#i can't remember the episode numbers for goodness sake since i picked my own viewing order sigh

[meandmyechoes]

Star Wars Visions Review Part 2

[Part 1] [Part 3]

Akakiri: Lucky I put this towards the end when my head was clearing up to be critical. Like its hatchmate TO-B1, Akakiri feels like a short. It’s a complete story, and a familiar cast of character tropes and romance that lends itself to the limited runtime. The reliance of musical rhythm and camera composition is a delight. I love the transition flashback shot of Misa on top of the palace. The drum beat in the bookend fight scenes trying to force the protagonist into the predestined and we have to witness the inevitability of his defeat. It haunts me how the score trails off in a mocking laughter with the weight and uncertainty of Tsubaki’s future. Akakiri meaning ‘red mist’, as a metaphor of the dark side and visions clouding Tsubaki, translated onscreen is a beautiful imagery of the bloodlust and madness of the dark side. I wanna commend the dub for making Masago’s voice more robotic gradually towards the ‘join me’ scene. The ‘Man to Machine’ (and vice versa) for the Sith is a motif seen similarly in TO-B1 and The Twins. Another detail I noticed is Misa offering 500 credits as to the guides, by inflation this is set quite a hundred years before the film? Either way the short has the feel of a historical play, or should I say Jidaigeki? Shakespearean? Wuxia? Maybe bits of all three.

What makes it so close to home culturally is the discussion of destiny. I can neither speak for Japanese or Korean beliefs but fighting/following your destiny is such a Chinese thing at least. 'Destiny' has a negative connotation to it because usually if it was good things, you'd call it 緣份. Buddhism tells you there is a master plan but you can still do good deeds for good returns while Chinese philosophy is more pragmatic and asks for self-reflection. Tsubaki's fall is foreshadowed by his choosing the forbidden mountain path, trespassing on 'Place of the Gods', as he would later choose to do so to bring his love back from the dead. The inescapable destiny rings bells in childhood stories and Greek tragedies alike.

I like it better than the first time, and I am thankful for a rewatch to catch the foreshadowing, very beneficial. The heart of the script parallels Anakin's fall. It is warmly familiar from that Star Wars storytelling to the natural landscape. I knock one mark off of a perfect score because I weigh the introduction of new concepts to Star Wars bit higher for this anthology. Akakiri is an essence of a beloved story, told in various languages through the millennia, and it still has my heartbeat.

5:5 / 9 (Japanese:Star Wars ratio + score out of 10)

The Duel: This is probably what people think when they hear ‘Star Wars meets Japan’, makes sense it kickstarts the series. It was an over-the-top retro homage and I love that. I expected to like its style over the story but it has an interesting hook as well! More interested in Ronin’s novel now.

It’s really interesting they introduced a non-aligned Force user that collects  bleeding* crystals, masterless and may be branded dishonourable. Kind of reminds you of a certain tragic live-action adaptation episode in a poorly imitated set huh. Well, let’s treat ourselves to some authentic representation this time. The move in which ‘Sith’ and ‘Jedi’ are defined draws out this blurred line of good and evil. The Sith is identified with a tool, the red saber, while the Jedi his ability to use the Force. It echoes with the question in Akakiri and The Empire Strikes Back: whether a Jedi judges or can be judged by appearance. Another aspect is Force Buddha! It’s a simple temple instead of a complete set of faith in The Village Bride, but alternative view on the Force is one of my favourite topics!

The Duel’s dub is the only one I look forward to because Lucy Liu, and I found there’s quite a difference in the performance of the Bandit Leader. The JP version is more unhinged, a mad warlord from the start; while in English she was calmer, more poised and mysterious. For example the growl after Straw Hat R2’s ambush (MVP), JP sounds angered but EN makes a softer, frustrated sound. Speaking of which, the traditional Japanese orchestral spin on Battle of the Heroes is the cherry on the cake. For the lack of a better word, the ‘eeh eeh eeh’ vocal is a welcomed friend from how much I’ve been looping Joran’s soundtrack (ah yes, all femme fatale in Japanese cinema is inspired by Lady Snowblood, of course). I appreciate the Easter egg of A New Hope poster in the town square. Then, a semi-reference that makes sense only to me: 通りすがりの仮面ライ��ーだ

9:1 / 8

The Elder: Sad to say this is more disappointing than Ninth. I was expecting the whole thing to be more mysterious and epic but it was quite straightforward. Maybe a bit of disguise or mind games from the Elder and Dan learns more than a patience lesson. Didn’t seem that deep their reflection with the dark side as well. I was bored during the dub rewatch and there weren't even pretty backgrounds to drool at. I read somewhere else the pace is not dissimilar to A New Hope, guess that’s why it doesn’t sit well with me plus its lips-only animation and descriptive dialogue. At least the lightsaber duel is not bad. Sufficient mix of kendo moves and your iconic Qui-Gon grip. Dan’s personality is kinda cute. Do have to commend the Master-Padawan duo feel close yet different enough from the Disaster lineage.

4:6 / 6

[buddha-in-disguise]

This is how it's done

Episode 5.15 at last.

While the emphasis has been on Nia's story in this episode, the synopsis made it clear Alex, Kelly and J'onn had a secondary storyline running as well. So again we were eager to watch knowing they were finally getting more than a token few minutes together.

Did it deliver?

Oh hell yes.

You just have to look on Twitter to see the praise being heaped on it by fans.

But first let's get the elephant in the room out of the way. William.

The opening sequence as Kara is fighting with Nia, and Nia has to be the one reminding Kara she has a date? Already covered by me and others, but to reiterate: that does not give a vibe of someone excited to be going on a first date. You can't even use the excuse of her mind was on the fight, because so was Nia's.

As to Kara at her apartment with Alex prior to the date?

Those words, "Cancel it for me."

Lets say (for arguments sake) it is nerves again speaking. Maybe it is, but that she is even having those thoughts? That she completely forgot about the 1st date, and needed reminding? If Kara can't get invested in the date, how are the audience expected to become invested?

As for the date itself. Kara arrives.... having been told by Alex to wear the blue top because .... well reasons .... and she is wearing the purple? So, not wanting to go with the best look then?

I didn't mind the date per se, although I did wonder if Kara was simply trying to not show pool skills, because I can't believe for a second, with Alex as a sister, and the control Kara now has on her powers (worry over lack of control would be the only other reason for her hesitation that I can think of), Kara hasn't been pulled into playing many times.

Did I get a date vibe? No. I felt more bonding yes (like why has it taken until now to even vaguely have that much), but date? Nope. Still not feeling it. If any of the above was a one off instance, you could shrug it off. But all of them? Sorry but as I say, if Kara isn't that invested in a first date, then we can't be expected to be as invested. However, that isn't to say that William annoyed me. In truth having him more on the sidelines was a relief as it finally allowed others to get some much needed screen time.

The Nia storyline.

This is obviously one extremely close to me, as my husband is transgender, and we have other family who are also transgender.

Nicole's input was definitely felt. Some of the lines she spoke were ones we have said ourselves almost word for word.

This is a topic that is one I've been extremely vocal about, and one in particular I have spoken about (in the William and Kara at CatCo scene) is the figures for transgender people killed in the last year alone in the USA, but more importantly that this number is likely not a true representation as many who die are misgendered after death.

It was so important to show just how bad for the transgender community it is. And no, it wouldn't necessarily be a fact Kara would know. Even those in the LGBTQ community aren't always aware of these figures. As for William being the one stating the figures back to Kara, again in the context I had no qualms about it. In fact having a CIS straight man write the piece and be a supportive ally is an important message in it's own right. I was worried that wouldn't come across, but I felt it did.

If ever there was a line that spoke volumes in this weeks Supergirl episode it was this:

"They want us to be invisible because of their own fears, they want to erase us so...... we need to shine even brighter." - Nia Nal

And shine Nicole Maines (and Roxy Wood, because the additional line about being a Black transgender woman - take my heart, stomp over it, then expect me to function), did. Both deserve so much praise on the way they delivered their performances.

I genuinely cried at some of this weeks episode, because the experiences have been ones we have faced as a transgender household. Being white does afford us a privilege that Black transgender people (especially the women) don't have. But as I say, it has been something I've been vocal about for a long time.

Lastly Kara and Nia on the balcony. Holy mother of god (or goddess), tears. Again. Nicole and Melissa once again were so good it felt like a punch to the gut. Kara wiping that tear off Nia's cheek. Big ugly sobbing from me. Gah! Just ....

Now Alex and Kelly. While I'm still craving a nice intimate atmosphere at home with them, having had so little of Dansen (and Kelly) it was a relief that for once Kelly wasn't given diminished screentime. Not only that, she was instrumental in helping Alex navigate through the VR world.

Alex having that PTSD flashback to being in the tank. Whoa, finally acknowledging it affected her and obviously still does. I loved how Kelly is so good at helping Alex maintain her equilibrium. You could tell it wasn't just because of her training or profession, but as a girlfriend who knows and understands how to communicate to Alex in that moment of stress, much like Alex was able to realise Malefic was manifesting as Kelly in the earlier part of the season, simply because she knew her girlfriend well enough.

Watching Alex train to get used to the Martian weapon, felt very reminiscent of S1 where Alex was training Kara early on. It was good to see her off balance for once in her training, as she has always shown a confidence in her ability until now. For those who complain she brought up wanting to be back at the DEO, as someone who has heavy military presence in our family (for at least 4 generations on my maternal side), I can safely say, going from military (and remember the DEO is recognised and spoken about in canon as being a military operation), and suddenly and unexpectedly thrown back into civilian life is one heck of an adjustment. It's an adjustment for most even when they know it's coming. To be so abrupt, so unexpected? Alex is going to want that structure back, and have that support around her. It is absolutely not unrealistic for her to feel this way or to talk about it. I would've been more surprised if she hadn't.

"And this is my gun."

Alex giving no crap. The whole rescue sequence was a joy to watch.

If I had a complaint, as I mentioned, I would've loved just a moment of real quiet intimacy between Kelly and Alex. We've barely seen anything of that sort. I hope we get something next episode (which also looks amazing from the trailer).

I could go through the episode and pick up so many times on how good it was. It was so much, I know I will have forgotten something I wanted to say. But I'm exhausted (almost no sleep will do that to you, damn being in the UK and these stupid o'clock viewing times), and it was so much to unpack.

Brainy, was barely in the episode but damn, so lovely (& heartbreaking) to see him give the information to the NCPD to help against transphobic attacks.

Onto a side plot, but finally we have more about Leviathan.

Leviathan have those bodies suspended.

What if William dies in 5.19 and becomes one of those suspended bodies for 5.20 or was supposed to, as Nicole mentioned on her Instagram story they still had scenes to film, and a couple were pretty amazing? With Staz back, would it have involved him, possibly as a sleeper agent? I've touted this idea before. While I would prefer that a MOC isn't cast into being a bad guy again, or killed off, I would more than happily see him simply go back to London and The Times. But I guess we wait to see what happens there.

But if, like Russell in 5a, he becomes an unwitting agent of Leviathan & a bad guy, cue fight scene, possibly in a VR setting? Maybe? Who knows.

Last but by no means least - they killed off Jeremiah. Since we're not entirely sure if Cadmus operated in the same way on Earth Prime as they did on Earth 38, we don't yet know the circumstances behind his death.

Will we get more explanation about it? Honestly I'm not overly bothered unless it helps serve a current storyline. Merely because episode numbers are running out, and it does at least bring us closure on his character one way or another. Something a lot of us have questioned for so long now.

As for complaints, the only ones expressing any real disappointment have been fans who have either regularly attacked other fans (especially those of in the SC or Dansen fandoms), or the outright transphobic users (I won't call them fans), who as the episode makes clear, are everywhere. The transphobes come out in force everytime with Nicole, so it isn't a surprise to see them again. As Nia says, it what transgender people face on a daily basis.

Plus with no Lena in the episode, it helps show that fans didn't need a Lena/Kara centric episode for this to garner such positive reactions, particularly from the LGBTQ fans. In some ways, as many have been saying (yes even SC fans), this Lena drama has long since gone by its sell by date and not having Lena once more stuck in her laboratory wasn't missed. And god, I say this as a huge Lena fan. I still want her on screen of course, but we need progression on what is happening with her. Both Lex and Lena have felt stale of late, and while I know it changes as we get into the last few episodes, I can truly say neither was missed this time. And before anyone jumps in, no this isn't bashing SC (I still ship both Dansen and SC, as well as Brainia), or saying SC shouldn't happen, or Lena is evil, or not needed. I don't think that at all. I merely am getting tired of a merry-go-round on Lena in her laboratory that we've had of late, & the only interaction has been with Lex. Time to break her out of that cell!

I don’t know what they were putting in the water in Vancouver when they did the Batwoman and Supergirl episodes this week, but they both had me simultaneously laughing & crying! It looked ugly for a minute there.

Both were outstanding episodes.

As much as I've had my criticism over some of this season, when Supergirl get it right like they did here, they soar! This was one of my top episodes for the entire series.

And despite all the news in the world right now, Supergirl trended on Twitter again.

Gif courtesy of @ Daily_danvers on Twitter.