I apologize for the lateness but Liang Qi was just too delicious as she terrorized people with her Wii-HD. I am glad that we finally get to see Liang Qi run a big operation, though Alphard onee-sama did a lot of the planning. Ever since episode one Alphard’s big score was being planned out, the bunker, infecting the Japanese guy, starting the PMC that was contracted out to do security, etc. While the plot doesn’t seem to be all that ground breaking at least PA Works took the time to lay out small details of a big operation and then pull it all together with one hell of a BANG! It might not be ground breaking enough for Zyl, Kabitzin, Calawain, or ghostlightning, but at least it is a competent series that plays to it’s strengths, namely foe yay yuri, yuri subtext, and some of the best action to be had this season. I suppose that most action series will suffer more from conventions, but I still can’t help but admire how PA Works has managed to pull those conventions together and make some thing that is good, but not world changing. As a second outing I think it is understandable that PA Works would rather play conservatively than take a huge risk while proving their mettle as a new studio. In any case this was very much a return to the action side of things after the very comedic Yunyun centric ep we got last week.
Liang Qi found the Alphard Channel on her Wii-HD.
It’s not often that you actually see something being planned for six eps, and in that sense there is almost something LOGH-esque about it. Sadly though, there wasn’t a whole episode devoted soley to one half of a meeting at any point. Still bit by bit we got a few hints of Alphard planning one of the most daring terror raids in anime without having to use an ass pull to do it. Even if it was over the top it was at least very plausible considering how even the US State Department contracts out security to PMCs instead of relying on Military Police. Given it is no secret that corruption is a problem within China it seemed believable that after having greased the right palms that DAEDELA could win the security contract for that conference. Certainly Alphard took her time in building up her PMC as an elaborate front, instead of simply going in with guns blazing, it is very much a sign of Alphard’s cunning and formidable abilites and further emphasizes the gulf of ability between her and Canaan. Speaking of which it seems that Alphard was once known as Canaan as well before the current Canaan took her name. I hope they go more into Alphard’s background as it seems she had quite the career in her younger days when Liang Qi was an adorable loli. I suppose they will get to what Siam (or however you spell his name) had intended to do since he was the man who taught both Canaan and Alphard, though given how Alphard was able to defeat him, it is quite clear that Alphard was one of his best students. Too bad Alphard had to kill him for reasons I hope will be clarified, but it seems probable that the current Canaan was probably meant to be the gunslinger Siam wanted to create.
Another point of interest was how Alphard and Maria had met before which should add more fuel to the rivalry between Canaan and Alphard. As a fan of Kannazuki no Miko I could not help but see their relationship as a continuation of that between Chikane and Himeko. The hair color certainly matches, Alphard is every bit as dangerous and refined as Chikane, if not more so (I suspect it was due to her humiliation and powerlessness as Chikane that as Alphard she focused much more on martial prowess…), and Maria is every bit as ditzy and camera loving as Himeko. Given that PA Works made the US President a rabid Trigun fan I can’t help but suspect that they also made a homage to the ED of Kannazuki no Miko when Maria fell down into Alphard’s arms. If Alphard is indeed Chikane reborn and Maria is Himeko reborn, then Mako-chan is Canaan (love of running and Himeko), and Liang Qi is Chikane’s head maid (hatred of Himeko and obsession with Chikane). Speaking of Trigun though I suppose that in the future we will have elected the backer of the up coming Trigun Movie which made for a very fun nerd moment. If the boys and girls at PA Works are fans of Trigun it certainly shows in thier lovingly animated action scenes and perhaps in their similar sense of humor. I don’t suppose that they are quite as rabid fans of Dune though certainly Hakko has the voice of command and we finally have proof that Noto-sama was paid to do more than make inaudible noises. If nothing else it seems Hakko is caught up in a love triangle of sorts…kimi wa dare to kisu wo suru indeed.
Who is that you ask?
Looks like Alphard remembers something from a past life…
Miya-sama?
The major focus this time still lay primarily with Liang Qi as we got a little bit more of her story as a loli that fell in love with Alphard onee-sama as she turned her small little group into the terror of nations and the bane of Azadistan. Sadly even while Liang Qi professed her undying love for Alphard, Alphard would prefer to have a kawaii imouto who didn’t have such uncontrollable hate. Certainly Liang Qi has major issues as the beating of Maria indicated, but I am sure that deep down Alphard does care for Liang Qi in some way as she did keep Liang Qi around ever since Liang Qi was loli. Even if Liang Qi is a horrible person I could not help but enjoy her brand of brutality as she used her Wii-HD to rain death and doom to the conference and even had her Mii troll the hostages and the security forces. There was very much an almost Full Metal Jacket-esque feel to it as Liang Qi was clearly paying homage to that crazy door gunner with 157 certified kills that Joker ran into. If nothing else Liang Qi was pretty much what i imagined her to be, a broken onee-sama loving killer, I am not sure if they will try to redeem her but you have to wonder how Liang Qi went from an impressionable loli to crazed killer. Certainly Alphard doesn’t seem to share the same streak of insanity. Heck when Alphard was loli she was the heir to an armed group on the verge of extinction, certainly it was not insane brutality that defined the most infamous terrorist of her day. Instead Alphard turned out as a cold calculating woman to be rightfully feared.
I also liked how the guys and gals at PA Works even went so far as drawing out specific guns for Alphard, her mooks, and the poor cops who got shot to pieces. At the every least even if the cops got rolled over it wasn’t because they couldn’t hit anything but were taken completely by surprise as not one of them suspected the PMC guys as the terrorists. I can’t help but feel sorry for that squad of cops that figured out that Liang Qi was in the control room and then got out flanked by Alphard. They did everything right in that they took cover and took shots from the least exposed positions. It was sad that no one seemed to be aiming, but at close quarters you don’t really have to look down the sight anyway, and Alphard’s goons were trying to maximize the surprise factor by shooting the quickest way possible, so it was understandable. I think it was no accident that the Chinese cops all had bull-up assualt rifes as the current PRC service rifle is bull-pup design, i for one am glad that PA Works took the time to do their homework instead of going the cheaper route and give everyone the same poorly animated assault rifle.
Well next time it seems that someone is going to die, I hope it’s not Liang Qi as I really want to see her have a real knock out drawn out fight with Canaan. Given that Liang Qi doesn’t have her sword there is hope for her yet to wield it properly.
An ojou-sama from a distinguished family that has been continued for a thousand years, skilled in both literary and military arts, with wit and beauty, the intensity of summer, the grace of autum, the pride of winter, and the gentleness of spring? Why it can only be one person…
Even if you go by a new name you will always be her Himeko…
Wow what can’t Cummings do?
This will be good…
I guess not…
Well I think Loli-Liang Qi was adorable…
Oh Liang Qi you don’t have to follow Alphard to the bathroom too…
Well at least Liang Qi never took up smoking, and I am proud of Alphard for quitting.
Oh a FN P-90 with suppressor I like…
Though you have to wonder if bringing Liang Qi along for missions was a good idea in the end…
He’s really into this.
I wonder if it was Liang Qi who did Alphard’s nails or if it was Alphard who does Liang Qi’s…I think this question does deserve an answer.
Indeed Canaan’s heart is now doki doki for Alphard.
Wait Canaan was loli since the beginning?
I love her outfit by the way.
ZOMG the voice of command…
Oh yeah Hakko is definitely a Bene Gesserit.
T’was a shitty era…
Oh what is that I see?
Mmmm…Monkey Island for the Wii.
I guess there will be nunchuck only controls one day…
I think we have found that American backer for the Trigun Movie…
Newfags who don’t like Trigun…
Daijoubu Kusuragawa-san?
I see Liang Qi has created one hell of a Mii…
I see Nintendo still hasn’t dropped their family friendly approach.
Punished in the name of the Moon, yes?
…
and no a fairy will not bring you back with 3 hearts…
It was the weirding way in action…
Cool it with the gestures, Alphard already bought Wii Motoin Plus…
Liang Qi found out that she could kill women and children by not leading them so much.
Liang Qi told me after wards that if they run they are VC, if they stand still, they are well disciplined VC…
Man these new Miis are so much more kick ass that Sony and 360 Avatars…
I like how they gave all the Chinese police guys bull-pups given their service rifle is also a bull-pup AR.
Oh believe me Alphard onee-sama is doing this for her own desires, she’s just smart enough to have both be one and the same.
Well Canaan has yet to come close to winning it seems…
I am a bit sad Alphard felt that she had to change out…
Liang Qi sees all!
While Liang Qi was enjoying the show Alphard was displeased by the lack of nachos…
In hindsight you should have been more specific…
A night of just Alphard and Maria that goes on forever and ever?
Oh this will be just like episode 8 of Kannazuki no Miko…
…
Liang Qi thought Maria was going to ask for Alphard…
Well she kicks high…
So you do have her number…
Liang Qi even came up with a new pet name for her…
Maria doesn’t appreciate the kindness.
For those who never liked Maria, I think Liang Qi intends to make you happy today…
I see Alphard does read the old testament…
She kept her promise…
I am sure that with a little more effort you will one day wear the crest of the KING OF HEARTS.
Alphard onee-sama frowns upon your foul language young lady…
Yeah time to be a bit more polite.
Alphard was very disappointed that Liang Qi did not listen.
Alphard rather pierce her with the arrow of cupid…
Even Canaan could feel what Alphard was feeling…
Yeah Alphard asked you to do a strip search not a beat down…
I see she was crying on the inside at least…
Alphard prefers the kind of love that involves kissing and loving embraces…
So won’t you give Liang Qi a kiss?
Maria knew that if Canaan came she would never leave Alphard again…
Now who is being tsun tsun…
This reminds me of some one…
ah never mind…
Don’t worry it’s only an airsoft…
Alphard only wants what is best for her kawaii imouto.
Alphard will tolerate no hatred nor jealousy in her harem, she loves you all equally.
I’d suggest spreading it.
Alphard is going tsun tsun again…
Man what I wouldn’t give to see her face when she mentioned funny girls…
Oh it’s time for Laughing with Liang Qi…
Alphard can read your mind…
I just hope it doesn’t end with you at the wrong end of a sword, my liege…
It seems Maria that you do not have permission to die…
Aimo Aimo…
Dear God he’s using the most vile weapon ever devised!
Oh no…he’s going to use Aimo O.C. on us!
I suppose being evil makes her look younger…I wonder what her real smile looks like…
I knew Canaan would go running back to Alphard after that unforgettable night they spent together.
Alphard found a use for landlines…
I take it Alphard wants Liang Qi to shoot Canaan without hitting her…
Looks like some one is about to die…
14 Comments
Liang Qi is one of the most delicious psychos since the Higurashi gals. I’d never have guessed that Rie Tanaka voices her. “GET SOME! GET SOME!”
Are you kidding, if is not voiced by Rie Tanaka then is not a full fledged bat shit crazy girl.
All others are amateurs.
Rie Tanaka is THE go-to voice actress for psycho batshit insane bitches. Heck, even in SEED and SEED Destiny I was expecting Lacus to channel Haman Kahn (I was disappointed).
OMG Hakko is the daughter of Gene from MGS:PO, it confirms what I’ve suspected about Mamiko Noto all along, her voice is a powerful mind control weapon…
@Crusader: If you are referencing Chikane and Himeko, I can only imagine the possibilities involving a Wii-mote and Nunchaku…
@RP
She does it out of love…
@Mr. K
I’d wager that Liang Qi is one of her craziest roles yet…
@Kherubim
The SEED franchise sucked for a number of reasons including that.
A night of Alphard and Maria that went on forever and ever…one can only imagine right?
Favorite character: Liang Qi. Because damn, she beat the shit out of Maria and I’ve been waiting for someone to do that for five episodes.
@ Myu
Why? You hate Maria that much?
Anyway, Liang Qi is crazy! But that’s why it’s so fun watching her. Except the part where she beats up Maria. I don’t think Maria deserves that at all.
So we have a plot to poison world leaders, Alphard being the Snake to Siam’s Big Boss and Liang Qi being a Tomoe Marguerite (again). Hearing Liang Qi sing about people going to die and the power of LOVE AND PEACE made me go “LOLWHUT?”
@ Silver: Yeah, kicking a bound Maria is like kicking a Labrador puppy, except that the puppy has more survival instinct. Maria has more of a “deer caught in headlights” expression.
@ Crusader: Two words – Rumble Feature…
Curses for trying out the drinking game I suggested a while back, I knew I was in trouble when MANLY TAXI DRIVER GEORGE showed up halfway into the episode and I had about a 3/4 bottle of Absolut left…
I love watching Liang Qi try to get her rage under control. Only Alphard can tame Liang!
@Myu
I have good reason to think that you are not alone in that regard.
@Silver
In the end Liang Qi did out of love of Alphard which turned into jealousy of Canaan which found form in ruthlessly beating the one person Canaan cared about the most… Also I guess it was fated to be as even now it seems the reincarnation of Himeko has yet to reciprocate Alphard’s love for her that went back to a time of myth and legend. Unlike Maria Alphard remembers her life as Chikane with intense clarity, sorrow, and fondness.
@Kherubim
Let’s also not forget about Wii Motion Plus…i wonder if that little mike on the wiimote can capture sound as well…
@Kabitizin
Everyday some one will propose to her, countless people will confess to her, only such a woman as Alphard can be referred to as a Heroine.
@Silver: Since this is an anime character we’re talking about, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it “hate”, but yeah, sugoi-girl annoys the heck out of me.
Yeah,that part reminded me about the swordsmith in Seirei no Moribito. At least now we know why Alphard was also called Canaan previously.
I was LOLOL at the comparison between Kannazuki and Canaan – so the whole thing is a just a big misunderstanding of unrequited yuri love that was really requited all along?
Liang Qi has indeed made me a very happy mecha in this episode, her crazy yuri jealousy (you’ve covered all the screencaps already so I don’t have to!) and giving it good to Antenna Bitch LOL.
Oh, and the only thing I liked about Trigun was Nicholas D. Wolfwood.
@Zyl
Yeah it seems that they haven’t forgotten how to incorporate the narrative, whether or not it will be something truly beyond expectation remains to be seen.
It is all just one big misunderstanding and eventually Alphard onee-sama will have one of the best yuri harems of all time.
Glad to see that there are those who love our mistress Liang Qi even after delivered Maria a long deserved beating. Still Alphard could not forget her old flame and chose to save her, but in an all to familiar way.
Surely there was more to love in Trigun than that.
Trigun moment there with the President and Alphard pointing her weapon to Liang reminded me of the Boss. (and maybe Big Boss too)
I wasn’t surprised that Daedala security forces would turn the guns against their Public Security Police allies too.
What the?! Did they ripped off ‘Love and Peace’ out of Trigun? Man, wonder if the producers of Trigun will come sue the ‘CANAAN’ version of the President.
YAY! Rabu~ando~peasu~