Recap: Baba is gravely wounded by the arrow she took to the back, but with her clan on the brink of war she can’t afford to die just yet. With Aladdin’s help Baba chases after her people and stops them killing Hakuei, who despite her undermining general really does wish for peace. Struck with awe at the determination of both Hekuei who risks her life to make peace, and Baba who gives hers the clan lays down their weapons.

The clan has made peace with the princess, but one of her commanders has her own ideas. Taking command of her army he orders her execution as she returns home; however, Hekuei is a dungeon clearer herself, and after a magical girl esc transformation takes on the entire army on her own. Ultimately her strength is not enough to stop the enemy commander on her own, and she is captured. Before she can be executed Aladdin shows up, and murders the entire army with a series of explosions, and smashes their dumbfounded commander with Ugo like a bug with a flyswatter. We learn a bit more about the role of the magi in choosing kings, and Aladdin is sent on his way to look for Alibaba.

May the Baba be with you.

Lifesong’s Thoughts: I’m not sure if that rescue by Aladdin was incredibly awesome, or stupid, but it amused me either way. The way he just nonchalantly murders an entire army was kind of awesome, and unexpected from a shonen so I can forgive some of the other very shonen happenings of this weeks Magi. The plotting was very basic, attacks are called, the villain was as stupid as he was evil. The tropes at work here are transparent as glass, but I still can’t say that I am upset with Magi. For what it is this episode worked pretty well.

Hakuei has some balls not moving an inch when faced with a sword that could have easily ended her life. That scene made for a pretty powerful moment in this anime, and I hope we won’t have to wait to long before we get to see a bit more of the inner workings of her kingdom. She is clearly not the only power at work so I smell some interesting drama unfolding when we see her again. I also wonder what the significance of the black butterflies are. I assume it’s like evil energy or something, just like Aladdin’s is good. Like the light side of the force, and the dark side of the force! Which seems an apt comparison after what was essentially a scene with Obi-Wan Baba after her death.

Wait they can show that on TV? Can I show this on the blog? Shhhh don’t tell Jel.

This world seems to have some nice depth to it in a way that goes beyond what I would expect from most shonen manga adaptations. I am curious to see what other factions this world can throw at us. I assume Alibaba has a pretty interesting back story, but it looks like we have to wait a bit longer before we dig into it. Next week Morgiana takes center stage. I will admit I want to see her character fleshed out, but I also have some doubt that she can carry an episode on her own. Magi hasn’t disappointed me yet so I’ll be hoping for the best.