Mai HiME 21

This is story-telling at its best. Ep 21 is a culmination point where critical intersections of the interlaced storythreads are finally revealed and the grand plot is made coherent. However, in spite of the excellent story-execution, I personally felt it was character charm (specifically Mashiro and Shizuru) that stole the show.

Okay, I admit I'm shallow. It's actually Shizuru's pose with her summoned Element that thrusted her instantly into my 3 top HiME spots. There's something incredibly graceful and womanly about her weapon posturing. It was also unnerving seeing her play angel and demon seamlessly. The gentleness that accompanied her perceptive assessment of Nao's past was swiftly replaced by her demonic aura, overflowing with the certainty of unrestrained lethal force to protect Natsuki. I see traces of Himemiya Chikane in Shizuru, having the same propensity to risk/become hell for the sake of her precious (Kannazuki no HiME anyone?)

Now for Mashiro. Yet another confession. I'm inclined towards Mashiro archetypes which I once generalised as "8 year old having the maturity/mind of an 28 yr old". (Do note that Mashiro is 11 actually.) An example of such a character would be Zefiris (5000 yr old mind trapped in a 13 yr old body?) Basically, I admire shoujos would are mentally or emotionally wise/matured beyond their physical age. I don't suppose I'm alone here since almost all I know who have seen Scrapped Princess loves Zefiris. This however should not be misconstrued as lolicon. This disclaimer is necessary since fellow brother/buddy/blogger Morit once responded to a query of mine this way.....

Stripey: Hey just wondering, what would your mental pic of Stripey be thru Hontou ni?

Morit: Zettai lolicon....

Anyway I digress, back to Mashiro. Mashiro's power transformation was astounding (although young girls really shouldn't be putting on flashy make-up). It was a real pity we didn't get to see her clash with Mikoto. Reito's ascension to power at the end of the ep can only confirm Mashiro's failed insurrection. The implications are far-reaching since Mashiro >> Fumi >> Midori and we know Midori is no pushover among the HiMEs. With the HiME-tachis still embroiled in severe in-fighting, I really cannot see how the HiMEs are going to escape of the powerful clutches of the Obsidan Prince and his group's nefarious machinations. I guess that's why I'm awaiting with abated breath for ep 22.

Related posts:

1. ShizNats Mai HiME Specials 4, 23, 25
2. Mai HiME: Nuts About Natsuki
3. Reliving the trainwreck SUNRISE experience – Mai HiME R1s