hontou ni Stripey Insists Sisters Cry Oniichan Now

Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS 26

Let's just say that I'm sure Erio isn't using only his arms to hold Fate up.

Run away! Run away!

The Forwards rescue their Captains. Which I think is a great way to make them useful since they'd be a hindrance at best in a S+ and above fire fight. I suppose many will be disappointed that there isn't some kind of climatic battle with a Big Bad Boss in the last episode but then again in MSLN and A's, the bosses were dealt with in the penultimate episodes too and the final episodes were also used a wrap-up and forward to the future glimpsing.

Also being able to carry out your exit strategy is one of the most important parts of a battle. Otherwise Chrono would probably have been forced to do to Nanoha and Hayate what Gil Graham was forced to do to his dad (i.e. blast the latter's ship with Arc en Ciel after it had been taken over by the Book of Darkness).

Fans who wanted a repeat of A's probably also complained about how there was a lot of training in StrikerS made it boring or slow but Owen S has given a great defence of this. I agree that the training helped build up the characterization of the new cast. Furthermore, Erica has succintly pinpointed how the training made the powering-up believable and well deserved, a good balance between natural talent and the hard work to realize that talent (which was also the things that made Angelic Layer and Hikaru no Go enjoyable).

Despite her obvious bustiness and Becky voice, I still can't but think of Subura as a dude. Even after 26 episodes. -_-;;

When the motorcycle first appeared, Subaru mentioned that she often took rides with Teana when they were in basic training. Teana, you are a genius. What a great way to cuddle up to Subaru without making your desire all too obvious. Of course, it helps that Subaru is kinda duh about these things.

Sure that Teana doesn't mind but would prefer a cosier way of sleeping together. LOL

I was going to bitch about how the villians weren't very good because for heros to look good, they have to have worthy opponents but after a bit of reflection, my main problem was that there were too many of them and I couldn't even remember all of their names. The Doctor was a believable product of Al Hazard and showed the Three Test Tubes and Regius that Unlimited Desire cannot be contained, poetic justice with them being hoist by their own petards and demonstrating how the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the ends does not justify the means blah blah.

[Add: BTW as Erica has pointed out, the Doctor getting his combat cyborg to carry his Mini-Mes in their wombs was really really creepy. Definitely the mark of a really twisted villian. Just wait till the girls file multiple child support lawsuits for the smackdown!]

Comparing the structure of the good vs bad guys of the three seasons, in MLNS, there's the Real Baddy (Precia) and the Baddy Who Is Not Really Bad Who Gets Befriended (Fate). We get some of this structure again in A's with The Book of Darkness Defence Program and Hayate's Knights respectively. There wasn't much real befriending (other than Raising Heart style) in StrikerS other than Caro and Erio with Lutecia but I think that's appropriate because the previous two seasons were about 9 year olds whereas everyone else is older and less innocent.

Of course, there was also Agito and Signum becoming friends. I especially liked it how Signum felt Agito's warm heart during unison and how an initially very hostile Agito acknowledged her new partnership by calling out Signum's name clearly (again, another theme from the first two seasons where acknowledging the other's name is a defining step in starting the friendship properly).

I would also be really interested to find out more about the background behind Vice's friendship with Signum. Vice seems to have mentioned to Tiia that he's known Signum-neesan for quite a while. It's probably being covered in those MEGAMI-attached comics or the Sound Stages so would be grateful if anyone who knows could point that out to me.

I agree completely with Kurogane that Signum-neesan needs MOAR screentime. I would love to see a Tessa OVA-style about 'A Day of the Life of Lieutenant Signum at the TSAB' especially if she has a huge Shizuruesque crowd of fangirls who squeal 'Signum-oneesama~~~' whereever she goes. LOL

Looks like everyone is progressing along their desired Routes Of Advancement. But if I ever get to the position of being TSAB Test Tube, I will decree that Tsunderes Must Have Twin Tails as part of the uniform code. Teana, why has thou forsaken us? Unless of course she's already confessed to Subaru (before their postings separated them) and is no longer tsundere. Heh heh.

Ah well, the return of Ferret-kun. Too bad you're not a co-parent to Vivio, just an uncle-type person. Aroduc clearly dislikes Vivio but I think Vivio is BRILLIANT because of how she has brought us the beautiful sight of Nanoha-mama AND Feito-mama FTW.

Vivio has also managed the not inconsiderable achievement of cheering up Nanoha and then encouraging Fate. She's got some good instincts. Can't really say the same about Nanoha who seems to be a bit duh about these things - e.g. Fate chiding her for her overly tough love for Vivio after her fall (which was then brought back in full force after Vivio tries to stand after taking a full unlimited Starlight Breaker) and also Fate explaining to Nanoha why Vivio was feeling anxious when Nanoha was leaving for her duties at Land Forces HQ. Poor FEITO, I just get the feeling that she herself is at the receiving end of a lot of Nanoha's duhness. Thus I agree with Kurogane that Constantly Cutely Fretting Fate is more uke while Nanoha is more seme in their relationship.

My motivation for watching StrikerS, other than to see MOAR Signum coolness, was Nanoha x Fate. There were a few moments when my faith was shaken, especially at the start. But then they moved in together and even share a big bed. And had a tearful cuddle on the rooftop (courtesy of Vivio's kidnapping). But for me, the definitive 'proof' (ambiguous as always) was how Mary seemed to assume that Nanoha and Fate were already a couple and had taken the next step of (biologically) having a kid together.

In conclusion, StrikerS has left me a happy Zaku. Bring on a Signum OVA please!

Related posts:

1. Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS 22-25
2. Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS Sound Stage 4 – Episode 27
3. Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS 9