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Overlord IV Episode 12 Review – Best In Show

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Overlord IV Episode 12 – Quick Summary

In Overlord IV episode 12, “Invasion of the Royal Capital,” Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself and her guard Climb were still in the capital. Members of Blue Roses were still there, too. Will they defend the capital and the princess? Or will they try to escape? And if they do, will they take the princess with them? Elsewhere, Brain Unglaus was determined to face off against Ains Ooal Gown. But first, he had to get past Cocytus. Does the human have a chance? Will the three potions he drank help? Or is he simply out-matched?

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

Favorite Quote from Overlord IV Episode 12

Overlord IV Episode 12: Aura seemed very concerned about preventing bullying

Aura’s upbeat and carefree attitude was quite at odds with what was going on. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

There is something both humorous and deeply unsettling about Aura’s attitude. She’s a kid, and she has a kid’s frolicsome attitude towards life. Also, she’s a savage demon that destroys anything and anyone in her path.

You can see how I’m conflicted in my reaction to her!

Aura’s a beast tamer, and she put that skill on full display in this episode. She leapt up onto the outer walls of the royal city. A squad of soldiers looked on in obvious terror. She said if they stayed out of her way, they’d be fine. When she sensed some of them wanted to test her, she mentioned casually that she wasn’t who they should worry about. That’s when several of her beasts joined her.

One of them looked like a stunted Tyrannosaurus. Apparently its name was Iri. When some of the soldiers panicked at the sight of these creatures, Iri cut them off and screamed in their faces. The effect looked to be fatal.

The other beasts all howled, screeched, or otherwise yelled at Iri for going beyond orders.

““Okay, everyone,” Aura said to calm them down (16:30). “I’m not mad. Stop bullying Iri.”

Aura telling her beats to stop bullying a T-Rex just struck me as funny.

Best in Show Moment for Overlord IV Episode 12

Overlord IV Episode 12: Cocytus honored Brain Unglaus' warrior spirit

Cocytus showed clear respect for Unglaus, despite their disparity of strength. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Setup: Cocytus’ Cold Dignity

Remember the meeting between Ains Ooal Gown and Zanac Varleon Igana Ryle Vaiself back in episode 10? Ains might be an undead sorcerer. He might be a force of objective evil in this world. But he, and Zanac, knew the value of civility. They knew the value of being civilized. Their goals were so opposed that only lethal violence could resolve them. But that didn’t mean they needed to be rude to one another.

As I look around at the political climate in the United States, I have to say that I find that attitude not only refreshing. I find it hopeful.

That’s why I chose this as my favorite moment in this episode.

Brain Unglaus decided to stay in large part because the princess decided to stay – and, of course, Climb decided to stay by her side. But I suspect that Unglaus might have stayed anyway. He was on a mission to confront the Sorcerer King, or to get as far along that path as he could.

And he took with him his dignity and his civility.

Overlord IV Episode 12: Brain Unglaus didn't know what to make of the approaching ice storm

Unglaus didn’t know what to make of the approaching ice storm. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

He went off in search of the Sorcerer King, but before he could find him, he encountered Cocytus and his entourage of ice witches (maybe yuki-onna?). I think I found them so interesting because they reminded me of Mizore Shirayuki. Which is neither here nor there, but it seemed like a good opportunity to bring up a character who’s a favorite of mine.

Don’t judge me.

Anyway, Unglaus at first didn’t know what to make of the approaching ice storm. Then he recognized who was behind it. It didn’t take him long to decide that he had to go through Cocytus before he could get to Ains. So, in the middle of the street, he drew his sword and tossed back three different potions to fortify himself.

Delivery: The Importance of Civilization

Cocytus soon towered over him. And in that moment, Unglaus knew he was screwed. He knew there was no way he could prevail against this opponent. But he had determined he would go out on his own terms. He introduced himself, saying (18:51), “Brain Unglaus.”

That towering figure of chill-might named Cocytus stopped. He surprised his encourage when he held up his hand to bring them to a halt. In a solemn, dignified voice, he said (18:57), “I am the servant of the supreme one, Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown. Cocytus.”

In the face of that show of respect, Unglaus sheathed his sword and formally bowed.

Seconds later, Unglaus was dead. None of his preparations, not his sword skill nor his portions, made the slightest difference. He had gone full out, and Cocytus easily crushed him.

Overlord IV Episode 12: Brain Unglaus' preparations preserved his pride; but that was about it

It didn’t matter how hard he fought. He has no chance whatsoever. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

But the two had faced each other as civilized people.

Cocytus did not gloat. Instead, he lamented what he had felt he had to do. Recognizing that Unglaus was someone he would liked to have recruited for Ains, he thought (20:43), “However, I cannot embarrass the resolve of a warrior.”

Cocytus might be a villain. He and his people might be a force of evil in this world. But damn, those folks are polite. And to be perfectly honest, I prefer an honest enemy to a disingenuous ally. A straight-up contest of strength is something I can respect. Duplicity just sucks.

What did you think of Blue Roses’s take down of their own leader, Lakyus? What were your favorite moments in the episode? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

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