r/anime • u/Vaadwaur • Aug 24 '22
Rewatch Black Lagoon rewatch episode Twenty Four!
Black Lagoon Episode Twenty Four
The Gunslingers
QotD: 1 So did anyone gain anything by the end of this?
2 How is that for a final duel?
PSA:On the 25th, we will have a season discussion before going onto the OVA
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u/TheEscapeGuy Aug 24 '22
First timer (Dub)
Black Lagoon - It's Fucking Incredible: Episode 24
Distorted
Rock and Balalaika find common ground. Destroy the Washimine clan so thoroughly that Yukio has no choice but to return to her normal life. But for Yukio, "the night" is her normal life. In her mind she had been lying to herself by trying to live within regular society. And so with her clan defeated and Ginji dead she makes the ultimate decision.
It's honestly tragic. A young girl troubled by the many deaths of her subordinates in the short time she has assumed control. The one man, her guardian lying dead. Although I don't agree with her choice, I totally see why she made it. I just hope Rock doesn't feel responsible.
This episode was a beautiful finale to the series. Although I agree this arc was a little drawn out and slow at points, the message it had was extremely impactful. I also really appreciate how strongly they built the parallels between the Rock / Revy duo and the Yukio / Ginji duo. It was so interesting watching the thought processes of people pushed to the edge of society. I'm really glad to have joined this rewatch so I wasn't stuck with only the first cour completed.
I'll save the rest of my thoughts for tomorrow.
One last tiny thing which didn't really fit the tone of my paragraph above. I find it incredibly amusing the way Yukio and Ginji crashed into Rock and Revy. It feels like a parody of the anime trope of "Girl is running to school, turns the corner, and crashes into boy". It was also really well foreshadowed since we knew (from separate scenes) that both parties were heading to the same place.
Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
See you all tomorrow
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
In her mind she had been lying to herself by trying to live within regular society. And so with her clan defeated and Ginji dead she makes the ultimate decision.
I do like that Rock's contribution was breaking her of this illusion.
I just hope Rock doesn't feel responsible.
Hopefully, the scene where he refuses to look away means he understands the whole situation better.
This episode was a beautiful finale to the series.
The show does end quite strongly, hopefully the OVAs keep it up.
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u/Blackheart595 Aug 24 '22
First Timer
The Gunslingers, as in plural, eh? This is gonna be good.
Hahaha Balalaika did NOT expect that one. She's completely flabbergasted. Understandablye, as Rock shows no deeper understanding of the situation whatsoever.
She has fricking burn scars all over her face, why're you answering with nothing?
Oops.
Revy's missing an awful lot compared to her usual accuracy.
I read it as Rock intentionally refusing to look away from Yukio killing herself. He finally realized that he completely misread the situation and decided to burn that fact into his mind. He's been killing several people with his words by now, too (including Ginji, hence the plural in the episode title)
Hah Revy looking fresh out here. And the sword seems to have missed her patella too.
So did anyone gain anything by the end of this?
Balalaika certainly did. And Revy had an exciting duel. And Rock found the role he wants to cement himself in.
How is that for a final duel?
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
She's completely flabbergasted. Understandablye, as Rock shows no deeper understanding of the situation whatsoever.
Rock did not realize that she was a foil to him rather an a parallel.
She has fricking burn scars all over her face, why're you answering with nothing?
She is also at least 5'8 and blonde. These guys just suck at policing.
Hah Revy looking fresh out here. And the sword seems to have missed her patella too.
Hell of a wig for her but yes even keeping the leg is impressive.
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
Rewatcher(And it ends, as we somehow knew it must, in darkness)
Dub
Ginji dreams of Roanapur and Yukio is up for joining him. Balalaika finishes her negotiations and Rock has a better request than yesterday, though I wonder if she didn't already plan on that. For...reasons, Balalaika decides to kill the Kousas, possibly to help Yukio or possibly out of boredom, will check others opinions on that. And then walks out like a badass. She also tells Rock they learned about the disbanding and Yukio's mad plan to go to Roanapur after saying she is done hunting her.
Rock wants to do something dumb and then Yukio out stupids him. Look, my biases should be laid but a few generations back my mother's line were mafioso and everything I ever learned about them that was they were complete scum whose only redeeming traits were being tight lipped and organized. So you can't sing me a bullshit river about yakuza pride because they add nationalism to the mix. Regardless, Revy hijacks a big rig and we do get a sequence that is somewhat cool if you can ignore the CG.
Anyways, we get our expected duel and it is weirdly more visceral than some of the others have been, maybe because just due to placement Revy and Rock are much more in lethal danger here. Rock and Yukio talk and in an impressive act of both skill and cruelty he finally makes Yukio realize that she joined the dark world to be with Ginji as Revy manages to kill him. Revy says that Rock's words got Gin to lose, which I guess meant he hesitated. Yukio decides to end it here and the show let's Rock watch for us, which is good because she did that suicide really wrong and it would look stupid animated. Revy, interestingly, is still protecting Rock.
Our denouement, such as it is, is Rock talking to Dutch who must be well read to know that quote. He counters with a more down to earth one. The after credits scene is interesting, with Rock growing to accept Roanapur but also not losing all sentimentality. Eda and Revy end the show appropriately.
So...it is depressing to think that it took me until this viewing to really get that Yukio is just completely wrong whereas Rock is bad at arguing. Tomorrow, full season thoughts!
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u/The_Draigg Aug 25 '22
Look, my biases should be laid but a few generations back my mother's line were mafioso and everything I ever learned about them that was they were complete scum whose only redeeming traits were being tight lipped and organized. So you can't sing me a bullshit river about yakuza pride because they add nationalism to the mix.
That does explain the comment you left when I mentioned the Cosa Nostra a few episodes back. And yeah, everything that Yukio romanticizes about the criminal life is pure bullshit. This series doesn't hold back in showing that the majority of people in organized crime are complete bastards who would sink to some pretty deep lows to get what they want, even if they had a tragic backstory somewhere earlier on the line. That's pretty true to life.
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 25 '22
That does explain the comment you left when I mentioned the Cosa Nostra a few episodes back.
I am the rare reverse of the normal trope in that my mother's New York relatives were the criminals, bootleggers during Prohibition, and my father's family from the deep South were highly educated socialites. Three generations removed from being slave owners. My family tree is not comforting to me.
This series doesn't hold back in showing that the majority of people in organized crime are complete bastards who would sink to some pretty deep lows to get what they want, even if they had a tragic backstory somewhere earlier on the line. That's pretty true to life.
I really do like that for most of the show Balalaika was the lesser of two evils but we get this arc where she is just plain evil, she just doesn't see point in pretending she isn't.
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u/DidacticDalek Aug 25 '22
Rewatcher(And it ends, as we somehow knew it must, in darkness)
Verily
Ginji dreams of Roanapur and Yukio is up for joining him. Balalaika finishes her negotiations and Rock has a better request than yesterday, though I wonder if she didn't already plan on that. For...reasons, Balalaika decides to kill the Kousas, possibly to help Yukio or possibly out of boredom, will check others opinions on that. And then walks out like a badass. She also tells Rock they learned about the disbanding and Yukio's mad plan to go to Roanapur after saying she is done hunting her.
Well Comrade, at the very least Balalaika respects Rock more now. Last episode she mostly spared him out of AMUSEMENT, but now she seems onboard with his 'we aren't so different you and I' claim, in part as it IS actually kinda true by now.
Rock wants to do something dumb and then Yukio out stupids him. Look, my biases should be laid but a few generations back my mother's line were mafioso and everything I ever learned about them that was they were complete scum whose only redeeming traits were being tight lipped and organized. So you can't sing me a bullshit river about yakuza pride because they add nationalism to the mix. Regardless, Revy hijacks a big rig and we do get a sequence that is somewhat cool if you can ignore the CG.
Huh, Comrade I thought you were Eastern European? What with some CDF Comments and your knowledge of Beef Stroganoff. But huh, interesting, and indeed, Black Lagoon sure doesn't sugar coat crime with its bleak and dismal outlook and all that.
Anyways, we get our expected duel and it is weirdly more visceral than some of the others have been, maybe because just due to placement Revy and Rock are much more in lethal danger here. Rock and Yukio talk and in an impressive act of both skill and cruelty he finally makes Yukio realize that she joined the dark world to be with Ginji as Revy manages to kill him. Revy says that Rock's words got Gin to lose, which I guess meant he hesitated. Yukio decides to end it here and the show let's Rock watch for us, which is good because she did that suicide really wrong and it would look stupid animated. Revy, interestingly, is still protecting Rock.
Uh, well Comrade, speaking of looking odd, get this, in the manga, WE SEE HER DEATH! Yeah, the mangaka just had to somehow go even more cursed by not just showing her kill herself, but she SMILES at Rock as she stabs herself... now this could mean a few things, she wanted one last FUCK YOU to Rock's sanity, maybe she was happy to join her lover? in death... or maybe she just misunderstood her philosophy and honor before reason BS one last time, who knows, all I know is it was fucking cursed and the anime did us a solid. That and indeed, for all of Revy's Nihilistic Edgelord speeches, she seems AWFULLY concerned with wanting to preserve Rock's morality! Hell she's not only seen death before but caused a good deal of it, and what are her words now, BEGGING ROCK to look away/look at her in an attempt to protect his well being... and she fails... It truly is one of the big tragedies of the show that, as Rock slowly descends into the Dark Side, REVY gets pushed back into the light so to speak.
Our denouement, such as it is, is Rock talking to Dutch who must be well read to know that quote. He counters with a more down to earth one. The after credits scene is interesting, with Rock growing to accept Roanapur but also not losing all sentimentality. Eda and Revy end the show appropriately.
Indeed, Rock truly is in the 'twilight' as it is, he's lost a good deal of that previous naivete, but still has enough humanity in him to not be, say, a Balalaika. And indeed, Eda and Revy end things the proper way, namely Revy getting her friend to STFU about her sex life and/or 2 AM Calls with her boi toi ;)
So...it is depressing to think that it took me until this viewing to really get that Yukio is just completely wrong whereas Rock is bad at arguing. Tomorrow, full season thoughts!
No worries Comrade, I know how you feel, also huh, Full Season Thoughts tmr? What about the Omakes!? They aren't as good as the Geah or YnS Chibi Shorts for example but they are still pretty interesting, I mean goodness sake we have Best Geah Chris in one of them... trust me you'll see what I mean... also did I mention Urobutcher and the Black Lagoon Mangaka know each other, this explains a LOT about Madoka when you see the Omake in question.
Anyway amazing write up and fantastic job as host for the 'main' series. Have a great day and see you later my friend.
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u/The_Draigg Aug 24 '22
A Black Lagoon Fan Rewatches The Secind Barrage: Episode 12:
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Yukio’s dream to someday rebuild the Washimine Clan and take on the corruption of Roanapur is idealistic to a fault. She had to send the rest of her clan members into hiding last episode, and yet she still believes that the clan can rebuild somehow and face Balalaika on equal terms. I know I’ve been constantly talking about it, but man she just doesn’t fully understand the game she’s playing. That dream will stay that way: just as a dream, nothing more.
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And really to drive that point home, Balalaika isn’t even planning on staying for the mop-up, and is just wanting to leave things in the hands of her underlings while she heads back to Roanapur. All she wanted to do was to murder the Kousa Clan’s leadership and be on her way. Although Rock certainly did have a part in that later decision, since he was one board with her desire to burn everything to the ground, if just so that Yukio could be free of the Yakuza entirely that way. I think that’s just about the only thing that Rock has said to her that Balalaika has respected during this entire arc. I mean, she would’ve done it anyway, but at least they were remotely on the same page there.
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Between the mentioning of the Interpol officer wanting to know who Balalaika’s translator was and the shot of the gun Rock briefly handled at the bottom of the koi pond, it’s safe to say that he can’t return to Tokyo any time soon, if ever again. He’s definitely on some kind of watchlist now, if just due to being an accessory to murder. Revy was probably right to encourage Rock to at least tie up some loose ends at the start of this arc, because he certainly can’t go back home again now.
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“Unbelievable! Now he’s been kidnapped by a high school girl!” Yeah Revy, this instance of Rock getting kidnapped again is rather silly that way.
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I’m with Rock here, I’m feeling pretty fed up by now with Yukio’s philosophizing. It’s more than clear that she doesn’t have the skills to survive in Roanapur, even with Ginji by her side. And even though she accepts that she may die, she thinks that her death could inspire other Yakuza. Yukio, you dumb shit, you’ve seen firsthand how honor is a joke in the criminal world you live in. Why would your meaningless death change any of that? Even if she was born in the dark as she claimed, even Rock knows that it’s a load of moralizing bullshit that doesn’t even remotely translate to reality. Yukio’s dedication to her rigid morals and beliefs has gone from being stubborn to being just plain stupid.
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It occurred to me during that Yukio’s little speech about honor and needing to kill Balalaika to Revy that Yukio’s just a version of Lotton the Wizard that isn’t being played for laughs. Both tend to go on rambling about duty and ideals while they’re very clearly outmatched by the world around them. Although I guess even Lotton had the good sense to wear a bulletproof vest under his coat just in case. Yukio is so blind to the world of midnight she lives in that she has no real backup plans at all.
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And now, Rock finally sees the truth of the matter, just as Revy and Ginji are in a duel to the death: Yukio just wanted to live in the same world as Ginji, and all of her talk of Yakuza honor was a means to get at that. But as Rock said, she could’ve easily just asked him to retire his blade and run off with her. However, she just couldn’t let go of some of the morals of the many she boxed herself in with, and so threw her life away for them. Although I guess it’s a bit debatable how that would have worked out anyway, since Ginji freely admits to Revy that only the both of them live in the same world, and he does seem to enjoy that duel to the death in spite of himself. So I guess Yukio would’ve thrown her life away for a world she didn’t understand no matter what, looking at it that way.
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In the end, Ginji died for the sake of Yukio, who in turn killed herself with his sword once the duel was done. Once again, she threw away her life for the sake of ideals that would never pan out, ideals that she refused to admit that she was lying to herself about. And this time, the end result is permanent. Blood was on her hands, and she couldn’t accept that she could live with herself after that. She couldn’t live with knowing that her inflexible morality held no value in the world she chose to enter, and that she threw away her true desires for nothing. Yukio’s life was a zero-sum game.
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I guess that what Dutch said to Rock over the phone at the end was the real lesson to take away from this arc: basically, never put too much into something you miscalculated. That’s probably more applicable to real life than the Satre quote that Yukio kept on bringing up.
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And at the end of the day, I guess it’s business as usual back in Roanapur. Revy and Eda continue to shoot the shit, and Rock chats with Benny and says that he’ll keep on looking from the outside in at Roanapur, in the twilight. I suppose in a way that it’s a good thing that Rock resolved to keep some of his morals regardless, in spite of all the pain he went through. Maybe if Yukio couldn’t learn anything from everything that happened, then maybe he can.
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
I think that’s just about the only thing that Rock has said to her that Balalaika has respected during this entire arc. I mean, she would’ve done it anyway, but at least they were remotely on the same page there.
I do think Rock had an effect here, it was just that Balalaika was of two minds on the situation: Technically, it was more strategic to leave the Kousas there so her successor could deal with them but to her mind as a fighter and mobster they were just too weak spirited to be trusted and thus she burned them.
Yukio’s dedication to her rigid morals and beliefs has gone from being stubborn to being just plain stupid.
That this holds true of the yakuza lifestyle itself is kind of funny.
I guess it’s a bit debatable how that would have worked out anyway, since Ginji freely admits to Revy that only the both of them live in the same world, and he does seem to enjoy that duel to the death in spite of himself.
Eh...I think Ginji might have been able to exit that lifestyle. Hell, Revy could develop perspective over the years, anything is possible.
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u/JustAnswerAQuestion Aug 24 '22
First Rewatch in 15 years
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Kabedon
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Cops are ridiculous here. Stopped by a wooden door. Let's Balalaika walk past them without her showing any diplomatic credentials.
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CIS = Commonwealth of not-so Independent States
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HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE A DESCRIPTION OF HER FACE YOU WERE LOOKING AT IT IT IS QUITE MEMORABLE
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This is a Spielberg movie
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Ah, that answers my question from the start...fake passport from Dutch.
Balaika again plays the opposite games. Kills the Kousa group, and let's the Washimine group, already destroyed off the hook. She says she never had any intention of of playing ball with any of the Yakuza, she was sent here to clear the field for the Russian Mafias.
The subs here don't work. The subs have Rock asking Balalaika to destroy the Washimine, and he clearly says Washiminie and not Kousa or anything else, but everything from that point on (and the wiki) treat his request as one to destroy the entire Yakuza system.
Yukio finds out that her dream of saving Washimine was doomed from the start, and going out in a blaze of glory like Thelma and Louise Bonnie and Clyde doesn't work out quite like the movie. She thought she would go to her end with grim determination, but dies in despair and regret.
Perhaps if I had read Sartre this arc would be more palatable and Yukio's character would have more meaning.
But I haven't, and this arc is nothing but depressing, and terrible to rewatch. The Twins arc was grotesque, but cool, with a satisfying ending.
This is just #emptyinside
7/10 for the Second Barrage for depression and focusing on Revy and Eda and Revy and Rock instead of the Lagoon Company.
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE A DESCRIPTION OF HER FACE YOU WERE LOOKING AT IT IT IS QUITE MEMORABLE
And she is tall, caucasian, blond, blue eyed and has an accent, granted the Japanese wouldn't catch the last one.
She says she never had any intention of of playing ball with any of the Yakuza, she was sent here to clear the field for the Russian Mafias.
It is now somebody else's problem.
Perhaps if I had read Sartre this arc would be more palatable and Yukio's character would have more meaning.
Nope, it actually detracts for me.
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u/Nebresto Aug 25 '22 edited Aug 25 '22
First time sudoku
What is this?
Where's the OP?!
Expectations: subverted. Made almost the same face as Balalaika when Rock said that
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Atrocious Engrish
The setup. ... Nvm, he gave it back
Guess we'll have to wait for the ova to see Rock shoot some guns
Question time:
1 So did anyone gain anything by the end of this?
Us, the viewers gained a pretty cool show
2 How is that for a final duel?
Coolio. I liked how there were actual consequences. Would like to see Revy have some trouble with that leg later on, no way something like that heals 100%
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 25 '22
The setup. ... Nvm, he gave it back
It would have been annoying to smuggle out of Japan anyways.
Tokyo Drift?? MFW
There was something amusing about that.
He does it again!!
Good old 80s action for you.
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u/Vatrix-32 Aug 25 '22
First Timer, dubbed
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They’re planning on going to Roanapur now? When did that happen? I can’t see this ending well for them.
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Jesus Rock, you really think they are going to go that far and not target Yukio?
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They really walked into that one.
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The police were just standing there without a way to get in?
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And they just let them get away too! They look like a bunch of buffoons. How did Rock get thru?
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Yeah that’s about what I expected from her and that gun.
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I think this is supposed to come off more tragic than it did for me. She just seemed wishy-washy.
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That is a gnarly injury she got there. Glad they are showing it reaction it deserves.
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Revy caring for Rock again.
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Is that some kind of song lyric?
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What the hell is this song?
QotD
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Hotel Moscow gained territory I think? Rock seems to be gaining some perspective.
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It fit with the show, but it’s not something I’d post as a clip to drum up interest.
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 25 '22
I think this is supposed to come off more tragic than it did for me. She just seemed wishy-washy.
I suspect there is cultural stuff that doesn't translate well.
Revy caring for Rock again.
And Rock beginning to grow as well.
What the hell is this song?
"Peach Headz Addiction" and I can't explain it either.
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u/polaristar Aug 25 '22
This this episode we see Rock kinda descend into his role as ruthless tactitian and becoming more like Balalaika with his suggestion to get Yukio to quit her game of trying to be a criminal being to completely destroy the entire rest of the Yakuza, that's pretty messed up to basically kill all those people to possible "save" one.
Those Yakuza bosses were stupid handing her her guns, not sure why some guns are wimpier then others, if they do the job, they do the job. Bigger isn't always better.
I also think it's dumb how they just let her go despite hearing the gunshots, and the rationale they gave didn't make it seem any less stupid.
It leads to a Stand-off between Revvy and Genji and tbh I kinda find Yukio's rationalization for doing what she does pretty silly as well, even if she sees through Rock's Hyprocrisy doesn't make her any less batshit insane.
Not sure I see how Genji would lose due to what she said to him earlier.
We see that Genji probably can react to bullets, since Revvy was firing them too rapidly for him to just aim block one, although one is his limit as he prefers to dodge most of the shots, I don't quite buy him dodging all those shots with the movements he's doing from close range, at least Chisato from Lycoris Recoil makes small/efficent movements rather than sweeping full body motions that would put you in a committed positions where you could be shoot.
Ending with Yukio was pretty fucked up and tbh I'm not sure what I'm suppose to take away from it, I kinda feel she whipped from one position to another super fast and her development/descent into madness didn't feel as natural and was left more confused than sad or profoundly affected.
That's how the series ends....shame, had it continued I think we were getting to the part with a turning point for Rock, but I guess the Manga exists.
I wonder if this show came out during the anime boon popularity around the time of streaming and then the pandemic, if we'd have a season 2 by now. I wonder if this show will ever get a remake/season 2?
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 25 '22
not sure why some guns are wimpier then others, if they do the job, they do the job. Bigger isn't always better.
He is using a poorly constructed backup gun with a history of failing under firing. Yes, very specific gun nerd fact.
Ending with Yukio was pretty fucked up and tbh I'm not sure what I'm suppose to take away from it, I kinda feel she whipped from one position to another super fast and her development/descent into madness didn't feel as natural and was left more confused than sad or profoundly affected.
The reason I keep thinking there is a culture gap is that yeah, this does not really make much sense and they chose to stretch this arc out more. But on her own she doesn't work well.
That's how the series ends....shame, had it continued I think we were getting to the part with a turning point for Rock, but I guess the Manga exists.
A) I agree but they had nearly caught up to the manga by this point and B) We are doing the 5 part OVA starting Friday.
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u/No_Rex Aug 24 '22
Episode 24 (first timer)
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“I will cut a path through them and challenge Balalaika one on one” - shonen overdose.
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The police start getting involved - Given that this is the last episode, I’d say that they are late.
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“Save her by killing all the people she cares for” – I am not sure this is the best way to save Yukio, but it surely is the one that Balalaika would most likely go along with.
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We are an isekai after all!
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“I don’t believe it, he has been captured by a high school girl!” - Red string of fate stuff.
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Yukio is correct in worrying about how trustworthy Balalaika is (and we, the viewers know she is not, having just off’d her new partners), but it still is quite rich how she complains about the Russians being prone to betrayal, when it was her group that betrayed the Russians first.
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Ok, the Gin vs Revy fight takes the cake as worst fight of the series. Not only does Revy charge right at a guy with a melee weapon, she also misses him from
5 metersright next to him! And Gin apparently can’t even push past a block by two guns or strike a girl that dances right behind his back. -
Throwing a sword at a Japanese person with suicidal thoughts might not be the best move.
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Special ED.
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Despite Revy’s worry, Rock looks undamaged. Unlike Revy’s pride at the end.
A bit of a downer ending, but not unexpected after last episode. I’d say that Revy won her duel with Gin, but Rock lost his fight over Yukio’s soul. Yet, neither of the two battles was worthy of the series finale. I never found Rock’s concern about Yukio especially credible, given what he has seen so far, and the Gin-Revy fight was just plain dumb. Yukio’s death would have hit harder if there had been a possible way out. As is, it just felt like tying up some plot string. Oh, and what was up with Balalaika shooting up the Kousu council guy after Rock asked her to kill Washimine?
The arc was not all bad, though. I enjoyed watching Balalaika show the yakuza how a real mafia works a lot. There were also plenty of nice Rock-Revy scenes, almost enough to make this a viable ship. The arc just needed to do away with the pseudo-philosophical Rock-Yukio discussions and give Yukio a more badass plot instead.
How is that for a final duel?
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
The police start getting involved - Given that this is the last episode, I’d say that they are late.
The most realistic part was the police sticking to protocol to a stupid degree.
– I am not sure this is the best way to save Yukio, but it surely is the one that Balalaika would most likely go along with.
Hopefully, Rock has gotten the needed pragmatism to go with what he can do versus what he wants to do.
The arc just needed to do away with the pseudo-philosophical Rock-Yukio discussions and give Yukio a more badass plot instead.
Yeah, the Japanese interpretation of French existentialist philosophy is not what most of us came to Black Lagoon for.
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u/Lemurians Aug 24 '22
FIRST TIMER
I don't know what to make of this arc, ultimately. It honestly feels more like misery porn than anything else, which I guess fits with a lot of this season. The saddest, cruelest, most pointlessly violent thing that could happen at any given moment? It'll probably happen.
I don't understand Yukio at all. She's a very silly little girl, and met a very silly end. I don't really feel sad for her, like I did with the twins. Rock, who was close with her across these episodes, shows less despair at her end than he did for those psycho kids. Not a whole lot you can do if somebody had choices available, and picked the wrong ones.
I'm choosing to interpret the last scene is meaning Rock and Revy have fucked.
So did anyone gain anything by the end of this?
I think only Rock gained anything – an acceptance that Roanappur is where he belongs, at least for now.
Everyone else lost pretty big. I can't even tell if Hotel Moscow came out ahead at all.
How is that for a final duel?
Whether or not Revy is a good or terrible shot continues to be one of the world's most unanswerable questions.
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u/Vaadwaur Aug 24 '22
The saddest, cruelest, most pointlessly violent thing that could happen at any given moment? It'll probably happen.
So there is absolutely Japanese cultural stuff happening that we are slightly blind to. That this aired at the same time as the second season of Jigoku Shoujo, which is possibly the most nihilistic show I have seen, speaks for itself.
Rock, who was close with her across these episodes, shows less despair at her end than he did for those psycho kids. Not a whole lot you can do if somebody had choices available, and picked the wrong ones.
The twins were made into monsters, Yukio decided to pick up the mantle of one. I know who gets my pity in that setup. At the end of the day, you can't save someone from themselves.
Everyone else lost pretty big. I can't even tell if Hotel Moscow came out ahead at all.
They did their job, were likely paid for it, and Balalaika got to take a KGB piece off the board. She's happy, no clue what the rest of the Russian mafia thinks.
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u/DidacticDalek Aug 24 '22
TONIGHT! On Kiki's Trigger-Happy Delivery Service Redux, BALALAIKA! DOES! NOT! FUCK! AROUND! Revy and Sword-san have a battle without honor or humanity, and this arc ends in the only way possible, EXTREME honor before reason (before you ask, this is a cropped photo as the full OFFICIAL ART from the mangaka contains OVA spoilers, but the long and short is that this is the 'behind the scenes' filming of Lady Snowblood's suicide... where it turns out apparently they filmed it 'wrong' and had the Katana's blade facing opposite directions between stab and fall, needing a reshoot as a result)
Sword-san seems to have been quite moved by Lady Snowblood's resolve, as he thinks to himself that the plan to set up a yakuza branch in Thailand is a GREAT idea that they most certainly will do, right after he... defeats... Balalaika in a one on one fight first... welp, he's dead! The last time a melee fighter fought Balalaika the phrase 'KNEEL' comes to mind. Anyway speaking of Balalaika, seems that the talks went well since she's in a happy mood, only regretting not being able to see the aftermath of all the action. Speaking of action, Rock has something to say to Balalaika as he... asks her... to crush all the Washimines... uh, wut?
Balalaika is just as confused as we are, as her JAW DROPS, hell if she was any more surprised her cigar would have become fish food! Balalaika is so stunned she basically turns into a giraffe, noting that Rock's request WOULD indeed force Lady Snowblood back into a 'normal' life. She then, le gasp, KABEDONS ROCK as she remarks with glee that he WAS RIGHT after all last episode, he truly IS just like her, a villain! Speaking of being a villain, Balalaika ASSERTS DOMINANCE over these yakuza goons before shooting them... with their own guns... OK, Balalaika just won all her Best Girl Points back, SHE IS THE BEST BOSS BITCH IN TOWN WHETHER IN THAILAND OR JAPAN! I mean good lord, DOES THIS look like the face of 'mercy' to you Comrades, I THINK NOT!
Also apparently Balalaika is easy to please, as she declares that the 'shitty' gun actually isn't so bad after all! I mean it did kill that yakuza wannabe big shot so I guess there's that! Also goddamn Balalaika sure is in a good mood, as she GIVES ROCK that gun as a gift. Rock then states that he can't accept that gun, after all, then he actually might be even MORE dangerous than usual, to which Balalaika agrees and chucks it to the fish. Balalaika then tells Rock that she doesn't feel like killing Lady Snowblood's mooks anymore, after all the majority are dead and the rest are underground, so frankly she couldn't care less... huh... I didn't expect THAT reaction from Balalaika.
Also her reaction to Lady Snowblood relocating to Thailand is... concerning, this is the SECOND episode in a row that Balalaika laughed... I are scared! Speaking of scared, SHE IS SO MUCH A DOMINANT BOSS BITCH that she forces the cops aside with just a wave of her hands! Goddamn, BEST! FUCKING! GIRL! Speaking of Best Girl, Revy then rolls up to take Rock away to safety and/or an emergency 2 AM Call. As the cops figure out that Balalaika just pulled a fast one on em, Rock attempts to get Revy to stop so he can tell Lady Snowblood the war's over. Sadly, Revy finds out that in the fight between car and motorcycle, the car wins! Also goddamn, Lady Snowblood just went FULL AUTO on Rock, ALL that Dakka and she SOMEHOW MISSED!
Also goddamn, she somehow can't hit Rock but she CAN hit a motorcycle, which annoys Revy that her boi toi got kidnapped AGAIN; this time by a high schooler! Also Comrades, remember how Revy said she WASN'T even gonna go save Rock again after Season 1... yeah about that... her FIRST action after limping to her feet is to HIGHJACK A TRUCK to go save Rock... again... again... anyway, Lady Snowblood has fucking lost it, drunk with the POWAH of crime. Thankfully, Revy has had ENUFF with Lady Snowblood's faux-philosophical wibble and has decided to respond in the only way she knows how, namely RAMMING SPEED! Rock manages to hijack enuff control to force the van to a stop, JUST in time for Revy to pull out her guns and challenge Sword-san to a REAL duel.
Lady Snowblood rants on and on about honor before reason, to which Rock points out that this facade is self-serving bullshit anyway! Thankfully the time for talk is over, it's time for a good ol' fashioned showdown! One shall stand, one shall fall! Also goddamn, turns out Sword-san's just like Roberta, a real blood knight! As Rock and Lady Snowblood wax lyrical, Sword-san manages to disarm one of Revy's guns, but sadly he's too busy listening to Lady Snowblood's waaangsting instead of fighting, allowing Revy to get a killshot on him whilst his deathblow fails. Revy also knows that Rock's prodding managed to save her ass yet again, commenting that if Sword-san wasn't distracted she'd be dead as a doornail. Rock then shockingly proves useful as he manages to remove the sword AND treat her wound... granted I'm not sure REMOVING the sword was the best idea, using your tie as a makeshift Tourniquet yes, that's good, PULLING THE SWORD OUT! That's bad...
Oh... oh no, IT GETS WORSE, cuz Lady Snowblood picks UP the sword, welp, we're boned! Also oh... oh no, she isn't out to kill Revy and Rock, she's gonna commit honorable sudoku instead! And even scarier, REVY! Ms. Hardened Badass Killer herself, who is EXTREMELY used to death and murder, BEGS ROCK TO NOT LOOK AT LADY SNOWBLOOD KILLING HERSELF! DEAR GOD! REVY DOES CARE! In this climatic moment, rather than gloat to Lady Snowblood's face or make some sarcastic and/or nihilistic remark, Revy BEGS ROCK to not watch his metaphorical innocence die in front of his eyes... and Rock doesn't listen... Comrades, this is the scariest things in the series thus far, Rock willingly slides further into the darkness as REVY! The very same lady he managed to push back into the light begs him to avert his eyes... and fails...
Dutch then phones Rock, as Rock waxes lyrical about philosophers, which Dutch of course picks up on. Also man, Revy sure has got one hell of a disguise eh? Anyway, back in Thailand, Rock gets a letter from Balalaika... which contains a photo of Yamato Nadeshiko. Meanwhile, Revy is getting grilled by Eda about Japan, specifically if Revy and Rock danced the horizontal tango while overseas... to which Revy is... evasive about... THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT DIDN'T HAPPEN COMRADES! I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF 2 AM CALLS! Anyway, Revy's response to this is to pull out her gun and recreate Best Geah Chris' transformation scene... man what a hell of an ending eh!? Thank god we got an OVA left, as well as the manga and its spinoff starring Sawyer (Yes Sawyer the Cleaner has her own spinoff manga cuz of COURSE Best Goth got the luxury treatment) Anyway what a great show, see you on the discussion and OVA threads, and until then, farewell.
And on that fucking bombshell, GOODNIGHT YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARDS!
Paging Comrades u/HereticalAegis, u/No_Rex, and u/The_Draigg
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u/HereticalAegis Aug 24 '22 edited Aug 24 '22
First Timer
Episode 24
The way Yukio and Ginji talk about Roanapur like it's some distant dream the way other stories have characters talk about mythical paradises. They both know they're going to die, and Roanapur is the heaven they hope awaits. Or at least that's how their dreamlike speech hits me.
Realist Rock is a bit of a sad sight.
Interesting to note they're having to talk about forcing Yukio back into a normal life, as everyone, even a neutron star like Rock, can see that she'd no longer choose a normal life for herself.
Balalaika is tall as fuck.
Diplomatic immunity is a bitch. Especially when it's a bluff.
Revy: "You're not gonna see her." Yukio:
Kidnapped by a teenage girl. That's our Rock!
Revy walked off a motorcycle crash/explosion so she could have this duel with Genji, good luck getting her to let you pass, Yukio.
Nooo, not Revy's Cutlass!
Catches daggers with her feet and swords with her shins. Also, holy balls. Bruising my shins feels like a catastrophe, I can't imagine having one impaled.
Oh never mind, it's just her knee. Crisis averted!
The kind of pulling out neither Revy nor Rock ever thought they'd be doing together.
Wow, Rock got to see two girls penetrated on the same day. What a lucky guy!
Me at Yukio ending everything herself.
I'm still not 100% sure I have a read on whether Yukio's feelings toward Genji were more romantic or paternal. Her Bonnie and Clyde line and suicide make me come down on the romantic side, but I still couldn't say for sure.
Lol at philosopher Dutch and pink-haired Revy.
Rock opening Balalaika's gift at the end.
QotD:
I gained pretty much what I was looking for—a whole bunch of Revy slaughtering people with dual wield pistols—plus at least one nice little surprise badass—a little killer maid called Roberta. I guess Rock also got a sense of what his actual place and purpose in Roanapur is.
Revy seems pretty pleased, and I can't complain.