This week’s episode of RWBY, though not as intense as the premiere, was still fantastic. I have a feeling the sentence prior will be used to describe almost every episode this season (at least that’s what I can hope for). With only two major plot developments, which I will discuss towards the end of this review, this episode was really more focused on characterization.
Returning to the animation upgrade I discussed in my review of the volume premiere, there was something I failed to mention. This episode really brought prominence to it, so I thought i’d discuss it here. With the improvement in animation comes major strides in battle animation in particular. The tournament matches of this episode were some of the most enticing, fluid, and all around fun battles i’ve ever seen in animation period. I give the animators props for making battles, which can sometimes be tedious and boring, to be some of the most interesting parts of the episode. However, I don’t think this feat is accomplished by the animators alone.
I believe that the writers are using these tournament battles as a vehicle for characterization. Although we are already familiar with team JNPR, we get to see their battle dynamic in a new light through in-battle dialogue and collaborative choreography. We are also introduced to the final two members of team SSSN. Both Scarlet David and Sage Ayana are very well designed characters, and we really get to know them through their actions in the tournament battle. This instance in particular seems to prove my point. I look forward to seeing what new characters we will meet this way, as well as how these battles will better characterize show veterans.
Finally, the point you have all been waiting for, Qrow. Firstly, from the two scenes showing him drinking at a bar, as well as the extremely clever animation technique used when he walks, it is revealed he is an alcoholic. My personal theory is that his alcoholism is due to the loss of two people he loved and cared about more than anyone else (excluding Taiyang obviously), Summer Rose and Raven Branwen. However, it was also revealed that he is not at Beacon to watch the tournament, but to either rendezvous or intercept with Winter Schnee, who was shown at the end of the episode to be arriving at Beacon.
Speaking of Winter, I was surprised at Weiss’ reaction to Winter’s arrival. I thought it was hinted at in the past that the two had a bad relationship. However, it is clear that they either love each other, or that Weiss idolizes Winter in an unhealthy way. The latter would make an interesting character development for Weiss, so i’m hoping for that. However, Winter’s arrival may have something to do with the dynamic between Weiss and her father. Maybe winter has come to Beacon to convince Weiss to reconcile with her father. However, what we do know from both the opening and Qrow’s dialogue, is that Qrow and Winter will be meeting up sometime very soon.
It’s episodes like these that exemplify why RWBY Volume 3 is the most excited I’ve been for a TV season in a while. Every episode leaves me on the edge of the seat, and has me counting down the days until the next one. I doubt there’s going to be a bad episode this season, so please don’t read these reviews if you don’t want to hear me gushing about how much I love this show.