Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1 Review

Quick Summary • Best Moment • Setup • Delivery • Other Posts

Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1 Review – Quick Summary

In Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1, “Rayneshia’s Marriage,” Lenessia Cowen’s mother, Saraliya Tseleu-Arte Cowen, the Pearl of Eastal, came to visit. After inquiring after the adventurer Krusty’s health, she dropped a bit of news that Lenessia was ready for, even if she dreaded it: She was to marry Sir Touri, head of the Saiguu family. After enjoying her freedom for so long in Akiba, will she go along with it? Meanwhile, Shiroe has his hands full with the political machinations of Eins, who seems intent on destroying their political unity. What’s his goal? Is he acting on his own? Or is there another power involved?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Favorite Quote from Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1

I might be wrong, but I could have sworn the translation should have been, “I will cut you!” Capture from the Funimation stream.

To understand why I liked this quote beyond the humor, you have to understand that I have two favorite characters in this series. The first is Henrietta, whose only flaw is that she can’t keep her hands off my second favorite character, who is Akatsuki. Why Akatsuki? There’s something about the combination of commanding power and sudden shyness (around Shiroe) in the pint-size assassin that appeals to me. So I really look forward to scenes with either of these characters.

In this case, Eins had just declared he would leave the Round Table. Shiroe, who hates public speaking, was exhausted after his ordeal in the chambers. He could barely keep his spirit from escaping through his mouth (in true anime form!).

Tetora, exploding out of Naotsugu’s shirt (I’m still wondering how she got in there and what she was doing), asked if Shiroe wanted to see her panties — just to cheer him up, of course.

Akatsuki, bracing herself to prepare to strike, said in a low, intense voice (21:36), “I will slice you!”

I think I’d rather face Krusty than Akatsuki when she’s in that mood!

Best in Show Moment for Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1

Akatsuki’s feelings for Shiroe are painfully pure! Capture from the Funimation stream.

Setup: In the Shadow of Political Tectonics…

One of things I like about Log Horizon, at least in previous seasons, is its attention to large-scale, world-defining politics. The relationship between Eastal and Akiba drove a lot of the first season and gave the drama a framework.

It looks like the machinations of Plant Hwyaden and the Holy Empire Westelande are going to be prominent this season. I’m optimistic, because Log Horizon has shown that it’s strong when it goes big.

At the same time, it’s also shown that it can go small. Little moments between Akatsuki and Shiroe sparkled through the first seasons. Even Henrietta’s dance with Shiroe was remarkable, at least to me. So I was glad to see such a moment in this episode.

Akatsuki, displaying her usual subtlety… Capture from the Funimation stream.

Akatsuki and Lenessia shared cups of “chocolately latte.” Observing that Lenessia looked worried because (14:46) “Your forehead showed distress, just like my lord’s,” Akatsuki asked what was wrong. Lenessia eventually confessed that her mom had committed her to a political wedding.

Delivery:… The Small Moments Still Matter

You can imagine how free-spirited Akatsuki reacted. She bluntly observed that Lenessia was already interested in Krusty. Lenessia then launched into a self-pitying lament about responsibility and proprietary. Krusty was a Guardian Knight, responsible in part for protecting Lenessia, so how could she possibly be romantically interested in him?

It should be noted that Lenessia’s blushes suggested that she was, in fact, interested in him. In fact, her maid, Elissa, had observed the previous night that (10:45) “when you rode the Griffon controlled by that wicked man, you became a person who can fight freely.” So it’s not like the idea was new to Lenessia.

Akatsuki went off on Lenessia, saying “But it’s not against the rules to be in love with your Guardian Knight, right?”

Akatsuki pointed out, quite correctly, that there was nothing saying Lenessia couldn’t be interested in her Guardian Knight. Capture from the Funimation stream.

Lenessia, though, is a princess. She might be a self-confessed lazy princess, but she’s royalty nonetheless. She wasn’t about to let that slide.

“Wh-what about you, Akatsuki? You’re dating a scary four-eyes, too,” she said (16:00).

And then Akatsuki responded with a surpassingly adorable sentiment (16:07): “M-My lord isn’t scary at all. He’s kind and lets me ride on a Griffon with him.”

Yes, the large-scale political movements are a lot of fun in this series. But I think that’s in part because of little character moments like this, where we get to see and enjoy life through the eyes of some sweet and determined characters as the make their way through the world.

What did you think of Eins’ decision? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!

Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1: Other Posts

Other Anime Sites

• Reddit: Log Horizon: Entaku Houkai – Episode 1 discussion
• Anime Evo: Log Horizon: Entaku Houkai – 01 [First Look]
• PinoyChan: MARRIAGE?! | Log Horizon Season 3 Episode 1 Reaction (YouTube)

This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)

• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 1: Rayneshia’s Marriage
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 2: The Duke of Akiba
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 3: The Round Table Fractures
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 4: Akiba General Election
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 5: Blessings
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 6: Immortal in Ethereal Utopia
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 7: Not a Curse
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 8: The Oldest Ancients
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 9: Adoration
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 10: Labyrinth in Akiba
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 11: Despair Genius
• Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table Episode 12: Song of the Nightingales