© BONES, Fuji TV
They did it again; Metallic Rouge did an episode that I really enjoyed. Despite all the narrative acceleration done to get us to this point, this week’s installment still takes its sweet time following Naomi and Rouge’s misadventures on their spaceship to Venus. Elsewhere, the Alters, having ascended the morning star, dine quietly and exchange memories of their family vacation at the lake house. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that the villains had adventures in the lake house with Gene? Yes, but it would be foolish of me to blame Metallic Rouge for its non-linearity now, especially when this episode’s narrower and more intimate focus suits its characters so well.
The concept of family is at the heart of this week’s goals. It’s even in the title. The Nine Immortals presents family relationships that span the gamut, from deeply intimate friendships to cruel words that only loved ones can throw away. Gene knows that he is also part of this army, even if they disagree. Rouge and Cyan discover that they have a lot to do (and fight for) as sisters. Ash needs time to reflect on his fractured family and the void that the Noid fills. Eden mourns his fading memories of the people he cared about most. While these are clearly non-traditional arrangements, they are family units all the same. Watching an episode of Metallic Rouge with an emotional core and relatable theme is a welcome surprise.
Naomi is an odd woman. When Rouge teased her with the name given to her by the Traveler, it showed that she was more than just the first Nean; she is also the loneliest. I suppose that’s what happens when your oldest companions are a trio of emotionless mermaid aliens. That’s also a reasonable explanation for why it’s always difficult to find out what Naomi is thinking or feeling. Are all plans above plans? She still finds time to hide on this spaceship, but the most revealing moment occurs when she overhears Rouge telling Cyan that she is her “strangest person.” That’s a perfect way to put it. She and Rouge aren’t family—not even the found family kind—but they share an undeniably strong (if strained) bond. The story could easily take a decidedly romantic turn here. I’m not holding my breath, but it would be appropriate.
And if Naomi and Rouge never get canonically affectionate with each other, their goofy cop buddy relationship still gets me. Much of this episode leans heavily toward the more exciting side of Metallic Rouge, and to me, it’s further proof that the series is at its best when it farts. Cyan sneaking onto the ship in place of the weapon Naomi so desperately needs feels like a silly joke straight out of Dirty Pair or Outlaw Star. Cyan’s presence then sparks a lot of arguments between Naomi and Rouge, and that’s what I’m really here for. Not surprisingly, I also liked the intense focus on Ash making pancakes. These are great character beats that you can get into when the show is allowed to slow down. It’s a shame we couldn’t get two courses on these idiots.
On a more serious note, it was fun to see Jill explain to Gene that the story of humanity is full of revolutions that reversed the then current trend of the social order in one way or another. Despite their chaos and bloodshed, history has forgiven many of them, and Jill seems confident that she is on the side of history with Nean’s liberation. I tend to agree. I also would have liked the harsher and more nuanced acknowledgment that this plays out as a proxy war between the Visitors and the Usurpers. Think of the Solar System as South America during the Cold War. Of course, that doesn’t stop Jill and the other Alters from fighting for their sense of justice, but in the end they’re just players on a stage dominated by forces stronger than either of them. However, that is also the story of human history. We always try our best.
Finally, on a completely different note, I have a new theory: The puppeteer is said to have died in the guise of Roy Junghardt. This episode more or less confirms that the big clown is human, and I think the elder Junghardt is the only character who fits the bill. Now, I won’t even try to explain what that would mean, but I’m looking forward to acting smug when proven right. There’s also the incredible possibility that Metallic Rouge will never be able to explain it. As I said before, its story progression is mainly based on emotions. On that point, I’m glad my high school English teacher had us read Laurence Sterne’s The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. The novel is a fun modernist farce and includes a number of non-traditional plot illustrations, each of which can be easily applied to this anime viewing experience.
If you think that sounds interesting then you’re probably already vibing with Metallic Rouge. Or you need to read Tristram Shandy. Either way, I know I have.
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Metallic Rouge is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Steve is on Twitter while it lasted. He is not a biomechanical android in disguise. You can also see him chatting about trash and treasure on This Week in Anime.