Sousei no Aquarion: Episode 03

Note to self: Avoid slurping noodles while watching Gattai sequences. Unless one wants bits of ramen splattered all over one’s screen.

Apollo, alongside two new recruits, are given a taste of Aquarion piloting simulation. Sirius assists glasses-dude, Reika teams up with the girl (who’s on her way to full blown Reika-worship), and Silvia (unluckily?) pairs with Apollo. With n00bs in control, chaos is inevitable. Needless to say, screwball comedy ala mecha style ensues. Oh, and lest I forget Tsugimo’s reaction at the end of the session is simply priceless.

Of course, the episode is not complete without another round of *real* Aquarion action. It’s time for Aquarion Mars, with blond bishie heading the group with an aptly named formation, Codename: The Beautiful Shape. As if this is not enough, he turns to the audiences and performs the soon-to-be-(in)famous hairflip maneuver. I, now, worship the ground he walks on. Hmmm. Which shampoo does he use?

The latest installment is not all fun and games. Reika’s recurring trauma attack is briefly given emphasis but it leaves this audience member quite cold. Yet Apollo’s quiet grief touches a cord to viewers. Instead of feeling out of place, the emotional scene is timed at the right given moment with the right amount of treatment. It smoothly transitions from the comedic tones to the somber atmosphere. Then gradually pulls toward the adrenaline pumping pace of the third act of the ep.

BTW, I love Apollo’s transformation from man-beast to a smooth, suave, dashing bishie-looking hero in a span of 0.13 seconds. Now, that’s talent.