Angelic Layer Volume 5: Deus Ex Machina - Underland Online
- Underland Online
- Mike
- 05/01/01
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Angelic Layer Vol. 5: Deus ex Machina
I think that perhaps my original dislike for Angelic Layer is one of the things that ahs made this series seem to just fly by. It's hard to believe that already, the anime is on the fifth volume, this time entitled 'Deus ex Machina,' and after this, there is just one more volume before the series reaches its conclusion. I'll admit that I really do enjoy the show quite a bit more these days, though I never intended to, and while much of the story and plot lines are very predictable, it's still one of those guilty pleasures that comes along every once in a while.
The last volume saw Misaki victorious and advance to the finals in the Angelic Layer tournament as well as some new technological advancements in the game itself, bringing in a new element of combative skill. The tournament has brought Misaki together with some rather unique friends as well as some intense enemies that, with her ever-bubbly personality, she has also befriended. The tournament is going to bring new challengers, and these are going to be the most difficult fights that Misaki and Hikaru have faced, and that's going to include the champion, which is Misaki's mother.
She's really been one of the problems in my opinion. Through the course of the series, we learn why it is that Misaki's mother left her behind so many years ago. That doesn't seem to be reason enough to lie to a child though, let alone disappear for seven years and make excuses to not see her. There's even a point in the first episode on this disc where her mother does come to visit, but only to see her daughter, not to actually talk with her, and Misaki isn't even aware of that fact, as her friends are busy throwing her a celebratory party. This is one of the story aspects that I haven't cared much for, mainly because I already know that it's going to have one of those sappy endings where everything is okay.
At any rate, this volume first finds Misaki trying to determine who her Second is going to be in the tournament. Ever Deus has to have one, and their real role is to provide tactical advise during battle as well as assist with some of the repairs for the Angel. The problem is, everyone wants to be on the side of the Miracle Rookie, and it's going to be a very difficult decision as Misaki has some of the best players cheering her on. However, it's Hatoko that finally wins out.
More than anything, these episodes feel as though they are set up for the final episodes of the series. There are battles and such, but the loose ends are finally starting to get taken care of one by one. Even Icchan gets into the act during the tournament and brings in an experimental Angel prototype to battle against Misaki. We also get the chance to see that not everything in Angelic Layer runs smoothly, and at one point the virtual arena nearly collapses completely. It's good for a bit of on the edge of your seat action, but the show is of course very systematic in the way it is presented, and we can all predict what the outcome will be. It's just waiting for it that is the real killer.
I keep hoping that the extras will include a comprehensive look at each of the Angels as well as their stats, but that hasn't been the case at all thus far. Again, the only extras are a look at more of the production artwork from the series and then episode commentary from the English voice cast. I do hope that ADV is planning something extravagant for the last volume of the series, but I don't think that's going to be the case at all. I keep throwing these suggestions out though, hoping that someone will listen. However, I'm not sure how far in advance they have their discs pressed and readied, so I way just be wasting my time here.
This volume feels a little slower as far as progression goes, but it's still not too bad, though there are episodes from earlier in the history of the show that are much more enjoyable, at least in my opinion. This hasn't killed my enjoyment at all though, but I will admit to feeling a little bored at times. Still, Angelic Layer has proven itself to be a series that can do a complete 180 and go for being simply average to being spectacular in the matter of one episode. I still feel that the ending is going to be very standard, but we'll all just have to wait and see.
Episode 17 - I Choose You! Misaki's Chosen Person
Misaki has managed to overcome the odds her first time out and is now in the running for the national Angelic Layer finals. However, a Deus must have a Second present if they wish to compete, but with everyone vying for the coveted position, it's not going to be an easy choice at all. Misaki's mother on the other hand has decided that should her daughter make it all the way through the finals, she has no choice but to face her, and with any luck, finally live happily together.
Episode 18 - Lots of Formidable Opponents! The Much Anticipated National Tournament
The National Tournament begins, and although Misaki has a great deal of people cheering for her, the competition at this level is going to be some of the most difficult that she has ever faced. With Hatoko as her Second though, Misaki could be ready for just about anything, including Athena, the reigning Angel champion.
Episode 19 - System Down? A Battle Onboard a Boat Amidst a Storm!
For her first battle in the tournament, Misaki must square off against Chitose. To throw in a twist, the minds behind Angelic Layer have put the two on board a ship, and to make it even more interesting, being knocked overboard results in a ring out. And, for their final trick, a storm, but it seems that perhaps there's something wrong with the program, and they need to work quickly to restore its integrity before the fans, and the participants, realize what's happening.
Episode 20 - The Enemy is Icchan? The Stuttering Second Match
Hatoko has gotten sick and needs to be taken away from the arena. Misaki is going to need a new Second to replace her, and it's going to need to be someone with a sharp tactical mind, especially with her next opponent. Icchan has brought in a new prototype Angel to show off to the fans, and it has some abilities that surpass even the best Angels in the Layer today.
Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 (Archive on Friday, June 01, 2001)