Inuyasha: The Final Act | 20: When the Jewel is Whole

[luxken27]

Or, how to made bad action mix with great angst.

This episode was very "meh" to me. The art direction wasn't that great, and the action didn't really pick up appreciably from the last episode, though I did appreciate the short cold opening being a replay of last week's ending, to kinda anchor us back into the storyline, such as it was. Nothing terribly extraneous this time around *whew*

So Sesshoumaru shows up and kicks a little non-worldly ass before disappearing again, presumably to find out what's wrong with Rin. (Why the hell did it take him so long to get back to the village if he left before the battle v Naraku really began? Continuity: you need some o.O) That leaves Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, and Kohaku to deal with Naraku, who was hiding behind a barrier none of them could sense while Magatsuhi was playing around out in the open. Naraku takes Kagome hostage and threatens Kohaku, telling him he must turn over his shard in order to save Kagome's life. Again, by this point I'm really getting tired of these false dichotomy-type choices, so I had to just roll my eyes a little and buckle down - they are really getting predictable with this same trope. The person under seige always finds a way out beyond the two choices presented...and Kohaku is no different.

Stealing one of Kagome's arrows, he allows himself to be taken into Naraku's custody, where he then stabs him, piercing the armored shell in his shoulder that houses the Shikon no Tama. This is enough to freak Naraku out and, what with having his priorities straight and all, he flings Kohkau into the great night air in order to save himself, giving Inuyasha the chance to free Kagome from his clutches, and he does so with a very nice adamant barrage attack. ('Destroy his head'? Really? How many times has he done that now, only to have no effect? Geez, where is Sess with his organic-matter-destroying sword when you need him?!)

So all is well, or so they think...we have a little interlude with Miroku, Jaken, and Rin, where we see some mysterious light emanating from the monk, one which later captures Rin under its influence and spirits her away. When Sesshoumaru arrives, he is none too pleased to find out, but, in typical asshole fashion, he gets the information he needs and leaves the rest of them in his wake, questions going unanswered. I had to LOL when Shippo observed, "He's still not very friendly." Ah, did we truly expect anything less from a vengeful taiyoukai?

The part of the episode I did like was the scene were Kohaku dies. It was really brilliant in its understatement, and the viewer is taken just as much by surprise as the other characters. One moment Kohaku is smiling and vowing to atone for his sins, and the next, the life is wisked away from his body and he falls to the ground like the lifeless corpse he always was. It was really well done, IMO, as was Sango's reaction, taking him into her arms and crying.

Then we learn that Naraku had taken Kohaku's shard and fused it with the rest of his jewel, and that it was complately black now, Kikyo's light having faded into nothingness. This frustrates and enrages Inuyasha, but it was nice to see a moment of strength from Kagome as she shows him the way, all the while knowing her spiritual powers are still sealed and her sacred arrows are virtually useless. Now there's a heart of cold determination fit to match with Sesshoumaru's...

...but I digress.

A really lovely scene as well as Kohaku is brought back to life, saved by Kikyo's light, but the whole "sun rising and tears drying" part was a bit overdone, IMO. Maybe I'm just not in a sentimental mood, but alas...

This goes straight into the blood red moon ominous warnings from the end of the story, and I wonder - is it here already? I don't think I'm ready :-/

Next week: the final battle begins...really? We need five episodes for this? (I'm assuming the last episode will cover the last chapter of the manga, if not more...) It feels so weird seeing this on the heels of Kohaku's resurrection o.O

Comments

[aamalie]

(Why the hell did it take him so long to get back to the village if he left before the battle v Naraku really began? Continuity: you need some o.O)

He had to go get his hair done. Duh. =P

Geez, where is Sess with his organic-matter-destroying sword when you need him?!

See above explanation.

It was really well done, IMO, as was Sango's reaction, taking him into her arms and crying.

...Is it bad that I liked this part best because of the screencap material it offered? Perhaps it was because I was expecting it to happen. But, while I really liked how Kohaku's introspection was handled before his shard was taken, the grief afterward just... I dunno, rang false?

Oh well. While much of the art was lackluster for this episode, some of the shots of Sango and Kohaku together were great. (I have lots of cropping and uploading to do...)

Next week: the final battle begins...really?

Omigosh, I know right? But at the same time, the battle within Naraku started in the manga at 531... We still have three volumes of manga to cover, and there are a lot of subplots within Naraku's body to deal with. Hopefully this means that we'll get a thorough rendition of all the Mir/San different struggles to make up for the rush we dealt with early on. *crosses fingers*

and if they cut out Miroku's line to Sango next week about getting married I'm going to have a cranky rabid!shipper moment

[luxken27]

See above explanation.

*pouts crossly* They are making the most badass character seem a lot less badass than he actually was with all this cut/paste shit. BOO UNTO YOU, ANIME DIRECTORS.

...Is it bad that I liked this part best because of the screencap material it offered? Perhaps it was because I was expecting it to happen. But, while I really liked how Kohaku's introspection was handled before his shard was taken, the grief afterward just... I dunno, rang false?

I was expecting it, and yet - it still kinda took me by surprise (I guess because I didn't remember exactly what happened, and didn't reread the manga before watching this episode). I like that it kinda came out of left field, and that Sango's reaction was immediate.

While much of the art was lackluster for this episode, some of the shots of Sango and Kohaku together were great.

THIS. Loved the ones of Kohaku thinking to himself right before dying, too - that's a banner just waiting to happen, LOL.

But at the same time, the battle within Naraku started in the manga at 531... We still have three volumes of manga to cover, and there are a lot of subplots within Naraku's body to deal with.

True enough, but in the manga there was some stuff between this arc and the final battle, so having them jut right up against each other is way jarring, at least for me. I certainly hope they use these next five episodes wisely, to cover the canon material in detail, or else you won't be the only rabid shipper upset with the turn of events. no I'm totally not looking forward to the scrap of a bone RT threw us S/K fans near the end

[aamalie]

They are making the most badass character seem a lot less badass than he actually was with all this cut/paste shit.

Agreed. It was super choppy plot wise, and the so-so art direction didn't help. It's really quite unfortunate. But Bakusaiga's awesome, at least? :D

I like that it kinda came out of left field, and that Sango's reaction was immediate.

Oh, Sango's reaction was beautiful. As I look back, I think I disliked how much time was spent on Inuyasha and Kagome. I wish that, instead of having Kagome narrate every. single. little. thing. they could have just let the moment speak for itself. Not that the other don't have a stock in Kohaku's life - but I wanted the focus on the dynamic between Sango and Kohaku.

Loved the ones of Kohaku thinking to himself right before dying, too - that's a banner just waiting to happen, LOL.

I'M SO GLAD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS WAY. I was all over certain scenes, because they'd be so great for fan graphics. Icons, banners, whatever. They just need to be there for when the need arises. <3

True enough, but in the manga there was some stuff between this arc and the final battle, so having them jut right up against each other is way jarring, at least for me.

Hmm, kind of, but I don't think so. There was one chapter immediately after Kohaku's resurrection where Kagome went home for graduation, and then the next three chapters are spent actually entering Naraku... and then it's go-go-go. I actually found Kagome going home again in the manga a little jarring as opposed to going straight into battle (but at the same time that does a good job of demonstrating just how wrapped up she still is in her time, I guess). I love that we're jumping straight in - bring on the action and just keep amping it up! :D

no I'm totally not looking forward to the scrap of a bone RT threw us S/K fans near the end

LOL even I noticed that bone toss, and I'm not even a shipper!

[luxken27]

But Bakusaiga's awesome, at least? :D

This is true. I'm looking forward to more of its use :D

I think I disliked how much time was spent on Inuyasha and Kagome.

True - but I guess I was just focused on Sango and Kohaku as much as was possible. I like that Inuyasha got mad, though, and started making demands on Kagome. It's so very much like him to act on his frustration with misplaced aggression, and this was a nice reminder of that.

Some of the narration was dubious anyway, so *shrug* I'm putting that down on the mediocre side of this episode, which unfortunately outweighed the ZOMG!amazing! part of it.

I'M SO GLAD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS WAY. I was all over certain scenes, because they'd be so great for fan graphics. Icons, banners, whatever. They just need to be there for when the need arises. <3

85% of the new anime will make for great graphics, once someone figures out how to get them to us. Love the shots you took of the ending last week, for example - I am going to find a way to use that Sess cap if it kills me, haha.

I need to stop writing him naked and brooding if I want to have appropriate graphics for use with my stories *facepalm*

LOL even I noticed that bone toss, and I'm not even a shipper!

It doesn't help that these last few episodes have been all "Only Sesshoumaru's Tenseiga can defeat Magatsuhi, and then my spiritual powers will be unsealed" because HELLO I THINK THE ANIMATORS ARE ALT SHIPPERS TO NOW o.O

LOL. All the great Sess character arcs have been feeding my Sess/Kag muses like woah anyway, so they certainly need no help on that score ;)

[aamalie]

I like that Inuyasha got mad, though, and started making demands on Kagome. It's so very much like him to act on his frustration with misplaced aggression, and this was a nice reminder of that.

Oh yeah, that's a good point! I'm definitely guilty of giving Inuyasha's character less love than he deserves, lol, but you're right. It was very him. And very like Kagome to feel some seriously righteous anger over the goings-ons.

Love the shots you took of the ending last week, for example - I am going to find a way to use that Sess cap if it kills me, haha.

*adds more of these shots to the To-Do list* ;)

I need to stop writing him naked and brooding if I want to have appropriate graphics for use with my stories *facepalm*

LOL that would probably make a difference. That Sesshoumaru - always with the clothes on!

HELLO I THINK THE ANIMATORS ARE ALT SHIPPERS TO NOW o.O

*totally DIDN'T spend half of this episode speculating on this very same thing, for the very same reasons* ...I'm starting to suspect I spend too much time talking to you...

All the great Sess character arcs have been feeding my Sess/Kag muses like woah anyway, so they certainly need no help on that score

Well, if it means more Fleeting, I certainly won't complain. :D YAY INTRIGUE!

[luxken27]

*adds more of these shots to the To-Do list* ;)

You know I'm never going to turn down Sesshoumaru fanservice :P

LOL that would probably make a difference. That Sesshoumaru - always with the clothes on!

LOLOLOL. My smutty fluffy muse likes him otherwise entailed, alas...but that just makes for challenging bannering, and I'm nothing if not an idiot for a challenge...

*totally DIDN'T spend half of this episode speculating on this very same thing, for the very same reasons* ...I'm starting to suspect I spend too much time talking to you...

Behold the power of the mindmeld/good writing/good characterization/plausible plotting O.O

I mean, ahem. Thank you =) Always happy to suck people into my way of thinking :P

Well, if it means more Fleeting, I certainly won't complain. :D YAY INTRIGUE!

Yay readers willing to stick with the intrigue to get to the sexytimez! :D :D :D :D

[aamalie]

but that just makes for challenging bannering, and I'm nothing if not an idiot for a challenge...

Just gives an excuse for creative cropping, eh? =P (This just reminds me of when Sesshoumaru actually gets Bakusaiga - I'm always like, "OMG BARE ARM! It looks so weird~!" XD)

Behold the power of the mindmeld/good writing/good characterization/plausible plotting

Does being subject to this power mean it can rub off on you? Because that's one seriously nifty - and useful! - superpower.

Yay readers willing to stick with the intrigue to get to the sexytimez! :D :D :D :D

LOL! I'll have my Skim Goggles (TM) handy. =P

[luxken27]

This just reminds me of when Sesshoumaru actually gets Bakusaiga - I'm always like, "OMG BARE ARM! It looks so weird~!" XD

That is pretty much my favorite manga panel evar, LOL. Admitting that makes me feel like *such* a fangirl :P

Does being subject to this power mean it can rub off on you? Because that's one seriously nifty - and useful! - superpower.

I don't know - psyco_chick32 and I seem to suck people into the mindmeld, and that can be a scary prospect...but it is fun to have someone who pretty much shares your brain, LOL.

LOL! I'll have my Skim Goggles (TM) handy. =P

:P I've made no secret of the fact that this is where we're heading...its just the road there has bumps in it, still. Even better if you're just hanging on for the intrigue and revenge aspects of it! :D

[aamalie]

That is pretty much my favorite manga panel evar, LOL.

...Somehow, this doesn't surprise me in the LEAST. I think your Sesshoumaru-loving reputation proceeds you.

psyco_chick32 and I seem to suck people into the mindmeld, and that can be a scary prospect...but it is fun to have someone who pretty much shares your brain, LOL.

This... is fine by me. XD

I've made no secret of the fact that this is where we're heading...its just the road there has bumps in it, still. Even better if you're just hanging on for the intrigue and revenge aspects of it! :D

Oh yes, there are plenty of in-story clues to that effect, and I've noticed. And it's totally fine - I have this little scrolly bar thing on the side of my screen, and I'll know how to use it if/when I need it, and we all win in the end. No complaints! Besides, I think you write in such a way that it's enjoyable no matter what. Maybe cuz you use this cool "plot" thing. Novel concept, seriously. ;)

[replicantangel.livejournal.com]

Agreed. Agreed. Agreed.

And reading your convo with aamalie about the Sess/Kag stuff - AGREED. LoL. The Kohaku/Sango angst was prettily done for the most part, but what I enjoyed the most were Sess's bits. His obvious concern for Rin, but *especially* that Sess/Kag intersection of purpose. Like, shipper's dream much? I had this whole inner dialog between them going. :P

Although, he does rather conveniently - for Naraku and the plot's sake - disappear with his utterly powerful Bakusaiga. I think this might be a "Superman" moment. You know, how Superman is just too powerful for his own good, so the comic book writers basically spend all their time trying to write themselves out of the corner of their own creation. I mean, a rare rock from another planet is an extremely limited weakness, although every piece of the damn thing seems to have fallen on Earth.

... *ahem* But anyway, along those same lines, Bakusaiga is totally boss. He just flicks it and everything is evaporated. I can see that writers' table - "So... let's just pretend he *walked* back to the village. Totally reasonable, right?" :D

[luxken27]

And reading your convo with aamalie about the Sess/Kag stuff - AGREED....*especially* that Sess/Kag intersection of purpose. Like, shipper's dream much? I had this whole inner dialog between them going. :P

I saw a couple of interesting points for divergence from the canon, which I wonder if anyone will capitalize on. I was surprised, when the manga ended, that nobody seemed to use that moment in Naraku's body where they're both going after Inuyasha as a starting point for a fic. (I tucked it away for future use, myself, in an epic quest story I may or may not ever get around to writing...)

But - yeah. It was kinda ridiculous, and suddenly gives the batshit insane element of fandom an "OMG ITS CANON!!!!" argument of subtext.

Bakusaiga is totally boss. He just flicks it and everything is evaporated. I can see that writers' table - "So... let's just pretend he *walked* back to the village. Totally reasonable, right?" :D

LMAO. It was a bit more believable in the manga, I must say, but maybe that's due to the medium *shrug* It irks me to watch Inuyasha using mediou zangetsuha, so I like that basically Sesshoumaru's sword combination is better than all his power upgrades, LOL. It mollifies me, I guess you could say :P

[replicantangel.livejournal.com]

I saw a couple of interesting points for divergence from the canon, which I wonder if anyone will capitalize on.

I definitely got a couple half-formed ideas. I read the final chapters of the manga so long ago - I was too entrenched in other stories at that time. But "The Nightingale" is coming to a close fairly soon, so I'm going to need another drabble series. ;) Not an epic quest, but something - there are all kinds of possibilities going on there.

It was kinda ridiculous, and suddenly gives the batshit insane element of fandom an "OMG ITS CANON!!!!" argument of subtext.

LoL. Well, I think they already had that with the whole using-Tenseiga-on-the-otter-demon event (more like a 'softie Sesshoumaru' moment, but it could be interpreted 'shippily, lol) and him saving her from the poison master. I've exploited those two moments a time or two myself, after all. ;) But yeah - more fuel for the fire isn't going to calm them down or anything!

It irks me to watch Inuyasha using mediou zangetsuha, so I like that basically Sesshoumaru's sword combination is better than all his power upgrades, LOL.

Oh, I agree! The whole Meidou arc just screams to me that Inupapa wanted his kids to grow up and get along... but he was really heavy-handed and blind as to how he did it. He puts a lot of faith in Sess, yes, but he also really hurts him. Even if he is the Ice Prince, why would you do that to your son?

He totally deserves the most badass of all the swords. Tetsusaiga is fine and dandy, but unless I had a barrier to break, I would pick Bakusaiga every time, hands down. :D

[luxken27]

I definitely got a couple half-formed ideas...But "The Nightingale" is coming to a close fairly soon, so I'm going to need another drabble series. ;) Not an epic quest, but something - there are all kinds of possibilities going on there.

You've already written your share of epic quests, so I don't blame you for not wanting to start another one :P Mine may never come to fruition, beyond the scattered pieces of it already out there, but *shrug*. Depends on how much longer I stand to be in this fandom o.O

The whole Meidou arc just screams to me that Inupapa wanted his kids to grow up and get along... but he was really heavy-handed and blind as to how he did it.

Eh, I tend to fall in favor of Sess on this one, in that that whole scenario was more about hurting him (and showing a bit of favor to the bastard son) than anything else. Inupapa already assured that the two couldn't kill each other by designating the swords that he did...more than that I really feel is RT overkill. But, that's jut my opinion...

I would pick Bakusaiga every time, hands down. :D

Its truly a sword that suits his needs, and when used in combination with Tenseiga? Watch out!

[replicantangel.livejournal.com]

You've already written your share of epic quests, so I don't blame you for not wanting to start another one :P

LoL. Yeah... I enjoy having the time and space to really develop a relationship, etc., but it can be really exhausting.

Depends on how much longer I stand to be in this fandom o.O

You can't leave us! The insanity will overwhelm us if the sane ones don't stand strong! LoL.

... But I can understand. ;) Sometimes, you just need breathing room.

Eh, I tend to fall in favor of Sess on this one, in that that whole scenario was more about hurting him (and showing a bit of favor to the bastard son) than anything else.

I know. I just have to believe better things about Inupapa than that arc indicates. It's a compulsion.

[luxken27]

He is asking her to direct him.

He screams at her. She doesn't get upset, because she realizes he is upset. I don't see how that's such a far-off-the-mark interpretation of events.

This is why I trust interpretation of IY only to KK and RT.

Gee, thanks.

The scene with Kohaku's death missed the point.

?

I think Papa's opinion of the early Sesshoumaru was probably spot on.

And I disagree. We've had this conversation before and we'll never agree about it. You hate Sesshoumaru and I love him, what a surprise we fall down on different sides of this particular equation.