CROSS ANGE Rondo of Angel and Dragon

Episode 10

The last couple of episodes threatened to convince viewers that the series might actually have some degree of class. As expected, though, it eventually had to return to its fan service roots, and episode 10 seems determined to remind viewers that it is not going to let something like having an actual story or character development deter it from being trashy. It does this by returning to basics like lesbian lovemaking, some sado-masochistic leanings, and characters being tossed naked into a cell, and since Tusk is integrally involved, naturally there's a faceplant-to-the-crotch, too. Nothing is especially edgy and certainly not extreme enough to bother anyone who has put up with the series' fan service content to this point; in fact, it is not even really a distraction to the story going on. (Although Tusk really, really should have known better than to make one particular comment.)

And there's definitely more story going on here. The first part of it, which shows Ange being whipped by Sylvia, overplays the virtually omnipresent hostility towards Norma (and Ange because she is one), though it is probably not an extreme exaggeration based on all-too-many historical examples of systemic dehumanizing prejudice. Still, it serves its narrative purpose in severing the few links Ange had remaining to her old life (beyond Momoka, of course) and firming her resolve to utterly reject the status quo. Naturally she gets rescued by Tusk, and the way she tells off everyone as she leaves is brutal but satisfying. Upon her return to Arzenal she is tossed in a cell and has all wealth and belongings accumulate to that point confiscated as punishment for desertion, where she discovers a beat-up Hilda also in the same predicament. As they hash things out, they seem to come to a certain understanding; after all, because both had experienced the regular world before being brought here, they actually have more in common with each other than anyone else on Arzenal.

In other words, two developments with potential long-term consequences happen here, and neither actually involves Ange narrowly avoiding being hung. One is that Ange turns towards becoming somewhat of a nihilist, although she actually seems happier this way than at any other point since being revealed as a Norma. The other is the bonding of Hilda and Ange, which is something that wasn't easy to anticipate prior to last episode. Oh, they definitely are not friends yet, but the juicy exchanges between them in the cell are no longer the talk of bitter enemies, either. This episode also reintroduces the singing element from the series' full title, something that had been left behind in the first episode but now looks like it could be a more regular component. Its use seems intended to be symbolic of Ange finally firming up her deepest resolve and inner strength. I can't help but think that this is what Jill was hoping for all along.

The execution here isn't going to win the series any awards, but one thing that the series can never be accused of is being dull. The end of the episode gives the impression of a turning point being reached, and that bodes well for potential future plot developments.

Rating: B-

CROSS ANGE Rondo of Angel and Dragon is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.