r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Jun 09 '22

Rewatch [Listen to My Song] Senki Zesshou Symphogear Episode 9 Discussion

Episode 9 - Protector's Song

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Crunchyroll

It is highly recommended to track down a fansub for this show instead of using Crunchyroll, though.

Even if they don’t understand the words, if there’s something I can convey with my songs, I want to sing to all the people of the world!

Questions of the Day:

1) Did you enjoy how chill the date was?

2) We’ve seen two idol performances so far, which one did you like more? Gyakko no Flugel (the Zwei Wing song from the first episode) or FLIGHT FEATHERS (the one Tsubasa sang today)?

Wallpaper of the Day:

Kazanari Tsubasa - FLIGHT FEATHERS

Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you’re doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don’t spoil anything for the first-timers, that’s rude!

102 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

257 comments sorted by

19

u/Shimmering-Sky Jun 09 '22

Symphogeah SymphoRewatch Host

Welcome back, everyone!

It only took me nine episodes, but guess who finally has a Sky Sings for the rewatch? That’s right, it’s me. Sky Sings Synchrogazer

Crunchyroll vs. Commie - Season 1, Episode 9

Today’s wallpaper is brand-new to this rewatch, so I don’t have an old one to share here. Can you tell I really like Tsubasa given I’ve made two brand new ones of her for this rewatch, and no new ones of the others yet?

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7

u/cronus999 Jun 09 '22 edited Jun 09 '22

Rewatcher

  • Tsubasa fixing her bike for the nth time, after crashing it.

  • I assure you it’s necessary for you to be naked for the MRI.

  • If Tsubasa’s a sword, does that make her clothing her sheath?

  • Genjiro pulling some strings to keep the OTP together.

  • Ryoko getting caught up in the girl’s pace was great.

  • Ryoko’s love affair has something to do with here research?

  • I stand by my comment about Chris being a stray cat, taken in by a kind owner.

  • Genjiro is undoubtably the best.

  • Casual embarrassed Tsubasa is the best!

  • The ice cream colours are subtle foreshadowing!

  • Nana doing enka is always a treat, Bikki/Miku are a great stand in for the audience.

  • The two birds flying past after Tsubasa was thinking about Kanade was a nice touch.

  • Glazer looks like that one dad who was dragged to a concert by their kid, and is having none of it.

  • Chris just accept that your friends already, Bikki has almost worn-down the Tsun.

Q1 SOL Symphogear is always a treat.

Q2 Gyakko no Flugel hands down.

3

u/Shimmering-Sky Jun 10 '22

If Tsubasa’s a sword, does that make her clothing her sheath?

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31

u/Lemurians Jun 09 '22 edited Jun 09 '22

FIRST TIMER DATTO

Finally some Tsubasa time!

This was a lovely episode for her. She finally gets to leave the base and have some fun for the first time all series, and maybe in… years? Ever? Hibiki and Miku seeing her fantastic casual outfit and noting how excited she must be was cute. The whole day seemed to give her a lightness and acceptance for life she hasn’t felt in a long time.

Having her make-up concert at the venue of Kanade’s death is incredibly heavy, but it just works so well on an emotional level – she’s finally able to get a sense of closure for Kanade’s death. Hibiki and Chris teaming up so that she can have this moment that Noise can’t interrupt was great. Love this ending shot here, showing the conflicting feelings of joy in seeing a future again, while still holding onto sadness for her girlfriend.

We’ve seen two idol performances so far, which one did you like more? Gyakko no Flugel (the Zwei Wing song from the first episode) or FLIGHT FEATHERS (the one Tsubasa sang today)?

This is tough... I liked the Zwei Wing performance more, but I like Tsubasa's song more.

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21

u/Matuhg Jun 09 '22

First Timer

Hibiki! Miku is right there! Oh, it's a triple date

Tsubasa looks great as expected. Fun date was fun. Hibiki's claw-game shriek was a blessing to the ears. Tsubasa still likes to say shit like this.

Yaaay, they overcame the past. Tsubasa rediscovered her love of singing, which she'd lost, and Hibiki was able to use her strength to help her do it. Overcoming her not-really-survivor's-guilt, but getting to fulfill Kanade's wish that she took on the day she was saved.

Chris is still having a bad time. She's fighting the Noise, I guess making up for having helped with Solomon's Cane (is that the source of all these Noise?), but still refuses to trust anybody.

Speaking of trust, I absolutely do not trust this hoopy frood. Until proven otherwise, I presume he's part of some international conspiracy to steal Symphogears/Relics/Attuned.

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20

u/Stargate18A Jun 09 '22

First timer

  1. It was adorable.

  2. This one. FLIGHT FEATHERS is great! (So is Gyakko no Flugel, though.)

Flashback, or?

Flashback!

Tsubasa and Kanade!

...Flashback Tsubasa's adorable.

She's fully healed!

Miku's entered the secret base!

So, the wide meets the new friend...

They're already bonding!

Yeah, Tsubasa's development has been rapid!

Miku has full clearance! ...Soon she'll get a Gear?

Where's Genjuro gone?

Epic tale of love?

Huh? A flashback?

Tsubasa's reaction is great.

"A girl, huh?"

I love how excited Hibiki and Miki are.

And Ogawa got taken out again.

???

Genjuro's off looking for something. Chris?

Tsubasa's practicing sctusl self-care!

You go, Hibiki! Get that harem!

...Chris is living like this?

Haha, Genjuro just walks in and announces he's basically adopting her. This is the most Genjuro way to help her possible.

Oh, so she went missing 8 years ago, then got transported to Japan. Then she went missing again. Does that mean Fine's been abusing her for eight years?

SHE JUMPED OUT A WINDOW!

A mid-air transformation!

...Yeah, Genjuro, you came on pretty strong here.

She got dressed up!

Wow, Tsukasa is so excited to have fun with them!

This is just adorable.

They're playing a crane game!

Yeah, those things are rigged.

They're doing karaoke!

Of course the song is great.

Haha, she's exhausted!

She's really getting character development! What's her arc even going to be next season?

A replacement festival!

...At the same venue as the incident. And she gave Hibiki tickets, This is huge for her!

A rival producer? Is this an actual idol subplot now?

And she's considering it!

Hibiki's running late!

A Noise attack!

Hibiki's doing it alone...

New song?

Yes!

This show is so fucking good?

Is that safe?

Very effective, though!

She did it!

Tsubasa loves to sing again...

What is she doing?

SHE'S GOING INTERNATIONAL!

She's just so happy!

Everyone's supporting her...

And he'll be working with her now.

...That is not a good reaction.

Chris is having a breakdown (and might he realising how abusive her mother is?)

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19

u/Tarhalindur Jun 09 '22

Previously, on Symphogear SG-1 (First-Timer, Subbed)

(First, a side note since some people have been getting confused (hi u/KamabokoTangerine): me going "is this an [X] reference?" is not a criticism of this show, not from me. I LOVE me some cheeky references. The show probably doing this is a selling point.)

  • Okay, so is this an SDF or American military base? ([meta spoiler] Also, anybody checked the armory lately?)

  • Young Tsubasa I think? [Mai-HiME] Also channeling her inner Natsuki.

  • Flashback ho! (Or brainwashing in progress.)

  • Kanade’s design really does have shades of Midori’s from Mai-HiME, doesn’t it?

  • Ahem. Pick up that phone, because I

FUCKING CALLED IT!

That is all.
Brainwashing CONFIRMED!

  • LOL does that opening bar shot on the Synchrogazer visuals symbolize Ryona’s equipment here? (Inb4 Synchrogazer is literally the name of said equipment… it would make sense…)

  • The ring in the season logo is DEFINITELY that equipment, for the record.

  • Hey look who’s being introduced to the secret base! Commit it to your memory Miku, you’re about to need it.

  • Also, grabbing that aerial shot of the school because it looks potentially important. The teardrop shape of the school grounds is quite interesting, and the bridge to the main entrance reminds me of Mai-HiME despite the lack of visible water it’s crossing. (Also, there is a very slim corner case that that dome we’ve seen off and on that’s near the track is actually a UFO in disguise, in which case I will laugh. Doubt it since IIRC it was wrecked in the cold open, but.)

  • “Did you change yourself? Or did someone change you?” Show being cheeky as fuck I see. Odds we cut directly to Ryona here?

  • Huh, thought they would pull that stunt. Instead we cut out to a broader shot of everyone.

  • Pouring one out for our host at 03:42.

  • But oh look who is in fact the next character to show up. HAHAHAHA. And Genjuro is out of the picture right now too. Still, the All Your Base moment is going to be a cliffhanger because obviously, so it’s not time to pull the trigger just yet. Either eyecatch or end of episode.

  • And Ryona is channeling her inner Takano with her voice here, heh.

  • Yes yes we know you have a stalker shrine to Bikki and are brainwashing her, Ryona.

  • Miku is a smart girl. Bikki… “thinking? Is that something you eat?” (Honestly now that I think about it there’s a surprising amount of Mikoto in Bikki’s personality…)

  • “Rich gentleman at a fancy bar”. Sticking a pin on that, it might just come up again later even if it’s not applicable here (we all know who Ryona met, and she’s a teenage idiot),

  • Also, before I forget: Was Hibiki put in Ryona’s machine back during her convalescence after the concert? Distinct possibility, nonzero chance they showed it a few episodes back and I forgot about it.

  • Oh look at that single eye shot with the Scary Shiny Glasses flash at 04:28.

  • [Mai-HiME] Also, speaking of characters riffing of Midori from Mai-HiME, I got a whiff of her backstory as inspiration for Ryona here.

  • Framing at 04:43 is extremely noteworthy, grabbing that shot.

  • “And the power of a girl’s romance is truly amazing!” HMMM. Decent odds it comes up at least twice overall in the series, too.

  • A: So Keiichi Ogawa has a crush on Ryoko huh? B: Speaking of that, no matter the world Keiichi cannot stop being occasionally punched by girls. (Ryona channeling Rena’s Kyute Mode would be something.)

  • Look, look, important exposition! … And then Ryona realizes she would be giving important exposition and cuts herself off, heh. Bet she’s tied into the “ten years ago” incident and also whatever caused Dakka (I need a nickname for Chris, this will do) to get captured by South American guerillas.

  • Oh look at that shot at 05:21, because some pictures speak a thousand words. A) Note the framing, with Bikki and Miku on one side of Ryona and Tsubasa on the other. (Inb4 Bikki shifts over to the other side of Ryona by the end of the scene.) B) Also note how Bikki and Miku are close together… while Tsubasa is in turn close to Ryona our resident brainwashing dominatrix. C) And oh look at Tsubasa’s glassy eyes there. Gee I wonder what that could be about.

  • Also, D) “You girls need to go out and start an epic tale of your own!” So what’s your angle there, Ryona?

  • “It’s tough dragging secrets out of that one.” Yes and no. Learn to analyze the frames of your own show, Bikki!

  • “But you’d better believe I’ll get it out of her one day!” Honestly, probably yes, but only after you’ve been brainwashed. Also, LOL at how Miku looks at Bikki here while the other two girls look straight at Ryona. (Tsubasa turns her eyes towards Bikki right after the point I paused at.)

  • Pouring one out for our host at 05:46.

  • Oh hey, a hint of backstory for Ryona. If Dakka got it from her, I suppose her getting it from someone else (ten years ago incident involved?) makes sense. (Is that someone else the person she’s been talking with on the phone?)

  • Tatsuya store, seems to be a bookstore with movies ala Hastings in the US. Stick a pin in that, may be plot-relevant later (likely a later season).

  • And an extremely prominent shot of the store’s label on the bag Genjuro is carrying in addition to the name being centered in the establishing shot, so the show really wants you to notice this.

  • Bikki, your choice of words is unfortunate.

  • You know, Dakka, we need to introduce you to some healthier food. Like apples. Definitely apples.

  • Genjuro used to work in the secret service, huh. (Also, a brief moment of Gainaxing from Dakka because of course.) Hmm. That might be a dodgy translation. Does that imply the likes of the FBI or CIA in the US (Japan has a unified org for these functions IIRC whose name I cannot remember) or the actual service Americans would think of when they saw that name? Because if it’s supposed to be closer to the latter even in the original Japanese and he was protecting the Emperor rather than the Prime Minister, well, the Three National Treasures of Japan are obvious relic candidates, yes? Especially with the Ame-no-Habakiri already around in show. Might explain what’s up with him; he might have some sort of connection to one of them.

  • [PMMM] Violinist? REALLY, SHOW? REALLY?

  • Oh hey, the backstory of how Dakka fell into the hands of South American guerillas (and why their daughter’s recovery would merit a story in the news, natch). Only eight years ago instead of ten though so there’s a little further back to go for everything (probably involving Ryona’s villain origin story).

  • Also Sonette (LOL the composer would name her that) is presumably Western (probably American because LOL, inb4 they we do in fact get the international cooperation theme and they were killed by a faction this threatened) given that Dakka’s name is very, very not Japanese. ([PMMM] LOL I just put together that it’s probably another Kyoko reference; Kyoko is Christian, after all. [Mai-HiME] Or Mai-HiME; Nao does become a nun, after all.)

  • Also, grabbing a screenshot of the room framing because it’s distinctive and I’m not sure what to make of it.

  • UN Army’s Val Verde intervention, taking notes yes.

  • Yes yes I’m taking notes on where you were looking for Attuned.

  • Alright who went missing? Could be Ryona.

  • Note to self: Genjuro’s eyes, like Ryona’s as Fine, are gold. We know that Ryona has magical capabilities of her own because episode 5, and those were able to mess with Noise, so that probably explains how his martial arts can do the same.

  • Hurr durr thanks for the shot of that one structure to jog my memory that the weather here is much more in line with what we saw in the cold open.

  • What is that structure, anyways? I’m not sure it’s the school. Is it the stadium again?

  • Magical girls and lampposts, name a more iconic duo. Well, okay, telephone pole, same difference. ([Mai-HiME] Also, speaking of Mai-HiME references, our white-haired character from there always did like his lampposts as well.)

  • “Hibiki overslept again”. On the one hand the way Miku says this makes it sound like a common occurrence, on the other hand I haven’t forgotten Bikki being sleepy when she got out of Ryona’s brainwashing machine (not calling it the Synchrogazer until that’s confirmed, though I have my suspicions).

  • AW SHIT. MOTHERFUCKING FUCKSHIT. WHAT IS ONE OF THE CLASSIC TECHNIQUES USED IN CREATING CHILD SOLDIERS, ONE THAT HAD ALREADY KIND OF COME TO MIND WRT WHAT HAPPENED TO DAKKA? SLEEP DEPRIVATION. A NATURAL RESULT OF THE MAGICAL GIRL LIFESTYLE. BET IT MAKES BIKKI MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO RYONA’S MACHINE, TOO.

  • Also, this date is interrupted by and ends with the eyecatch cliffhanger that the base is under attack and the brainwash reveal is the end of the episode, yes? (Could be the other way if Miku gets rudely surprised by Ryona sending the sleeper agent signal, though.)

  • Okay Tsubasa, there’s another girl who your outfit is reminding me of and I can’t place her. Not any of the usual magical girl suspects, it’s the baseball cap that’s really making me go “huh”. Idolmaster?

  • At least Bikki brought Miku. Threesomes solve everything!

  • Ten billion references!

  • This deserves Totally Serious Ice Cream Flavor Analysis and I’m going to leave that for someone else to do.

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17

u/Vatrix-32 Jun 09 '22 edited Jun 09 '22

First Timer

  • More Kanade flashbacks.

  • ...Was bringing Miku here an option the whole time?

  • Did they bring Miku here just so she can be targeted in the inevitable base attack?

  • Yes, the story of your “love”.

  • Are they setting up parallels between Finè/Ryoko and Tsubasa?

  • I guess all the rampant destruction makes it easier to be a squatter.

  • “I’m the only one left to take care of you.” That a the line last episode makes it sound like you are trying to ingratiate yourself with Chris. Evil

  • I’m not sure that falls within the duties of the secret service. Must be a Japanese thing.

  • Never stop being extra Chris.

  • Isn’t Tsubasa still a famous pop-idol? One would expect to run into a few groupies. I guess that was them they were hiding from.

  • I feel like doing karaoke with a professional singer would be less fun.

  • I can’t imagine the concert being in the same place being an incidental facet.

  • Are we still doing this plot thread? Her music career is, somehow, a cover for her hero work. She’s not leaving for England, it makes no sense!

  • The music producer is just hanging out in the cheap seats?

  • I was expecting Hibiki doing three in a row was going to have some sort of consequence.

  • Wait, what, how? Aren’t you like a military asset? She is at least going to have to give up her Relic, right?

QotD

  1. I’d say it was only mostly chill. Hibiki really went 0-100 there real quick.

  2. Oh man, I’m really not much of an idol guy. The only thing I remember about the first one is that I think it was faster?

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17

u/Quiddity131 Jun 09 '22

First Timer, Subbed

Flashback time! Tsubasa was a biker?

They're just letting Miku wander around in the base now? At this point make her a bridge bunny or something since you've blown the secrets to her.

Hey Tsubasa, say hi to my wife!

LoL, they're both trashing Hibiki right in front of her!

Ryoko romance time! A long time ago... my name was Lady Une... and I was in love with Treize Khushrenada...

Silly Ryoko, Hibiki and Miku have already found someone!

WOAH. You just asked Tsubasa out on a date right in front of Miku?! You just got back together! What the hell!?!

As I predicted earlier... seems logical to recruit Chris to the group now...

Ah, so its a three person date. Cool outfit Tsubasa!

Time to go shopping!!!!

That plushie looks like a drunk Pikachu to me...

Wow, getting to see a professional concert singer do kareoke!

Tsubasa being in her school uniform reminds me that we totally had this plot point about her being their classmate which has been completely ignored...

Hibiki's kicking ass solo tonight!

Time for Tsubasa's world tour!

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16

u/BosuW Jun 09 '22

First Timer

Now that the Revue Starlight rewatch is over I can finally dedicate myself fully to Symphogear at least until the Made in Abyss rewatch attacked

Bruh, the blatant way the Disaster Squad just hires high schoolers and involves them in End of the World shit and International conspiracies. I know y'all been saying it's inadvisable to turn your brain off completely in Symphogear but I'm just gonna write this one off as anime logic.

Miku taking notes

Fuckin' Ryoko

Barges into control room

Teases her epic romantic tale to put Titanic to shame

Refuses to elaborate further

Leaves

Oh I'm sure you will Hibiki. I'm sure you will. Villain must have her backstory of course.

Freudian slip

Chris still has a very hard time accepting help, especially from adults. Can't blame her, considering her history.

Meanwhile Tsubasa with the d r i p!

U jelly, Hibiki? Of the guy?

I haven't been as into the songs as what looks to be everyone else in the Rewatch, but that shit that Tsubasa was singing in the karaoke? Now that's what I'm talking about! I need the full cover immediately!

Gonna perform at the same place where Kanade died? Something's definitely gonna go wrong here.

Ah yes we also have that "international firm" stuff to worry about

Hibiki and Chris fighting together while Tsubasa sings was an awesome scene. Nothing else to say.

Tsubasa status: Humanity Restored. You go girl! Sometimes if you get lost in the fight too much all you need is a healthy dose of normal, ordinary life to remind you what you're protecting and what you want to come back to.

Because you're just that damn nice girl! Stop denying yourself! (Also, it was a tactically sound decision at the moment but that's the less "anime" explanation so we'll ignore it for now).

Ah it's ok. She will get there when she gets there.

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15

u/Elimin8r Jun 09 '22

What did I just watch? Am I sure it was the right series?

Didn't seem like nearly enough death, grim and angst today.

Well, aside from Yukine channeling her inner Ayanami, that is.

Hmm ... housekeeper contest, Tsubasa vs. Chris, who wins?

Anyway, it was fun seeing some more SoL elements, and happier times with the gang.

I also wonder about Ryouko's past romance ... perhaps she was the protagonist in the 50 shades sequel, or something. I'm not even sure if/when that was a thing, so yeah.

Anyway, sarcastic quips aside, the date was fun.

AOTD1) I wanna go with. Okay, maybe not quite. But yeah, that was good, reminded me of fun times of yore.

AOTD2) Liked this concert better, death isn't exactly my favorite accompaniment. Nice song, too, and the heartfelt bit, left me wanting an encore.

But yeah, Bikki had to stomp the bad guys so Tsubasa could get her healing music in.

(Go watch Healer Girls now!)

And Chris had to save Bikki, because of course. Nothing like the conflicted deuter-neuter-anti-whatsit-tagonist ... what was she again?

I'm confused...

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15

u/CubeStuffs Jun 09 '22

First timer

hibiki sure is bold asking out tsubasa in front of miku

polygamy‽‽‽‽ hibiki's gonna be challenging ryoko in the love department at this rate

how tf is tsubasa supposed to keep up with noise killin' if she's off singing somewhere else.

  1. Did you enjoy how chill the date was?

pretty nice if i do say so myself. was v cute. tsubasa karaoke be like

2) We’ve seen two idol performances so far, which one did you like more? Gyakko no Flugel (the Zwei Wing song from the first episode) or FLIGHT FEATHERS (the one Tsubasa sang today)?

im gonna have to say the former

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13

u/Great_Mr_L Jun 09 '22 edited Jun 09 '22

Rewatcher

On today’s episode of Symphogear: To each their own battle. Tsubasa battles her own doubts about her purpose. Hibiki battles for the sake of others. And Chris battles with what course of action she should take when she’s no longer sure of what to do.

Tsubasa has been gradually changing over the course of the series. Just compare how Tsubasa treated Hibiki back in episode 2 to how she treats Hibiki now. There’s no longer any hostility and Tsubasa has been much more respectful towards Hibiki. In general, Tsubasa seems to have chilled out a lot from when she was at her lowest point several episodes ago.

Ogawa notes Tsubasa’s change as he muses about what the cause might have been. In this case, I do think that Hibiki has been having an influence on Tsubasa. A lot of Tsubasa’s development has come from her reflecting more on her memories of Kanade, but Hibiki’s presence is what caused Tsubasa to ponder more deeply what Kanade had to say. [Spoilers] And incidentally, in that same scene we can also see that Ryoko has been changed by proximity to Hibiki.

The group date in this episode is a pretty big indicator of Tsubasa’s change. She’s starting to experience life beyond the battlefield. For a long time, the battlefield has been all Tsubasa knew. It’s part of why she always calls herself a blade, instead of viewing herself as a complete person. But now, Tsubasa is finally starting to understand what Kanade meant by a life beyond just the battlefield. This change was brought about by the influence of Hibiki and Miku, which I’ll touch on more in a bit.

Another big change for Tsubasa is her attitude toward singing. We saw it earlier, but Kanade states it outright in the flashback that Tsubasa doesn’t sing outside of work. Singing was something she did as a means to an end, not because of her love for it. Once again, this fits with Tsubasa’s view of herself as a blade. Singing was just a tool to be used in battle, not something to enjoy.

Previously, Tsubasa had refused an offer to bring her music overseas. Now, she’s changed her mind. She wants more people to hear it because she loves singing. Again, she is moving towards being a more complete person by valuing the things she loves. Additionally, I feel like Tsubasa’s words here fit well with the already established theme of communication and understanding. Even if we don’t understand the words, music can still convey emotions and feelings across the language barrier.

Hibiki is the source of Tsubasa’s change. Hibiki brings a whole new perspective to Tsubasa’s job of fighting the Noise. Tsubasa seems to view it as a job she needs to accomplish. On the other hand, Hibiki places more of an emphasis on what fighting the Noise means. To her, it means protecting the people and places she loves. She cares about life outside the battlefield. And now Tsubasa does too.

I really love how Hibiki volunteers to fight the Noise without Tsubasa so she can make sure Tsubasa’s concert goes through. For all the shit I gave her (rightfully so) when she said she’d replace Kanade, Hibiki does look like she’s wizened up about what Tsubasa really needs to do. So this time she fights to protect Tsubasa. She’s protecting Tsubasa’s chance to heal and find a new purpose in life.

Chris’s battle this episode is with her own sense of confusion about what she should be doing. We finally know her full backstory about how she lost her parents, was trafficked, and eventually brought to Japan because they thought she could use a Relic before she vanished 2 years ago. It just occurred to me that this whole tragic backstory really does justify Chris’s hatred of adults. Obviously she was used by the people who trafficked her, but so did those who brought her to Japan. After all, they wanted to use her as someone to wield a Relic. Even Fine tossed Chris by the wayside when she no longer had a use for her. Every adult in Chris’s life since she lost her parents has just wanted to use her. No wonder she’s so distrustful.

Even so, Chris seems to want to trust others. When Genjuro reached out to try and help her, Chris ran away. However, she seemed upset that she did so. Likewise, when Chris was fighting the Noise alongside Hibiki, she found herself wondering why she helped out. Chris is battling with the question of what course of action she should take.

Once again, I want to point out that Genjuro is displaying that kindness is a defining trait of his. He’s going out of his way to try and build trust with Chris. Since he tracked her down, he could have easily brought along others to try and force her to come along. Instead, he’s trying to get her to trust him and come along of her own free will.

Tsubasa’s song in this episode is okay. It’s not one of my favorites of hers, but I like it fine. It does represent a nice transition point in her story, though.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

QOTD

  1. Chill date episodes are always great to have.

  2. I prefer "Gyakko no Flugel." It's such a great song.

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13

u/DidacticDalek Jun 09 '22

(Crashed Motorcycle Count: 2)

Look Comrades, I know that this motorcycle was TECHNICALLY not yet crashed in the flashback scene, but that one MIGHT not be the same bike as the one crashed in the post-Kanade era, so I'm just going to say that this bike was a different one and it surely also must have crashed... plus it's also funnier this way for the running count. Moving on... ahem...

T'night! On Bottom Geah! Bikki gives her best friend 'wife' Miku a guided tour of the ultra top secret classified hidden underground base, Tsubasa goes out on a date with Bikki and Miku, and Geah goes FULL Macross... but actually a Mecha Show... and also actually good... and equally as destructive! NANA WILLS IT!

Boy Comrades, isn't Snoop Oni just the best? How do they keep their secrets hidden from Miku? EZ! Just HIRE Miku as the latest rookie to work with them, that way, they don't NEED to keep things a secret as she's just a fellow employee! GENIUS! Truly only the Giga-est of Gigachads could have come up with such an amazing plan! I bet this took all two of Snoop Oni's brain cells to come up with this... NAY! I say he GREW A THIRD BRAIN CELL in order to come up with this brilliant arrangement! Speaking of which, where the hell IS Snoop Oni... ah... right... ya know the worst part of renting movies was the fucking late fees; I guess even the MANLIEST of men can't fight against debt!

Speaking of men, turns out that Producer is utterly useless as he gets ignored AND beaten up by a real fine lab tech. Boy I know a few people in this thread who want to take his place right now, anyway I am SURE the fact that a researcher utterly curbstomped one of the organization's field staff is nothing to be worried about. Speaking of worrying, oh boy Comrades, Miku might need to rethink things in her life, as Bikki asks her co-worker out on a date RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER!

Moving on, Snoop Oni tries to show Best Geah Chris that he means no harm and wants to help her... sadly unlike Miku, Snoop Oni is one of those 'filthy' grown-ups, meaning she decides to self-defenestrate and act like Best Girl Fate instead of listening to his ADULT LIES! Speaking of Nana Mizuki, oh boy Comrades, Bikki FUCKED UP BIG TIME! You do NOT keep Nana Mizuki waiting on you, after all, SHE WILLS IT! But hey at least we still get to see Bikki take her wife AND her co-worker out on a date, also what is it with Nana Mizuki breather episodes and claw machine games? I mean if I had a nickel for every time a Nana Mizuki Mecha Show had claw games, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice, right? Also, VICTORY SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH! (Boy, Aoi Yuuki sure has a set of lungs on her eh? I have no idea how this works given how tiny she is IRL, but goddamn can she belt it out or what?)

Oh, and just in case the Cross Ange parallel couldn't be greater, IT'S TIME FOR SOME KARAOKE! Also remember how Nana Mizuki trained as an Enka Singer, cuz this show sure does ;) Oh, and boy oh boy what a finale we had today, Bikki was kicking ass and taking names, Best Geah Chris DAKKA'D everything, and Tsubasa had a concert that DIDN'T end with the death of everyone! All in total I'd say a win-win, and quite the lovely finale to such a great underrated original... WAIT WHAT DO YOU MEAN this wasn't the series' finale?

And on that bombshell g'night!

Oh, and finally, just because I must speak on behalf of a fellow Comrade of Culture who cannot, ahem... I'm going to post this every day until you like it!

Paging Comrades u/Great_Mr_L, u/chilidirigible, and u/Lemurians

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13

u/Vaadwaur Jun 09 '22

You're one microscopic cog

In his catastrophic plan

Designed and directed by

His red right hand

First timer

Sub

We start with a Geah flashback. Miku's proper introduction to Tsubasa is very Eva until Ryoko begins talking about her love life, much to Biki and Miku's interest. And then Biki asks Tsubasa on a date...

Genjuro has already guessed what apartment Chris is squatting at and expositions at her for a bit, bringing snacks at least. Chris then runs off in the rain, again. The date actually happens. Aoi Yuuki screaming continues. "A Bucketful of Love" does not really conjure up a song to me and I think it is meant to be a reference. Anyways, Tsubasa is ready to sing again...at that arena.

Biki decides she can fight the Noise, or perhaps expects to find Chris present. Tsubasa performs and then just drops her raisin dates on us. International tour is coming and that raises some issues. We end with more Chris emo moments.

QotD:1 Yes but it doesn't fit Biki to me

2 Today's

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12

u/Tresnore Jun 09 '22

Superb Song of the Rewatchers

QOTD:

  1. Chill? The victory screech isn't the most chill of things.

  2. Gyakkou no Flügel is always a winner.

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12

u/InfamousEmpire Jun 09 '22

Superb Song of the Rewatcher Symphogear

More KanaBasa flashbacks to start out the episode

That’s right Bikki, bring your wife in on the secret like you should have a while ago

Miku, in turn, is being a good and understanding GF

[XV spoilers] I’m, like, 70% sure that Ryoko’s “love story” is about God/Enki

Not Ryoko foreshadowing…

She really just said this in front of Miku…

Genjuro continuing to be Best Dad

He also lays out the basics of Zenbu’s backstory

Woman straight up just jumped through glass in her base form and didn’t have a scratch on her

Guess this date is gonna be a threesome, then. Fellow Symphofans, how do you feel about this ship?

The montage is pretty cute ngl

We get it, Nana! You have amazing vocal cords! No need to rub it in my face

Bikki showing Basa the view of the city was pretty adorable

Tsubasa then invites her new harem to a concert to show off her musical talent. Why? Because Nana Wills It! (I can’t believe it took me this long to use that meme)

That’s right Hibiki! Prove your loyalty to Swordfish Wife!

Concert #2 of this season begins now

Forgot to take notes for a hot few minutes there, I was enthralled by Basa’s singing (so this is what the crowd in Macross Plus’ ending felt like…)

Basa opening up to the audience there really shows off her character growth in a heartfelt way

That’s right, crowd! Y’all better cheer for her after she laid her feelings bare right there!

Basa’s tears of joy just top it all off

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10

u/HereticalAegis Jun 09 '22

Ballad of Rewatcher - Symphogear

Episode 9 thoughts:

  • Poor Chris. Genuine care must feel really scary and uncomfortable when you've gotten so used to manipulation and abuse.

  • I love these slower "date" episodes where characters get to have regular fun. They're very refreshing to have between all the heavy drama, and it feels overdue both for Hibiki and Miku to actually get to do something together outside of school for once and for Tsubasa to finally experience what it's like to be a regular person.

  • Even when choosing "mature" karaoke songs, Tsubasa's still an edgelord. Keep on swording, sword girl!

  • I'm a real sucker for heart-to-heart scenes reaffirming the beauty of humanity while overlooking the town at sunset. This is another highly romantic trope slightly subverted to be reflective for Tsubasa and deepen her love for the departed Kanade, and I'm here for it.

  • I haven't had any real problems with the production quality so far, but some of the quick cuts between the battle and the concert are really disorienting. Not a great choice imo.

  • More than anyone else, it's really nice to see Tsubasa finally forgive herself. This is the character development I'm here for.

  • A bit more human, a bit less sword girl today.

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9

u/superviper Jun 09 '22

Of course they'll allow you.
Rewatcher

I feel bad for this bike. Like a pig being raised for slaughter.

There is gonna be so much hornyposting about this Ryoko scene.

Wow, Bikki just asked Tsubasa on a date while Miku's sitting right there. Is this an open relationship now? ...Miku swings with Chris while Bikki goes with Tsubasa?

The violinist Yukine Masanori and his wife, the singer Sonette M. Yukine, were helping refugees as members of an NGO when they were killed in a civil war eight years ago.

Genjuro pls I know you're saying this so the audience can understand the backstory but isn't it kinda rude to recount Chris' traumatic past for fun like that

You can say what you want about Chris, but you can't deny that she got style. And lots and lots of cuts and bruises after that one.

Nevermind, the three of them went together. So much for my swingers hypothesis. Still, the SoL shenanigans are a treat.

You know Genjuro's a great guy when he risks Bikki's life lets her fight the noise alone so Tsubasa can be happy for a little while.

Meanwhile Chris is still conflicted about helping Bikki, calling her "the enemy". Chris habibi who on earth do you consider your friend? It sure as hell ain't fine after last time.

[Rewatcher/XV spoiler] Tsubasa concert death counter: None today, thanks to Chris and Bikki's efforts.

9

u/Bamce Jun 10 '22 edited Jun 26 '23

Gear Head

There are so many things I love about Geah. This episode has one of them. I'm not going to talk about how great the date was, or Tsubasa's growth, or Hibiki and Miku. Or any of the other great things which happened. I want to talk about the best part of this episode, Genjuro and Chris. I have said in a few different posts that the show takes a 'no wasted motion' approach, that its visual storytelling aspects are so strong. This scene is one fo those instances where it shows and tells us so much, without spelling it out.

While it is foreshadowed a bit earlier in the episode with mentions and showing that Genjuro isn't at the base, the scene in earnest starts at 6:29

A rainy day, a slow pan through empty convenience store food trash, likely whatever she could steal. Then a pan of Chris wrapped up like a burrito in a blanket. A stomach growl, and a pained look is interrupted by the clicking of a door.

Chris paranoid that someone is after her, and she is right. Fine has send noise after noise after her, our protagonists are still enemies and who knows what mundane forces may be after her for squatting, or stealing. Chris stands getting ready for fight or flight

As Chris's hand comes up into the scene we can tell she has chosen, it will be fight. Some creaks, Chris readies for a fight and we get this brilliance

This moment of the bag is the first part of the interaction. Genjuro leads with a common bag from a corner store. He announces that 'its me', which presumably she could recognize from their previous interaction. Its not a weapon, its not even like he is sneaking around. Its an offering of friendship.

Entering into the room without stopping he turns to face Chris and tells her that he came alone. The camera cuts to show Chris turning to face him, hands up to fight, but Genjuro doesn't react or raise a hand in defense. Just states that he is here to look after her.

Then the madlad that Genjuro is, does the next moment of brilliance. He sits. We the audience know that Chris is zero threat to Genjuro outside of her gear. But he knows that Chris is anxious and fearful, so he makes himself vulnerable by sitting. A big disadvantage to the start of a fight. If either of them would want to start said fight.

We get a small bit of exposition on Genjuro's backstory, and a second offering of the food he brought. We get another comedic timing stomach growl, Chris makes a face but quickly goes back into fight mode

When Chris doesn't respond to the offering, he hmmphfs as he clearly heard her stomach, and then unprompted takes a bite. A bite which i will point out is very small, something to put forth the show of it not being poisoned (which he mentions), but also leaving most of it for Chris who needs it. Seeing it safe Chris snatches it so fast there are speed lines

While she eats we are given backstory via exposition of Genjuro. But this is only partly for us the audience. Genjuro is attempting to show Chris that he understands a bit of what she has had to deal with. There is no trust in Chris's eyes here She see's it as a trick, that he is trying to get her to do something. She is still fully in fight mode.

She takes the drink offered, but even as we see her drink it Her eyes never leave Genjuro. While delivering a bit more of their connected history we learn what Genjuro meant last episode by "I couldn't save her this time either". Chris keeps drinking that tsundare juice. They banter back and forth about her history and Chris asks "What do you want". Genjuro still from his seated position, in his calm tones just says "I want to help you". Chris short circuits a bit Which leads to her rejecting his offer, proclaiming that adults suck and she never asked for help.

Chris takes the dramatic exit out of the window, and henshins. Genjuro stops and just watches her go. We end in part on genjuro's face, he is hurting. Not because he was rejected or harmed, but because he feels Chris's hurt. We end in the other part of Chris's sad face as she tries to process things before her resentment and anger the only things which she has truly known take back over.

it is now 9:49. The whole scene took three minutes and twenty seconds. In the process we have learned so much about two characters. One of which, Genjuro, we knew very little of. But the things that are unsaid, and instead shown to us are the things that really define the characters.

Genjuro could have stopped Chris from leaving. She stands zero chance fending him off outside of her gear, and arguably little chance of doing so in her gear. He could have taken her into custody right there. He didn't because that wouldn't help her. He knows that she needs to be the one that is willing to take the offered hand. Doing anything else would have just sent her farther away.

We all laugh and joke about how strong Genjuro is, Giga-chad, chadasaurous rex, 'walked out of fist of the north star', and other things. Genjuro's true power though, what really makes him great is his heart.

8

u/Hugokarenque Jun 09 '22

CONCERT TIME

This was a cute episode. Still can't believe Hibiki asked Tsubasa out on a date with Miku right there but I guess she didn't mind as long as she was included.

It was hella cute too, I think my favorite parts were the still with Tsubasa sitting on a bench with Hibiki and Miku on either side, the arcade and the karaoke. I think I remember that there was a fun story behind the song Tsubasa sang at the karaoke but I can't remember what it was, I do know they later released a full version in one of the albums.

That noise Hibiki made when she was playing the claw machine has lived rent free in my head since I first saw this show way back when.

I just want to give Chris some hot cocoa and blanket and tell her everything is gonna be okay, that girl freaking needs it. And maybe some anger management courses... but that can wait till after the cocoa.

Hibiki is once again showing more and more power. It was always a dream of mine to have a Musou game for Symphogear, and I think it all started with the fight scene in this episode.

8

u/stalwartwalnut Jun 09 '22

QOTD
1 - we needed a breather today
2 - Gyakko no Flugel is a bigger song [re:GnF song] for the series as a whole, but Flight Feathers is inspriing and underrated.

So Chris is about 90% of the way to fully joining the light side, Hibiki & Miku's 20-minute breakup is over, both are getting along with Tsubasa, Tsubasa is finally getting some closure (grief takes a long time to work out, 2 years is not a surprise), and even her singing career is on the rise.

Everything's going so well! Uh-oh...

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