I feel like a lot of people are going around calling this episode filler. And while yes, not TOO Much happened, but it did move characterizations and the plot forward. Because yes, the tart IS actually important for what is gonna happen most likely in the next episode. Though I do admit they probably could have cut down the making of it. Aside from that, while it was still a slower episode, it’s also another pretty good build up episode. Especially in terms of showing Riddle’s slow descent even if he wasn’t in the episode that much. We get a lot of glimpses that there is a lot more to Riddle than we realize. Most of them coming from the newly introduced, Trey who seemingly has known him since childhood. Through his point of view, we get to see sides of Riddle we have yet to see in present time. Which kind of fails to really convince the audience and other characters since we’ve only seen his tyrannical side. However, it does a good job at hinting towards a softer side to him hidden underneath all the aggression. Though it does feel like it gets overshadowed by how he’s been on everyone about the rules.
We see a glimpse of Riddle’s softer side when he was younger and it definitely makes you wonder what happened to him. Especially since we have yet to see the guy actually give a genuine smile. However, things seem to be going from bad to worse as Riddle seems especially irritated by those who aren’t abiding by the rules. Though it does make me wonder if the House rules only apply to his house or everyone in the school. I would expect it to only apply to his house, but the way he was glancing at everyone from different houses made me wonder if he believes the house rules should apply to everyone. But even then, a lot of the rules just do not make sense. Though I suppose it also falls in line with how the Queen of Hearts was with her rules. Since it seems like she set a lot of them up just so she could behead people. I understand some rules are important to enforce order, but a lot of the rules are causing so many students to be walking on eggshells and leaves them no time to actually relax in fear of getting collared for breaking a nonsense rule that is so easy to accidentally forget. Even getting to a point where the annoying Cater also seems to be irritated. Which was honestly a little surprising considering his very bubbly and lax nature. Though I’m not sure exactly what about the situation he was getting frustrated over.
I’ve already talked about how it does feel a little excessive to have put Ace in a collar for what he did, but his attitude is what is the real problem. Like, I was literally yelling “shut up” because this guy just will not stop talking under his breath when Riddle is literally right there. Keep digging your grave I guess. The anime definitely reminded me why I have an issue with Ace. I get he’s frustrated about Riddle’s attitude of punishing those who break the rules, but oh my gosh, he just does not shut up about it. When he said he sided with the other students who were getting fed up, I was like: YOU FREAKING TOOK FOOD THAT WASN’T YOURS. As someone who has accidentally committed some food crimes, at the very least, you have to replace what you took. So yeah, Ace annoys me.
Another character we get a little more insight on is Deuce. We get a little more on his backstory that explains why he was so desperate to not get expelled and where his sudden aggression comes from. It’s interesting how quickly he turns around after finding out the consequences of his actions. Though it might show that he does care a lot for his mom and after seeing how his actions affected her, he tried to turn his life around. The guy is trying his best, but his punk days still comes back whenever he gets ticked off. And if Yuuken hadn’t stopped him from continuing to beat up the guy, he might have gotten another expulsion threat. It’s great that he’s trying to change, but he also needs to give himself some grace when he falls back into bad habits. It’ll take time, but I’m sure he’ll get better if he keeps at it. I appreciate how encouraging Yuuken is to him about his situation and I really like the “older-brother” vibe he gives off to others. Though it was pretty hilarious how wrong he was about eggs. He was so passionate about it too lol. Which was even more funny to find out that his favorite food was omurice. Guess the guy just likes eggs lol.
With only three more episodes left, I am HOPING that we finally focus more on Riddle. We did get a little more of him in this episode, but he wasn’t in it as much as I would have hoped. I’ll just have to wait and see how the rest of the episodes are paced. Though I’m sure by next episode, things will start escalating. Especially with how the more upset Riddle is getting, his little wand thing is starting to blacken.
Also can I just give a shout out to the EN VA of Sam who did a pretty good Keith David impression lol. Since Sam is inspired by the Shadow Man from The Prince and the Frog.
