Lilian Min, Author at The Mary Sue

Lilian Min

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Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episodes 34-39, “The Revolution Saga”

You know, out of all the ways I thought this series could've ended, this wasn't even one of the top ten things I could've imagined. Not even the top five. As far as revelations go, Utena is perhaps the series that's most shocked me, precisely because they spend so much time and energy laying down groundwork for a premise that is actually a myth. Let's get into it.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episodes 24–33, The Akio Ohtori Saga

While Anthy was introduced to Revolutionary Girl Utena, she seemed to be the perpetual damsel in distress: always being pushed around by every and any other force at work at Ohtori Academy. Alas, as this particular arc demonstrates, she is part of the shadowy force that dictates the dueling doings going on. Utena is, somehow, both her savior and her puppet. Let's get into the Akio Ohtori initiation arc.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episodes 18-23, The Black Rose Saga

So much about the Black Rose arc has been about introducing new characters and then, as quickly as they pop into view, sliding them back into the milieu surrounding Utena and Anthy, the Duelist and her Rose Bride, both against the world and against the odds. The Black Rose arc answers some of these questions and, as these things are wont to do, there are only more questions ahead.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 17, “The Thorns of Death”

When the Black Rose trials began, and the intent of Souji and Mamiya became clear (to use the student council members as literal weapons), there was only one thing I could think of. JURY DUEL. While this episode didn't quite live up to that initial expectation, I suspect that what follows will come through in a momentous, terrible, amazing way.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 16, “The Cowbell of Happiness”

When I saw in the comments section that there was a Nanami episode coming up, I was sure nothing could beat the strangeness of the curry episode. Oh, I was wrong! I was so wrong. And, so the show's strange obsession with Nanami and animals continues. (Definitely the perfect chaser for a slate of dark, twisty episodes.) (That was sarcasm, gimme some Black Roses!)

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 15, “The World Seen From Kozue”

During last week's episode, we were formally introduced to the boys of the Black Rose and their plot—to kill Anthy and take revolution for themselves. While their conscription of Kanae didn't work out, Souji and Mamiya now set their sights on another, more familiar pool of duelist challengers: the student council duelists themselves.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 14, “The Boys of the Black Rose”

Like any good arc opener, this latest episode of Utena lays the groundwork for future conflicts, but before they can reeeeeally move with them, we have a whole new cast of characters to consider — the Black Roses, as well as another shadowy figure. Last week, we got a taste of what Utena and Anthy are up again (and it might involve Utena's prince). This week, let's meet them.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 13, “Tracing A Path”

Well, last episode certainly ended on a high note, but what other trials await Utena? Is the student council, or at least its scheming president, out of the picture? And, what's Utena's next challenge? Welcome to the escalation arc. Many of you have been waiting for this.

revolutionary girl utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 12, “For Friendship, Perhaps”

Well. The aftermath of last week's episode was a real bummer, but the show has miles to go before it sleeps. So, it followed up last week's bleakness with something that was both sad and reflective, while being utterly fantastic. Let's dig in.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Newbie Recap: Episode 11, “Gracefully Cruel – The One Who Picks That Flower”

Hello hello, Utena friends. This episode was so traumatic that when I started writing up a recap last week, I couldn't figure out how to fully process my feelings and ended up sitting on this recap for another week. Seriously though, I had been wondering since the advent of the duels about how the plot would advance beyond them. And while that part is still unclear, suffice it to say, things have gotten verrry interesting.