Izetta: The Last Witch

Episode 6

Episode 4 showed us that the series could have a lighter side, and episode 6 reaffirms that, no matter how serious the story remains, it will still have brief lighter interludes – whether they're appropriate or not. While I found that to be more jarring in episode 4, it fits much better this week and provides a fitting counterpoint to the deadly serious content elsewhere in the episode.

The main point of the “secret” visit to the bakery seemed to be illustrating that Finé does have a few weaknesses, and two of those are kirsch cherry pie and her own judgment of ability to disguise her identity. Of course, the series would be remiss if it didn't show that Finé could even spin that going wrong into a positive; after all, who wouldn't become enamored with a ruler who has such a fondness for ordinary streetside bakery pie, and who wouldn't find a way to connect with their ruler to restore something very simple yet personal to them? If she wasn't already an Archduchess, Finé would have a fine career ahead of her as an ordinary politician, as she continually shows an ability to quickly adapt and think on her feet. That and her confidence makes her a great complement to the powerful but self-loathing Izetta, or perhaps a more accurate statement would be that Izetta makes a great complement to her.

Given the time period and Izetta's build, a corset-fitting scene was probably inevitable. Unsurprisingly, that devolves into a breast-size comparison scene, which is one place where Finé falls short compared to the women around her. This is such a standard, cheap fanservice scene in anime, but I find it even more annoying here than in most other places. Fortunately, it looks to be a throwaway scene rather than a running gag, and there's a lot more going on to distract viewers away from dwelling on it. The other minor quibble is that Izetta's outfit is so incongruous with what everyone else in the bakery is wearing that it makes her stick out.

The plot outside of these scenes is where the series gets most interesting. Based on the way episode 5 ended, a lot of speculation was flying about what would happen with Jonas after he overheard Izetta's secret. Looks like he was ready to take this secret to the grave (which is heartening) until his family was threatened (understandable, though I think that was likely a bluff on the spy's part). Given the way that Mr. Practical has acted so far, it came as little surprise that he offed Jonas in the name of eliminating leaks, especially since his death can easily be chalked up to the spy. No doubt we'll see some more of that ruthlessness in the future. Then there's also the mystery of what Germanian Section 9, suggested to be some sort of mystical research group, is up to.

Finally, I have to wonder at the wisdom of Izetta and Finé heading off together on what could be a lengthy journey to Brittania for the conference. Surely the Germanian Empire would take advantage of that to attack Eylstadt once they get wind of it? If there isn't at least something next episode to suggest that there's a ruse in place to cover for their absence, then I will be very disappointed. I can also see other potential pitfalls on this path, such as other powers wanting to claim Izetta for their own. Still, seeing the rifle/broom piled up with supplies like they were stacked on a motorcycle was a neat touch, and the series has enough else going on to sustain it right now, just not at a top level.

Rating: B

Izetta: The Last Witch is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.