Reviews

Perhaps in a nod to the long time between episodes, the production begins with a brief recap and comedy skit with team Turtle and the BC captain. Then after an updated opening title, we begin right where the last episode left off, with Ooarai having barely survived a brilliant trap set by the BC girls. But our heroes are at least as crafty, and the match ends just like you'd expect, complete with the stereotypical circular firing squad (and I've said too much already). There's a fantastic backstory to the BC team, which is fleshed out in a bonus episode that comes with the Blu-ray.

The middle part of the episode honestly felt a tad rushed, but this is understandable-- the production wanted to thoroughly develop the Japanese-themed team, Chihatan (also a hilarious pun on the Japanese Chiha tank), and it was clear that all the teams we've seen thus far would dominate the field in the first round. Round 2's match felt more visceral, with Chihatan utilizing the cutthroat tactics used by the Japanese army during World War 2 (without the war crimes). Ooarai turning the tables towards the end and Chihatan getting away with their lead intact was a satisfying drama to watch. I do like how they turned what was a one-trick pony, 2-dimensional comic relief team from the movie into a team that can learn and improve, even if they have to be tricked or ordered into it.

Visually, there's the usual cute girls riding physics-defying tanks, though there wasn't too much of the latter in the second round match. This episode features the second night battle, and with better lighting effects (muzzle flashes, tracer rounds, bloom effects) from the TV show along with better camera control (vibration), you get a much more immersive and intense show, thoroughly bringing the audience along for the ride. Likewise, the audio draws you in, using the fantastic soundtrack to highlight dramatic moments, and going heavy with the gunfire, the growl of the engines and treads, and armor pings to accentuate the fierce combat.

A fine addition to the Finale series, and it leaves you wishing for a time machine so you can watch the next episode.