RWBY v05e01: A complicated situation

(Lechería, October 18th. O’kuroku).- Finally the wait is over and RWBY Volume 5 is here, and it started showing us that things are really, really far from being solved.

In my review of Volume 4 finale I pointed out that it was a transition one. Well, Now I am going to say that I think this one will be the same. By analyzing the series current pace, it is highly probable that the plot is going to expand, which is good since it implies more volumes ahead.

First thing I noticed was the improvement of the animation, which is lined up with what Kerry, Miles and Gray have said in the events they have attended. Now that they have more experience with Maya, they can exploit it to the maximum level.

Although I have to say there were some unnecessary sequences such as when Yang punched that guy at the bar. Seeing him bouncing felt way unrealistic. I personally think that made the scene less serious.

Regarding the plot there are some things I’d like to highlight. First of all, it is confirmed that Lionheart is Watts’ pawn, which will obviously be one of the core points in this volume.

Another key issue is that it appears that Team RWBY will not be reunited anytime soon. Weiss is still traveling, Blake still has some problems to solve in Menagerie; and, against all the odds, Yang didn’t choose to go find Ruby, but Raven. This was, in my opinion, one of the biggest surprises in this start.

Few people thought that the blond girl would prefer to find her mother. After all, she had a deep bond with her sister instead. I have to admit that I didn’t believe that something like that would happen, and now I really wish to see how this controversial decision is going to be explained.

I don’t know if I can call this a theory, but I think that one of the motives for Yang doing that is to overcome her Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the scene at the bar, it was clear that she still has sequels of it.

Blake, on the other hand, is not making progress with her plan of reforming the White Fang, which I totally expected. There are huge forces fighting for the control of that group, and I think that is a fight way too big for Belladonna. It is not just Adam, but Hazel as well, not to mention Sienna Khan herself. In fact, considering Ilia’s words I think she rather than threatening an enemy was warning a friend.

By the way, I am really happy to see that Cherami Leigh Kuehn is back, especially considering that Ilia will be more relevant in this Volume. Any show gets better just by having this amazing actress.

Speaking of other stuff, of the four main characters, Weiss is the one having less difficulties so far. She managed to escape from home and her trip is being quiet so far. Maybe she will be the one reaching Ruby and the others first.

Although she has faced complex situations during her journey. Having to accept the pilot’s decision of abandon the group that was asking for help was hard for sure, but considering the circumstances it was the right call.

Regarding Team RNJR, it is obvious that the fall of Beacon has affected the rest of the major cities. Even the fact that Lionheart is being controlled by Watts is just part of those consequences. I have to admit that I thought that after arriving to Haven things were gonna get easier, but it seems I was wrong.

The good thing is that not only Qrow will be with them, but Oscar as well, and I have to point out that the kid already accepted that he is not a single being anymore, but two souls. This character is one of the most interesting in my opinion, I really wanna know how he will handle his duality.

Besides, it is confirmed that Raven will play a key role since she has the Spring Maiden. The battle between siblings looks really promising, not to mention that it will be seasoned with the conflict between mother and daughter.

Now, regarding the soundtrack I have to say that I don’t like this opening. I think the previous ones are way better, this one just doesn’t feel powerful enough. The video, on the other hand, is quite good and the same goes for the background music, Jeff Williams’s work is outstanding there.

Finally, I want to share with you a curiosity. The Post-credits scene of the Volume 4 finale was included in this episode, and this is the first time this happens in the series. That was another moment that really surprised me. Well then, everything is ready and this volume looks really promising, so we need to stay tuned. See you in my next review.

By Shougo Amakusa (@shougoamakusa)
If you want to watch the show you can do it in the official website.