How would you rate episode 4 of
Suikoden: The Anime ?
Episode 4 of Suikoden is a touch slow on the uptake, though it does succeed in setting up quality drama for the next episode.
I have to admit I was more mixed on this week's entry as compared to the initial three. It's not out of bounds at all to have a big meeting scene, and it is appropriate given the circumstances. These kinds of deliberations between officials are pretty common across many types of storytelling, not least of which is war and political dramas. That said, I do wish there was a little more to hang our hats on as an audience in this week's opening half.
The problem is that I just don't have any frame of reference for all of these various representatives or their politics. It's all within bounds… and not terribly exciting, dramatic, or informative. Who are these people? Who do they represent? Where are they even at in terms of location? It's all just a sort of vague idea of nations and cities hanging over the proceedings. We get some of this explained to us, and I appreciate that there is a nod to some discussions being about excuses more than actually trying to resolve anything. Politics is as much about the appearance of doing something as it is actually doing something. Still, I don't know if we as the audience have had enough time to ingratiate ourselves with the world to get much out of this, especially given how long it goes on.
Thankfully the Jowy and Riliu section in the back half is much better. The two of them sneaking in under the guise of enemy soldiers is just far more immediate and compelling than the earlier political maneuvering. The duo sneaking around and trying to assess enemy strength/resources, meeting the princess, then making an escape and Jowy facing off against Luca is all great stuff.
The battle between Jowy and Luca leaves a bit to be desired regarding the visuals. The effects on the true rune blade and Luca's sword are impressive enough. The issue is more that the fight itself is over a bit too quickly and doesn't have as much impact as I would have liked. I do have to give props though for using a lot of classic anime cinematography techniques for masking limited animation though, and it takes me back to the days of watching latter episodes of, say, Lodoss and the ways they would show action scenes with very few actual frames of fighting. So yes, even in its lacking areas I give points because Suikoden gives me a hit of nostalgia.
Suikoden: The Anime is currently streaming on YouTube.