nucleus-24718 Reviews

Doctor Who: The Devil's Chord (2024) Season 1, Episode 2

This is what happens when you give Doctor Who a good budget

[9/10 · 11 May 2024]

I did not have high hopes coming into this episode. I did not like Space Babies before it. I was disappointment by the casting for the Beatles and the lack of songs from them. I thought the villain looked too goofy and was ready for disappointment.

Firstly, the mystery of the season that this episode continues building is fantastic. Ruby's origin gets a peak scene this episode with a continued sense of dream with all the mysteries. The One Who Waits and god, there were a lot of references to some previous stuff that I also won't spoil.

Secondly, the visuals in this episode were creative and made great use of the CGI. Apart from some weird angles that felt like a 2000s Direct to DVD film, it was amazing. I don't want to spoil some of them, but the floating musical notes worked SO well.

Thirdly, I just like how the episode is written as a whole. The Beatles did affect the story, but they weren't the centerpiece. The centerpiece was really the fun dynamic of music in this episode. My problem with recent Who is that the episodes wrap up far too neatly. While the same happened here, there was an actual struggle to beating the villain with a good few pay offs into actually doing so.

Lastly, the acting (and the music) were also great. This is the episode I feel Ncuti became the Doctor for me. The villain was well acted and still felt quite threatening. The performance was somewhat over-the-top for the start, but really settled into itself later on. The music by Murray Gold was awesome this episode. It wasn't a musical (although there was one musical song which was just alright).

I did not review Space Babies and I thought it was just mediocre. But this? This is a great showing of what this era of Who can do.

8.7/10.

Doctor Who (2023– )

The start of something new..and it could be great

[9/10 · 15 March 2024]

I won't lie. I had my issues with the first four episodes. They wrapped up way too neatly for me. Dialogue was clunky and there were a lot of choices I did not like. I also had a lot of problems with "The Giggle" and bi-generation as a whole.

But there was still a lot of great. Especially with the episode "Wild Blue Yonder" which is a masterpiece. Ncuti is an excellent doctor and there is a new sense of mystery to the show. Any of these specials is better than what Chipnall made. There is so much set-up and so much I want to see paid off. As of writing this there are a ton of mysteries set-up: Who is Mrs Flood? Who are Ruby's parents? How will the new master be involved? Who is the One Who Waits? Who is the Meep's boss? What are the Doctor's origins?

I'm leaving a review here for the day in which this new series of Who is also regarded as fantastic. I don't want to make a review just harping on the several flaws of the specials. I know the new series will be flawed, but Doctor Who has always been flawed. It just made up for it with great episodes. Doctor Who has the strange ability to pick itself up again and continue being amazing.

Vikings: Kill the Queen (2016) Season 4, Episode 2

Underrated episode

[9/10 · 18 December 2023]

I often think of Season 4 Part A as one of the weakest parts of the series. This episode was surprisingly great on re-watch.

On the Ragnar side of things, the Floki story-line is great. Ragnar still has compassion as his darker elements take over along side his depression. The slow torture of Floki throughout is great.

The weakest part is the Bjorn storyline. It adds nothing at all so far and I voice-over it pretending it's a reality survival tv show.

Actually rescuing the queen was the best part of this episode. The action was brutal and viseral. It was actually tense since any character could die at that point.

The scenes with Judith are a nice development for her storyline and I don't remember where it goes.

In Season 4 Part A, I have always remembered Rollo and his wife being the best part of it and it is great in this episode as well although brief. Him getting the dress and trying to bow was funny and his wife and him make a great duo.

I hope the rest of the Season 4 Part A suprises me on rewatch.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Gang Inflates (2023) Season 16, Episode 1

Not the funniest episode of Sunny, but it feels just right.

[8/10 · 8 June 2023]

The creators of this show have come back to roots. The writers of the earlier seasons and them going back to old episodes through their podcast made this episode feel right. It feels like classic Sunny we all love.

I only laughed twice at the respective pay-off of the plot lines in the episode. Charlie's business gag pay-off was the best of them all. As always the show weaponizes the status quo in an interesting way.

I think part of why this episode succeeds and why I feel the rest of this season will is that the jokes aren't stale anymore. I felt that in the last few seasons the jokes got far too repetitive turning the show into gags that are repeated alongside a couple new jokes. But here I feel the jokes are all new, great, and unpredictable.

One thing I've come to love on more recent Sunny episodes are the random and shocking emotional moments which is probably my favorite part of the show. I hope this season still keeps that gravitas in at least one moment.

Overall a nice return to formula tackling a recent issue in a fun way 8.5/10.

Hunter x Hunter: Trouble × with the × Gamble (2011) Season 1, Episode 11

Another nice episode!

[9/10 · 18 May 2023]

This is the fourth and final episode we get on the prisoner's sub arc in the Hunter Exam. It focuses on Leorio and Killua.

Leorio won in place of Kurapika last episode, but fails highly this episode. His bits are purely comedic this episode, but comes back later as Leorio's insecurities.

The highlight of the episode is Killua. The board is 2 on one side and 2 on the other. Killua needs to be the tie-breaker. It's a great showcase of his assassin skills and builds him up more as a threat. The sound effects and the shock of the scene are nice.

The animation is just fine this episode and the music was solid.

8.5/10.

Hunter x Hunter: Trick × to the × Trick (2011) Season 1, Episode 10

Great episode!

[9/10 · 17 May 2023]

I noticed that there aren't any reviews of this episode, so here goes. This is the third episode in the prison sub-arc of the Hunter Exam.

Kurapika doesn't want to kill Majitani and has never killed anyone. His match cannot finish until Majitani is confirmed dead or he forfeits. This is the driving conflict of the episode as Leorio steps in.

We get a great fight between a former examiner and Hisoka. The animation is smooth and the fight is well-directed.

This episode is great at showcasing what Leorio brings to the table. It's a hilarious episode especially towards the end. As always Hunter x Hunter uses more mind than brawn in its episodes and it was great here.

9/10.

Gintama: Mimizu ni oshikko kakeru to hareru yo (2007) Season 1, Episode 42

What a fantastic episode!

[10/10 · 17 February 2023]

The last three episodes of Gintama made such a good arc. The show is mostly been comedic up till this point. Don't get me wrong these episodes definetly had their funnier moments, but the emtion and the action carried it.

This arcs main conflict is between Umi-Bouzu and Kagura and her relationship with the Odd-jobs/Gin-sama. Umi-Bouzu was an all-round great character and the development on all the characters this arc where good. Everyone got a moment to shine. It all culminated really nicely with the final moments of Umi and Gin talking.

The best part of this arc and this episode especially was the setting. It was really well made. We have a terminal skyscraper, a ship, airships ready to fire, and an alien to top it off. Really creative stuff and took advantage of Gintama's world.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Saigo ni Nokotta Michishirube (2011) Season 1, Episode 11

Emotional

[9/10 · 16 December 2022]

This episode once again is visually stunning and it shines specifically in how deep it all is. Half of the episode is Madoka being emotionally manipulated by the cat thingy and Homura feeling miserable and everyone feeling miserable. Was all she has been struggling for for years worth nothing? Is she always doomed to fail?

For a flaw in this episode I would say that would be how Madoka's mom sends her into the storm. She's an eighth grade kid and she just let's her into a dangerous storm where she could very well die. Got me out of the moment for a second. Anyhow the music in this show is incredible especially with recurring songs that come back when its thematically appropriate.

9.1/10.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Mo dare ni mo tayoranai (2011) Season 1, Episode 10

I saw it coming, but it didn't make it any less.....

[10/10 · 16 December 2022]

This episode is amazing, The best of the series so far. One of the best in anime I have watched. I saw the twist coming from four or so episodes ago, but it didn't come in the way I expected.

There isn't much to even say about this. It's fantastically written. Everything that has happned in the show or more so in the first 2 episodes is completely twisted around. This episode just makes Homura one of the best characters in this show instead of just mysterious girl who does mysterious stuff. The plot twist is so amazingly foreshadowed because the writer knew what he was doing and wrote the story around it.

9.8/10 I LOVE IT.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Sonna no, Atashi ga Yurusanai (2011) Season 1, Episode 9

Another Masterpiece

[9/10 · 16 December 2022]

This one isn't as sad as it is complex ( a word I use a lot describing this show). Kyubey's plan makes sense on paper and on an utilitarian view, but even there Kyubey doesn't realize the hypocrisy of it all. There is no point in lying to the girls about what they are getting into and being so morally righteous about it all. Really well developed antagonist.

Again the last scene of this episode is incredibly atmospheric and the surreal visuals peak here. Kyoubu's character is seemingly finished in this episode is a great way.

While I wouldn't say this is as great of a masterpiece as the last episode, I would still say this is a masterpiece. 8.8.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Atashitte, honto baka (2011) Season 1, Episode 8

Masterpiece

[10/10 · 16 December 2022]

This blows every episode thus far out of the water and is probably one of the darkest episodes of anime I have ever watched. This is the slow breakdown and eventual death (?) of Sayaka.

Guilt, self-harm, depression, anger, self-pity go through her as her lover is taken by a friend and she tortures herself. She made a choice and sacrificed everything for someone else in hopes of getting something in return, and she got nothing. She walks weakly on and is defeated as a person.

The editing and atmosphere this episode brings is unmatched. So much insecurity and unverved insanity shown throughout. The bus scene is a perfect example of this. You can't even imagine this scene at the start of the show. People are adimantily cursing and and the brutal reality of the world is setting in. The cuts get more rapid as the scene goes on escalating as she kills the two men on the buss (confirmed in the manga, ambiguous in the show.)

This already makes for a fantastic episode, but then it gets better with the twists. Homura has supposedly met Madoka in another timeline and the cat dude was evil all along. I guess we all knew that, but damn. The twist on them becoming witches in the end was truly something.

Overall this is am amazing episode which while I rate on IMDB a 10, I fr give it a 9.3.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Honto no Kimochi to Mukiaemasu ka? (2011) Season 1, Episode 7

Depressing and dark episode.

[9/10 · 16 December 2022]

My favorite episode so far...

The first element of what makes this episode great is kyouku. She is a complex character which has hypocritical tendencies and she knows it. She is against helping people with her powers for understandable reasons and her backstory is dark and depressing. Plus the apples looked great.

The second element is the complex emotions that permuate this episode. This episode is about different forms of coping. Kyouku with how she coped with her family's death, Madoka currently attempting to cope, and finally Sayaka unhealthly coping with the fact that she can't be together with her lover in a violent scene. I do not want to spoile the final scene of the episode, but this show is officially dark.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Konna no Zettai Okashiiyo (2011) Season 1, Episode 6

And another layer of darkness is pulled.....

[8/10 · 16 December 2022]

Somrthing I am enjoying is how the worldbuilding feeds into the characters and makes them more complex. Everyone so far in the show has a purpose and if not that they struggle to find one. Madoka is a young character who doesn't yet know what she wants in life, but is being forced to choose.

Anyhow, the episode continues to break down the magical girl formula and starts showing even darker elements through the (A bit of spoilers incoming advert thine eyes heaven) that the magical girls aren't inside of their body anymore and that their body is just a corpse. If the cat chose to hide this, what else could he hide?

Animation is great as always. 8.2/10.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Koukai nante, Aru Wake Nai (2011) Season 1, Episode 5

Great Fight

[8/10 · 14 December 2022]

This episode mostly focuses on developing Sayaka. She was mostly left behind in terms of development, but with just a few scenes she is nearly as developed as Mami. Her motivations are simplistic and normally human and she is also conflicted with fear.

Madoka is still an observer which I still enjoy. It's such a great descision to boil it for a while before she makes her choice and works wonders for the story being told. The highlight of this episode is the fight. It's really well done with some good animation and is well-paced without focusing on a single shot for far too long.

Another good episode......

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Kiseki mo, mahô mo, arundayo (2011) Season 1, Episode 4

0 to 100 very quick.

[9/10 · 8 December 2022]

This show has most definetly picked up. Madoka has fallen into a depression and this is the most invested I have felt with her struggle and character. The music is really good in this episode selling an oppresive never ending haunting sadness.

One part of the show I enjoy a lot is the pacing. I see many have a problem with it taking a while for Madoka to get her powers and make a wish, but I like that we are seeing the world and developing her more before the big choice. The artstyle right at the end is really entertaining and the whole last half is depressing. One small note I forgot to mention is the new ending added. It used to be a very happy still image with some cheery music, now it's dark and surrealist with some creppy music.

8.6/10.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Mou nani mo kowakunai (2011) Season 1, Episode 3

And it's gotten good.

[9/10 · 4 December 2022]

This episode of Puella Magi Madoka Magica really starts the deconstruction of the Magical Girl Anime Sub-Genre that I have been waiting for. The episodes animation is spot on and the emotional moments are also spot on. I personally did not like Mami until a scene right before her demise. It adds so much to her character just for it all to be squandered.

This shows the brutality of this world and shows the steaks present. The show is taking it slowly and I'm liking it so far. Homura is my favorite character just because of how much mystery she is bringing and her actions post the death of Mami.

8.6/10 Fantastic episode with a good bit of emotion.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Sore wa tottemo ureshi inatte (2011) Season 1, Episode 2

Hints to something darker and more complex....

[8/10 · 4 December 2022]

The show continues to be fun and look really good while doing it. The animation really isn't the smoothest and it's pretty much Hunter x Hunter's animation. But it impresses because of how good it looks regardless. It looks surrealist and trippy and the lightning in this show looks really good.

Storywise this episode improved on the last in my opinion. It faces us with the classic "one wish" scenario letting us see more of the characters and what makes them tick. It opens more moral ambiguity as the Magical girls are potrayed as good, but we also see a the beginnings of a different side as well. It had one funny moment and the fight in the episode was decent enough.

8.4/10 It's gonna get good I can feel it.....

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Yume no naka de atta, yôna... (2011) Season 1, Episode 1

Fantastic Surrealist Visuals

[8/10 · 4 December 2022]

First time watching the series and this was entertaining. I hear this is a deconstruction of the Magical Girl Anime Sub-Genre and the first episode, while lacking in meaningful character developement or much characterization it does have great visuals and an iteresting hook. The surrealism of the episode is so atmospheric and well-done.

The animation is nothing stellar, but the art style looks fantastic with everyone being a lil cute square. The music is also rather good in this. It's overall decent and i'm excited to see more.

7.6/10 A character based hook might have been more interesting...

Vinland Saga: The Journey Begins (2019) Season 1, Episode 6

Emotional and slowly heart-wrenching.

[10/10 · 10 May 2022]

I get so sad when shows and movies play with age. Thorfinn growing up without his sister and mother as time goes by is just heart-wreching. Thorfinn really shines here and is finally becoming a good character. He's nothing to deep so far, but hooking none the less.

The animation this episode is great as it shows Thorfinns unique combat well. 3d models by the end look jank.

Vinland Saga: The Troll's Son (2019) Season 1, Episode 5

Askallad is amazing.

[9/10 · 22 April 2022]

This episode shows the impact of Thor's death for others and how Thorfinn pogresses through that. It is clear he knows it was his fault and is trying to make up for that desperately. It keeps building up more and more and the pay-off will most likely be amazing.

The animation isn't anything too amazing or anything. The soundtrack works well and the voice acting is incredibly good in english and japanese.

Askallad is the highlight of the episode by far. He is both honorable and dishonorable in the same time. There is an excessive coolness coming off of him. There is more to him that I don't know of yet and I'm excited.

9/10.

Vinland Saga: A True Warrior (2019) Season 1, Episode 4

It was predictable but amazing none the less.

[10/10 · 18 April 2022]

Another review has pointed this out already, it's like the death of Ned or Ragnar in their respective shows. But in my opinion this is one of the most predictable deaths not in a horror movie. I could see this coming from three episodes away.

The animation and the fight as a whole where incredible and the voice acting (english dub) were incredible in their own way. The writing is written in a way that leaves many things open for payoff beautifully.

Thors was my favorite character and he had a lot of depth. As soon as the fight started, I knew how it would end, but regardless it hit hard. Thorfinn is incredibly vulnerable now and this episode leaves off like it's a pilot. In fact, I believe the first four episodes could have been combined for a more cohesive story and pilot.

9.5/10 The only big flaw is the predictability of it all.

Vinland Saga: Troll (2019) Season 1, Episode 3

The last piece of build-up before the climax.

[9/10 · 18 April 2022]

The preperations for war are here. Thors gets even more fleshed out further cementing him as the best character in writing so far. This episode is more focused than the last which I enjoy. Some more relationships are fleshed out before the point of no return.

Thorfinn is interesting, if predictable as a eight year old. From what I see of the show he will grow up throughout which I am very exicted for.

8.8/10.

Vinland Saga: Sword (2019) Season 1, Episode 2

A decent followup which continues to characterize and set-up.

[8/10 · 17 April 2022]

Animation continues to be goergeus and Thorfinn gets more depth. The fathr is the deepest character so far, but nothing in the show has striked me as special so far. Floki gets more or so introduced but not fleshed out. This episode just could have been better at hooking us in and so could the pilot have been better.

8.2/10.

Vinland Saga: Somewhere Not Here (2019) Season 1, Episode 1

I have no idea what this show is, but I like it.

[9/10 · 16 April 2022]

Right off in the start the animation is beatiful and has a distinct art style. The cinematography and editing are really creative. The 3d used with the typical 2d animation is incredibly smooth compared to Mappa's Shigeki No Kyojin. And then in the amazing intro I realized this was made by WIT studios. This will be amazing. Everything about this reminds me of "Vikings' and I like that.

Thorfinn and his family are incredibly interesting. I sadly know that they will die due to tropes. I liked the relationships in the family and the interesting character of the Thors. Leif Ericson was incredibly fun and that one like guy with the chain was pretty intimitating.

Thorfinn sounds like he will become a great protagonist. But he doesn't have much depth as of now. If maybe we got a deeper look into him the episode would even be better. This episode didn't even kick off the story. Apart from introducing our characters and world this episode did very little.

9/10 A great start to what seems like a great show.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Shinazaru mono no shi (2009) Season 1, Episode 19

Burnt down in the most epic way ever.

[10/10 · 24 March 2022]

This is part of my review for every episode in the show.

I will just start with the few negatives I have for this episode. Nothing. Anyways this episode is a beatiful thrill ride. The episode maybe has too much humor, but it's impressive that you just completely forget about that as soon as the emotional climaxes start coming. The animation here is maybe the best I have ever seen. The music is actually so GOOD OML. This episode just makes me realize the characters in this show are actually perfect. They are the right blend of human and super-human. They feel pain and you feel them feeling it.

The ending confrontation is just perfect. Everything about it, the music, the animation, the character all combines to create the perfect scene.

10/10.