This is why we have flashbacks: to show us how much we screwed up in the present.
If someone told me that during the fall anime preview that Kuroshitsuji will be an anime filled with moral issues and hard decisions, I would probably scorned at your naivete and stupidity. Yes, I have to eat my words because Kuroshitsuji has proven to mix comedy, action and heavy themes into a very eclectic mix. This episode ends the “Jack the Ripper” arc with a beautiful dirge of sorrow, agony and pain.
Summary
Grell continued to flirt with Sebastian, asking to have Sebastian’s babies. He also remonstrated his love for their possible forbidden romance of a shinigami and devil (like Romeo and Juliet). Sebastian was irritated by Grell’s disgusting antics, and tried to assault him. Sebastian explained how he swore his name by the moon. Grell said that promises like that were just a show since Sebastian’s eyes spoke of only destruction and chaos. Grell wished that they could love each other forever, but he said that he had to end it as Grell cut through Sebastian for a dramatic roll. It turned out that the history of Sebastian were redundant scenes of the mansion since that was all Sebastian experienced for the past year.
Grell demanded more interesting flashbacks but Sebastian added that there would be a huge price to pay for it. Sebastian said that he did not want to resort to “this method”, while Grell said that he would end his life this time. It turned out that Sebastian used the sheepskin coat to jam up Grell’s chainsaw. It was clear now that Sebastian had the upper hand. Grell told Sebastian not to hit his face. Obviously, Grell is powerless to the abuse of Sebastian as Sebastian only bashed on Grell’s face. Even after the beating delivered by Sebastian, Grell was still alive. Sebastian was going to use the chainsaw to kill Grell. Sebastian warned Ciel that he would be committing the sin of killing a god (despite being a disgusting god), but Ciel told Sebastian that he hates to repeat himself. Grell begged incessantly for his life, but Sebastian happily denied his plea. Grell also screamed out whether Ciel wanted to know who killed his parents, eliciting a shock gasp from Ciel.
Sebastian was about to land the finishing blow when William T Spears appeared to stop him. Grell appeared relieved, only for William to stomp him repetitively and describing Grell as that thing. William (a high ranked shinigami) came to bring back Grell for punishment in their world after his various crimes. William found it demeaning to ask for grace from a devil, but he was surprised how a “domesticated” devil was more restrained than those wild low beings. Sebastian also tried to reply the insult with a finishing salvo by throwing the chainsaw as a projectile, but William easily stopped the thrown weapon with two fingers. Sebastian apologized to Ciel for his inability to capture the other suspect. Ciel clearly looked drained from the episode. He faltered for a second as Sebastian rushed to support him. However, Ciel flicked Sebastian’s hand away, saying that he was just a little tired and did not need Sebastian’s help.
The next day, Ciel arrived at Madam Red’s church funeral with a red gown. He spoke to her body, saying that her elegance did not fit the pale white dress she was wearing. While he spoke, rose petals flew in from the entrance of the church. We also see scenes of the Phantomhive residents and the dialog between two Scotland Yard officers that this case was something that was beyond their scope of work. Lau talked to Ciel about his opium trade, with Ciel advising him to return to his country before he got caught. Lau said that he still has some business in England, and will be looking forward to meeting Ciel again.
Ciel visited Mary Jane Kelly’s grave, the last victim of the case. She was an immigrant and no one came to pick her corpse. The Undertaker stated that Ciel was kind enough to build a grave for her. Ciel explained that he had many chances to save the woman, but sacrificed her in order to capture “Jack the Ripper.” He knew what was going to happen, but did nothing to save her. The Undertaker asked if Ciel regretted it. Ciel said that he followed the will of Queen Victoria and it was his burden to do such things since he bore the skeleton ring of Phantomhive. The Undertaker grabbed Ciel strongly and wished that Ciel would not be killed by the burden he bore. He did not want Ciel to die so boringly, and he left laughing.
Sebastian asked Ciel why he hesitated to shoot Madam Red when he had a chance to do so. It felt like Ciel was unable to attack Madam Red since she was his relative. Ciel said that he knew that Sebastian would rush over no matter what happens. Sebastian continued to ask why Ciel told him to stop when Madam Red was about to attack him, but Ciel explained that Madam Red hesitated to kill him because she was unable to kill Ciel. Ciel proclaimed he would never hesitate in his actions. Sebastian told him that it was what he wanted to hear, and he would be Ciel’s chess piece to kill everything Ciel ordered. Sebastian stated that he would follow Ciel everywhere he would go, even when the “king” has collapsed.
Thoughts
The episode was very heavy in emotions compared to the more lighthearted banter of the first few episodes. I would never have imagined Kuroshitsuji to have a substantial plot that allows for a very deep character development for the characters. Ciel, for example, is a particularly complex character in this episode. It is clear that he is affected by the death of his aunt, since Madam Red was perhaps the only relative that truly cared for him. Despite his constant annoyance of her appearance, he truly welcomed her in his life.
That is why I wondered whether Ciel truly meant what he said at the end of the episode. I believe that he actually hesitated because his heart knew that the bond of their relationship was too strong for him to overcome his duty as a Phantomhive. This builds on the comment that I made earlier in Episode 5 about the complexity of Ciel as a character. He is cold because he forced himself to be a cold-blooded Earl when he still had the innocence and naivete to believe the people closest to him. If anything, I am pretty sure that he would allow Madam Red to somehow escape if she would survive the encounter. It was perhaps going to be troubling for the author if Madam Red did not actually die.
Yet, I also believe that Ciel’s suffering in this world has made him mentally strong. I did say that he was a child in terms of emotional strength which made me sound like I am contradicting myself. However, being touched by emotions does not mean that you are not mentally strong. You might waver in emotions but will not budge to the will of fate. If he was frail or fearful of his life, he would have shot Madam Red immediately. It’s because he knew that he will not die (due to Sebastian being with him) that he was able to do what he did. Any person who did not have a strong will and had the chance to kill someone to protect oneself would have done so without hesitating. Some say that courage is about killing someone. Here, courage is about believing in your own beliefs so strongly that it changes reality.
Grell’s character is clearly etched as one of the most downright disgusting characters of the anime season. I have hardly found any other character that is more detesting and hated other than that Dicktaro of Skip Beat fame. Yet, Dicktaro is more of annoying while Grell is the type of character that you vomit all your morning food out when he flirts so awfully toward Sebastian. That is why it is a triumph for mankind and Kuroshitsuji fans when he was beaten the shit out of his guts by Sebastian and William.
Might I also ask if William’s seiyuu is Noriaki Sugiyama (Ishida of Bleach)? He seems to be the one voicing William and he captures the haughty yet strong feel of William in the short period of time that William appeared on the screen. If not, please leave a message to tell me who the voice actor is. Anyway, I am a little disappointed that William did not stomp on that retard that much. He was worthy of stomping Grell until the cows come home. That was a scene that I was looking forward from the manga, but the disappointment is mild compared to the impact of the episode.
That said, I applaud A1-pictures for making a very nice adaptation to this point. I have grown to love this series a lot, and I am very sure that it will definitely go from strength to strength. In addition, I would like to part with a few questions that you might choose to discuss.
Do you think that Ciel meant what he said at the end of the episode about never “hesitating”?
Who is your favorite side character introduced in this arc? (Undertaker, Grell, William)
If you are given a choice to punch Grell, would you do it and where will the punch be?
Cheers and have fun!
23 Comments
I love this episode so freaking much! The funeral was done very well. In fact, it’s the most beautiful funeral I’ve ever seen in anime, visually in particular. The flashbacks of Madam Red in white, ethereal background with the falling rose petals added more impact to this scene. Very powerful indeed.
Speaking of William, he turned out to be exactly how I imagined him to be. The prudent, formal look combined with the prissy tone (Seiyuu of Naruto’s Sasuke, so you’re right with Bleach’s Ishida) was very befitting. I’m hoping that we see more of him in the future. Overall another excellent episode of Kuroshitsuji! Is it my imagination or the animation’s quality has gotten better in this episode? And YAY! to undertaker making an appearance!
Some say that courage is about killing someone. Here, courage is about believing in your own beliefs so strongly that it changes reality.
Is it the same as saying that Ciel didn’t have to kill Madam Red to prove himself capable of actually killing?
Grell’s character, needless to say, is a combination of many taboos in anime, so yeah, he’s disgusting but highly amusing. Grell’s craziness elicited the most laughs from me, especially every time he was assaulted both by sebas-chan and william.
I’m continued to be impressed with every episode of Kuroshitsuji and like you, Ive grown to love this series so much ^^
Who is your favorite side character introduced in this arc? (Undertaker, Grell, William)
I have to say Undertaker ^^ But if William’s screen time rivals that of undertaker, I might have to rethink my choice ^^
If you are given a choice to punch Grell, would you do it and where will the punch be?
DEfinitely the FACE.
Do you think that Ciel meant what he said at the end of the episode about never “hesitating”?
Yes, he meant it, but i don’t think he really is capable of not hesitating at certain circumstances ^^
I love the last few minutes of this episode. The conversation between Ciel and Sebastian has to be one of most powerful scenes in the series so far.
Do you think that Ciel meant what he said at the end of the episode about never “hesitating”?
Honestly? I don’t know. Did he know Madame Red probably wouldn’t have killed him? In all likelihood. Would he really be able to kill her if it became necessary? I really don’t think so.
Who is your favorite side character introduced in this arc? (Undertaker, Grell, William)
GRELL GRELL GRELL GRELL GRELL. I won’t deny what a disgusting character he is, but there’s something so positively enthralling about him. Maybe it’s my natural lit geek response to his Shakespeare references (and a few actually subtle ones), but I was impressed. I see a lot of potential in William too, and I can’t help but love the Undertaker as well.
If you are given a choice to punch Grell, would you do it and where will the punch be?
Much as I love him, I’d go for the obvious. The face.
I think he meant it, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t have other emotions running through him at the time, and it doesn’t mean he isn’t kind.
I think for side characters I like William, he will be fun to make fun of.
On Grell; I would have chainsawed his head off immediately.
I think this was a great chapter, even though Sebas has beaten up the poor Grell (yeah!! I’m against the fan world & love this crazy and confused wo-man xDDDD). I also think William’s voice was Noriaki Sugiyama-sama *–* Uhm… maybe it sounds a bit weirdo, but i’m a great fan of this seiyuu, so… never mind! *–*
Aaahh!! What about the 7th preview? I’m very dissapointed because those guys are totally news characters O_o Where are the indian guys?? TT^TT
Well, thanks for resuming ^^
Greetings ;D
I’m so annoyed in the manga, William throws Grell around and calls him a thing and we get to see grell’s face after Sebastion was done with it.
Anyways if ppl wanted to see what Grell looked like, here’s the links
http://www.onemanga.com/Kuroshitsuji/12/15/
http://www.onemanga.com/Kuroshitsuji/12/21/
http://www.onemanga.com/Kuroshitsuji/12/22/
Courage is the ability to believe in your beliefs, if one were not to have the courage then they will become sheep.
Undertaker is my fav side character cos his ability to perceive different things.
Grell _. Hammer the the face nothing else
Ciel hesitated. He should have detached himself and completed the mission.
Objective->capture of Jack the Ripper
targets-> two
Equipment-> firearm & Knight piece
Hesitation-> death
Since he controls a piece he must also have the ability to think and coordinate the capture of Jack the ripper. Since it is quiet clear that Ciel is unable to detach all emotions, twice he has faltered and has paid the price for both.
First-the bloody remains of Mary Jane->mental trauma->error->lost of surprise advantage
Second-Attachment to target->hesitation->death of target and failure of objective.
But now that Ciel has experienced these things, death will impact to a lesser extent now. This gives Ciel the ability to perform his duty without hesitation. Anyways in the manga, Ciel states that he did not shoot cos he knew Sebastian will protect him and will not let him die.
Hmm the fact the Grell mentioned Ciel’s parents would entail a possible ending for this season, that means that they will modify that part of the manga, but ain’t telling how so.
@ Nalya
What about the 7th preview? I’m very dissapointed because those guys are totally news characters O_o Where are the indian guys?? TT^TT
I’m confused as well! Probably a filler ^^; Before the arc with the indian guys, i’m looking forward to the chapter where lizzy’s mother visits ciel. It was a fun short chapter ^^
@Eipu: Well, I kinda cheated because it’s my girlfriend who pointed out that it is in fact Ishida’s voice actor. There is this prim and proper feel about William that feels a bit overbearing. I do hope to see him because he is clearly far more powerful than Sebastian. I mean, he simply stopped the attack by Sebastian like he is swatting a fly. Now that is scary.
Ya, I think the whole point of Grell is to make the most eccentric character ever in history. They really did a good job at this too. Heh, Undertaker also felt very different in this episode. There is more of a malicious tone to his morbid words this time and I wonder what his mind is thinking. He proves to be as much as an enigma like Sebastian.
@Hyatt: Hmmm, I don’t know to be honest. I have this feeling that Madam Red will never truly kill Ciel. She probably might want to try but her will does not allow her to kill the only remaining person that she cares about. I probably think that it is instinct rather than knowledge.
@Dana: HAHAHA, why would William be fun to make fun of? He’s so bloody deadpan that jokes will fall flat.
@Nalya: Next episode seems to be Ciel going for a trip. Not sure if it is a filler or something way ahead of manga time though.
@cherubium: Wow, I have never thought of the symbolism between the chess set and the task that Ciel has. You are definitely right to say that Ciel probably needs this experience to no longer hesitate when something like this will occur again.
I am not sure if he truly wanted to save Mary Jane though. Obviously, he can try to save the whore but it might jeopardize his efforts to capture Jack the Ripper. I do not think that it is a mistake at all to be honest.
*from the KS lj comm* well…I wonder if you’re up to date with manga? I read RAWs as well, so I know why Ciel turned out the way he did. It isn’t explained very clearly, but enough for the fans to draw a proper inference.
He’s not totally cold, nor did he intend to kill Madam Red…however, he might have been forced to and he would have gone through with the killing though we will never know now.
Ciel’s constant repetition of the order: you alone are not allowed to lie to me/betray me shows a lot about his character. Because out of all the people, he’s the only one who knows him completely–and yet he’s also surprised by Ciel several times. And only on him does Ciel place his trust (no matter how reluctantly sometimes).
This is turning into Ciel/Sebastian now. Meep.I love Grell. >.>; even if he did kill Madam Red and acted all around disgusting. Because he’s done by Fukuyama Jun-san, and he can do no wrong. *hangs self* And yes, William is definitely Sugiyama Noriaki-san because I can never mistake him. <3
Thank you so much for the summary and pictures.
Just finished watching the episode, and WOOT! The funeral scene is really nice. I like it in the manga, but they made it even better here, much more effective that I felt sad too T.T I agree that Ciel would allow and maybe even help her escape if she wasn’t dead. How can that is cold-blooded?lol. Ciel, you’re not good at acting strong at all. Though his words did sound very determined and convincing, like in the end of this ep right after his strong act with Sebastian, he turned around and his face looked really painful to me… but this’s why I like him
Like Impz said that he just forces himself to be cold but actually very innocent inside.
huh… I really wish that Lau won’t turn out to be one of his enemy in the future, coz it’ll mean that Ciel won’t have anybody that he thought they’re his “allies” left at all. Undertaker helps him but it’s not bcoz he accepts Ciel as his boss (his action in this episode makes me feel like he looked down on Ciel a little bit too) but bcoz he likes Ciel or think that he’s cute. (A little earl who tries to be strong and powerful, but actually can’t do anything if he doesn’t help him) Sebastian seems to be the most faithful ally he has now, but just as long as their contract lasts. In the end he’ll be the one who takes his soul. Like this, I feel sad for Ciel ^^”
So William’s seiyuu is the same with Ishida. No doubt about that, lol. They really sound alike with each other. Btw, I praise Grell’s seiyuu for doing splendid job since he’s Luca (Macross Frontier) and Kei (Special A)… and now he’s like “this” in Kuroshitsuji, hahaha.
My favorite side character is definitely Grell, very disturbing but amusing at the same time. His “butler of Death” post in last ep made me laughed a lot.
I’m worried about next episode since it’s a filler. I thought that they’ll go for Lizzy and her mother as the change of mood like manga did. It’s a nice break before next arc begins too. However, I hope A1-Pictures make it nice like what they did in ep 1, very nice filler they did there. I guess Ciel’s revenge will be the end of this series, since they gave hints about this since early episodes, but I wonder how they’ll make that? coz the manga is still away from this part… and No! please make the Noah Circus arc too!(the current arc in manga) It seems really interesting T^T
P.S. Love sadistic Sebastian <3 ah~ how I wish I have a butler like him! XD
HA!! I knew it! I knew William’s voice was Sugiyama-sama *–* (nobody else could talk with that complete calm, chill-out and proper on his voice… love it!! *–*)
Awww, i want they animate Circus Arc too!! But, i’m afraid of it won’t be animated. I guess there will be just 13 chapters (at least AnimeNewsNetwork says so =_=). Indian arc is too long, and we must add that filler chapter so… Definetely, anime won’t reach Noah Circus Arc T^T
Maybe Studio will make two temps divided in 13+13 chapters, ne? *–* I wish!!! Lately that is in fashion, so… we’ll pray xDDD
Greetings ^_^
I wouldn’t worry too much about the whole “13 episodes” thing. If the series is remotely successful (and apparently it is), chances are they’ll get to that point and start back up once spring anime season starts.
Well, may be I’m biased since I like the manga a lot, but I think that Kuroshitsuji is one of the most satisfying anime this season (at least for me… It is the first anime in many years that got me watching the raws ‘cos I can’t wait ’til the sub come out)
The funeral scene is done MUCH better than the manga’s version, which is definitely saying something. The slightly surreal flashback is a very nice touch. While I enjoy this chapter in the manga, the anime episode is the one making me feel all sad and lonely for Ciel. The production’s quality seems to improve too!
Next episode seems to be an original episode (I won’t call it filler unless it is proved to do nothing to develop the storyline and the character, anyone who has been Bleach’s fillers would understand what I am talking about. By being an original material, it doesn’t have to be a filler. Just like the first episode, which is completely original, yet manages to be a very nice start for the series. I have already expected to see some original materials since if it would really last 13 episodes, it wouldn’t likely to cover another arc. Therefore, the anime must somehow builds into a nice original conclusion) Since the original material stuff that has been done in this series (slight change in details and the first episode) seems really nice, I have the expectation that the next episode wouldn’t be a completely useless filler. Hopefully…
BTW, my fav side character must be WILLIAM (I typed his name in capital to emphasize his level of awesomeness in my feeling). I have a thing for megane dudes, and I have always like a character with this kind of personality… Sooo SEXY~
Just to give somebody a disturbing spook, I found a Kuroshitsuji doujinshi that feature Grell being literally ****ed by Sebastian AND William (fortunately, not at the same time…) Have a great time imagining that scene, I almost couldn’t sleep for a night (although I was cracking through the whole doujinshi because it was such a crack pairing)
@Kaitune: oh.. when you compared it with Bleach’s filler, that really gives the image how they’re different = =’ ok, let’s call it original
and thanks God that I never come across that Doujinshi, and I wish that will never happen.
btw, I just notice that usually ‘Demon’ always use magic or special abilities, something like that to fight. This is the first time I see demon that uses none of that but martial arts only. (which is not bad.. much better than seeing Sebastian shoots lazer beam from his mouth, lol)
Well we get a glimpse of Sebastian’s true form during the fight scene and that seems really feral to me. I believe his abilities would include enhanced senses and physical capabilities.
We ALL wish we have a butler like sebastain ^^ Concerning the 13 episodes, I have faith that this series will get past the 13 episode-cut. ^ 6 episodes in, and it still continues to delivers, with the quality of animation getting better and better. Does that mean their budget is increasing? I, myself, wouldn’t be satisfied with only 13 episodes
@ Cherubim
I believe his abilities would include enhanced senses and physical capabilities.
That’s also how I see it. And i actually prefer it that way.
Yes, I worry about the rest of the episodes as well.
The next episode is most certainly an anime original, but if it’s just a simple intermission, that’s fine.
Though, since it’s 12/13/whatever episodes, I’m guessing it’s ending on a different note from the manga, which is a shame, but I’d expected it.
I wonder if they’ll incorporate the rest of Ciel’s past though, cause I think that’s something very necessary (poor guy).
I hope another season is being planned, as Birdy is getting 1. Though I imagine that was planned before the 1st season even aired.
Also, I always liked Grell.
He’s psychotic and amusing, and I find that great.
It’s because he doesn’t really seem serious about anything, and no one really takes him all that seriously, that makes him fun.
I liked Madam Red too, but I like Grell more.
I’d seen more praise for him than hate though as well, least till now.
Well, I’ll just continue to hope for another season.
The Indian arc is great, and I’d only checked out a bit of the Circus, but that seems like it’ll be wonderful too.
The manga just gets better and better from here.
I always felt the earlier chapters were the weakest and it just continued to escalate.
I have one thing to say (for now): WHERE CAN YOU FIND LATER MANGA CHAPTERS!! I can only find up to chapter 14. TT
@icelogue: You can find them here
They have some translated chapters, but some are raws + text translations. So you have to mix them together in your head
THANK YOU! (Now I’m done being crazy.)
~Ciel is a character that you can never quite figure out, and it makes you love him. Ciel couldn’t kill Madame Red; he’s too close to her, and it would be killing the only close relative he still has. He’s a 12 year old, not a murderer.So, I’m a-thinking he’s lying about the hesitation. By the way, I’m starting to think he’s a paradox.
~ The Undertaker is my favorite character introduced, by far. He’s the creepy yet crazy dude you love. In a way he reminds me of Cross Marian from D.Gray-Man. (It was probably the hair.)
~I wouldn’t punch Grell, I would kick him, as punching doesn’t hurt as much, and I’d hurt my hand. Grell would be kicked all the way into next week, he’s that disgusting.
Now I shall wait for the raws to come and hope they followed the manga word for word.
It was a sad episode, but offered some refreshing visuals.
The characters I hate the most this anime season is the abusive family from Michiko to Hachin.
@Kai: Arr, I don’t read the manga that much since I do have rather limited time on the computer in general. Exams are coming up and real life has screwed me up so badly. As stated earlier by Cheru, it is clear that this is an experience for Ciel to grow up and strengthen his heart when he might waver.
The trust came in a binding contract. In a way, Sebastian would never betray Ciel because he wants Ciel’s soul when Ciel is dead. To him, time is nothing since he is probably able to live a very long time. Capturing a soul is a totally different story, I bet.
@Blist: I honestly do not think Lau will ever be an antagonist toward Ciel. I do not think that Lau really has any relationship with Ciel, but it seems like he is just interested to see what will actually go on between Ciel and his future enemies. I do not see Lau really siding any side since he seems to care about nothing but himself. If Kuroshitsuji has done something good (or fatal eventually), many of these characters have a lot of depth that can be eventually explored. I do hope that they focus more on the side characters rather than Ciel the whole time. It might flesh out the series better.
I don’t think having a filler at this point is going to be that bad. It might be a good transition to the arc of Lizzy since he is likely to still feel the effects of Madam Red’s loss. It is going to be very interesting to see the reaction of Ciel, and it will show the mantle of A-1 on pleasing the fans of Kuroshitsuji.
You like sadistic Sebastian? I don’t think I want a butler like him because he’s just way too perfect…
@Hyatt: Yep, more popularity = higher chance of getting a sequel.
@Kaitune: I don’t think that you are biased because I did not expect Kuroshitsuji to be among the top series that I enjoy every week. However, it has managed to capture my attention from the twists and turns of the story. Moreover, the character development is excellent, and I really feel that these characters are rather different from the typical half-a-dozen characters we see so often.
You have done well to earn a “spook of the day for Impz” with your last paragraph.
@Cheru: You think? I feel that he has never been truly serious about fighting as yet. For some reason, he is still holding back quite a bit in his fighting prowess. I do wonder if he does have a more “super saiyan” streak or that he just have supernatural reflexes.
@Ice: HAHAHA. The raws should be out already. I am glad someone decided not to punch Grell already. I was thinking about punching his guts because I bloody hate his guts.
@Kitsune: Same here, but I stopped watching MtH
Kick Grell’s face! =D Or elbow hit him!
I’m undecided about who is my favourite side character… Should it be Grell or Undertaker? I can’t wait to watch this episode. =3
I don’t know what you’re talking about! Grell is awesome!!!
It could be that I generally like psychotic characters, but Code Geass ruined it with Mao.
Grell is just so psychotic, so insane, such a total flirt that he’s hilarious and at the same time terrifying.
One Trackback
[...] what others think about this episode at THAT Anime Blog Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Kuroshitsuji – Episode [...]