Board Thread:Episode Discussion/@comment-34633327-20171216025048/@comment-27648673-20171216220246

I loved this episode so much! I'm not usually a fan of happy episodes but the resolution to this one was great!

I don't know how to phrase it, but Ruby seems... to be getting more involved? Which is expected, what with the silver eyes and all. I really want her to eventually be equal to Qrow in terms of Ozpin's trusted men and all rather than just a student (along with, y'know, everyone else).

Ozpin's cane =/= Relic. I wonder where within Beacon it is, then? They only have to find it to open it, so perhaps Ozpin hid it magically, or set it with a bunch of traps. Either way, I hope they do show when/if Salem finds it, because I really want to know why it's so difficult to access.

Lionheart is doing what he does out of fear, which was pretty much expected on my end. I'm actually starting to like his character, though - he seems like a very wise person in some regards and I think he makes a really interesting antagonist, if you would call him that.

Was not expecting that attack on Yuma to work, but at the same time, I definitely was, considering it was Kali.

Blake was not having Ilia's shit and I absolutely loved it. I found it interesting that she originally wasn't planning on confronting or really talking to her - I wonder what would have happened to Ilia if she had not attacked.

The first half of the fight scene was pretty good. A bit too slow and not a fan of Blake's deflects, as she holds her sword in two hands but it's so small compared to an actual two-handed sword (e.g. Raven's) so it looks rather silly - I would prefer it if she duel weilded. The part where she pulls Ilia up and jumps off of her body in the air - man, I have been waiting for someone to do that! Some of the perspective shots were really nice too, mainly the ones that involved footsteps, sliding, or Blake's clones. I also want to say that I loved the lighting in this entire episode, especially the dark scenes.

Once the fire starts, the real fight starts too. Man, the choerography was amazing! Again, a bit slow, but it really worked with this one. Definitely up there in the fights, IMO. Smart Blake, using Ilia's deflection to freeze her weapon. When Ilia started crying I felt so overjoyed (which is kinda weird out of context) - it's exactly the response I've wanted from her. Redemption! Yes!!!!

Was worried for Ghira when he was stabbed but glad that he got up from it. Smooth kick to Blake from Ilia (NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN, THAT'S HOW AMBER ALMOST DIED - AND THEN DID!). Ghira and Corsac in a punching fight, more like All Might vs Nomu hahahahahahah. I loved the shot of Ilia just standing there as the house burns around her. Fennec pulls yet another dagger out of his sleeve (that would be, what, #4? Corsac lost two, Fennec lost one) and Ghira takes on two at once. I loved how he used Fennec's attack against him by directing it at Corsac instead.

Sun coming in clutch! Sun v Ilia - I was right! Thought it looked like her weapon. Also - GUNCHUCKS! His fight choreography was so amazing, with all of the flips and spins! Also loved the music for that segment. Lowkey thought Ilia was gonna die there, but Ghira saving her was so much better (even though I thought he was gonna die too)! Sad that Fennec died, wanted Corsac to die instead. I loved the shots of him with his ears down because that seemed so unlike his calm and collected character.

When Corsac started muttering and talking, his voice was so low I thought it was the sound of Ghira dying for a moment. Man, his voice actor did amazing, and his facial expression was almost chilling! So fitting that Ilia decided to take him down! And then she cries again. Why do I love Ilia crying scenes?

Blake's speech was on point! You know when you really want a character to do or say something because you're like "this'll solve everything if they just do XXX!" Everything in Blake's speech was as if that was all coming true.

Ayyeeee, now there's a trio! Boy, you have no idea how glad I am that Ilia is going for redemption. I'm kind of worried that she might have doubts or second thoughts, or find it difficult to switch to a new mindset in the future, but nevertheless, Ilia is pretty badass when she's trying to be (she seems really sensitive and introverted when she's not).

Sun. Sun, you are amazing, we don't deserve you. I loved the "let's just call it even". But, please, now that Blake has her team of allies established, give Sun and Ilia new outfits! At least Ilia. She's wearing a high-ranking White Fang uniform. I want to see a new outfit! I want to see a color scheme!

Overall, I loved how Blake's Menagerie arc resolved because Blake has literally had anything but a happy ending for essentially her entire life. She's been much more involved in the central plot than anyone else from the beginning, so she hasn't really had a true win until now. Wonder how Adam will react to Ilia's defection.