[miketyson]

Vena:

Spoiler for Wings, Wings, Wings:

I thought what Zen had to say to Amata at first was along the lines of "being isolated like that wasn't something to be afraid of, because it is what let him cast off his attachments"...but Zen tends to go over my head a lot and I'll have to rewatch this when I get time.

If you really want to overthink the power-up, however, the new wings seem set up to give Amata a way to operate outside the normal workings of the fate and destiny...while, at the same time, establishing a sense in which Mikono's connecting power is now more-precisely opposite to Amata. Although, sadly, that could either be "meant to be paired up" or more of a Samson-and-Delilah thing (don't let Mikono connect you, Amata...). In the same vein the new wings more closely line his power up with Zessica's (she pushes things away, he's already detached...).

Seriously can't tell if this is over-thinking it or not. But definitely agree, Amata seems due for *at least* a few more bruisings before he gets another untrammeled moment of glory...

Also:

Spoiler for Stalkers:

The thing with Kagura is at least for me I'd be less uncomfortable if he was *either* more self-aware of his own creepiness (which'd admittedly force him into the role of a true villain...) *or* he was softened up a lot...or if there was more explicit acknowledgement of how far over the line that guy is (which may yet happen, but doesn't seem to be incoming immediately). As-is the way it's presented seems to expect the audience to take it more lightly than is warranted (and it sticks out as just about the only aspect of this show for which the tone feels "off" to me, FWIW.). Agree to disagree and move on?

I mean, FWIW I think I get what's being set up here via Mikono: Kagura is a dangerously seductive bad dream (standing for validation of her self-worth by identity (valuable because she's the reincarnation of someone special and has a special destiny)); Amata is more reality, warts and all (standing for validation of her self-worth via her own actions and choices...perhaps)...but in making light of the way Kagura's acting it undercuts that angle (at least for me) b/c Kagura is done in a way that's too far-out to consider as anything other than a horrible idea. Would've been much better as a sinister "tuxedo mask" character imho.