Another training and administrative episode, but all that’s set to change soon, as the 6th Mobile Division gets their first deployment request. Which means that StrikerS should finally be breaking out of its build up stage into the beamrape all us A’s fans have been longing for.

Episode Rating: 8/10

The episode starts off with more of Nanoha’s merciless training regiment. After wearing them down through morning training, Nanoha finishes off with one last exercise, their goal is to either evade her attacks for five minutes or get a clean hit on her. With the forwards exhausted and the threat of restarting if any of them are hit, they opt for the latter.

Tia takes the leadership role and delegates everyone’s roles. Tia and Subaru try their luck first, using Tia’s silhouettes as diversions so Subaru can get up close. But Nanoha manages to shield the attack and counter with snipe shots. It’s Kyaro and Elio who manage to end the session, Kyaro boosts Elio’s already speedy device with an acceleration enchantment, and he charges head on into Nanoha. Although Elio takes most of the impact, he manages to break through Nanoha’s barrier and graze her barrier jacket.

After training, the forwards clean up and head to the tech department to be briefed on their new devices. Using data from training and the latest technology, Shari has refined the forwards’ devices. In order to keep their improvement gradually, they have placed limiters on the devices, which they will remove incrementally as the forwards improve.

It’s also revealed that commanders and captains have limiters placed on them as well, not only on their devices but also on their physical abilities. Hayate, originally at SS rank, was dropped four ranks down to A, and Nanoha and Fate at S+ were dropped two rank to AA rank. This is done to maintain a balance of power between units and within the unit itself.

Meanwhile, Hayate is being briefed by her superior, Carim, as to the situation with the relics and the droids searching for them. The situation is worsening as they are drawing closer to finding them and continually growing in strength. Hayate reassures Carim that everything will be fine and that the 6th Mobile Division is ready for deployment at any time.

As if on cue, a first class alert is issued and the 6th Mobile Division gets its first deployment request. A train carrying a relic-like object has been attacked by no less than 30 droids, some of unknown type and Hayate’s division has been assigned to intervene.

Thoughts

Somewhat of a boring episode, but a decent set up for the mission to come. Although I’m a little disappointed that a main adversary has yet to be identified. Battling sentient droids is fine, but it’s the mage vs mage fights that have always proved the best source of entertainment. No matter how powerful the machine, nothing compares to rivalries such as Nanoha vs Fate, Nanoha vs Vita, Signum vs Fate, and so on. But I suppose it will come in time.

lol, ALEЯT!

I hope next episode subdues the criticisms that StrikerS is boring and not living up to A’s. It’s been said again and again, but StrikerS is currently in the buildup stage, much like the first season of Nanoha. Remember when Nanoha was fighting trees and giant cats? Is this any worse?

Unfortunately, I’ve happened upon spoilers for episode 5, which suggest that it’s basically an episode dedicated to henshin scenes. Personally, I look forward to that =D Though I can see why some would call it a wasted episode.

I persevere with my theory that StrikerS will take off soon enough, with action rivaling A’s. They’ve even set up the limiter system! This of course means that somewhere down the line we’ll have a scene where Nanoha, Fate and Hayate are getting wtfpwned but are then granted permission to release their limiters and retaliate at full force. Hmm…why does this sound familiar.

Next week: Fate henshin scene! Followed by Elio henshin scene, orz T_T.

Mmm…fanservice <3

I was expecting it to fly =(