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At first, I was worried about whether “Friends” would be a solid conclusion to the entire Izumo Rescue Mission Arc, because it started off pretty rough. The opening of the action consists almost entirely of static shots and overly bright images that combine with choppy pacing to destroy the enjoyable, grim horror tone that the last few episodes have built up so well. All this, and after I talked so much last week about the whole “Oh, they finally do” part!
Luckily, as has been the case for much of this season, Blue Exorcist has its story strong through this season’s lackluster production values. Izumo gets one last emotional chance to connect with her mother, which becomes the key to saving her from being completely destroyed by the Nine-Tailed Fox Fox. Not only does Izumo have to endure witnessing her mother’s ultimate sacrifice, but she also has to say goodbye to Tsukumo, who no longer remembers her older sister. It’s a heartbreakingly bittersweet ending to Izumo’s story, ensuring it’s a satisfying conclusion. Don’t think I was like that. I didn’t shed a tear when Izumo and Shiemi finally had the genuine feelings that had been building between them for the entire series!
The action picks up in the second half of the episode where we get the most uplifting scenes of the week. Uke and Mike are back and they get a nifty power upgrade along with more humanoid transformations! If that wasn’t awesome enough, the return of the familiars also only serves to see them help Izumo kill the ever-loving Bejeesus from a monsterized Dr. Gedoin. I’ll gladly put up with an over-reliance on scruffy-looking still shots if it means we get to see that miserable bastard get his just desserts.
Aside from the weak action, my only other complaint about “Friends” is that Renzo does almost nothing in the entire season except be a nuisance to his old friends. I can only hope that future chapters of this Shimane Illuminati Saga have more to offer in that regard. On the other hand, Blue Exorcist did not disappoint me. It promised me a fun time with some old friends and that’s exactly what it delivered.
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Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
James is a writer with many thoughts and feelings about anime and other pop culture, which you can also find on
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