Le Chevalier D'Eon Volume 2: Agent Provocateur - Animation Insider
- Animation Insider
- Kelsey Hofmeister
- 05/23/07
- click here
"...The Show is definetly taking steps in the right directions."
"...The show has improved greatly with most recent batch of episodes"
"Wow."
Ok, I know I've been a bit harsh on the French in the past, with most of it being out of friendly spite. But now I find myself growing more fond of our friends across the Pond, especially with the release of the second volume of Le Chevalier D'Eon. And let me tell you friends, it's only getting better.
The story picks up as D'Eon and his fellow Knights try to capture the Russian Voronsov, as he is still the only lead they have to explaining the death of D'Eon sister Lia. However, they put a halt to their pursuits as the Easter holiday approaches. D'Eon goes with his fiancée Anna to confess at the church, where Anna privately reveals her growing contempt against D'Eon feverish pursuit of Lia's killer. This is exemplified when D'Eon spots Voronsov being heckled by a crowd of peasants. Without hesitation, he sends a defeated looking Anna off to safety as he takes off after the Russian. However, despite his best efforts, D'Eon allows him to escape.
Meanwhile, King Louis decides to deal with the Duc de Orleans, whom was revealed in the last volume to be plotting against the monarch. Louis publicly confronts the Duc, yet privately explains to him that if he moves against Versailles and France, he will be dealt with severely. This causes the Duc to back off, and he is not seen for the remainder of the volume.
With the rat dealt with, D'Eon along with Robin, Duran'd and Teillagory chase Voronsov to a port, but are too late to stop him from leaving to Russia. Also, tagging along with the Russian is none other than Maxim lien Robespierre, the man (historically) responsible for the bloody French Revolution. Both men head for Russia, leaving the four Musketeers to head back to the King empty handed.
As a result of their failure, King Louis pulls a Marlin Brando and truly makes them an offer they can't refuse; Go to Russia or die. It seems to be a no win for them, for despite France having friendly relations with Russia, there's no telling how many enemies lie waiting for them. D'Eon and his companions set off immediately for St. Petersburg. However, Comte de Saint-Germaine, the Poet who was working for the scheming Duc de Orleans, now considers the four knights a threat and orders any and all of his underlings to "hunt the foxes".
Two people answer his call. Count Cagliosto, a merchant of fine makeup to the wealthy and powerful alchemist, along with his assistant and supposed lover Lorenza. She is a Poet, and a good one at that. She sicks a pack of gargoyle hounds upon the heroes, but is unsuccessful in defeating them. This is caused by the "arrival" of Lia, whose intense emotions of grief and rage overwhelm Lorenza, forcing the two hunters to withdraw. Knowing now that powerful forces are working against them, the heroes decide its best not to trust anyone.
They carry this philosophy with them into St. Petersburg, where they immediately try to gain audience with the Empress Elizabeth. They figure that since Lia was on good terms with the Russian royalty, the Empress is perhaps the closest thing to a friend they have. They decide to pose as jewel merchants since Elizabeth is constantly searching for fitting presents for her numerous lovers. Being Empress does have its perks, ya know.
D'Eon and Robin use the Empress' weekly (yes, weekly) ball to get close to her. At the dance, D'Eon dresses as Lia (as it was a masquerade, as in crossing gender wardrobes) which leaves everyone stunned. Lia is supposed to be dead, remember. Meanwhile, Duran'd and Teillagory are approached by Ekaterina, historically the future Catherine the Great. She reveals a plot to assassinate Elizabeth, and it is the conspirator's intent to put the blame on the four men from France whom had just arrived.
Russia can suck sometimes, too.
Now comes the part where I say wow.
Wow.
I found the show has improved greatly with the most recent batch of episodes. I adored the tandem of political thrills and historical footnotes in particular. Also, how D'Eon has come to accept his sister's soul as opposed to rejecting it was a great way to develop his character. It shows D'Eon is growing to see things outside the comfort of his life in France, which I feel will allow his character to gain more insight into later issues.
This development is a good way to show that in order to truly understand the world; you must be willing to take in everything, good or bad. As Teillagory puts it, "You can never really know your own self unless you throw yourself into the flames." Hopefully such an idiom evolves into a recurring theme for later episodes.
You may recall in my last review that I complained about the uneven pacing of the previous volume. I am very happy to say that those problems were nowhere to be found. Most plot events were in its rightful location, and the in-between time has been dramatically slowed down. This is mostly because the plot itself is finally starting to pick up, meaning there is no need to cram a ton of information into a small space. The series is allowing itself more breathing room, much to my and im sure many viewer's relief.
The introduction of new characters gave the show a good power boost, especially since all of the characters are in some way connected to some historical figure. I was disappointed, however, to see Maximilian not have much of a role at this point. Im hoping he gains one later, since he is perhaps one of the most important persons revolving around the Revolution.
With a plot that only thickens with each episode, and characters that are starting to reflect more humanizing qualities, this show is definitely taking steps in the right direction.
Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 (Archive on Saturday, June 23, 2007)