I don’t know whether to be angry that Earth has been stripped of its name or happy that among the probable thousands of inhabitable and self governing planets, we’re 96th.

Anyways, I digress, this week’s episode was a step backwards compared to episode 05, and more of the same when compared to those before that. There was quite a bit of plot development though, we now have the name of StrikerS’s first villain, as well as an idea of his proficiency and prospective motives.

Episode Rating: 8/10

Well, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first…

Yes, there was even more training this week. Nanoha’s spartan training continues as she works the forwards from sunrise to past sunset, this time employing Vita and Fate to help out. The team’s formation is also revealed:

Subaru; Front Attacker: Placed on the front lines of both attack and defense strategies. Charged with either breaking through initial defense barriers, or setting up their own and holding off the enemy.
Teana; Center Guard: Establishes a presence in the center of the battlefield providing medium range projectile support while nullifying that of the enemy’s.
Erio; Guard Wing: Versatile on the battlefield, a guard wing is expected to be able to both attack and provide support.
Caro; Full Back: Provides support to team members, whether offensive or defensive, through a range of ability boosting enchantments.

Taking care of more administrative duties, Hayate goes to visit Subaru’s father, Major Nakajima, to ask him for the cooperation of his investigation unit. Their main duty is to monitor known smuggling routes, routes which Hayate believes will be crucial information in future Lost Logia cases.

While at the base she runs into Ginga, Subaru’s sister and a member of the investigation squad, and lets her know of their plans and that she will be working with Fate. Fate having been the one who saved Ginga in the fire many years ago, she’s not at all displeased with the news. And in addition, the 6th Mobile Division has custom made a device for Ginga’s use.

Back at 6th Division headquarters, Fate is going through the data collected from the raid on the train when she notices something shocking. Acting as what seems to be an energy source is a gem that looks strikingly similar to the Jewel Seeds that she and Nanoha fought over in their youth, artifacts that are supposedly under TSAB’s lock and key.

On the same schematic she notices the name of the droids inventor, Jeil Scaglietti, a class-one dimensional criminal with a wide range warrant for his arrest. She reasons that his name being there means that it’s either an act of provocation or an attempt by another person to mislead them.

Cut to Scaglietti’s lab, where we see a vast number of life support capsules with what I can only assume are subjects of Project F, which the doctor mentioned last episode. It seems that the doctor is not acting entirely on his own, as he mentions an unidentified client to his secretary. Two more characters, Zest and Lutecia are also introduced whose motives are so far unknown.

Thoughts

If only they had cut out the training and spent the time on more plot development. Seeing the team train their strengths is great and all, but not if it eats up half an episode every single time.

The plot development itself was pretty interesting, although Scaglietti seems like your typical mad scientist type character, his composure remains calm and pensive. Although he’s probably a crappy mage (or not one at all) his character has a lot of potential. I also loved the throwback to the original Nanoha series with the jewel seeds, I just hope they’re logical in their explanation on how they tie in.

There was also the return of Subaru’s sister, Ginga, this episode. Even though she seemed like she had more magical ability in the past, I wonder how she stacks up to Subaru now. It looks like she has a desk job, so I doubt she’s been keeping up with her training as a mage, but Rein’s decision to give her a device makes me second guess that theory.

Then, suddenly…

Loli Rider!

Keeping with true Nanoha style, even more characters are introduced. With the ominous appearance of Zest, and the innocent appearance of Lutecia, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether they’re good, evil or just a neutral third party. Though, they’re probably after Lost Logia as well (isn’t everyone?) so they’ll have to exchange blows with the 6th Division eventually. Judging from the blatant emphasis put on the gloves Lutecia wears, I’m going to go ahead and assume she has some sort of connection to Caro, who has a similar device.

Other than that, my only other comment on this episode is that QUALITY seems to be becoming more of an issue. I hadn’t been too conscious of it in the previous episodes, but it stood out a little more this time. I smell outsourcing.

Obligatory Signum

Obligatory Vita

~ Shirukii ~