(L) Blood+ TV Series

[Sonhex]

Originally Posted by Mangaka-chan

On another note I wonder if the Sciff are actually going to ally themselves with Saya's side

Spoiler:

the spoiler on wikipedia says that Saya does give Irene blood but she began to crystalize and presumably dies. Would the Sciffs stick around if Saya's blood is of no use to them? The only solution I can see is that someone suggest that they work together to track down Diva so Red Shield can eliminate Diva and the Sciffs can have a greater chance of actually getting close to Diva.

I'm inclined to think they will...

Spoiler:

...if Irene does die (I guess that's no big surprise considering the title of the episode) the Shifu will realise their quest has been fruitless. They'll need a new purpose. Naturally aligning themselves with Anshell's enemy to strike back, is the obvious choice. It also affords them the most likely means of finding a genuine cure for the Thorn.

I doubt it will happen immediately though, Irene's death will hurt them bad, especially Moses. But I can imagine the Shifu appearing to help Saya in a future episode. They may not openly agree to join the Red Shield, but I think they'll no longer treat them as their enemy.

I doubt David will care either way, he won't forgive them for killing his men. But at the same time he'll aknowledge having them on their side is a major tactical advantage. Though even the Shifu won't do any good againt Diva's Chevaliers.

I thought the battle in this ep was very well animated. Especially that backward move Saya did when she landed after jumped out the window, that was cool.

[mycen]

Spoiler:

The Schif know that they are not a match for Amsel, whom the producers have hinted is the true mastermind behind Diva, and are already short-handed.
Chibi Riku still has yet developed any outstanding powers and Saya's side need all the help they can get to deal with so many enemy chevaliers + Diva. Not to mention that Saya + her chevaliers don't gorge on human blood so they are a notch weaker than their competitors.
Seems kind of natural to me that they combine their strengths..

[rondo]

Spoiler:

Well there's the problem that the Shifu still killed off those Red Shield members while they were trying to protect Saya, that they still commit murders to feed themselves, and that if Anshel made them he could have put some sort of self-termination code in their genes.
Frankly, they're scum (not Irene though) and Saya should finish them off with no emotions. Their introduction to the story was kind of a rush job, mostly to attention rather than add more depth to the show.
About their characters:

Dismas/Gestas/Epi. 26 Shifu---nothing, just killers with one goal.
Karman---so violent and brutal he'll stab a kid for touching his precious weapon
Gui---kind of thoughtful but lived too short to show much character
Psychotic Chibi-Girl---loves to kill, really loves to kill
Evil-" Bald Dwarf"---he kind of acts dumb and monster-like
Guy with Shade---Nothing, he just has shades.

Moses---he carries the biggest blade and kind of has an awkward personality.
First, he's just as brutal and violent as Karman but then he's got the cutesy looking eyes. Second, he's the leader-cuz he might be the strongest. Third, hugs his precious weapon like a teddy bear while he's resting. Again, what's with his cutesy eyes???

Irene got some time to show her character but she'll be gone too soon. It's sad she's dying but the Shifu just add a few extra filler episodes of eye-candy action before the story gets back on track to Diva.

[Mangaka-chan]

To rondo, I wouldn't pass judgement on the Sciffs quite so quickly until they've been given more time to expand their character. I certainly don't think their story is a "rush job" especially since they show up in two of the three OPs. The fact that they're still in the show means there is significane to their existence. It maybe that the show does not have time to expand the character of all of the Sciffs and a select few (eg. Guy, Moses, Irene) are developed. Perosnally I think they exist in the story to help relate the fact that not all chiropetras are evil or bad.

[Cal-Reflector]

Just watched episode 27 and 28, and was quite pleased with the combined quality of these two eps.

Spoiler for thoughts and comments:

Aside from the action, Kai and Irene's little trip through Paris was scenic and well done. The briefing that Julia gave to Joel and Collins in the meeting also had an appropriate atmosphere.

There were two parts with these two episodes that I felt were unsatisfactory. The first one is more subjective, in that I was a bit under-impressed by the reunion between Kai and Mao. Not that I particularly like this pairing or anything, but I'm dissatisfied by how the Mao and Reporter duo has been a pointedly under-emphasized side show up until this point, and now, even after they've re-entered the main plot line, they're still brushed off and overlooked. Simply, these two just don't matter to the show much and have been primarily pointless, and any reoccuring characters who don't contribute to the story affects the story in a negative way.

The second part was Irene, and especially Kai's, inability to explain to their comrades the risk-free proposition of simply giving some of Saya's blood to the Shifu. This is an irreconciliable plot/logic gap; Kai obviously should want to do everything to mediate the conflict, but it sure didn't appear so. Couldn't he have asked, "Hey, we have some blood samples of Saya on hand don't we? With all the transfusions we do on her everyday? Can I have a pint?"

Other random thoughts:

Riku: Dang, his action debut, and he scores a tackle against a Shifu (albeit the midget one) straight off! And no, he shouldn't get a cello case, for his size, a violin would be better... one that coneals an actually big-enough-to-be-effective gun or something. Practically, he and Hagi could form a hit duet and perform on the Paris art districts.

Hagi: Not much for him here, 'cept the sparring practice with Saya was very well-animated.

Irene: Yeah, she definitely died, judging by the previews. Pity, nice girl.

[Mangaka-chan]

I suppose Cal-reflector has a point with Riku. It would be cute if he had a violin instead but I don't think Riku knows how to play one, does he?

[ryublade]

Regarding Hagi, isn't he weaker because he's not feeding on blood like the other chevaliers are. Saya is always getting transfusions but it doesn't seem like Hagi is getting anything (and he doesn't even seem to eat normal food either). As for staying with Saya, the flashbacks seem to imply/hint that he may have a death wish but he also wants to fullfill Saya's wish to finish off Diva first. After centuries of taking care of Saya, maybe he also wishes to rest. After all, he must have been pretty lonely when Saya goes to sleep for 30 years at a time.

As for Kai, doesn't he seem to be treating Saya rather callously. The worst is he treats her like a bloodbank without even realizing it (Does he even consider her family?). Without realizing her pain, he keeps demanding she give blood to treat others. Riku was understandable but Kai did hurt Saya's feelings in the way he requested her help. Regarding the Shiff, even though they had their circumstances, in Saya's position, I would hardly be in the mood to offer my blood when they were the aggressors in the first place by hunting down Saya and pinning poor Hagi to that tree and killing off so many of the Red Shield soldiers. It's not like the Shiff were these innocent victims who came asking for help nicely or anything.

[rondo]

Spoiler:

Chiropterans needs blood to survive. If Hagi doesn't need blood, then how is he a chiropteran. Riku needs blood and Riku's made from the same stuff as Hagi.
Without nutrition, how does Hagi regenerate after bleeding so much of himself?

The Shifu have acted excessively violent and don't deserve any trust or forgiveness from Saya. Kai is being naive, probabily because of a cute girl. Suddenly Kai sees Irene acting like a tourist and he forgets the Shifu killed all those people, attacked his sister, tried to kill him, and stabbed his brother. He forgot that all of that the next episode after. Rushed???
From the majority of the Shifu's personalities so far, how could they be examples of "good" chiropterans??? How can Saya lower her expectations that low immediately on the spot?
They're complete irredeemable from the things they've already tried and done. Moses and Karman can save a billion puppies and kittens, and I'd still think Saya should finish them off.

[Mangaka-chan]

Spoiler:

But the Sciffs did not choose to become the killers that they are. Like what Saya said in the Russia flashback episode, the creation did not wish to be created and used for their creator's purpose. Moses, Karmen and the rest were created and conditioned to fight and that's what they did. Think about a real world situation where children are brought up in a bad enviornment and have violent dendencies when they they grow up. It's too simple to just condemn them for a part of their nature of which other people facilitated in creating, be it intentionally or non-intentionally. More so, Guy and Irene realize that killing people is bad and they want to change that by finding the cure to their curse. I'm not so sure Moses and the other Sciffs also have this sentiment but that at least shows that some of them do have a sense of humanity.

If they do not deserve trust or forgiveness then I think they are at least worthy of pity

[Cal-Reflector]

After hearing what people have to say about the Schiff (I was of the more lenient opinion towards them), I've come around and decided that it is understandable why Saya is having a hard time being persuaded by Kai, and appearing unforgiving as a result:

Afterall, she did see Hagi get stabbed, run through, pinned to a tree, pinned some more, and then get his blood sucked, and this by the one of the nicer, less aggressive members of the Shiffu...

Yeah, I can understand if she holds a grudge. Kai would too if he were there to see it, not that he's wrong either, but he happened to hang out with the cutest, most docile member of the Shiffu, its all a matter of perspective; Saya sees Shiffu turn Hagi into sheskebab, Kai gets to rescue and chat up the cute chick.

*Laughs*

[rondo]

Yeah, but how does Kai pardon what they did to Riku in episode 26 immediately in the next episode, 27? That's not something he should have taken lightly just because he sees a cute "tourist".

I thought that Kai would be more protective of Saya and Riku rather than siding so quickly with the Schiff's perspective. To survive(from what the Schiff believe), the Schiff have to bleed Saya to death (they really shouldn't have to) and feed on her. And even with their "curse" gone they would still need to continue to feed off humans (what's the Red Shield mission then?).
Saya would have to betray her mission to allow the Schiff to live.
For David to allow Saya to make that decision he would have to betray the memory of his lost members (not just the ones the Schiff killed).
Hagi should give the Schiff the same answer he gave to Solomon.

[Cal-Reflector]

Blood+ OST Thoughts:

It was very interesting to read Mark Mancina's comments on the production, particular the part how in the beginning he really had no idea what Japanese animation was like even after a co-worker tried to explain it to him. One thing that confused me was his comment on a piece of music called "Aria" which he described as one of his favorites out of what he's written, yet I found no such track on the OST. Perhaps someone could shed some light on this little mystery.

The first track I listened to was Diva, the last track on the OST, a fine piece of work that was the haunting female vocal that occurred many times throughout the show. Along with Saya's Destiny, Saya's Courage (the track titles aren't too creative, I'd say, *chuckle*), and... yup, you guessed it, Saya's Love (pure coincidence, the name thing), those make up my favorite tracks, with Diva out on top.

Speaking of Diva: What an appealing villaness, I rather like the personality type she introduces into the show. Hope the series will find some time do a back-story episode for her.

[TEKO425]

Blood+ OST is such an awesome soundtrack for an anime series. All the tracks sound so grand and epic like it was for a theatrical feature. And yes, I too also listened to "Diva" first because I expected to hear Diva's haunting operatic singing which I enjoy. My most favourite track has got to be "Saya's Victory" because it's the first piece of music I fell in love with while watching the show. This track sounds very heroic and even though it gets played every episode during the next episode preview, I never get sick of listening to it. I'm happy it's the first track and that it's fleshed out much more.

Oops...I forgot to add a little tidbit about the OST cover...for those of you who think it is Diva on top of the Zoo tower...think again...if you are able to zoom in on the cover...you actually see 2 figures standing together...and I believe they are Saya and Haji!

[Omniscient]

Originally Posted by TEKO425

Blood+ OST is such an awesome soundtrack for an anime series. All the tracks sound so grand and epic like it was for a theatrical feature. And yes, I too also listened to "Diva" first because I expected to hear Diva's haunting operatic singing which I enjoy. My most favourite track has got to be "Saya's Victory" because it's the first piece of music I fell in love with while watching the show. This track sounds very heroic and even though it gets played every episode during the next episode preview, I never get sick of listening to it. I'm happy it's the first track and that it's fleshed out much more.

I pretty much agree with everything you said, especially the "grand and epic" parts. They're similar sentiments to how I felt when I first heard the pieces when they were played in the episodes. My two favorite tracks are Saya's Victory and Saya's Destiny.

Originally Posted by Cal-Reflector

One thing that confused me was his comment on a piece of music called "Aria" which he described as one of his favorites out of what he's written, yet I found no such track on the OST. Perhaps someone could shed some light on this little mystery.

Based on the wikipedia entry, an aria "in music was originally any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. It is now used almost exclusively to describe a self contained piece for one voice usually with orchestral accompaniment." Based on that, I assume he was talking about the final piece on the soundtrack, Diva.

[DoReMiFaSo]

Yeah, I agree with you. Blood+ OST is awesome, and my favourite track is Diva, and Saya's Victory.

Aria is a type of music performed by a singer with orchestral accompaniment. So I guess Mark Mancina was referring to the song "Diva".

EDIT: Oops, someone beat me to it.

Anyway, does anyone know who sings the track Diva?

[Cal-Reflector]

Originally Posted by Omniscient

Based on the wikipedia entry, an aria "in music was originally any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. It is now used almost exclusively to describe a self contained piece for one voice usually with orchestral accompaniment." Based on that, I assume he was talking about the final piece on the soundtrack, Diva.

Thanks to you and MusicScale down below for the prompt answer. I had the feeling that he was talking about Diva, but only because the name most closely resembles Aria, which is why I listened to it first... ah well, educated guess.

Just for this song, Diva becomes one of my more favorite characters in the show. Too bad there ain't a Hagi's theme until, I hope, his own Cello album comes out.

[Mangaka-chan]

Haji does have his own CD but the songs aren't original since they're all by Bach

[TEKO425]

Spoiler for Episodes 31 and 32:

31. The Broken Shield (壊れゆく盾) - Solomon informs David about the Chevaliers' plans to attack the Red Shield HQ.

32. Boy Meets Girl (ボーイ・ミーツ・ガール) - The Red Shield HQ is under attack by Diva and Carl and Red Shield members are falling one by one. Joel is about to make an important decision.

Oh wow, things are starting to get very interesting. Solomon warning Red Shield about an attack by Diva and her chevaliers and Carl returning back to the story to join in on the bloody fun!

Why would Solomon help Red Shield? Does he feel some obligation to Joel because their families are essentially related (Goldsmith and Goldschmidt)?

[Mangaka-chan]

Originally Posted by TEKO425

Spoiler for Episodes 31 and 32:

31. The Broken Shield (壊れゆく盾) - Solomon informs David about the Chevaliers' plans to attack the Red Shield HQ.

32. Boy Meets Girl (ボーイ・ミーツ・ガール) - The Red Shield HQ is under attack by Diva and Carl and Red Shield members are falling one by one. Joel is about to make an important decision.

Oh wow, things are starting to get very interesting. Solomon warning Red Shield about an attack by Diva and her chevaliers and Carl returning back to the story to join in on the bloody fun!

Why would Solomon help Red Shield? Does he feel some obligation to Joel because their families are essentially related (Goldsmith and Goldschmidt)?

Spoiler:

Oh, that was unexpected. I didn't think Diva and her Chevaliers would have attacked Red Shield this early; I'd expected to take place a few more episodes from now but oh well. I think Solomon's warning might have more to do with his feelings for Saya than any family ties to Joel but I could be wrong.

I'm really curious about what Joel's decision will be. Maybe I'm just being a pessamist but could he possibly choose to join Diva's side? What do you guys think?

[Aniki Meiski]

I am going to make some predictions to future plot of the show.

Crazy Predictions

Spoiler:

Red Shield HQ will get destroyed.
They are going to killed off Joel.
Collins may die??
The remaining Red Shield members escape to London.
Probably only 2-3 Shifus will survive. (The recording session is getting too crowded.) Irene will die. Moses may get killed as well.
Saya becomes the head of the remaining Goldschmidt household as she is the only one left who is partly Goldschmidt's descendant.
Solomon switching sides - already confirmed
Saya and Diva's mom was turned into chiropterans during pregnancy.
Riku will develop abilities to counteract Diva's singing.
Riku kidnapped by Diva