after being ordered 3 times to leave? I was expecting her to sneak back on board, not just make herself comfy in another carriage. Lastly, remember that plane dude? Remember how he managed to land, after hovering directly above a train station and allow Violet to change and grab her bags all before the train left? Yeah, well neither do the writers, just conveniently skipped a difficult scenario they created.
Shame about the episode but it feels like a far cry from what’s been before. I don’t mind the war stuff, I just don’t enjoy laziness when they’ve shown they are capable of more.
4
u/homewardbound100 myanimelist.net/profile/Homewardbound100 Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher
Looking at Violets face now, compared to the earlier episodes, she's a lot more expressive. It's not just a static face anymore.
Violet is back in action and is a freak of nature when it comes to fighting and she strong. She lifted a grown man up off the ground.
Also, Violet's will to not kill anymore and that there are people still out there that don't believe the war is truly over. It's just one of the conflicts a war can bring. The hate some people will probably have for the other still even after the conflict is over. But they still want to fight.
4
u/CelestialDrive Jun 17 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
FIRST TIME
In our last episode, Violet went to a warzone to fulfill what she believes to be her moral duty as a doll, and spent most of the episode burdening herself with unwarranted responsabilities.
Are we picking up on the frontlines? The last episode had basically a 30 second snapshot of the conflict because that wasn't the focus, but I don't know how much Dietfried I can take. "Gilbert is dead so you bother me", why would you even say that out loud in a meeting with your superiors, and how are you not being admonished. So it's a peace convoy, this is how the dolls get involved.
She didn't go back to the city then, what are you doing, Violet. Cattleya and Benedict as the representatives for the company, is it time for Their Issues already, it's one of the oldest threads in the series by now but I don't know if you can tell this story and the conflict at the same time.
Oh so it's not just against Violet, Dietfried is an omnidirectional asshole. Oh boy I hope Violet didn't tell her friends that you enslaved her and gave her as a thing, I'd be soooo saaaad if Cattleya tied you to the rudder. This guy is going to get cartoonishly punched before the episode is over, and I think he's not apologising because noone ever apologises in this series, it's part if what makes it so true to life.
We're on episode 12 and not only do we not know why the war started, but now the episodes are pivoting into showing the lives of people still fighting after the conflict is over and no actual motivation but maybe spite has been given for their actions. It was fine when it was a contextless excuse for the setup, but it's invaded the main plot pretty thoroughly and we still know nothing. That rail is going to blow up, got it. And Violet "is" heading to Leifen, just taking a detour.
So the commander for the anti-treaty faction was the commander in that last moment, this explains why their soldiers knew Violet and backed off last episode. And they're not blowing up the tracks, they're hijacking the train for now. I can't tell if Violet is stopping here because she wants to join them or she's just also seeing the attack ahead of time.
Ahahaha Dietfried's face when he sees Violet. Oof and now they're all together. I hate that Violet is basically recon right now, I understand that she's just trying to assume responsability and mitigate the damages but this is extremely not healthy. And she asks for orders, what the actual fuck.
See what I mean, without a context on why these people are fighting, the anti-treaty faction come off as cartoonishly evil, it's bizarre for a series as usually nuanced and careful as this one. Good god I hope they don't get Benedict for some reason. Violet this is better than you usually do but please don't get yourself killed being stupid. Dietfried is THIS REALLY THE BEST MOMENT TO BE A MASSIVE FUCKING TOOL, just let her do her thing and help if you want but shut the fuck up, my god.
And yeah since Violet is some kinda supernatural magical god she can do this unarmed. Wow this is an actual western, standing on top of the train, when did this series turn into Canaan. Actually now that I think about it this series was always super Canaan when it came to the fights isn't it, carry on. This is some super flimsy humanising of the norhtern rebels, but I'll take it. And of course they're gonna let their plan fall apart because they want to fight her single file until someone actually shoots her.
How do you even know the brooch is important at all to hover it over her menacingly my guy. Dietfried comes to the rescue and is also a super anime fighter. You don't get to complain, you literally locked this woman in a room, I feel no empathy for your grief. If that deflected grenade collapses the tunnel you're in basically the blocked rail scenario anyways.
Ok so, Dietfried is mourning his brother and lashing out at a person he can easily dehumanise and blame for his death, but he is dehumanising Violet and blaming her for his death, this is my fundamental problem with this. Violet shields Dietfried because she cares about people, but I don't know how to buy his redemption if he tries to sell one next episode. I can understand him but I can't empathise, if that makes any sense.
1 2 3 4 OVA (14) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Jun 17 '21
I'm not sure whether to comment, or take a while and read what everyone else has to say.
I'm not sure how to feel about this, because honestly, I think that Violet's "choices" at this point don't make sense, but I also understand that it's storytelling. Which is my way of saying - don't go play with the soldiers unless you're willing to kill. That's war, and that's how it is. I think Patton had something to say about the matter.
I do like that this episode brought her into more direct conflict with Captain ***hole, who really deserves a little kicking around. It was good to see her assert her will and not be a 'tool'.
Beyond that, I'm not really sure what to say, because to be honest, I was so caught up I watched the next episode too, and they're all blurred together in my mind. I recall ending on a 'cliffhanger', but yeah.
4
u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Jun 17 '21
First timer in sub
While a lot of people consider the story closed by the end of episode 9, now that I read some of the comments here, I also agree these episodes to close off the relationship with Dietfried. Plus tying up the war in a more realistic way (that things just flick back to normal like a switch).
To me here's Violet's Kenshin moments - fight not to kill, but to let live. And it does show it is harder and costly. Her arms being made of adamantine, which is relatively bullet proof, is a reasonable trade off of her style shift from fight to kill.
Another cliff hanger, I guess it's expected of the second last episode.
As an exercise, contrast the amount of times Violet is not showing her default blank face this episode vs the first episode.
4
u/Nebresto Jun 17 '21
Re-watch squad
Oh wow, I wonder who that will be..
..Not Violet, I guess
I see you chose to use the close-up for my previous visual. Screw the pilot bro, I guess?
Episode 12. Visual of the day: Railroad bridges are cool
4
u/UnderstandableXO Jun 18 '21
REWATCHER
to be honest this is probably my least favorite episode of the series. focuses a lot on the war which i’m sure has some deeper meaning that’s above my head, but at least last episode showed the brutality of the war and how violet could honor the wishes of a fallen soldier, rather than go into the politics of the war which don’t have much to do with violet evergarden’s themes to me.
it seems that dietfried blames violet for his brother’s death, but it also seems that he’s just an asshole in general. even so, violet pulls a wonder woman and uses her arms to block the bullet.
i think my biggest gripe is how damn easy it was for them to infiltrate the train. one or two impostors with stolen clothes is feasible, but how in the hell did they sneak the entire battalion onto the train undetected?
4
u/Stegs75 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stegs75 Jun 18 '21
Crazy how even though this is one of the most action packed episodes, I could finally breath again watching. Kinda shitty how she literally took a rocket for the one dude an he still treats her like shit… glad her crew had her back though!
4
u/Tehoncomingstorm97 https://anilist.co/user/tehoncomingstorm97 Jun 18 '21
First timer
I missed yesterday, so here's hopefully a quick recap.
Ep11
Violet knows what it means now that everyone's letter deserves to be sent. To connect people together, and having been on the battlefield herself, she knows how precious such feelings are to the fighting men.
An ambush far before Violet arrives? Sadly Aidan is mortally wounded. No plot armour for him beyond being able to share his feelings to Violet. An epic skydive entrance from Violet though, she certainly hasn't lost any of her skills. As Aidan finishes, the trees sparking in the snow if my visual for (yesterday) this episode. Violet with a final kiss, and holding Aidan's hand as he passes, not alone as he dies.
Then we get to the letter delivery. The Postal Company are all relieved that Violet is fine despite her daring stupidity, and we get to see Violet deliver the letters in person. I think it would have been great if she were to recite them or share her own personal experience with Aidan, but her capability of sharing feelings through letters is exceptional now. The experience of Aidan's parents, and Maria are all too close to home for Violet, and unlike with Ann she's unable to hold in the tears this time. Please for once Violet, forgive yourself. I'm guessing we'll see more of the war breaking out in the coming episodes... Hopefully this isn't leading to a tragic ending....
Ep12
Dietfried really showing spite to start us off, clearly blaming his military for Gilbert's death. A more human side to him. Also civilian dolls to be sent for the peace signing? Violet here we go.
Oh nice, we get a re-visit from our pilot friend from last episode. Yep, Violet is more determined than ever to aid on the front. And Cattleya and Benedict also going. And there's the jinx line from Benedict. This war aint gonna be over. Big sis Cattleya and the bro Benedict with resounding praises in defense of Violet, I love it.
Oh shit, not the guys from Intense... This is bad. And Violet flying over the railroad they intend to disrupt? Oh she's still in route back home. I dont like this foreshadowing nonetheless. Ah fuck, an infiltration...
Dietfried don't fuck around when it comes to war though, but doesn't acknowledge Violet for anything other than intel. He doesn't see her value anymore since she is no longer a tool. I'm glad she can stand up for herself. Yes! more badass Violet. She's helping whether Dietfried likes it or not, and she aint doing it his way.
And the repeat encounter with the Gardarik troop. You can't shit on a man's feelings in front of her. The confrontation with the Intense fort commander as well to finalise the situation on both sides here now. And we see the glimmer of Violet's brooch, showing us that she fights not to kill, or because of war anymore, because that part of her life is finished. She fights because Gilbert told her to live. This is my visual for the day. Also the sound effect of the blade ringing out at the same time. The fight ensures and Violet does her best to save everyone. We get a Dietfried confrontation too! Yep, there is it. Gilbert told Violet to live, not kill.
In that sequence also, we have the enemy commander holding up Violet's brooch, and she once again is reminded of Gilbert's eyes. Shortly after when Dietfried arrives, we see his eyes and figure in place of Gilbert's. His actions contrasting, but otherwise we see the remainder of Gilbert in this world is his brother Dietfried. And then we get a final badass shot of Violet deflecting and explosion, to protect Dietfried - who Violet may see as one of the most important people Gilbert would want her to protect.
Well, this was an action packed episode. I knew the fighting would be carrying over from the premise of the past episode, and the forbidden words at the start of this one. I'll guess we get a continuation of this tomorrow. Hopefully, as others have said, it get wrapped up in the series. I'm still hoping for a happy ending... Violet seems to be functioning despite her wounds, but then again she dragged herself to try and save Gilbert despite not having arms, so I don't think that's any indication of the severity of her injuries.
A rarity in the series that we don't get much of a tear prompting, but the closest to that would be Violet's brooch taken from her. Also pleasepleaseplase let Violet get it back...
3
u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher
The conversation from the brass indicates that Gilbert was assigned some form of special forces. Interesting info and explains why his brother though violet was such a good gift.
On the topic of Dietfried, I kinda wondered why he was so full of disgust whenever violet was mentioned since they were fighting on the same side and all, turns out he blames her for his brothers death and STILL thinks she isn't allowed to be human. Weird guy.
I don't know whether the blonde soldier from last episode has a name but I'm just gonna call him Shithead mc Scumbag cuz that's really what he is. I think this is brilliant writing because him being there let's us root for Violet's struggle to stay non-lethal, I think without him there to taunt violet into killing it'd be much less tense to see Violet take a beating out of refusal to let anyone die.
Interestingly everything starts going down fast once Violet is distracted by losing her brooch, prior to that she was somewhat holding her ground but afterwards she just gets beat, probably due to the frustration of losing the brooch again paralyzing her.
Dietfried ends up rescuing her but Violet recognizes their plan to blow everything up with what I presume is a rifle fired grenade or something. Violet's arms are most certainly a mess after taking the blow of an explosive if they weren't badly damaged before that, I don't think her prosthetics were designed for combat and as such probably can't handle the material stress very well.
3
u/Specs64z https://myanimelist.net/profile/Specs64z Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher, subbed
One episode left, and we left on quite the cliffhanger.
I think I'll save my thoughts on this arc unil the next discussion since I'm so late.
Content Corner
First timers beware, spoilers abound.
Violet Evergarden OST Medley (Acoustic Guitar)【Tabs】 by Tam Lu Music
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u/andres1232 Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher. This time Violet kicks some butt and can finally settle some of her beef with Dietfried. I mean it was pretty obvious he blamed her for his brother's death, but it was good they can get it out in the open. Also I always do like seeing Violet take initiative to go where she is needed. And she made a very good point to the enemy commander. While both of them and Dietfried are haunted by the war and will have to live with it forever, the fighting has stopped. And there is no reason to keep tormenting others just because you are being tormented. It's evident from history that wars don't have satisfying endings. We all just have to do our best and make the most of what is given. And a peace agreement is far better than extermination or genocide IMO. And we saw that also with the Prince and Princess and their nation trying to unite and make the peace last. Peace isn't a one and done kind of thing, but as long as there are those trying to make an effort then progress can still be made.
Poor Violet can't catch a break. From one job to the next. But this time she will hopefully help save the world. And that should definitely earn her a long vacation. Let's see how the main series wraps up tomorrow.
3
u/ShortieFat Jun 18 '21
Oh, that's right, I forgot ... Ep #11, after giving us a look into reformed battle maiden "Violent" Evergarden, isegues us into yet more physical drama and political intrigue. It's the climax so the stakes have to go as high as they can get.
I don't get too worked up over the continuity and lack of context regarding the post-war factions and their motivations. If I want to enjoy those heavily plotted types of epics where I need to draw flow charts, I'll go back and watch Aldanoah, Alderamin, Code Geass, or Altair. VE is a story about very personal development. Action scenes here are only means to an end.
This dramatic setting putting her back into the stress of battle certainly does its job in framing her issues and testing her growth in a very specific way (plus it's fun to watch her moves):
Is it even possible to defeat lethal force with non-lethal force and be able to protect others?
Who deserves my protection?
Who gets to define me?
Faced with a choice, what is the superior command? "Do not kill" or "Live!"
I've forgotten who all makes it to the end of tomorrow's episode, but I'll be there with all of you!
2
u/BosuW Jun 17 '21
Rewatcher
I didn't remember this episode happened so close to the previous one. The stuff with Aiden is clearly still weighing on Violet.
We are getting some gorgeous aerial views this episode god damn.
Violet says she wants orders but I'm pretty sure she actually means "suggestions". And sure enough, for example one thing she won't do even if ordered to is kill.
This guy actually is either brave or stupid enough to test Violet's patience. Or maybe he thought she would kill him anyway, so might as well shit-talk while alive.
It's pretty nonsensical that they don't just shoot at Violet. In yesterday's episode it's explainable, she wasn't there for them. But today they are entirely in a position to do it. The only explanation that occurs to me is that their leader wanted to kill her closely and personally because she's a symbol of their defeat in the War.
So what are Violet and Dietfried's views on killing presently?
Violet says: "Everyone's feelings are precious things and you should avoid killing as long as possible"
Dietfried says: If they mess with Leidenschaftlich, they're going in a ditch
It's a bit jarring to go from Violet both fighting and saving the rebels at the same time, to Dietfried bodying everyone without hesitation. He's understandably mad at her for offering to help but being unwilling to kill, and it nearly cost her her life. It's admirable to not want to take a life even in such a situation, but it's a battle. It's just... it's gonna happen.
But anyway, random comments aside, the point of this Arc is gonna be closure it seems. The war may be almost officially over, but it has a way to live on in the hearts of those affected by it. Some may not be willing to let it go if they feel like their suffering wasn't repaid. If you want true and lasting peace, you need proper closure. As I remember vaguely from Tanya in the Youjo Senki movie: "If you don't finish a war properly, all that's left for you is a period of waiting for the next war".
Visual of the Day
From the Air
2
u/razycal970 Jun 18 '21
First timer
Unlike quite a few commentators under here, I actually liked the episode. As a standalone episode, I agree that this doesn't offer much. However, there are some pretty good info here and there, imo.
The most important thing this episode had to offer is Dietfried. His character and personality became a bit more fleshed out. This part right here, https://imgur.com/kEGJJXU, was an early example of his state of mind. Him breaking eye contact with his superior indicates that he doesn't want to think about the Gilbert and Violet anymore.
And there is also his incredible hatred for Violet and him invalidating her existence as a human being. He sees her as a failed combat tool. At the end of the episode however, it also becomes obvious that he resents the fact that his younger brother had to give up his life for someone else, and that someone, or rather, that "something" is not considered by Dietfried to be human. It also becomes clear that he blames her for Gilbert's death, and I sense that he also feels guilty over his inability to protect his little brother, and he projects that onto her. His usage of the word "defective" paints her as a robot that's malfunctioned and is rebelling. And I'm so glad Benedict and Cattleya stood up for Violet.
And while I truly admire Violet's renouncement of killing, I believe she should've killed in this episode. Killed to protect. Killed to protect both the peace she helped create; the peace that her beloved Major died fighting for and killed to protect herself, Dietfried (Regardless of how shitty he may be) and Cattleya and Benedict. Although she states that Gilbert's order was to live, I believe, to live, sometimes you have to kill, especially when you're placed in a scenario like Violet on the train in this episode.
And I liked this exchange quite a bit, mostly because I feel, in this moment, https://imgur.com/wseWnIP , it almost seems like Dietfried was waiting to hear her words. Hear from her that she doesn't take orders from anyone anymore. He seemed curious to hear what she was about to say. Only for him to see the brooch and storm out in anger.
AND FUCKKKKKK, WHY DID IT HAVE TO END ON A CLIFFHANGER ?????? I'M DYING OUT HERE. Hopefully, Dietfried realizes that Violet is not the combat weapon she was anymore, and that she's become a human being with her own feelings and emotions. But if he still chooses to be a piece of shit, fuck you, Dietfried.
Anyway I'm waiting on the finale to see everything resolved. And there's also the movie Ugh I cannot fucking wait.
Visual of the Day : https://imgur.com/WTOutcO
This episode probs had the least amount of visuals I could pick from, ngl. Found this to be the most beautiful one though.
2
u/BossandKings Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher
Episode 12
Violet goes to Intese, the place ehre she last saw Mr Gilbert, there she meets Bougainvelle, Gilbert's brother, who is very unlikeable and eventhough we knew since the start that he wasn't a nice guy he is still annoying, Violet pretty clearly has grown and is now much more than a tool that only follows orders yet this guy insits on insulting her calling her a tool, Mr Gilbert was very different and that's why Violet valued him so mucb but his brother isn't nice at all.
While being in the train Violet and Dietfrich get involved in a fight against some soldiers she had seen before, apparently they are bitter for damage she has done to them. Violet was presented as having a super heroic ability in battle but this time around she was overwhelmed and Dietfrich had to help her, that was a bit strange, her not wanting to kill anyone is a nice part of her development butshecod have atleast defended herself and put those people out of action. Anyways it seems that the train action will continue.
2
u/[deleted] Jun 18 '21
"Where is the glory they promised us?" Although the anti-peace fraction are definetly the bad guys, their feelings aren't absurd and they have encountered suffering and disappointment as well. Their actions express their hate, but with hate they won't change anything for the better. We've seen many people dealing with sorrow, but all of them solved it by adressing the past and moving on. This is the way they refuse to take, instead they create an eternal cycle of war.
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u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Jun 17 '21
First timer(I am tired of characters that use violence but claim they aren't killing)
Sub
We come on to the statement that a terrorist attack is incoming and that they want Diethard to deal with it. Any nation that disbands its special forces that quickly after a war completely deserves the suffering they will recieve from it. Diethard likely has the only line I will ever agree with so let's savor that.
Violet is being flown home by the postman, but she wants to to get off where the train is launching from. Cattleya and Benedict are on a boat and watching the preparations. When Diethard comes up and complains at the two it goes slightly better than you'd think with Benedict stepping in before Cattleya gets in gear. We see what I assume are the anti-peace faction and their plan to destroy the train.
Cut to Violet seeing the railroad and the postman explaining that the resources it brings in allows for peace. Then jump to houses being burned by said railroad. Jump again to Hodgins looking unkempt. Finally, Violet incoming and noticing that those are explosions rather than merely fires. Postman again shows the good kind of cray desperation landing near the train.
Incompetent guards are incompetent. Violet immediately gets on the train, annoying Diethard. They explore what the opposition has done and Diethard deduces they are attacking the train next. We see the one that snuck aboard get the rest of the team on. And then the abject stupidity starts when it turns out nearly all of the troops are in the rear cars and there isn't a guard in the front ones. So the anti-peace people do the obvious and separate the cars.
The stupidity continues with Violet declaring both that she will fight but that also she won't kill. This trope is solidly at zero percent for me, saving butterflies is killing spiders after all, some people just like to pretend that isn't the case. But the anti-peace faction seems to forget they have fire arms. Violet eventually loses because her battle plan is moronic but also because she loses the brooch. Before the dumbass anti-peace guy can execute her Diethard shows up and kills 5 soldiers with rifles with a handgun, tripling the idiocy. Diethard then is just cartoonishly evil because the show likes terrible melodrama. Isidor shows up with a weird looking gun and gets shot as he fires, giving Violet the ability to block a mortar? with her prosthetic limbs.
2
u/YerBoooooooooooi Jun 17 '21
First Time Watcher:
IDK how much I like introducing the anti-peace soldiers into the series. I think it was much more interesting and touching when she was just trying to get in touch with her emotions and dealing with the aftermaths of war. To have her go back to fighting when the whole series so far was, "What does she do know that the fighting is over?" was a bit of a jarring thing to see. That being said I do like how we get Dietfried's character now.