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Metallic Rouge Episode 13: Favorites

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Metallic Rouge Episode 13 – Quick Summary

In Metallic Rouge Episode 13, “Code Eve,” we finally know who killed Roy Junghardt – and now that person is about to fully implement their plan. They already have Rouge’s id. Now they just has to eliminate the final Neans who oppose them. Rouge, running with Naomi’s id, found herself at a severe disadvantage. Is there anything either of them can do to slow the attacker? What part will Cyan play? And will we finally see more of Opera?

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

Favorite Quote from Metallic Rouge Episode 13

Metallic Rouge Episode 13: Nice to see Naomi have a rare moment of humility here.

Naomi came to a chilling realization here. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

At the beginning of the series, I thought the narrative made it clear that Rouge was the naive one who needed guidance, whereas Naomi was the more wise one who did the guiding. That worked; it was a good starting point.

Character development is cool. We got some of that with Rouge and Naomi both, and my favorite quote is an example of Naomi fessing up that she’s not always in complete control. And that’s okay!

Sort of.

Rouge was trying to battle Roy Junghardt after he took over Cyan. Put another way, Junghardt was kicking Rouge’s ass. Ash Stahl, clearly freaked out, said that they Cyan and Rouge had been evenly matched. His statement contained a demand to know what had happened.

“Rouge has my id inside her right now,” Naomi told him (10:50). “And I’m a non-combat type.”

That was probably the most humble thing I’ve ever heard Naomi say. Just in time for the final episode!

Favorite Moment from Metallic Rouge Episode 13

Metallic Rouge Episode 13: Rouge was comfortable with where she ended up

Rouge and Naomi ended up in a different place than where they started. That’s saying something. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Setup: I Will Not Strike the Deceased Horse

Well. In my previous review, I think I joked enough about the show feeling rushed that I’ll not mention it here. Well, beyond just now. Because, you know, it could have used a few more episodes. Just sayin’.

I would have walked away much more positive about this episode, if it had not been for the sequence starting around 22:43. Yes, I appreciated seeing more Opera. No, I didn’t want to see her riding some mechs into battle against Naomgue. Or Roumi. Or Rouge with a side of Naomi. I’m joking about their pairing, but it’s actually part of my favorite moment. They going to battle against Opera in the closing seconds of the episode? Ummm…

I’m going to pretend it ended at 22:50 with the shot of the sky. I have instructed my brain to disregard any image or sound after that point. It’s my brain, and I’ll forget sequences I want to.

Metallic Rouge Episode 13: The episode ended here. I swear it did.

The episode ended here. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Metallic Rouge was about the friendship between Rouge and Naomi. Were they “more than friends?” I don’t see the show like that. I’m not against yuri themes at all. I loved The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, in large part because of Anisphia and Euphyllia’s relationship. But Metallic Rouge is a science fiction story that’s trying to explore ideas beyond mere humanity. 

What did Naomi and Rouge feel for each other? I think the best context I can give it is saying that they were willing to live for one another – which is a significantly greater statement than being willing to die for someone. As George Washington said in the musical Hamilton, “Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.”

Delivery: Facing the Future Together

Naomi’s idea to forsake her body and join Rogue in her body worked thematically. After all, two joined by mutual choice defeated two joined by force (Roy and Cyan). I like those optics.

This leads to my favorite moment. Rouge/Naomi have been victorious. They used Rouge’s id to free the Neans, which looked like it backfired due to a Jovian plot. Fortunately, Gene was all over that. The future was uncertain. The Neans weren’t hostile to humans, but it was clear they weren’t going to take crap from humans any longer. There was a lot of potential conflict in the air.

Metallic Rouge Episode 13: The Neans found themselves freed of the Asimov Code

I thought this was an effective way to suggest change was in the air. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

“You think the world’s really going to change?” Naomi asked through her little bird’s voice (21:48). 

“We’ll change it,” Rouge said, slowly smiling. “From now on. You and me.”

That’s a solid ending in my book. The two of them become one, ready to take on the world and whatever it brings. That’s upbeat; it shows huge progress from where they started; and it was beautifully animated. 

To be completely frank: part of me feels an enormous sense of loss over what this series might have been, had circumstance given Yutaka Izubuchi and Toshizou Nemoto 24 episodes instead of 13. But you know what? I’d rather have these 12 than 0. So I’m going to count the series as a win. No, it’s not Re:CREATORS for me. But I’m glad I watched it.

How about you? Did you enjoy the series? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

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