Fate/Apocrypha Episode 3

Ooh this was such a good episode, packed with content and we finally got to see our protagonists in action! It was incredible to see our Homunculus protagonist actually break out on his own, and actually partially succeed in his escape thanks for being protected by not only Astofolo, but also by Chiron. In fact, when the protagonist was trying to run away, I didn’t think he would get far and thought to myself, “Good luck with that!” but then comes in Astofolo who unexpectedly  and hilariously swept in and saved him, no questions asked. Hell he even blatantly lied to Caster’s workers faces all while he was hauling the boy over his shoulder! We later learn that Astofolo has a very gentle heart, and doesn’t like letting people die. The protagonists interaction with Astofolo and Chiron were short and sweet. Chiron was very understanding and was fully aware the protagonist was Caster’s Homunculus who had ran away, and provided him some insight on his lifespan (he only has three years to live) and meaningful questions to ask himself such as what does he want to do or accomplish with the little time he has left. The fact they treated him like a human being and not as Caster’s lab rat just made me love their characters in more.

Speaking of falling love with characters, god damn it – I am in store for a world of pain aren’t I? I keep on growing more attached to each servant and their master (with exception of the psychos). Seriously, I cannot get over how ADORABLE Frankenstein (Black Beserker) and her master is together. The way they interact with each other, it’s just so precious to watch… and then I remember they are probably gonna get killed and cry about it. Ugh, I am not looking forward to their demise… There is also Mordred and Sisigo, who are a match made in heaven team. They are absolutely the perfect fit for each other. I loved how Sisigo just casually started referring to Mordred as ‘My King’ after hearing how he referred to citizens as his subjects. Mordred’s reaction was absolutely priceless. You can see how much it meant to her.
Also on the side note, Mordred is such a child. Always whining when she’s bored. She wants to go out and pick a fight! (So as long it’s not in areas where her Noble Phantasm will harm civilians due to its vast area of effect.)

Jeanne faced up against Red Lancer, Karna, but assassination attempted was foiled when the Black Faction, Gordes and Black Saber, Siegfried showed up and protected her. It was pretty obvious that Gordes was trying to win Jeanne’s favor and tip the scale, but unfortunately for him she won’t budge. Her job is to be the judge of the Holy Grail War, and serve as a neutral fraction. I can’t believe he honestly expected her to team up with Siegfried to take down Karna. Instead, it became Karna VS Siegfried, but the battle was put on hold due to the sun rising. (I don’t know Karna’s backstory, so I didn’t quite understand why he and Siegfried agreed to put it on hold – unless they simply did not want to fight during daylight). Hopefully that will be explained, otherwise I’ll just look it up myself.

It surprised me how this episode devoted quite a bit of time on the backstory and wishes of both servants and masters. The two servants who had their backstories covered were Frankenstein and Siegfried, along with learning what their wish is. Frankenstein wants a partner, Siegfried doesn’t know what he is seeking, nor his wish. He is not particularly pleased to have been summoned and have to repeat the lifestyle of having to kill on the behalf of others before he died (which ironically, his death was on the behalf on the people). The only hope for him this time is to perhaps finally figure out what is his true wish. The one other servant’s wish we learn about was Chiron’s, and it pretty straightforward: he just wants his immortality back.

Besides the servants, we did hear a wish from two masters, ironically the two are in store for a grim fate. They are the siblings, Fiore and Caules. It was quite interesting to see the contrast between the two. Fiore has a “selfish” wish, and hopes to be able to walk again, while her brother Caules has a selfless wish, of hoping to revive his sister should he win the Holy Grail war. Of course while it can be considered selfless, I personally think his wish is actually selfish, because i doubt he had spoken to his sister about this to know whether or not she would want to be revived – especially when you consider how she is already frustrated as it is to be physically disabled.

The fight scene we got to see between Karna and Siegfred was pretty good. It was fun to see magic at play, but I found rather than the animation itself, it was mostly the sound and special effects that caught my attention. The crackling and booms were good to say the least, and the magic effects were cool to watch, but the fight itself certainly left more to be desired. I suppose we were all a bit too spoiled with ufotable’s lively combat scenes.

With the protagonist finally awake and walking, I wonder how many more episodes it will be before he finally meets Jeanne! Looking forward to next week!