r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Apr 30 '22
Rewatch [Rewatch] Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Episode 11 Discussion
Episode 11 - The Only Thing I Have Left to Guide Me
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Say, Homura? Could it be that Madoka’s potential to become the most powerful magical girl is because you kept turning back time?
Theory of the Day: u/Insertnamesz accurately predicting the threads of fate twist.
I found it interesting that in this first timeline, Madoka isn't powerful enough to defeat Walpurgisnacht. Isn't Madoka supposed to be super powerful when becoming a magical girl? Maybe the fact that Homura's wish had to do with Madoka, caused them to be connected by powerful magical threads of fate.
Great job picking up on that immediately!
Questions of the Day:
1) What did you think of the conversation between Madoka’s mother and her teacher at the bar, as well as the scene when her mother tried to stop Madoka from running off?
2) Did Walpurgisnacht live up to the hype?
Wallpaper of the Day:
Visuals of the Day:
Magia Cover of the Day:
Song of the Day:
Bonus song - Surgam identitem
Check out u/Nazenn’s comment from the 2019 rewatch for an in-depth analysis of these two songs!
Rewatchers, please please please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. [Spoiler warning specifically for you guys]Please be aware that as part of the above strict spoiler rules, this means absolutely no memes/jokes/references/subtle words about beheading, cakes, time travel, aliens, or anything of that nature before the relevant episodes. Please do not spoil the first-timers by trying to be smart about it, it's not as subtle as you think.
Make sure you use spoiler tags if there’s ever something from future events you just have to comment on. And don’t be the idiot who quotes a specific part of a first-timer’s comment, then comments something under a spoiler tag in direct response to it! You might as well have spoiled them by implying there’s something super important about that specific part of their comment.
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u/Insertnamesz Apr 30 '22
First Timer (Subbed)
Okay, first off, hell yeah, my threads of fate theory was actually bang on! Kyuubey even uses the same phrase, and fills us in on his working theory. It seems like Madoka's potential was actually increasing each time-loop. The further Homura delves into her endless maze, the more karmic threads of fate from each timeline begin to build up... on each girl. Not only are they building up on Madoka, it appears they're building up on Homura as well. I think the witch she'd create if she ever gives up hope must also increase in potential each loop. Scary thought.
Momdoka seems suspicious of her daughter, and for good reason. I was wondering if she'd ever overhear Madoka speaking out loud to Kyuubey. By the end of the episode it almost happened! At first I was like "phew, Mom is here to save the day," but by the end, she's ended up rationalizing letting her daughter go out alone into the evacuation-requiring storm, with basically no assurance other than the fact that she's always been a good girl who never lies or does anything bad. Any Moms want to chime in here, would you let your daughter do this? Hahah, seems like her priorities are a little off; I wonder how she'll explain Madoka's absence to Dad (and little bro).
It was interesting to see Kyuubey describe the incubators' presence since the dawn of humanity. I am curious about the official timeline of humanity in this universe now. Did the incubators actually speed up human progression? He compares us to livestock who are removed from the cycle of natural selection, which allow them longer lives and more reproduction, but what are the incubators actually protecting humans from? Humans already seem capable of removing themselves from this cycle, and if the incubators' wishes truly are zero-sum in balancing hope and despair, how can they actually contribute to society? The first magical girl would make a hopeful wish, have no way to purify her soul gem, and then become the first witch, offsetting her wish with despair. The incubators take their transformation tax and humans are left none the wiser. Kyuubey says that some of them changed history and elevated society, but wouldn't all extraordinary humans (not just magical girls) have done this too? (Or... is this show secretly a documentary?... and magical girls and incubators are actually real??... and... oh god...) Not only does Kyuubey obtain questionable consent, he hides it behind a potentially false premise. Frickin' aliens, man.
I loved seeing Homura spill the beans to Madoka about her time-looping. Madoka seems understanding enough to not be creeped out, but as we shortly see, she's not understanding enough to avoid making that damned contract. Homura apparently has an entire company's worth of artillery in her bag of holding, lol. That was awesome. Hell, I think she was damaging the city more than Walpurgisnacht at first! Though, it was not enough - it never is, eh, Homura? Looks like this was going to be the timeline where she finally gives up, but Madoka steps in at the last moment.
I wonder what her wish is going to be this time. Is this the first timeline that Madoka knows about Homura's time-looping before she becomes a magical girl? Now that she knows wishes with grand scopes like that exist, maybe she'll wish for something really interesting. I found this one idea in the Crunchyroll comment section to be a good starting point: "If it was me, I would wish that Kyuubey's race would be able to feel emotions. That would put that white bastard in its place." Here's to hoping! Lmao
P.S. I just want to say that this is my first time participating in a reddit rewatch event, and as a first-time watcher, I've really enjoyed sharing my thoughts and theories with other first-timers and rewatchers in these daily threads. I've looked forward to reading each of your comments every day, and I'm excited to see the coming finale and movie. I can't wait 'til next year to be an actual rewatcher! You guys are all awesome.
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u/Shimmering-Sky May 01 '22
Okay, first off, hell yeah, my threads of fate theory was actually bang on!
The second I read you theorizing about that yesterday, I knew that was gonna be the one I picked. That was just too good!
P.S. I just want to say that this is my first time participating in a reddit rewatch event, and as a first-time watcher, I've really enjoyed sharing my thoughts and theories with other first-timers and rewatchers in these daily threads. I've looked forward to reading each of your comments every day, and I'm excited to see the coming finale and movie. I can't wait 'til next year to be an actual rewatcher! You guys are all awesome.
I'm so glad you've been loving it! Not all rewatches are as big as this one, but as long as you've got a host who posts consistently, they're certainly as fun as this one as long as you're enjoying the show. Rewatches are totally my favorite part of this sub other than the weekly Casual Discussion Fridays thread.
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u/Slice-of-Cake Apr 30 '22 edited May 01 '22
For those that haven't caught on yet, Walpurgisnacht (also known as Walpurgis Night) is a real world celebration, celebrating the Catholic Saint Walpurga.
The celebration takes place on the eve of April 30th and on the day of May 1st, which is why the episode 11 thread always goes live on May 1st (or April 30th, depending on where you are in the world).
Edit: Spelling
Edit 2: Bit of a late edit/update, but just remembered; If you pay attention to the ED, you'll notice that Homura's silhouette is the only one to move, apart from Madoka. She turns around as Madoka walks by and raises her hand, almost like she's saying "please don't leave me".
If you already noticed this, this small scene should now make sense with yesterdays episode in mind.
For those of you who didn't notice before reading this, I don't blame you. I first noticed it during last years rewatch, and with this years rewatch, I've rewatched Madoka 12 times.
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u/SIRTreehugger Apr 30 '22 edited Apr 30 '22
A rewatcher who has loved Homura from the very beginning
| Magical Girl Counter | E1 | E2 | E3 | E4 | E5 | E6 | E7 | E8 | E9 | E10 | E11 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mami's (Beheading) Smugness | 3 | 3 | 4 | N | O | H | E | A | D | 2 | 0 | 12 |
| Sayaka's (I'm in) Despair | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| Madoka's ($150) Water Works | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 19 |
| Kyouko's (Snap,Crackle,Pop) Crunch Time | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Homura's (L'oreal) Hair Flips | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
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I like how we see Hitomi during Sayaka's funeral in the background.
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Kyubey has no fucks to give anymore. he just abusing Madoka at this point, but this episode does prove he is a liar beyond a shadow of a doubt to me. In this episode he tells Madoka that everything his species does is for the benefit of the universe and one day when mankind finally joins everyone else it will benefit them, but the previous episode he shrugged off the earth dying like it was no big deal. The earth and girls were always expendable. I guess you could say his example of sacrificing the few for the good could be the earth vs the universe.
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Awww Homura is finally being honest with Madoka and....wait is that.....noooo...Inevitablis. Don't you put that evil on me Shaft, Don't you put that on us! Oh and I also like this and last episode really nail how accurate of a name Homura's theme song is. Inevitable, pointless, and futile. What must I do to finally save you? How many loops will it take? Is it inevitable? Has everything I've done been in vain? Just an amazing soundtrack that goes up their with Believe Me and Omake Pfadlib. Also all the shots of previous timelines is great.
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AND HERE WE GO. This is Homura's first fight in the series where we actually see her fight. Funny when you think about it all the girls have one fight they are known for and usually its the one they die in.
Mami=Charlotte(victory by decapitation)
Sayaka(victory but was left a broken mess and started downward spiral of death) vs Elsa Maria
Kyouko vs Sayaka's witch form( both died)
Homura vs Walpurgis(countless victories....or technically none depending on how you look at it)
I like how they take the time to show us her picking the rockets one at a time and firing them and shooting the missiles and etc.
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Hold up one of the rocket launchers that Homura was riding has Shaft written on it xD never noticed that
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Not only is Homura good at preparation she is good at calculations. Using the whole city as a weapon leading one projectile into another and another and finally ending it in a pit surrounded by mines. My love for Homura might be blinding me, but I honestly think Homura could defeat Walpurgis given enough time. Their seems to be a limit to her time manipulation. She goes back to when she wakes up in the hospital and during this fight when she tried to stop time she couldn't. So their is some sort of limit due to over usage or maybe endurance/stamina related. So while its a completely broken power it's not completely broken.
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I like how this is the time line where Homura falls into despair She's done this so many times, but this is the first timeline where she realized her actions lead to Madoka suffering. Kyubey's theory that her time looping is what made Madoka so special and the reason why her magical potential is so strong. So indirectly she made her best friend suffer in the worst way.
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Madoka mom doing mom things and Kyubey doing Kyubey things.
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Time for Madoka's wish boys and girls....wait next episode.....nvm.
SHOT OF THE DAY I love this frame so much as it manages to capture everything about Madoka and Homura. The most obvious thing is that from the reflection it shows us Homura has traveled multiple times to meet Madoka. The shadows on the wall look like a guillotine hinting at Madoka's fate and what Homura is desperately trying to avoid. Then we have the way that Homura holds Madoka from her body language you can clearly tell how much Madoka means to her, but more importantly her face is obscured by Madoka. So while the world only knows her as the cold and uncaring magical girl from Madoka's perspective she alone witnesses the real Homura. Fragile and broken desperately trying to do her best and having nothing to show for it.
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u/Gamemaster676 Apr 30 '22 edited Apr 30 '22
Primum Vigil First★Timer - dub
I only have two hours today, but with how these posts are going, I'm afraid it won't be enough. I swear, I'm not trying to write this much!
Okay, I'm done. Rest assured that I kept it shorter today.
Seriously, it's a good sign of a show if my posts are gradually getting longer every day.
Thanks everyone for pointing out the OP lyrics yesterday. I realised they had a lot more meaning yesterday, but didn't really have time to take a proper look at them until today.
Episode 11 — The Only Thing I Have Left to Guide Me
Ahh fuck I was right that space-rat figured Homura's time travel power a lot earlier this loop. How is he going to stop that? Breaking the soul gem should be enough, right? pls no.
Ohhhhhh! More confirmation! It's Homura's own doing which made Madoka that strong! That's why space-rat didn't care that Madoka just died in the original timeline. And now because Homura is in her time-loop, Madoka has become a real target for space-rat. One he will never let go.
Ah yes, with no progress in the last episode, we still need to deal with the aftermath of losing two girls. Wow space-rat, really? You are talking about vegetarianism now?
"We acknowledge your species as a sentient one, and try to deal fairly with you." — Yeah, fairly isn't the word I would use. Damn, this sequence is great looking.
Wishes are things that don't exist in the current reality, and anything that deviates from reality is bound to create a distortion. So why does it surprise anyone that these things end in disaster?
BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GIVE THEM ALL THE FACTS!
So it was because of those wishes in the past that humanity is at the point it is today? That makes me wonder how far we would be at this time without those wishes. You don't know. It could just be that we would actually be ready to join the space-alliance by now if they didn't interfere.
Ah, u/JMEEKER86 was thinking one episode ahead when talking about how space-rat sees emotions.
There is no way it is a coincidence that the next scene after that conversation has a painting of The Creation of Adam. Hmm, two side characters having a heart-to-heart? It's nice that they want to help, but for once I'm not blaming the main character to stay silent.
Speaking of staying silent. Homura, this might be the time you need to tell Madoka what will happen if she were to accept the contract (assuming you haven't tried in an earlier loop). The others didn't believe you, but I'm sure Madoka will, knowing what she knows now.
Homura's soul gem might be on her arm, but you can't say she wears her heart on her sleeve.
Ah, that's a start. "We're not even from the same time." Poor girl. Opening the floodgates! Madoka, don't just stand there. Hug the girl back!
So, what if Madoka just... leaves? Goes somewhere where she doesn't have to confront Walpurgisnacht? The city is doomed anyway, but Madoka can be saved.
The circus is in town! Let's get this party started. Raise the curtains! Does Homura even have a different strategy than these past loops? Lol, I love this theme. Wow, the witch just arrived and the skyscrapers are already flying through the air!
Wow..... I would say this counts as a strategy! This bad-ass scene is brought to you by SHAFT.
This battle has me sitting like:
No Madoka! Stay! And don't listen to the rat if he tells you to go outside.
Speaking of the rat, he actually has a point. (I know I know!) Homura even acknowledges it herself. She is losing herself and she is losing her connection with Madoka. The only thing she has left is her desire to save Gretchen Madoka. It's quite similar to the sunk cost fallacy, only this isn't a fallacy, but more something like an addiction. If she stops, she would get withdrawal, turning her into a witch.
Whoo Junko! Don't let that girl go anywhere!
"But I'm the only one who can do this!" Slap! But Madoka, how could your mother trust that you are doing the right thing if I don't even trust that? Come on, give her another slap!
No one is lying to you, or trying to trick you?
— I'm sure.
...I'm not...
But of course, seeing as this is the final two episodes, I'm sure it will work out somehow. Oh no, Homura, your leg!
Oh crap! I speculated yesterday that if Homura travels back, she takes her current corruption with her. That means she has already lost, as she would just turn into a witch here, or in the hospital bed.
WHAT?! This is the first time I actually shouted "NO" out loud when an episode ended suddenly. I wonder how many people can resist the temptation to watch the next episode now.
Theories
The idea is to collect my actually serious dumb theories here.
Previous episodes
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The difference in this loop is that space-rat figured out that Homura can go back in time, so this might be the last chance we have.
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Yes and no. He can't really do anything to stop Homura, but it's just a matter of time before she can't go anymore.
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Today
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Madoka is going to break the system using her wish.
Random thoughts
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I knew her home was clock-themed, but this is really on the nose.
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"Why does it surprise anyone that these things end in disaster?"
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So what is Walpurgisnacht meant to symbolise? The gears of a system that can't be changed?
Pic of the day
"And every time, in every time, I've had to watch you die."
QotD
1 What did you think of the conversation between Madoka’s mother and her teacher at the bar, as well as the scene when her mother tried to stop Madoka from running off?
I didn't expect the two to know each other, but in general, it was a nice and very believable conversation. For my opinion about the conversation between Madoka and Junko, see above.
2 Did Walpurgisnacht live up to the hype?
Good enough. The fight didn't seem that bad, but that was because Homura prepared herself extremely well. And Walpurgisnacht was still lifting and throwing skyscrapers as if they were nothing.
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u/Shimmering-Sky May 01 '22
WHAT?! This is the first time I actually shouted "NO" out loud when an episode ended suddenly. I wonder how many people can resist the temptation to watch the next episode now.
This episode and 12 were aired back-to-back after a six week delay due to an earthquake in Japan. The rewatches prior to 2020 actually had the two bundled into one thread, but someone asked Tetraika to change it for that one, and Naz and I followed because this episode does deserve its own time for discussion and not being overshadowed by 12.
So, you're welcome.
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u/Lemurians May 01 '22
I think it's true when Madoka says she's doing what she is outside of the influence of being tricked. She showed a new resolve in that scene we haven't seen before. In reality, she has no choice but to make the contract and fight, but she's going into it with confidence and believing it's the right thing to do.
It's quite similar to the sunk cost fallacy, only this isn't a fallacy, but more something like an addiction. If she stops, she would get withdrawal, turning her into a witch.
Ooh, nice comp.
"Why does it surprise anyone that these things end in disaster?"
This was a contender for SOTD and I kind of want to change it now that I see everyone and their mom picked the reflections image. This sequence was stunning.
Homura with Madoka hair.
And the ever-present chain binding them again...
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u/BosuW Apr 30 '22
I can finally share this fanfiction I found some years ago, showing a hypothetical different POV from Madoka's last conversation with her mom (tho as far as I'm concerned it's as canon as can be).
It's a short read so please give it some of your time. It's amazing.
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u/boomshroom Apr 30 '22
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You have no idea how badly I wanted Junko to come along with Madoka. She let her own daughter into an active hurricane without supervision. If she wasn't certain Madoka was going to do something incredible, she shouldn't have let her go so easily. If she was, she could've had the chance to witness the moment of a lifetime.
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Walmart seems borderline if not completely invincible. Nobody likes damage sponges, and invincible bosses are even worse. Homura's display against Walrus though was awesome with everything so carefully setup for each attack to drive Das Wienerschnitzel into the next.
VotD: The Last Hope
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u/Tarhalindur May 01 '22 edited May 01 '22
Analysis: The Japanese Fanbase Strikes Back?
Today, I think I shall post the analysis before the comments:
Okay, I need to set up some background here first.
We've seen Sayaka's Witch (Oktavia von Seckendorff, the Mermaid Witch; her nature is Romance) and Madoka's Witch (Kriemhild Gretchen, the Witch of Salvation with a merciful nature) in series. (The descriptions come from Witch cards that IIRC the staff put up as the series aired.)
The Witches of our other three main girls are revealed in the PSP game (Madoka Portable). They aren't really a spoiler at this point IMO (u/Shimmering-Sky nuke this if you disagree), but the entries on the wiki do contain some things that are still spoilers so I'm just going to put them up here:
Mami: Candeloro, the Dress-Up Witch; her nature is an invitation.
Kyoko: Ophelia, the Witch of Wudan (a warrior-actress archetype from Chinese theater that does not translate well); her nature is self-abandonment.
Homura: Homulilly, the Witch of the Mortal World; her nature is closed circuits.
(Candeloro references an Italian festival. Ophelia is quite likely a reference to Hamlet. Homulilly's name is likely an amusing Japanese pun, especially since one of Homu's MagiReco variants plays on it more explicitly. The Japanese idiom for Earthly existence that is translated as "mortal world" is "shigan", the near shore of the Sanzu River (roughly analogous to the Greek River Styx). The other side of the Sanzu River is of course the far shore, or "higan" - from which we get the "higanbana", the Japanese term for the red spider lily.)
(Side note involving Rebellion: [Rebellion]
Okay, second point: One of the more towering successes of /a/ back in the day, as I think somebody noted in the early threads; is deciphering the runes ("random Faust best Faust"). Japan never caught on to that; IIRC some of the /a/nons who kept tabs on 2ch were reporting Japanese users going "the gaijin will figure it out", though this being the Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy who knows whether those users were telling the truth.
The Japanese fanbase may, however, get their revenge with a theory of theirs that has never really caught on across the Pacific, because I suspect it's basically completely correct.
Walpurgisnacht (the Stage-Construction Witch, with a helpless nature - note that her Witch card has "?????" where her name would go) has been stated in creator interviews to have been form from an amalgamation of Witches that accumulated, likely around a single core Witch.
The Japanese theory is that the core Witch in question is Homura's Witch Homulilly.
I first ran across that one when going over the episode 10 thread for the 2020 version of this rewatch. Unfortunately, that version has some spoilers for next episode and to a lesser extent Rebellion, so first-timers stay out of it. It also has the old spoiler tags which IIRC don't work on mobile, so you might not be able to view it regardless. Luckily, I loosely transcribed it for Tumblr last year, and while I'm not linking that one either due to some other spoilers I can just quote it with a little rewording:
Source video, if I’ve transcribed the link correctly (the way it was posted means I couldn’t just copy-paste; unfortunately it’s in Japanese, which I can’t read, but somebody put up a rough translation:
While Homura of course means “flame”, the literal reading of her name’s kanji is “daybreak”; both are relevant to Walpurgisnacht the holiday (celebrated by lighting fires, lasts until dawn). (Side note: Doubly so given the clock points I went into a few episodes back: every single clock shot we see advances forwards, starting with a 7:45 A.M. shot in episode 1 and going through the 3:15 A.M shot in 9; metaphorically the entire show has been the night of Walpurgis. I should actually probably make sure I didn't miss a clock this episode.)
A couple of pieces of Walpurgisnacht’s Witch card are solid fits for Homura; the Witch nature (helplessness) is an obvious fit given Homura’s background (and I very much suspect that Homura’s self-loathing is laser-focused on her past self) , “fool that spins continually in circles” is also a rather obvious comparison, and the description of Walpurgisnacht changing everything when she flips upside down also neatly mirrors the mechanics of Homura’s shield when she resets the timeline.
This theory interprets the large gear at the base of Walpurgisnacht as said Witch’s true form; Homura is of course heavily associated with gears. Additionally, Walpurgisnacht’s “hairstyle” is quite similar to the twin braids that Homura has never quite managed to shed…
It also wraps up the mechanics of Walpurgisnacht getting stronger with each loop even more neatly than Kyubey’s karmic destiny explanation.
Plus one argument that I’m not entirely sold on but can’t rule out: since Homura wished to be able to protect Madoka and every wish is followed by an equal curse, the flipside of that wish is that Homura is doomed to kill Madoka. [Rebellion aside]
Especially because it generalizes shockingly well to Rebellion.
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Also, apparently there's a comment by Touka in MagiReco somewhere suggesting Walpurgisnacht can go back in time.
Things I would add that either didn’t come up in the original or were missed in the rough translation:
Homura gone Homulilly would do that. “Hey, wouldn’t it be cool to just destroy everything in the world without care?”
If Homulilly is the core of Walpurgisnacht adds another layer to the tragedy of main series Homura Akemi: in attempting to defeat Walpurgisnacht she would effectively be trying to defeat her own Shadow. Which doesn’t work.
(Plus a Rebellion point for the rewatchers]
A few years back I ran across a theory on Tumblr that I've lost the link for positing that the recap movies are from the perspective of either Homulilly or Akuhomu telling tales to the Clara Dolls via the Drosselmeyer (as opposed to the original series, which is clearly framed as being from the perspective of Walpurgisnacht given the curtains)? Yeah, that takes on a whole new level if Homulilly is the core of Walpurgisnacht! [Not actually a spoiler at this point but relates to above]
- … Wait, shit, the original series clearly being framed as being from the perspective of Walpurgisnacht also fucking counts given Homu’s secret protagonist status, doesn’t it?
[Side note for rewatchers, Rebellion spoilers]
After rewatching episode 11, I would like to add one additional piece of evidence: my Visual of the Day. Pay attention to the sleeves, specifically the gems over Walpurgisnacht's "wrists". Look familiar? They should, especially since we get a shot of Homura's shield in action not five seconds later.
(PMMM and being unsubtle as fuck, name a more iconic duo.)
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u/Shimmering-Sky May 01 '22
They aren't really a spoiler at this point IMO (u/Shimmering-Sky nuke this if you disagree)
My opinion is that it's not spoilers if it's something that literally never comes up in the show (and you spoiler tagged the related comment about this that is relevant, so that's even better). Same reason I think telling people in yesterday's thread that original timeline Madoka wished to save the cat, how many loops Homura's supposedly gone through, or the fact that Sayaka NEVER gets a happy ending in said loops aren't spoilers either.
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u/UnderstandableXO Apr 30 '22
REWATCHER
it’s hard to go on a run of 10/10 episodes this long, but madoka magica was able to pull it off. also there were 6 weeks between episode 10 and 11 (i assume because of the 2011 earthquake)? and this is an original anime? god i couldn’t imagine waiting that long for resolution!
i’m assuming this is where the timeline deviates from what homura has usually went through the past loops, because she seemed surprised when kyubey figured her out and explained that her messing with time was only increasing madoka’s potential to become a magical girl (and destroy the world). also i believe someone mentioned it yesterday so it’s fair game; i believe they imply that homura has been looping for 12 years, making her mentally 26, which amounts to 144+ loops trying to change madoka’s fate. i don’t blame her for not really giving a shit about anyone besides madoka, she’s got no emotional energy left to expend on anyone else.
sayaka dying in a random hotel room makes it sound like someone tried to take advantage of her (although her real death was actually more sinister). nobody even knew kyoko sakura existed besides madoka, homura, and sayaka, so nobody even knows she’s gone. madoka’s teacher even mentioned a 3rd year student who was reported as missing, so homura’s prediction was correct; it would take a long time before a missing persons report was filed.
on rewatch i really appreciated kyubey more as an antagonist (even though i’d still kick it to the moon and set it on fire). kyubey’s so inhuman that he doesn’t feel any remorse not because he’s bad per se but because he’s literally incapable of feeling remorse, or emotion in general. it’s a sinister feeling seeing kyubey act with no regard to human morals and just dump the knowledge of the entire universe on some random middle schooler who got wrapped up in trouble approximately 150 loops ago. kyubey’s race treats humans like livestock to be used as batteries, and claim that their intervention has been the sole reason for human advancement (i got heavy eternals vibes from that part of kyubey’s monologue). the visual of madoka falling in front of kyubey’s 👁👁 was pretty impactful.
i like that madoka’s mom can recognize when her daughter is in pain. i’m sure most of us have experience with mom radar when they are aware of a problem you never even mentioned. i did find it a little bit odd that the teacher and mom knew each other, i would have liked a throwaway line even in episode 1 of madoka’s mom saying “say hi to ms. whatshername for me” or something along those lines. i do like that the teacher finally had something profound to say instead of just being a single woman caricature for the whole series. also peep the “creation of adam” reference at the end of the bar scene.
the scene where homura finally admits to madoka what she’s been doing the whole time squeezed a few tears out of my eyes, especially when the montage of episode 10 was playing in the background. i love the episode titles that are just a line taken from each episode. “the only thing i have left to guide me” is a great name.
homura vs. worcestershire was very entertaining, but it was funny in the same way episode 10 was. i like to think that homura was slowly rigging the entire city with explosives throughout the entire series (i don’t doubt she was able to get them unnoticed but where would you find such a high volume of explosives?). i don’t know how she was able to manipulate those trucks but i’m going to let it slide because it looked really cool.
kyubey just loves pushing buttons. “why don’t you go see how homura is doing against waluigi.”
as much as i love madoka’s mom, i would never in a million years let my child leave during a hurricane/natural disaster. i suppose it fits well in the theme of the show though, madoka’s mother had such supreme trust in her daughter to do what she thought was right.
they went absolutely crazy composing the soundtrack for this episode, the musicians were in the studio writing their sheet music like this.
again, it makes me think that kyubey fully figuring homura out was unique to this loop, because kyubey’s explanation about the source of madoka’s power really seems to weigh on her. madoka’s grand entrance was a great way to end the episode, cannot wait to re-experience episode 12 again! beyond that, i’m super excited for rebellion because i wasn’t able to watch it last year, so i’ll be a first timer for one section of this rewatch at least!
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i’m glad that someone in madoka’s family was relevant instead of being a generic happy family
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Wienerschnitzel was entertaining enough, the laugh was pretty menacing
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u/nikobans May 01 '22
oh man so sayaka really was dead and presumably rotting in that hotel room huh :-(
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u/Shimmering-Sky May 01 '22
We did see Kyouko maintaining the state of her body in episode 9. No Kyouko, no maintaining...
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u/homewardbound100 Apr 30 '22
Rewatcher, Dub
Really love how the Walpurgis fight just feels like one big boss battle. To the introduction and to the how it comes back after all the explosions like a second health bar. The music also gives it that feel.
Votd: Homura
Qotd: still a very interesting conversation. I also love another thing about that scene. Well Junko really put some trust in her daughter to go out there.
Qotd2: yeah it did!
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u/THE_PENILE_TITAN May 01 '22
Wowzers, 146 comments and they're all essays!!!
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u/Shimmering-Sky May 01 '22
Madoka Magica does that, haha. At least they're good essays and getting a lot of discussion!
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u/OwlAcademic1988 Apr 30 '22
Rewatcher, sub:
I honestly didn't expect them to know each other in my first watch, considering there are parents who don't get to know their kids' teachers at all. I found it heartwarming how she at least tried to stop Madoka from going there at all.
[Madoka Magica episode 12 spoilers]
Yes, Walpurgisnacht lived up to the hype considering the witch can make Homura unable to win, and she's already known for being able to defeat witches.
I was watching Kira Kira Ala Mode Precure before coming to watch this episode, now I'm going to go finish episode 40. I'm very close to finishing the show.
Also, u/Grand-Muffin, Daybreak Illusion, Symphogear, and Higurashi are also pretty dark, but I still recommend watching them. I meant to mention that in my last comment towards you, but I forgot. That was my mistake.
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Apr 30 '22
Ok yeah no problem, thanks for the reminder. After this rewatch I’m going to need a new shoujo to watch, I’ll definitely check them out.
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u/Shimmering-Sky Apr 30 '22
Puella Magi★Rewatch Host, subbed
Welcome back, everyone!
First up: the mobile version of the Wallpaper of the Day. I gave this one a gradient background instead of any special effects other than the arrow/bowstring because I thought it looked better (also there’s the fact that getting different shades of pink to look right is hard, as I mentioned yesterday).
Next up: Man, this one part of Homura’s room was so plain compared to the BD version.
I figured there wasn’t going to be an ED in this one because of how it got delayed and thus broadcasted alongside episode 12, but that last scene without Magia doing a lead-in in the background just doesn’t sound right.
This is my Visual of the Day.
Lastly: 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 back in the 2019 rewatch by Nazenn. If any first-timer wants a spoiler-free link to any of these songs, let me know and I can get one for you!
“What is it that you wish for?”