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Kismet-chan · 2012-04-15, 00:07

Spoiler for scan:

Akito Kinomoto · 2012-04-15, 15:45

Even though most of Rinne no Lagrange was more focused on the characters than the story, I can't help but feel the narrative was neglected even for a series being character-driven. More thoughts below...

Spoiler for Length:

Any given anime series will usually put more focus on either its story or place greater emphasis on its characters. The centralization on either the narrative or cast does not necessarily mean the ensemble or plot can be almost entirely neglected. Rinne no Lagrange focuses more on its characters but is rather neglectful of its story. While the character development and technical aspects of the show is generally good, Rinne no Lagrange’s storytelling is inadequate even taking into account the anime being character-driven.

Part of the reason for criticizing the narrative development is that it undermines the character development. Throughout most of its episodes, Rinne no Lagrange is more concerned with developing its cast rather than progressing its story to an extent that the more significant plot events occur toward the very end of the series. The neglect toward the story would not be so problematic, were it not for the fact that much of the character development for the cast is very closely tied to the history preceding the story and the preexisting lore creating the underlying plot of the anime. Madoka’s reasons for starting the Jersey Club and the way she behaves, Lan’s motivation for fighting and her status as a Princess, and Muginami’s family problems eventually show their significance to the plot in the anime’s final episodes. However, the abrupt narrative progress at the end of the series calls into question just how important the back story of the characters is. The neglected story development undermines the history of the characters which created the plot in the first place.

Still, the show’s technical aspects are usually pretty competent. The background music though fairly generic does its job of matching the mood of every scene quite well. The fights are not the most choreographed battles anime has to offer but they are consistently animated. The visuals themselves are generally vibrant without being excessively saturated in color. If there is one complaint to be had for the graphics, however, it is the lack of structure variety for the robotic trinity of Aura, Rympha, and Ignis which are piloted by Madoka, Lan, and Muginami respectively. Despite being touted by the story as legendary mechas, little more distinguishes the three robots framework than different shoulder armor and varying weapons. The lack of creativity among the protagonist robots is further exacerbated by how distinct the antagonist mechas tend to be from one another. If nothing else, the color schemes of Aura, Rympha, and Ignis represent their pilots quite well.

Thankfully, the color schemes of the robotic trinity did not become an excuse to let their respective pilots’ personalities remain confined to her assigned “element.” Madoka’s free-spiritedness matches the wind but unlike the air her flaws are not limited to being in the presence of intense turbulence. Lan is perhaps the most dynamic character as she frequently expresses a range of emotions throughout the series quite unlike her cool demeanor or matching water element. Muginami is the biggest surprise as fire does not represent her personality at all but instead shows her alienation from and desire for warmth despite her cheery attitude. As if the subversions on persona and elements were not enough, the chemistry between the three main characters is quite good because their personalities balance each other. The relationship between Madoka, Lan, and Muginami is further bolstered by the fact that their close friendship is not so quickly or easily made; strong friendship is something created over time and perseveres through trouble which Rinne no Lagrange realizes. It might feel wrong to separate Madoka, Lan, and Muginami once their bond is created and makes the finale of the show all the more bittersweet.

Unfortunately, the great character development is compromised by the storytelling’s tendency to undermine the plot which is the effect of the casts back stories in the first place. Despite some noticeable problems, Rinne no Lagrange is not a bad anime; the solid technical execution and well-done character development ensures that the series is not bad. However, it is not good either as the flawed narrative interferes with the overall product to the extent that the show being character-driven is not an excuse for its questionable storytelling. Overall, the series strengths and problems leave Rinne no Lagrange to be a flawed yet enjoyable viewing experience.

Darthtabby · 2012-04-15, 16:05

With luck we'll get more on the backstory next season. I've found this show had a pretty remarkable tendency to address weaknesses a few episodes after I identified them. For instance I thought the main cast was strong but the De Metrio boys didn't have much in the way of character -and then Episode 9 came along and gave them some character development. I also thought the show was much stronger as a character show then as a mecha show, and to a large degree I still think that, but after Episode 11 I feel it's brushed up its mecha credentials quite a bit.

Granted I've seen really promising series fall apart late in their runs, so I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch. But I have high hopes for season 2.

Chiaki_chan · 2012-05-14, 17:47

This anime is one of my favorite this year haha Ran is too pretty! and I was so sad watching the last episode ... I had a tear in his eye I confess ...

Midonin · 2012-05-26, 08:56

The ED of season two won't be sung by Megumi Nakajima. It'll be a song called "Jersey Club Spirit!" by our three heroines.

Nakajima does sing the OP, though.

justpassingby · 2012-05-27, 03:02

Saw the PV for Season 2. Wan is fighting Muginami-desu?

NoemiChan · 2012-05-27, 03:22

The Ending was among the most dramatic farewells I've ever seen. Madoka saying "goodbye" a couple of times until Ran disappears from sight then bursting, crying is so touching... Friends giving farewells. I wanna hug her saying its ok... GenjiChan is here. Hah!!! Anyway, can't wait for the OVA.

sa547 · 2012-05-27, 12:34

Looks like this second installment is bound to be more serious.

Bonta Kun · 2012-05-27, 12:43

I CAN NOT WAIT!

Looks like they are gonna up the ante for the more serious side of this but I just want more Rinorange, I totally love this series, it's one of my tops favorites.

ars89 · 2012-05-27, 18:56

Wonder why Muginami and Lan are fighting each other. Nice cape on Fupo.

NoemiChan · 2012-05-27, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by ars89

Wonder why Muginami and Lan are fighting each other. Nice cape on Fupo.

Spoiler for Probably:

Dark Wing · 2012-05-27, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by ars89

Wonder why Muginami and Lan are fighting each other. Nice cape on Fupo.

I had formed a hypothesis based on the motivations and roles of the characters.
KISS was a rebel group who's main force was obliterated over Earth. But then we have Le Garite hoping to gain control of the Voxes. Since Mugi ran off with the KISS, it's quite possible Le Garite made up a task force to recover Mugi's Ignis using Lan's Lympha. Mugi clearly got away from Lan (or else the letter wouldn't have existed), but not before getting into a scuffle and escaping Lan and her task force.

However, in the PV we see Mugi attacking a Le Garite battleship. Is this an ambush after being cornered or a strategic plan by the exiled prince of De Metrio to capture the Lympha? It's quite a bold move in any case, since most of KISS was obliterated.
I think Vilaguilio is putting too much trust in Mugi and her Ignis, and it's going to go back and haunt him.

Random Wanderer · 2012-05-28, 19:55

It looked like they were doing something to Lan. She may not be herself anymore in the scene where we see her fighting Muginami.

Chiaki_chan · 2012-05-30, 02:10

It would risk hurting me in the middle this season 2 ... will have to see if Muginami and Lan fight ...

Endless Soul · 2012-05-31, 09:26

I'm really looking forward to the upcoming episodes, as I'm sure we all are.

Endless "Waiting" Soul

Darthtabby · 2012-06-01, 00:34

The announcement at the end of Season One implied Season Two would begin with a friendly reunion between the three leads in Kamogawa, but the Season Two trailer seems to be pointing in a different direction. While I like seeing the three leads interact as friends, I'm hoping we don't get some sort of lame cop out after what that trailer showed. Although it would be kind of funny if what we saw in that trailer turned out to be the "arguing" Muginami said she and Lan did in the letter she sent to Madoka.

totoum · 2012-06-08, 06:31

Looks like the OVA isn't a recap and lol at the game PV, gainaxing to the max!!

YouTube

https://youtu.be/kA6dkJAp-7E

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

The OVA looks really lighthearted,the calm before the storm?

Oh and meganekko Lan?My body wasn't ready !

NoemiChan · 2012-06-08, 06:58

I wonder if they will give some hints in the OVA regarding the 2nd seasons plot.... guess we must wait then!!!

Dextro · 2012-06-08, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by totoum

Looks like the OVA isn't a recap and lol at the game PV, gainaxing to the max!!

YouTube

https://youtu.be/kA6dkJAp-7E

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

The OVA looks really lighthearted,the calm before the storm?

Oh and meganekko Lan?My body wasn't ready !

Damn, that's some serious gainaxing in the game!

And I wasn't ready for both meganeko lan and that haircut at the same time.

Darthtabby · 2012-06-08, 22:00

I thought Kamogawa Days would be some light hearted side stories set in between episodes or something. This looks like it's set after the end of season one however. Kind of seems at odds with the seriousness of the season two trailer as well.

One thing that has me worried about the OVA -I want it to fit together well with the rest of the series, but I also think that it shouldn't be absolutely essential to have seen it in order to understand what's going on in season two. It seems to me that setting it after the end of season one could make achieving that a challenge.

2012-04-15, 00:07	Link #1141
Kismet-chan The Chaotic Dreamer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: In a cruel yet beautiful world Age: 32	Spoiler for scan: __________________

2012-05-14, 17:47	Link #1144
Chiaki_chan Kubo GO TO HELL Join Date: May 2012 Location: with Maki-sama Age: 32	This anime is one of my favorite this year haha Ran is too pretty! and I was so sad watching the last episode ... I had a tear in his eye I confess ... __________________

2012-05-27, 03:02	Link #1146
justpassingby Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cyberjaya, Malaysia Age: 38	Saw the PV for Season 2. Wan is fighting Muginami-desu? __________________ 一生　忘れられないよ　ずっとずっと　大事な贈り物一生　忘れられないよ　きっときっと　こいつは宝物 Last edited by justpassingby; 2012-05-27 at 03:12.

2012-05-27, 12:34	Link #1148
sa547 Senior Member Author Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Philippines Age: 47	<p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/s7_zKZMwCq8">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> Looks like this second installment is bound to be more serious. __________________ Last edited by sa547; 2012-05-27 at 19:22.

2012-05-27, 12:43	Link #1149
Bonta Kun Know who you are Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Resides within the depths of Ned infested Glasgow	I CAN NOT WAIT! Looks like they are gonna up the ante for the more serious side of this but I just want more Rinorange, I totally love this series, it's one of my tops favorites. __________________

2012-04-15, 16:05	Link #1143
Darthtabby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009	With luck we'll get more on the backstory next season. I've found this show had a pretty remarkable tendency to address weaknesses a few episodes after I identified them. For instance I thought the main cast was strong but the De Metrio boys didn't have much in the way of character -and then Episode 9 came along and gave them some character development. I also thought the show was much stronger as a character show then as a mecha show, and to a large degree I still think that, but after Episode 11 I feel it's brushed up its mecha credentials quite a bit. Granted I've seen really promising series fall apart late in their runs, so I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch. But I have high hopes for season 2.

2012-05-26, 08:56	Link #1145
Midonin Last Engage Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Florida	The ED of season two won't be sung by Megumi Nakajima. It'll be a song called "Jersey Club Spirit!" by our three heroines. Nakajima does sing the OP, though.

2012-05-27, 03:22	Link #1147
NoemiChan Banned Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Philippines Age: 36	The Ending was among the most dramatic farewells I've ever seen. Madoka saying "goodbye" a couple of times until Ran disappears from sight then bursting, crying is so touching... Friends giving farewells. I wanna hug her saying its ok... GenjiChan is here. Hah!!! Anyway, can't wait for the OVA.

2012-05-27, 18:56	Link #1150
ars89 One-Eyed Dragon Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NJ, USA	Wonder why Muginami and Lan are fighting each other. Nice cape on Fupo. __________________ My Anime List

2012-05-28, 19:55	Link #1153
Random Wanderer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007	It looked like they were doing something to Lan. She may not be herself anymore in the scene where we see her fighting Muginami.

2012-05-30, 02:10	Link #1154
Chiaki_chan Kubo GO TO HELL Join Date: May 2012 Location: with Maki-sama Age: 32	It would risk hurting me in the middle this season 2 ... will have to see if Muginami and Lan fight ... __________________

2012-05-31, 09:26	Link #1155
Endless Soul Megane girl fan Join Date: May 2011 Location: Diagonally parked in a parallel universe. Age: 55	I'm really looking forward to the upcoming episodes, as I'm sure we all are. Endless "Waiting" Soul __________________ Signature by ganbaru

2012-06-01, 00:34	Link #1156
Darthtabby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009	The announcement at the end of Season One implied Season Two would begin with a friendly reunion between the three leads in Kamogawa, but the Season Two trailer seems to be pointing in a different direction. While I like seeing the three leads interact as friends, I'm hoping we don't get some sort of lame cop out after what that trailer showed. Although it would be kind of funny if what we saw in that trailer turned out to be the "arguing" Muginami said she and Lan did in the letter she sent to Madoka. Last edited by Darthtabby; 2012-06-01 at 20:52.

2012-06-08, 06:31	Link #1157
totoum Me at work Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Age: 36	Looks like the OVA isn't a recap and lol at the game PV, gainaxing to the max!! YouTube https://youtu.be/kA6dkJAp-7E Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload? The OVA looks really lighthearted,the calm before the storm? Oh and meganekko Lan?My body wasn't ready ! __________________

2012-06-08, 06:58	Link #1158
NoemiChan Banned Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Philippines Age: 36	I wonder if they will give some hints in the OVA regarding the 2nd seasons plot.... guess we must wait then!!!

2012-06-08, 22:00	Link #1160
Darthtabby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009	I thought Kamogawa Days would be some light hearted side stories set in between episodes or something. This looks like it's set after the end of season one however. Kind of seems at odds with the seriousness of the season two trailer as well. One thing that has me worried about the OVA -I want it to fit together well with the rest of the series, but I also think that it shouldn't be absolutely essential to have seen it in order to understand what's going on in season two. It seems to me that setting it after the end of season one could make achieving that a challenge.