I was struck by the beauty of episode thirteen's opening music. Kinda sucked that the cheesy OP had to kick in and ruin things, eh. Still, to Yoko's credit, the music throughout these two instalments felt appropriate and occasionally reached the inspired levels we come to expect from Her Majesty. Was that particular piano piece original or classical, does anyone know?
Story-wise, we get some focus on Yin and her history before she became a doll, and in every sense these two episodes are a success. Foremost, Yin (aka Kirsi from her previous life) is given some attention and pathos. I was concerned, once we found out that the Syndicate wanted her dead (commanding Hei and chums to carry out the hit), that I wouldn't care enough about Yin to fear for her safety; her being so reticent previously. The skill in the writing of this arc, however, meant we learnt enough about her as she fled that the final scene had all the intensity and drama BONES were hoping for. There's a lot to be said about the economy and craft in how this was done. Rather than having stationary exposition (one linear moment to the next) the writers combined it with the thrill of chase and it worked perfectly. Though using the word 'thrill' to describe these episodes is inappropriate; they seemed far too gentle and effortless to really cause that kind of anxious sensation. Instead, the ethereal quality matched its focus, the faraway Yin, impeccably. I'm really satisfied with how this particular arc was handled - it's a relief to know that BONES can honour their main cast with the skill we know them capable of.
Some other minor successes came in the reintroduction of the detective Gai and his shrieking cosplay assistant Kiko. Perhaps I was placated enough by other things to be more accepting of these otherwise irritating characters, yet they seemed to work better as a comedic element here than in their previous appearances. I enjoyed Kiko's otaku rantings and the cheeky wink to the audience when she suggests Yin and co should flee to a hot spring. They're quite an enjoyable pair when they remain a side-act rather than a focus.
The two 'bad guy' contractors turned out to be rather likeable, as well. They both had more than enough potential to be overly flamboyant and ridiculous, but I found myself upset when they died. The writers, again, managed to insinuate enough about their humanity and past to flesh them out beyond being stock bad-guys and made them interesting regardless of their limited shelf life.
The behaviour of Huang, Hei and Mao when the Syndicate commanded Yin's assassination also prompted a lot of subtle character moments in the otherwise emotionally distant group. Huang, specifically, in the final scenes demonstrated the pros and cons of having a conscience in the world of Darker than Black and it was great to finally get some more light on his personality. Hei behaved more as a broody representation of force this time, which I much prefer to his wide-eyed incognito personas of the past. Plus, he tends to hit things more often when he's all suited up.
Both these episodes captured a lot of what I initially saw and enjoyed in Darker than Black. It leads me to think that the show is most successful when it doesn't try too hard, or at least gives the impression of not trying too hard. The previous contrived examples that preceded these two episodes prove as much, but I'm relieved this story arc harkened back to DtB's glory days and presented something quite moving and beautiful. A success like this also inspires more patience and I found myself asking more positive questions about the show rather than picking at its inadequacies. The preview implies that a certain group of fag-smoking, Guinness-drinking Brits are returning next episode, too, which is a rather awesome prospect indeed.
The trouble with the arc after this one is that whilst it wouldn't be out of place towards the beginning of the series, it puts the strain on the last ten episodes to really deliver the goods in terms of explanations and revelations. Let's just say that if this was a 50 episode series I'd be feeling a lot more sanguine about the pacing right now.
Posted by: Karura | July 24, 2007 at 08:10 PM
I agree it might've been better placed towards the beginning, but better now than never. The cynic in me wonders if they saved their stronger writing for mid-series to catch would-be dissatisfied viewers before they stop watching entirely. But no reasonable production company would admit one episode was stronger than another - why would they release it to begin with if the quality (in their opinion) wasn't up to scratch?
Really, though, I think Yin just had a well-thought out history behind her and perhaps she was less bogged down by continuity. Hopefully Hei will be granted the same level of consideration, though the whole Havok cocktease was frustrating and causes a bit of worry in that regard.
Posted by: Hige | July 27, 2007 at 02:46 AM
Yeah, it's an original piece. I was tickled pink to find out -- it's the last piece on the DtB soundtrack, called "In no Piano", or "Yin's Piano".
I also liked how Kiko flashed a hot springs photo on her PC screen for like half a second. Probably a nod to those who watch their anime by digital means like us, or something.
Posted by: Owen S | August 06, 2007 at 04:41 PM
good thank like your "explosive" analogy, I use it in my business as well. Thanks for the great content.
Posted by: office 2010 | May 05, 2011 at 05:23 AM
fritters , two bowls of porridge. "talking the first to sit on a table and reached for two pairs of shiny black chopsticks. Zhang Bin, Li Jun, see fed to the chopsticks, a small town just think this
Posted by: Five Finger Shoes | June 13, 2011 at 04:24 AM