#Episode 23: The Qualifications of a Duelist

[textsfromohtori]

[absolute-immunities]

Mamoru Hosoda apparently storyboarded seven episodes of Revolutionary Girl Utena, namely:

7, "Unfulfilled Juri," the first Juri profile;

14, "The Boys of the Black Rose," the start of the Black Rose Saga;

20, "Wakaba Flourishing," the last Wakaba episode;

23, "Qualifications of a Duelist," the end of the Black Rose Saga;

29, "Azure Paler Than the Sky," the last Juri episode;

33, "The Prince Who Runs Through the Night," the last recap episode; and

39, "Someday, We Will Shine Together," the finale.

wild

[seasaltmemories]

Top 5 episodes of Revolutionary Girl Utena.

5) "Qualifications of a Duelist" (23)

This was the episode where the show really began to grip me, not that the rest was bad, but Mikage's fate is such an important piece of the show thematically, even though it doesn't really affect the plot, not to mention, Anthy really only now drops her guard with that green-lit sleeping scene, upon rewatch it really only gets better as the parallels between Mikage and Utena are made more clear

4) "The One to Revolutionize the World" (37)

One of the most tense calms, before the storm, seeing Utena, Juri, Miki, and Nanami bond as normal teenagers for once is almost healing in its heartwarmingness, we get so many iconic utenanthy scenes, the letter ripping, the cantarella, the suicide attempt, watching the stars after Utena's date, the pacing is a little choppy bc we miss some context, but otherwise it really cements everything we need to know about them before our finale

3) "Wakaba Flourishing" (20)

Wakaba is already a pretty great side character, but aside from just the pain it is having to watch her struggle with her self-esteem, the fact Utena refuses to draw a sword on her (and the unique beautiful animation that follows), Anthy's insistence that Utena get the sword, hinting at some genuine care, the pretty blatant hint that Anthy and Mikage are working together to some extent, and getting to see Saionji in a different light, learning not only is he a violent sexist creep, but a coward who really has no morals of his own and will simply adapt to whatever system promises him the most power, great stuff

2) "The Rose Signet" (34)

Anthy's backstory alone would be a hell of a selling point, but seeing not only how it gets twisted by the patriarchy in the present day but also that Utena's core desire has always been to help another lonely little girl, just tears me to shreds

1) "Someday, We Will Shine Together" (39)

Not only is this the climax, but so many elements of the show that make RGU what it is are key here, without this exact ending it would be such a different beast, and what we get is so masterfully done, the backstab, the gate turning into a coffin, the handhold, Utena disappearing and Anthy setting out on her own, it is the best kinda of bittersweet that looks the entire system dead in the eye and says, "I love her more than I fear you,"