In keeping with my theory that even-numbered episodes of this show are no-holds-barred action extravaganzas while odd-numbered episodes are breather episodes, Unlimited Blade Works episode 11 certainly spared no expense in portraying epic levels of…calm, restfulness and tranquility.
The plot for this episode is relatively simple. In the aftermath of Shirou’s battle with Kuzuki-sensei (wherein Shirou saved the day by harnessing a new form of magic with which he had no previous experience) Shirou seems to be suffering from a bizarre series of very subtle, but also very troubling side-effects as a result of his exertions. (Specifically, the entire left side of Shirou’s body is experiencing numbness, weakness and fatigue, and Shirou’s whole center of gravity seems to have shifted 7 cm to the left.)
== TEASER ==
If this had been an even-numbered, Shirou might have felt a need to seek medical assistance for his problem from a doctor, or perhaps one of the other mages. (Shirou is involved in a war after all. If he’s experiencing problems that prevent him from fighting at his full potential, then the logical tactical thing to do would be to try and resolve the problems as quickly as possible, or at the very least inform his allies of his difficulties so that our heroes can adjust their battle plans accordingly.)
Luckily however, Shirou seems to have sensed on some subconscious instinctual level that this is not an even-numbered episode. Because of this, there is little to no chance that any enemies will attack, or that any epic fight scenes will ensue, or that any of Shirou’s allies will need to depend on him to save them from danger. So Shirou simply chooses to not tell his friends about his problems.
Instead, this episode focuses on Fate Stay/Night’s 2 favorite pasttime (after showing off incredible fight scenes): Building Romantic Tension between Shirou and Rin.
After Rin journeys to Shirou’s house to spend the day giving him her patented “Tsundere Mixed-Message Special” (1. Showing up on his doorstep, saying her purpose is purely professional and they need to sit down together for a strategy session. 2. Asking Shirou a series of teasing questions to try and suss out whether he has feelings for her. 3. Inviting Shirou out to the backyard for a warm heart-to-heart talk. 4. Stalking off in an angry huff when Shirou gives an answer to a question that Rin doesn’t approve of. 5. Changing out of her formal school clothes into a casual outfit that turns Shirou on, and announcing she’ll be spending the night at Shirou’s house.) Archer shows up and, surprisingly, does something helpful.
Not to improve Shirou’s relationship with Rin of course. Archer has no interest in helping with that. Instead, Archer properly diagnoses the cause of Shirou’s numbness and physical weakness (it turns out that, in using the new form of magic that helped fend off Kuzuki-sensei, Shirou flooded several long-dormant magic circuits in his body with a level of power they weren’t used to processing, and now the magical circuits are struggling to try and adjust. Something similar happened to Archer when he used similar magic long ago). And then, as an even greater surprise, Archer helps out again, casting a magic spell to cure Shirou’s numbness and restore Shirou’s body to normal.
(Wow. Even Archer is being Tsundere now. Will wonders never cease?)
What lies ahead for our heroes? It’s a little too soon to tell for sure. But now that Shirou seems to have learned a new form of magic that he can use without side effects, (and we’re headed into an even-numbered episode) odds are it’s going to be exciting.
Watch "A Visitor Approaches Lightly" and decide for yourself, then read my thoughts on the previous episode.
Kaita Mpambara works every day to try and create shows, stories, and characters that are as exciting, energizing, and entertaining as the very best works that have been given to the world by both the western and eastern animation industries. Keep up with his musings on life, the universe and everything by following him on Facebook.
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