Last Exile "Simulwatch"

[Ryo Chan]

i dare not watch last exile, i'll have the ending stuck in my head for the rest of the year again

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Episode 9 - Calculate Alex

There were...A few things about this episode that felt off. It wasn't bad by any means but it felt like the weakest so far. The animation quality certainly did not help and whilst I don't expect it to be perfect, especially over a long running series, this episode seemed to have more than it's fair share of horrible human anatomy. The episode itself also felt like a set up episode, designed to lead us into the next - a multi-parter encompassed into the large story.

So obviously the Exile is going to be key here (Well...duh. The shows called Last Exile...) of which I wonder if it will have something to do with the Grand Stream. And it's obvious that Alex is planning something with Tatiana's instructions. She could do with a bit of focus though.

Speaking of which, Dio showing himself before Claus and Lavie, whilst brief, was very intriguing. Now they've seen each other and Dio is showing more than a bit of an obsession towards Claus! It's also interesting to note that in our brief "look" at his sister, she seems like she could be the "main boss" for the crew of the Silvana whilst Dio will be the "main boss" for Claus and Lavie. Pure speculation on my part of course.

....also I thought Luciola was a girl...

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Now i'm 3 days behind...Although yesterday I had been out 11 hours and when I got back the dinner that took me an hour to make I managed to burn, so I wasn't in the mood for this. I was tonight though!

Episode 10 - Swindle

It felt like it was really ramping up the stakes at the end after what, in my opinion, was a slightly drab first half. Once the silly numbers were banded about at the auction you just knew it wasn't going to end normally. Although Delphine has some serious dough to throw about...Not to mention that ring...

So the Exile was a fake but we got some hints on it and even Alvis. Still not quite sure what's going to happen but looking forward to it.

Lavie showed off a cool head this episode and that revelation at the end that she didn't want to be Claus navigator whilst he fights is an interesting twist. I wonder if this is going to be a big thing or not. I'm not even sure if I want to believe or just think she'll be back there in an episode or two because of whatever circumstances happen.

Dio being Dio. He's definately obsessed but showing up at the end of the episode is certainly going to make the next one go in a good direction.

 

[ilmaestro]

Haven't been in the house long enough to make good posts with screenshots, I shall have time over the next two days, probably be up to about ep 12 by Thursday.

 

[fabio de lunatico]

So, um, I've made it to episode 23. The likelihood, therefore, of me going back and commenting on episodes I've largely forgotten is, to put it mildly, remote.

But I will be reading all posts and perhaps replying to some.

 

[ilmaestro]

So, um, I've made it to episode 23.

Hey, I'm just glad people have been inspired to go back and (re)watch this show! Absolutely deserves it, imo.

But yes, your impatience sets a bad example for the other students to follow, and this will be indicated on your half term report.

 

[Hokum]

Oh Poo I hadnt noticed this thread (been busy) I'm a huge Last exile fan!

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

I think I've missed about a weeks worth of episodes now - not that it really matters as this threads turning into The Mindless Ramblings of MercenaryRaiden! Blame this little delay on the whole "video games at christmas release hell" period we just went through. I'm back to being committed though!

Episode 11 - Develop

Well Luciola's not one to be ****** with! He owned Godwin pretty damn quickly. Dio was pretty funny throughout the ep, although his obsession with Claus seemed to get larger!

There was an interesting flashback with Alex near the start. It seemed to be a vanship flying through the grand stream nearing some kind of vessel or object. Alex's decision at the meeting with Vincent also seems to be pushing the Silvana away from their allies.

Alis being Claus navi and her statement towards her was very intriguing. This has opened up a lot more possibilites of what the anime could take. I do wonder if this is the solution to the Lavie not navigating problem. It seems like a good call but possibly a bit short term. I did feel that Tatiana needs to take a step back and this seems like a very powerful method to achieve that.

We got, what I assume, was a look at the Emperor who clearly does not trust Delphine and, I guess, Dio. And finally a few more drips about who, or what, Alvis is. Yet again it's doing a fantastic job of setting up the next episode and getting you excited for it!

 

[ilmaestro]

Blame this little delay on the whole "video games at christmas release hell" period we just went through. I'm back to being committed though!

I know, I feel like fate was particularly cruel to me by delivering iM@S the same week as Skyrim and Zelda, and the week after I'd been ill on my days off work. ;_;

I have watched up to about ep 10 now, but making posts in the manner of my first four is harder than it looks... I have new found respect for the effort that the Prof. put into the Real Drive thread.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

I know exactly what you mean...Currently juggling the behemoths that are Xenoblade, Zelda, Assassins Creed Revelations, Saints Row 2 and then i'm doing Fate/Extra on my commute. In fact i'm sat here right now thinking 'just one quick go on Zelda...' despite knowing that I'll be playing for about 3-4 hours and I have to be up in about 6...

Episode 12 - Discovered Attack

Whoa! Started off with somewhat of a shocker with Tatiana making Claus her navi! Now there was something I didn't expect. I was hoping Claus would be convey his dedication to her. I honestly don't think I'd care much if anything was to happen to Tatiana.

Alex's tactics are certainly unorthadox but work rather effective for brute force. It's clear he knows what he's doing even if it is high risk. And it looks like they're pushing his and Sophia's relationship forward, despite the conflict. In fact the show feels like it's pushing a lot of the relationships forward.

Yet again it does a good job of making you look forward to the next episode. It's also the first time that I've actually pondered whether I want to move onto the sequel right after watching this one. Although I think that decision can wait for now!

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Episode 13 - Isolate Pawn

Not really much to say about this one. It went as clockwork really, especially the first half, with Claus and Tatiana in the desert. Not my favourite episode but nice to get some background on Tatiana none-the-less. Her giving up the pilot seat for Claus was also good.

So I guess the people going into the rockets just after the half way point was people going, or failing to go, up to the "new lands" that Tatiana was talking about. And we got some interesting background on Claus and Lavies fathers, Hamilcar Valca and George Head. It's being implyed that they died trying to deliver that peace treaty. We also got some information on the Grand Stream.

The end seemed a bit...Rushed isn't the right word but it seemed to need a bit more exposistion. A disith girl caputes Claus and Tatiana then the rockets land and then they're free...? All in the space of about two minutes! I guess we'll find out more next episode but this feels like the first episode that they've tried to rush a conclusion for.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Episode 14 - Etude Lavie

So from the start it seems that there is something, potentially alive, in the Grand Stream. That certainly looked more like a tail rather then the propellor of a ship.

It was nice getting a look at the backstory of Claus and Lavie. Claus's determination coming from a young age, and his piloting with Lavies navigating dedication coming from their fathers. That young man who was with them was clearly Alex. That'll be interesting aspect to the story going forward and explains a little bit about why he allowed Claus and Lavie on the Silvana so easily.

Selling their own house to keep the vanship at such a young age was a rather brave and bold move. Clearly it worked out in the end but it must have built up their character pretty well. It also shows the togetherness that Claus and Lavie have had growing up together. If they become re-united in the future I wonder how they;re going to go forward. I get the feeling that Lavie would want to navi for Claus but still wouldn't for the reasons she has given.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Struggled to get this watched on time tonight, which my post will show as it's a bit more unstructured and weaker then usual. Ridiculously busy day and will likely be the same next wednesday. So considering that...Ep 22 might be delayed a bit. Not that it isn't already...

Episode 15 - Fairy Chess

There's...Something i've only just started noticing this episode. I re-watched the OP and...Well it's very Claus focused yes...But there's hardly any Lavie...Kind of similar with the ending of the ED...Hmm...Think i'm reading too much into it.

A dose of some melodrama in this one. Lavie can't stand being around Claus because of what happend with Tatiana. Alister is trying to look out for Tatiana and Claus realises the link between Alex and his Father. And of course Sophia and Claus...I...Thought it would stop at Lavie and Tatiana. But Sophia too! Next up you'll be telling me Alister falls for him too and it becomes a harem anime!

And it seems the battlelines are being drawn. Some backstabbing is going on behind the scenes which will likely turn into a three (four?) way battle.

The vanships being Alex was a little surprising, as was Delphines involvement, whatever that is, and Princess Sophia. This feels like the turning point of the series where everythings changing. A few twists and turns whilst setting some future groundwork we've yet to see. Really strong episode this one.

 

[ilmaestro]

I am slowly catching back up with you... I will hopefully start replying to your posts from tomorrow, it would feel a bit crazy of me to go back to my initial post format at this stage. ^^; I may try to grab a few screenshots, though.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

I am slowly catching back up with you... I will hopefully start replying to your posts from tomorrow, it would feel a bit crazy of me to go back to my initial post format at this stage. ^^; I may try to grab a few screenshots, though.

That'd be great. I don't expect you try and do about 13 episodes worth of content in that style, it would be far too much! Just carrying on the discussion now that we're starting to ramp up the plot would be good


Anyways! Todays episode delay sponsered by HDMI problems (Going to look stupid here but I had no idea that TVs had firmware! The latest patch apparently fixes the HDMI audio drop outs i've been having. If true i'll be going back to im@s sooner rather then later!)

Episode 16 - Breakthrough

It's not often that I have nothing to talk about with this show but it felt like this was one of those episodes that's pretty much setup. A lot happend but it kinda went like clockwork and not much to discuss. Sophia's rise is certainly quick and I wonder if it'll lead to her facing off against Alex.

The war seems to be gathering momentum but not towards anyone in particular. I'm waiting for the guild to get involved and potentially take dominence and destroy one of the factions, if not both.

 

[ilmaestro]

I'll catch up on posts in lots of four, I think, since I'm about to watch ep 16. So I should be caught up tomorrow or the day after, and will try to do dedicated posts for the last ten eps.

Episode 5 - Positional Play

Alex Row is the man who saved them but him and his mercenaries certainly treated Al like she was nothing more than an object, their "cargo". Not to mention the way they treated Claus later in the episode...

There was something I didn't think about - the machine had a pilot. I just thought they were manless drones but clearly there's more to it then that. Even the fuel seems more advanced then what Claus and Lavie can afford. And with a hint of potential involvement from the guild then there's no way this is done.

Claus's determination at times is a little extreme. The way he talked about his Fathers eyes makes me think he's where it comes from.

Yeah, the question of who or what is fighting to get their hands on Al is an interesting one at first, the Guild in general is left shrouded in some mystery, and probably for the better.

As for Claus's rather firm conviction when it comes to certain things, I really like it. The way Lavie is over-confident on the ground vs. Claus's sleepyheadedness being completely reversed once they're in the air makes for a more entertaining character.

Episode 6 - Arbiter Attack

Well this episode started off very interestingly. So is Lord Dio going to be the antagonist? He's certainly interested in Claus...And it seems confirmed that he's with The Guild.

I love the way Dio was introduced without too much fuss, he's just suddenly part of the show. Again going back to how nicely they balance the mystery of the Guild.

I think what I'm really enjoying about this right now is that the episodes all feel linked together. Whether it's the short segment before the opening song or the fact that most, if not all, of the episodes just go from where the last one left off. It feels like one story weaved together instead of dozens of singles. I don't mind series that focus on single episodes but I really feel that the continuous structure for Last Exile is making me want to come back for more.

The world is incredibly convincing, even without having much information about it. There is definitely a cohesion to every aspect of the show at this stage that feels very polished.

Episode 7 - Interesting Claus

I guess this episode is bridging the gap to possibly having Claus and Lavie join the forces of the Silvana. It'll be an interesting direction to go in as I guess it'll mean more battles against Dio.

I guess I can't comment on this too much now that the show has moved on, but it's interesting to read different interpretations of what was going to happen. The pair joining the Silvana and their various motivations and points of hesitance was very nicely built up though, I think.

Episode 8 - Takeback

But to focus on this episode - it was brill! It was great to see Mullin again and from the start of the episode I was rooting for him to join the Silvana.

Haha, yeah, absolutely. Mullin is a really likable character, and the setting in the floating casino was fun. Plus, plenty of Alex being cool, as usual.

Speaking of there was also a little character development between Alister and Claus. I do wonder if it'll go down that road, but at the same time the impressions that this show has left me so far is that it won't. It has such a rich array of characters to explore that I find myself wanting episodes dedicated to the supporting cast like the Vice Captain Sophia.

Everything involving the triangley-square Claus/Tatiana/Alister/Lavie situation is fantastic imo, but I can't disagree that there are side characters who deserve attention too.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

I guess I can't comment on this too much now that the show has moved on, but it's interesting to read different interpretations of what was going to happen. The pair joining the Silvana and their various motivations and points of hesitance was very nicely built up though, I think.

Yeah, looking back at my posts to see what I thought was going to happen is kind of funny in a way at how wrong I was, despite obviously going into this blind. Dio still feels like quite a mysterious force but not nessicarily in a malicious way. He's just...Dio - going about his business being Dio. He's obviously being built up for something big, especially as he's the brother of Delphine, but we're not being given many clues yet.

Everything involving the triangley-square Claus/Tatiana/Alister/Lavie situation is fantastic imo, but I can't disagree that there are side characters who deserve attention too.

I agree, the relationship aspect of the show feels like something they've thought out in great detail so that they can deliver some powerful blows later on.

I think it's why I've felt the last few episodes have been different. They haven't been "rushed" in any way, but the pace has clearly changed and possibly shifted up a notch. It has lost a little of its attention to detail but in a way it's focusing more on moving swiftly to establishing situations for these characters that we're accustomed with to move the story on. The Disith stuff was pretty untouched for about 10 episodes but has been shifted right into the forefront of what's going on.


Episode 17 - Making Material

It was nice to see Duke Mad-Thane and Walker again. There's not a lot of anime these days that goes back to it's minor side characters and give them a good reason for coming back. It was nice to see the courier system as well as the impact Lavie and Claus had that far back. We also got to see Ralph's older brother and some of the old racers from Norkia. This show is very good at remembering it's past, as well as respecting it, and not actually straying too far past it despite moving forward.

We knew that the old man looking after the engine was important but he had his Mysterion. I wonder if he still has some importance left to the story.

The relationships between Claus, Tatiana and Lavie seem to be getting more and more strained with Al being the one who's noticing it and possibly trying to repair the relationships. It was nice to see Claus and Lavie realising the impact that they had made. Again, it's nice that the series is exploring, or just noting, that impact and that everything thats happend so far has happend for a reason. Hopefully this will go some way to fixing the relationship between Claus and Lavie.

It is also worth mentioning that Dio was seemingly losing it part way through this episode. It was only brief but knowing this show it won't leave us with just that for long.

(Sorry! Long post is long. I think I just really enjoyed this episode and that it gave a lot to think about.)

 

[ilmaestro]

Dio still feels like quite a mysterious force but not nessicarily in a malicious way. He's just...Dio - going about his business being Dio.

Heh, great description. There is close to nothing that is going to stop him being the most Dio he can be.

Episode 9 - Calculate Alex

The episode itself also felt like a set up episode, designed to lead us into the next - a multi-parter encompassed into the large story.

This is definitely the main weakness to the episode. We are totally in a holding pattern, and you feel like they could probably have merged parts of it into eps 8 and 10 for better pacing. I still like the additional build up of tension between Tatiana/Alis/Claus though, as well as more "Dio being Dio". ^^; Plus the Exile actually being mentioned! Feels a bit like them saying "right, time to play for real from here on out".

Episode 10 - Swindle

It felt like it was really ramping up the stakes at the end after what, in my opinion, was a slightly drab first half. Once the silly numbers were banded about at the auction you just knew it wasn't going to end normally. Although Delphine has some serious dough to throw about...Not to mention that ring...

I think this is some "relatively" subtle commentary on not just the extent of her resources, but possibly her over-reliance on them. She is far too interested in winning the auction rather than working out what Alex is actually up to.

Dio being Dio. He's definately obsessed

Hey now, he just wants to be friends. ^^;

Episode 11 - Develop

Alis being Claus navi and her statement towards her was very intriguing. This has opened up a lot more possibilites of what the anime could take. I do wonder if this is the solution to the Lavie not navigating problem. It seems like a good call but possibly a bit short term. I did feel that Tatiana needs to take a step back and this seems like a very powerful method to achieve that.

I'm repeating myself in fairly short order because of the way I'm replying to the thread, but hell yes all of this I loved.

We got, what I assume, was a look at the Emperor who clearly does not trust Delphine and, I guess, Dio

And also, obviously, Alex. Just who the heck does that guy trust? ^^;

And this was the episode where Dio being Dio finally got a bit out of hand! Is it time to start re-doubting his motivations?

Episode 12 - Discovered Attack

Whoa! Started off with somewhat of a shocker with Tatiana making Claus her navi! Now there was something I didn't expect. I was hoping Claus would be convey his dedication to her. I honestly don't think I'd care much if anything was to happen to Tatiana.

Mmm, this really felt like the boiling point that the relationship quadrangle had been building up to. Felt so sad for Alis and quite angry with Tatiana, she has some big lessons coming to her.

I thought this was maybe the most thrilling episode yet, and one of the best full-on battle episodes I can remember, as well as having a tremendously dramatic ending. The show has built up so much momentum at this stage.

Yet again it does a good job of making you look forward to the next episode. It's also the first time that I've actually pondered whether I want to move onto the sequel right after watching this one. Although I think that decision can wait for now!

I was actually going to ask you about this at some point. :s But yes, it's something to discuss/think about once you're done with the show.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Plus the Exile actually being mentioned! Feels a bit like them saying "right, time to play for real from here on out".

Yeah even at this stage we don't have *that much* of a mention of it but you can still feel it looming in the background. You kind of feel that it's the big point that it's building up towards whilst also doing an excellent job with character development. And there's probably only one episode (9) that felt like a "drag" but even then it was still strong in its own ways. I think that episode coming off the back of episode 8 didn't help either, which at the time was one of the best episodes.

I was actually going to ask you about this at some point. :s But yes, it's something to discuss/think about once you're done with the show.

Yeah i'm starting to think more about it but I don't want to rush into it. Then again i'm a bit funny when it comes to watching stuff on the pc as I only watch it when i'm in the mood, hence my sporadic Im@s watching, so it might be an idea to get the lead out. Do we know how many episodes it's going to be? If it's only 13 I could carry on the one-a-day routine...

All stuff to think about later anyway.

Episode 18 - Promotion Sophia

Some important facts from the start. Sophia wants an alliance between Anatoray and Disith, She also says she will be the Empress of that alliance, as well as learning that the Disith know routes through the Grand Stream.

So Sophias parting words to Tatiana were that she would make a good First Officer. That would be a very interesting direction - Would this make Alister Claus's Navi? But even then it seems Tatiana doesn't want to - yet she's still improving her attitude. I've had an interesting thought though...Alister for First Officer? I'm likely just trying to think too hard about it.

So Mullin has made a new friend - that Disith girl called Dunya, Dio becomes more Dio with Claus and is added to the Harem Of Claus! Comedic effects aside, it feels like the characters are starting to move on and mature. Mullin leaving the Silvana feels like something he needs to do whilst Claus has his strong reasons for staying on the Silvanna.

Sophia was crowned, the alliance was formed...And then came Delphine. Dio's madness is starting to get some focus. He's running from Delphine! He's positively terrified by her. Delphine's ship tail looked awfully like the one we keep seeing in the flashbacks Alex has. Speaking of Alex - he had one heck of a reaction! I think it's clear that he blames Delphine for what happend long ago.

This episode feels like it's really set things into motion with war being declared. All the characters seem like they're getting into place. I'm not sure how this is going to play out but...At the moment it feels like we might not have a "happy" ending and that there could be some deaths. It's doing a good job of playing up the importance and scale of these events whilst not betraying what makes the series unique. I'm really interested in seeing where this goes!

(You can tell i'm getting more and more into it. My posts are getting longer and filled with more waffle! )

 

[ilmaestro]

Overly pedantic correction to your ep 13 title coming, sorry. ^^;

Episode 13 - Isolated Pawn

Not really much to say about this one. It went as clockwork really, especially the first half, with Claus and Tatiana in the desert. Not my favourite episode but nice to get some background on Tatiana none-the-less. Her giving up the pilot seat for Claus was also good.

I actually really liked this episode.

Not only was the tension between Claus and Tatiana more of the stuff I like so much about the show, Tatiana got a nice combination of being taught something of a lesson and actually learning something from it. Still not exactly my favorite character, though. ^^;

Also, the Disith stuff - remember they are having to leave their country due to an increasingly uninhabitable climate, trying to invade and take land in Anatoray, and as you saw the migration pods with people in in this episode crash. The reason the girl suddenly lets Claus go is because she is expecting to see people come out of those capsules that do land safely, but obviously only the ones with supplies made it, and she breaks down realizing how many of her countrymen have died. It is not "the most" well articulated episode in that regard, I agree.

Episode 14 - Etude Lavie

So from the start it seems that there is something, potentially alive, in the Grand Stream. That certainly looked more like a tail rather then the propellor of a ship.

Interesting observation. :s

This was pretty much a required episode as far as the narrative goes, important backstory regarding the world in general, their parents, and of course Alex, but I didn't think they exactly shot the lights out in terms of the execution. It did what it had to do, in a fairly efficient manner.

Episode 15 - Fairy Chess

There's...Something i've only just started noticing this episode. I re-watched the OP and...Well it's very Claus focused yes...But there's hardly any Lavie...Kind of similar with the ending of the ED...Hmm...Think i'm reading too much into it.

I try to pay as little attention as possible to OP and ED visuals (in fact, I almost always only even play the OP and ED for the first and last eps of a show, plus the first ep of a second cour if it has multiple OPs), just in case I read too much into things. Or, even worse, read just enough into things. ^^;

A dose of some melodrama in this one. Lavie can't stand being around Claus because of what happend with Tatiana. Alister is trying to look out for Tatiana and Claus realises the link between Alex and his Father. And of course Sophia and Claus...I...Thought it would stop at Lavie and Tatiana. But Sophia too! Next up you'll be telling me Alister falls for him too and it becomes a harem anime!

Maybe the only way to have the harem ending is to have it in a non-harem show? :lol: But yes, it is a bit lol in this ep, as much as I think Claus's "I get things DONE" personality would probably be quite appealing to the women on the ship. fwiw, I would totally be going after Alis, the one by far the least likely to fall for his charms.

Delphines involvement, whatever that is, and Princess Sophia. This feels like the turning point of the series where everythings changing. A few twists and turns whilst setting some future groundwork we've yet to see. Really strong episode this one.

Absolutely, 15 and 16 are big time "here we go" eps, very exciting setup considering there's still nearly a full cour of the show left!

And yeah, Delphine... still shrouded in about as much mystery as possible, as the Guild is in general. As much as Alex wants to destroy them, I quite like the idea of Sophia getting the chance to slap the taste out of her mouth at some stage, too. ^^;

Episode 16 - Breakthrough

It's not often that I have nothing to talk about with this show but it felt like this was one of those episodes that's pretty much setup. A lot happend but it kinda went like clockwork and not much to discuss. Sophia's rise is certainly quick and I wonder if it'll lead to her facing off against Alex.

Interesting theory. She certainly wouldn't lack the guts to do it if absolutely necessary, I'm sure, but I also think that Alex would be looking to heed Lescius's advice about protecting his own Queen rather than focusing on capturing the other side's.

The war seems to be gathering momentum but not towards anyone in particular. I'm waiting for the guild to get involved and potentially take dominence and destroy one of the factions, if not both.

I think the only real question is if the Silvana will be drawn into the Disith/Anatoray war due to Sophia's involvement. Otherwise, the main thing was Vincent and the Urbanus now being free to not waste their resources on pointless exercises like fighting the Silvana, so which battle they choose to join (again, largely to be determined by Sophia, I suppose) is interesting.

Yay~ caught up (basically). Gonna watch ep 17 in a bit and do a post-with-screenshot and everything!

Yeah i'm starting to think more about it but I don't want to rush into it. Then again i'm a bit funny when it comes to watching stuff on the pc as I only watch it when i'm in the mood, hence my sporadic Im@s watching, so it might be an idea to get the lead out. Do we know how many episodes it's going to be? If it's only 13 I could carry on the one-a-day routine...

Last thing I saw was saying 21 eps-ish. It's really good, though. :s