This week people lost more than their religion.
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
Sorrowful, frenzied, and full of religious allegory, “Shadow of Ideas” felt like the quintessential Berserk episode as Guts and his apostate allies survived an epic battle against the forces of evil, while the “faithful” were consumed by the physical manifestation of their sins.
In a departure from last week's frenzied cliffhanger, the show opened on a quiet note as the Skull Knight and Luca bid each other adieu. I’ve really enjoyed the rapport that these two share (both are calm and level-headed), so it was rather sad to see them go their separate ways. With that said, I’m glad they parted on friendly terms. The Skull Knights’ chuckle of admiration as Luca went off to join her friends was an unexpectedly light-hearted moment, and it was hard not to be in awe of Luca’s jovial demure as she waved farewell to the physical manifestation of death. As silly as it sounds, I honestly wouldn’t mind a spin-off series starring just these two characters. That’s not likely to happen, but whatever. A girl can dream.
Luca and the Skull Knight part ways.
While Luca and the Skull Knight said their goodbyes, the Egg Apostle ascended the Tower of Conviction to say hello to a new world while watching the old one die. While I don’t much care for its desire to usher in the Apocalypse, I couldn't help but feel sorry for this maligned outcast after its sad little soliloquy about its fate as a world-ending catalyst. It was such a sorrowful scene, horribly slightly marred by the egg’s decision to swallow the dying demon child that’s been protecting Casca (eww). I really hope the show explains what that squishy demon is before the season ends, because --as manga readers know--there’s a lot of symbolism attached to it
Speaking of beliefs, let's talk about how the faithful dying and the nonbelievers surviving this week's events served as one giant, powerful allegory for the dangers of religious zealotry. I really liked the visual symbolism that accompanied this message, whether it was Mozgus’ final, monstrous form, the way the winged Inquisitor was flung down from on high a la Lucifer, or the villagers being consumed by the manifestation of their own sins (i.e. the blood of those condemned to die by their neighbors). Berserk has offered up whip-smart commentary on religion before, but the show did an especially brilliant job of it this week by showing how people that cling to salvation by casting aside their humanity often end up being denied salvation.
The Black Swordsman in battle.
The commentary was fantastic, and the action was even better. The final showdown between Mozgus and Guts was exciting stuff, with the Inquisitor pulling out all the stops by hammering the Black Swordsman with bone-crunching blows, and the latter answering with a bloody combination of steel and explosives. While I was certain Guts would win, there were times I still found myself on the edge of my seat as Mozgus came back again and again. He really gave Guts a run for his money, and it felt like a huge victory after the Black Swordsman sent the twisted seraph hurtling towards his death.
I figured Guts' gritty obstinance would see him through (and so it did), but I was pleasantly surprised by Isidro. I knew "Monkey Pants" was a quick thinker, but his lightning fast engineering skills and lion-like courage this week really impressed me. It's thanks to him that Casca was saved from being burned alive, which in turn allowed Guts to finally share a tender moment with her (that hug at the end made me say "aww"). I really hope Guts rewards his ally with a few sword lessons, because Isidro definitely proved he's a worthy protege. Of course, they'll need to stop the God Hand from completing their world-ending ritual first, which--if the arrival of characters like Zodd is any indication, is still on track to happen.
The Verdict
Shadow of Ideas was an excellent episode that served as a powerful allegory for the evils of fanaticism and the dangers of clinging too hard to salvation.
Editors' Choice
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