Gee’s Thoughts

Kill la Kill keeps up the pace as we begin to explore the rest of the strange version of Japan that Kill la Kill resides in. I loved the ridiculous Kansai schools that ended up being regional stereotypes, complete with banchos, foreign imports, money grubbing Osakans, and much more. While they only existed to be cannon fodder to be destroyed, I love how Trigger gives everything in the world they’ve created so much personality. There is something sufficiently amazing about Japanese banchos wearing American football gear covered in Kobe beef while attacking with a Russian tank. And then somehow Trigger manages to make said scene even funnier by referencing Inferno Cop of all things. It’s silly and absurd but fits right in with the rest of the craziness of what’s going on. Mako also does a great job of bringing the laughs this episode. Seeing her shove a money-shooting gun in her face while shouting at its wielder to pull the goddamn trigger is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in recent memory.

Also quite pleased with how quickly Ryuko’s been rebounding from her various setbacks. Her motorbike riding, scarf wearing, sunglasses donning outfit is quite a visual image to behold, and I almost wish she dressed like this 24/7. It may not be as striking or iconic as her notorious kamui, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t badass as hell. Overall, what this episode lacked in a multitude of events or plot developments, it made up handily in breadth. Nearly every character in the cast gets their moment to shine and overall, it was a wonderfully enthusiastic episode. Probably the most entertaining one I’ve seen in a while, and considering how much Kill la Kill manages to impress me every week, that says a lot. I say this every week, but I cannot wait for the next episode.

Marlin’s Thoughts

I don’t think I could have asked for a better follow up to what happened last week. This episode pored the right mix of everything Trigger does best into a half-hour that never saw that dumb grin wipe off of face. It’s always funny to see how countries treat regional stereotypes. The Kobe beef-covered tank was probably my favorite gag, even if I only got half the joke, and the Inferno cop reference was definitely appreciated. Sure, the art took another nosedive in the middle, but even that gave the battle segments the kind of goofy charm that I remember from old Loony Toons shorts and things of the sort.

Mako continues to be the best thing ever by a long shot. Her Fist of the Cash Star had me in absolute stitches, and she brought some great levity to what was already a pretty silly romp around Tokyo’s west side. Once Ryuko worked her way into the mix it just became perfect. Normally I don’t find Ryuko sexy but with that outfit on that bike she was lookin’ fiiiiiiiine (Iro’s Note: Sorry, they lost me at the Vanillaware pose) (Gee’s Note: Iro is wrong, Ryuko was totally bangin’ in that outfit) (Zigg’s note: You’re BOTH right. great outfit, awful pose). I like that the story is focusing on Ryuko’s internal growth, as she has gained a lot of experience since her days of brawling. I have every faith that she can take on Satsuki, because if any story could pull off hot blood winning over all, it’s Kill la Kill.

Iro’s Thoughts

I admit, I totally thought they would drag this out longer, possibly by giving all of the Elite Four patches so Ryuko would have to fight them all again. I’m glad they didn’t though, and really I should have known better. Ever since the first episode, Trigger has been running their show at a breakneck pace, and they keep doing so here with Ryuko arriving on the scene just long enough to grab all of the Senketsu patches in one shot and then move on. It’s fun to see that she’s gotten stronger, and it’s a bit of an indication of how far we’ve come. And lastly, though it’s already been mentioned, I have to note how Mako stole the show once again. The rapid-fire bill-catching was a great stupid moment in an episode of great stupid moments. It’s been a while since I’ve anticipated the next episode of Kill la Kill this much.

Zigg’s Thoughts

This episode was one of my favourite yet, despite the fact it mostly veers away from the main characters and doesn’t offer too much plot advancement. In fact, it’s precisely because of that that I enjoyed it, especially the chance to see some insight into the world in which KLK takes place. Gloriously predictably, the rest of Japan appears to be just as totally insane as the academy, and this leads to some magnificent comedy set pieces. Granted, they rely on horrible regional stereotypes, but as ever the show goes so, so far over the top it’s impossible to take seriously. The American football and beef tanks in Kobe were pretty great, but it’s difficult to top the sheer awesome sleaziness of the Osakans, waving wads of cash around and threatening to turn people into takoyaki.

One good thing about breaking the plot down into individual locations and threads means that we get to see characters placed in situations they might not otherwise get to occupy. In this case it’s definitely the Elite Four who benefit, as they get to step up and arguably be the focus characters. It’s the first time we’ve seen them from a sort of sympathetic perspective, and they acquit themselves well. That’s not to say the spotlight is entirely stolen of course – Mako once again steps it up and her crazed sightseeing trip provides some great laughs. I’m also pleased to see a renewed focus on Ryuko the character, rather than Ryuko the insane action hero. It’s great that, forcibly divorced from Senketsu (at least in his traditional form) they’re taking the time to remind us that it’s the woman underneath who’s the one who is important. PLus, seeing faceplanting people with the bike was super awesome.

Another great episode then, so I’ll just chuck in a few quick notes. One, as a Brit it’s super weird to hear Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (aka ‘Land of Hope and Glory’) used in this context. And two, Ryuko’s red scarf clad, motorcycle riding self is one of the most obvious Kamen Rider shoutouts I’ve seen in a while. She has arrived! Great, great stuff.