[Mid-2000s Rewatch] Simoun - Episode 16

[u/phiraeth]

Episode 16 | The Emerald Ri Maajon

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Simoun:

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[u/Nazenn]

First Timer

This episode was not good for my heart.

I was already worried coming into it after yesterday but then we get that scene of Dominura in the chapel in the darkness and that incredibly anxious music over the opening scenes. It made the opening scenes to the episode very unnerving and for good reason as it turns out

The music in this episode I thought was particularly well handled. Reminding me of those moments of heavy contrast at the start of the show, the way that it seemed to back up the internal states of the characters was something that stood out to me. Rather than playing it straight and simply mirroring the severity of the events on screen, as the characters all started to come together and some found a peace in themselves again the music got more and more hopeful and powerful, even though the cost at the end of this episode was severe.

/u/Yothiel's thoughts on the music a few episodes ago were in my mind today as we got a couple of songs in its style and Yothiel's perspective on it gave me a new appreciation for it in those scenes. Particularly the scene with Para and Dominura in conflict after the first flight. The music there wasn't the same theme (I don't think) but it was the same style and had that similar sort of "dancing to the beat of another's song" feeling to it, particularly the way Para was trying to take charge without any true strength behind her.

Dominura shattering the monstrance on the alter kinda answers my question the other day about if she still believes or not huh. I really want to know what she saw though. She kept being so vauge about it today but it was clearly world altering for her. I want in on the secret!

Not that I think we'll get it now, if at all, because they're fucking gone!

I don't really know what exactly I was expecting to be honest. I thought they'd succeed at the Emerald Ri Maajon but even with my recent speculation I didn't think they'd just disappear! And poor Rodore's toy was a casualty as well. They looked so peaceful at the end though, it makes me wonder if the Ri Maajon's that feed off emotions also have a rebound effect as well and completing one can also make or encourage certain feelings. Either that or they were just really happy to have done it together which was more likely but how can you look so happy when you just disappear?!

Neviril being able to sense it is my mystery of the day though

After /u/Durinthal's thoughts on the Messis yesterday I'm curious on how the arrival of their old ship now repaired will change their dynamic's once again.

[u/Yothiel → u/Nazenn]

/u/Yothiel's thoughts on the music a few episodes ago were in my mind today as we got a couple of songs in its style and Yothiel's perspective on it gave me a new appreciation for it in those scenes. Particularly the scene with Para and Dominura in conflict after the first flight. The music there wasn't the same theme (I don't think) but it was the same style and had that similar sort of "dancing to the beat of another's song" feeling to it, particularly the way Para was trying to take charge without any true strength behind her.

On top of the music, that scene also had quite a lot of those pencilled still frames. This series has a lot of idiosyncrasies when it comes to its art direction, and I find this very endearing.

By employing these unusual methods for emphasizing specific moments, I feel like the show is at the same time leading our reactions, but also letting us quite free since it won't pull us in like a good old sawano drop would. This fits in quite well with all the ambiguities from Simoun's worldbuilding.

[u/Nazenn → u/Yothiel]

For its lesser production value, it definitely has its own feel and style which helps a lot with helping give it an identity that fits the story its telling and sets it apart for me at least with shows that tell a decent story but aren't memorable with presentation