Happiness Charge Precure! Episode 40

Impression
Although there wasn’t a significant plot progression, this episode was far more lively and enjoyable than last week’s. The hype of Happiness swelled up my heart. There was a sweetness to this episode that made it so special. It starts off with Hime remarking how she doesn’t really enjoy the holidays since it is harder to hang out with friends. She mentions how she would love to share her wonderful experiences with her parents. I didn’t catch it right away, but by the end of the episode it dawned to me of how much Hime’s life has changed since she has become friends with the girls. Hime had a lot on her tiny shoulders, bearing the guilt and blame for opening the Axia box and releasing misfortune that took over her beloved Blue Sky Kingdom and the world. With her parents trapped in the mirrors, Hime was alone under the guidance of Blue. For a long time she worked alone, weak with no self confidence as a Precure Warrior. Ever since Megumi, Yuuko and later Iona befriended her, Hime has not only grown more confident and stronger, but her days are much brighter. At the end of the episode, without saying it out loud, Hime is eternally grateful for her friendship she has with her girls, and remembers that she is no longer alone in this large world. And seeing that change over the course of the series makes me both very proud and happy for Hime.
Today was the trio general’s last chance to take down the Precures. I was actually surprised to see that neither of them received an special power buffs to assist taking the Precures down, and as result they didn’t even stand a chance- even when the girls were not in their Innocent Forms. However much to my dismay, the girls have yet again failed to purify the generals and the three of them escaped. But then again, we still have ten episodes, so the generals’ roles are not over just yet. The Dark Mirror surely has something special in mind for them if he needs to utilize them, and only then will they be purified. At the same time, Phantom was watching all of this unfold. (Gosh you have no idea how happy I was to see him again!) Seeing that worried look on his face broke my heart. He is so concerned about Mirage’s well being and her unnatural aggressive behavior that it’s making him upset. Now that Mirage herself is taking direct action, she invited Phantom to join her. I am especially looking forward to Phantom VS Yuuko, and am anxiously waiting to find out whether or not my speculation of him assisting the Precures in hopes of saving Mirage will happen.
Watching the Precures just pummel the Terribads, goodness gracious, I actually felt bad for them especially that pitiful one that was thrown up all the way to space and the nailed down like a missile. On the contrary of what they do, they have feelings too, and gosh I couldn’t help but wince. That poor thing… Other than that, the animation and original soundtrack were spectacular today. I wouldn’t say it was as epic as Dark!Cure Tender VS Happiness Charge, but it was still super fun and exciting to watch.
On the more extra note, it was great to see consistency of Iona and Kaidou’s developing relationship. It makes me happy that he wasn’t entirely forgotten. They are just so adorable, it is such a shame that we probably won’t get to see them officially start dating, but even if the show ends- we know that in the future of their untold stories, they definitely will. *WINK*