June 26, 2005
Sousei no Aquarion Episode 12 - The Time of Amber
A spoilery episode (at LAST!) so this one's going in the extended entry.
Overall, though - wow, a really rather good episode! Lots of juicy backstory nuggets and some other plot developments here alongside the usual Aquarion stuff, but that's exactly what I've been after - bravo!
A DEAVA submarine discovers a twelve thousand year-old feather encased in amber whilst exploring some ancient submerged ruins. Jean-Jerome and Sophia examine it while the Element Candidates take some time off in town - Silvia, Apollo and Sirius clash once more in an antique shop before they all head back to take a look at the feather's extraction, an event which certainly interests Toma and Johannes in particular.
As the feather is extracted, it has a remarkable effect upon Rina and Sirius - Rina babbles about the Tree of Life and the beginning of the world before falling unconscious (listen to the OP for some more references...), whilst Sirius hears strange singing and barricades himself in his room as his arm throbs in mysterious pain. Silvia and Apollo sneak into the room where the feather is held later on that evening, concerned about its effects - when they touch it, however, it jolts them into remembering more about their past lives.
Apollonius used to be a hardcore Shadow Angel until he met (and fell in love with) Serian, a human. Their love was forbidden, and also got in the way of Apollonius' betrothal to Toma - for his betrayal, they nailed his wings to a wall and threatened to execute Serian. However, as Moroha was about to deal the fatal blow, Apollonius ripped his wings off to block the blow.
Apollo and Silvia are jolted back to the present by the arrival of another Cherubim, however, and they head out with Pierre to face it - but this time, it is both Toma and Otoha who come to fight, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Baron is going to be involved somewhere this time...
So much to comment on! I'm almost certain that Sirius is some sort of reincarnation of Toma (although I don't know how that would work), so we've got some extremely odd relationship polygons going on here. Plus, what's up with the Tree of Life and the beginning of the world? I thought the Tree might be that cactus thing in Atlantis, but I'm not totally convinced - and 12,000 years ago wasn't the beginning of the world, despite what the show might want us to think. I think the underwater murals might also be interesting to have a look at for plot hints (but I can't be bothered right now as it's 1:30 in the morning!).
Plus Apollo and Silvia get closer, aaaw. Predictable, but jolly. I think they're both cringingly embarassing enough for each other, actually - Apollo's armpit hair antics and Silvia's fertility goddess statue blunders suit each other in their naivete!
:D
And next ep will be a Shoji Kawamori ep, I expect it to be on par with ep 1 because it's got the better animation director and all so I think they'll be using all the good staff.
I have been sharing your suspicions about Sirius being some sort of reincarnation of Toma for a while now.
One possible explanation of how it could have happened has something to do with the final fight between Appolonius and Toma up in the sky. The scene where Serian is forced to watch, because she is unable to reach them and after a while passes out. When she comes to, the only thing she finds is the amber crystal containing Appolonius' essence.
In Silvia's past life flashbacks as Serian Toma seems...um...somewhat vicious and pissed off when it comes to Appolonius. Yet, Toma in the present time doesn't really share those particular sentiments anymore and wants to have Apollonius back(love of his life and all).
However, Sirius' behaviour towards Apollo mirrors the one Toma seems to have towards Apollonius in Silvia's flasbacks.
Perhaps some of Toma's essence got seperated from him during the final fight and somewhere down the line it started incarnating as a human being. The latter eventually leading to incarnating as Sirius some 12.000 years(give or take a couple of years) after the final battle.
But then again...that's only my speculation as to how it could be possible for Serius being a semi-reincarnation of Toma. ;)
Posted by: Lightseeker at June 26, 2005 08:02 AMYes, this was an awesome episode - I was kind of afraid they were going to not explain the whole history of apollonius etc until the last minute. Gotta love Thoma's whole "OMGWTFBBQ" expression when Apollonius rips off his own wings.
Though I question if Sirius is a reincarnation of Thoma. Somehow I doubt Kawamori et all are devious enough for that.
This is completely unrelated to SnA, but I reccomend that you watch episode 10 and 11 of Eureka Seven, because it would appear they've finally hit their stride. Eleven is excellent - it would be just as good as, say, episode 1 or 2, except there was a little too much angst for my taste.
Posted by: Lelldorin at June 26, 2005 11:18 PMWhere's Helga? :)
Posted by: wao at June 27, 2005 03:49 AM... I was kinda wondering the same thing when I came across the name 'Toma'. XD Wrong possibly reincarnated person, man.
Posted by: Matildarose at June 30, 2005 05:54 AM