RWBY v06e01: A strong start with an episode loaded with action

(Lechería, November 5, O’kuroku).- After some months that felt like forever, we are finally back to speak of RWBY, specifically about Volume 6. So, let us enjoy the ride.

The ending of Volume 5 left many question unanswered, but it also set something on stone: The next arc would take place in a snowy environment, so it was not surprise to see a white landscape in this premiere.

It was obvious that taking the relic to Atlas was not going to be an easy task, but I never thought that the main issue would be that the relic itself was a magnet from Grimm. Now there should not be any doubts that this journey is going to be a rocky one.

By the way, I personally liked how they established the starting point of this arc. Keep in mind that this process was necessary considering that teams SSSN, JNPR (without the P… well you get it), and RWBY would be unavoidably separated in this volume. However, not giving a proper explanation to that would have been lazy writing.

The idea of Sun assuming the leadership of his team for real and going to Vacuo to “make up for lost time” and consolidate his group as an important fighting force looks like the right move. I know many of you would have wanted him to stay with Blake, but I think the foundations for a probable romantic relationship in the future have been set, and as a fan of Blacksun I feel Sun needs to develop more as a Huntsman.

Besides, it is obvious that the plot will eventually get to Vacuo and I hope that by then Sun is a proper and mature warrior (this episode established that his journey for that goal has begun) capable of giving what Blake needs, including a good place for her to be.

On the other hand, despite the fact that I understand that Ilia can be really helpful supporting Blake’s father in the consolidation of the new group, I think it would have been interesting having her around during this volume. Well, I can only hope to see more of her in the future.

Finally, the fact that Ren, Jaune and Nora are going to be separated from team RWBY was handled smoothly since the reason not only is coherent, but it gives each group a mission to accomplish.

Regarding the rest of the episode, I believe that the entire sequence of the battle on the train was well developed. It can be seen that the guys from CRWBY are more used to Maya so the fighting sequences are way more smooth.

About the music, Jeff Williams keeps showing his huge talent for creating music and soundtracks. The background music was handled flawlessly and the opening for this volume is cool. Although the openings of Volumes 1 and 2 are my favorites, this one is really great too.

Before finishing this review, I would like to point out two more things: 1) The new character that was introduced in this episode has totally caught my attention. Yes, I am talking of Maria Calavera. Since the trailer I have been looking forward to seeing her in action, and the way she appeared on screen at the end of this episode increased my expectations. Let’s see what is revealed of her in the next episode.

2) The entire sequence of Adam killing the White Fang’s members seemed lackluster to me. After the anticlimactic conclusion of his fight against Blake I was expecting something with more punch. His anger and even his final scream did not look organic to me. I understand they do not want to show graphic violence in the show, but sadly the fact that he killed those guys off camera was definitely not a plus. I think they need to handle Adam in a better way in the future because they are wasting a character with a lot of potential.

Summarizing, it was a strong episode that tied many loose ends and generated the necessary hype for what is going to come. See ya in my next review.

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