I’ve had terrible writer’s block all week and could barely finish this post. My apologies for this post being most likely poorly written, not to mention a few days late. In addition to the writer’s block, I’ve had a lapse into drinking alcohol again, which isn’t helping. But I plan to get back on the right track and continue my recovery journey. Anwyay, let’s look at this last set of episodes for Spring 2025.

Contents

1. Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc Episode 13
2. Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 13
3. Lazarus Episode 13
4. Your Forma Episode 13

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Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc Episode 13

This was an entertaining final episode for an excellent season of Black Butler. After Sieglinde got a new haircut and clothes, Sebastian began teaching her how to behave for the upcoming visit to the Queen. The lessons were grueling for a free spirit like Sieglinde. She asked for support from Ciel, but he coldly refused to listen. Later, Lizzie came to visit and suggested everyone take ladylike etiquette lessons together. This helped cheer up Sieglinde and get her through the tough training.

Eventually, it was time for the meeting with the Queen. Sebastian was out running errands, but Ciel and Sieglinde did fine on their own. Sieglinde’s curtsey was beautiful. The Queen commented on Sieglinde’s potential as an inventor, and the little witch made it clear she would never create toxic gas again. The Queen seemed to accept this.

In the last few minutes of the episode, Undertaker creepily visited Ciel at night. I have no idea what he was doing. When he woke up, Ciel only remembered it as a dream and didn’t tell Sebastian. That was the end of the Emerald Witch Arc. I was extremely impressed with it. Eventually, I’ll get around to a review.

Initial Series Rating: 8/10

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Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 13

As Kowloon is being destroyed, Reiko loses track of Kudo. He went to play board games with three old men. Kowloon had begun to generate things that were not in Kudo’s memories. (For example, teenage versions of Miyuki and Yulong were playing in the streets.) The three old men disappeared one by one. The last guy thanked Kudo for letting him see his wife, who was temporarily generated in front of him. The old man then said it was time for them both to move on.

Elsewhere, the spirit of Success the fish helps Reiko survive as Kowloon is destroyed. (Goldfish are considered lucky animals in Chinese culture.) The fish leads Reiko to a theater where she watches Kudo’s memories surrounding the sudden death of Kujirai B. It was heartbreaking for Kudo because Kujirai died before giving him a final answer to his proposal. In the present, Reiko and Kudo talk about how they couldn’t understand Kujirai B, which is probably why she wasn’t replicated perfectly.

Kudo and Reiko part ways, with Reiko telling Kudo he has one more person to meet and face before he can move on. Behind a door, Kudo finds another version of himself, or his past self. The two Kudo’s agree that there can be no do-overs. Kudo breaks down crying. Meanwhile, Reiko sees one more memory of Kujirai B talking to the old lady with the cat. The conversation was interesting. Afterward, Reiko leaves Kowloon and reunites with Yaomay and Xiaohei. Gwen and Miyuki also escaped the city.

Two years later, Kudo appears in front of Reiko in Hong Kong. She’s surprised to see him, and their banter immediately begins again. They will probably pick up right where they left off. Kowloon Generic Romance impressed me at almost every point. I don’t think it’s some masterpiece of storytelling, especially with the rushed ending, but it was so creative and interesting all the way through, from the visuals to the music, story concepts and more. I’m so happy I watched this series.

Initial series rating: 8/10

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Lazarus Episode 13

Abel reveals the truth that Schneider’s people forced Skinner to make biological weapons. When he tried to publicly leak the information, soldiers at the airport attacked Skinner, leading to the deaths of many people as gas was released from the bullet-holes in Skinner’s suitcase. Anyone exposed to the gas died – with the exceptions of the five now on the Lazarus team. They had the mutation that let them survive the bioweapon.

Axel snuck away from the hospital and reunited with Soryu. Though both men were badly wounded, they continued their fight underneath a huge statue of an angel. A ship sent by Schneider’s people fired heavy artillery at Axel and Soryu, also bringing down the angel and the whole building. Soryu passed away, while Chris picked up Axel. They headed to meet up with the others at the homeless camp in Pakistan. It’s the same place they visited back in the third episode.

In that homeless camp, Lazarus and Hersche finally found Skinner. He was dying of Hapna and refused to take the cure. However, he did hold up his bargain and provide the antidote for Hapna. It was rapdily distributed across the globe. Abel asked the President to remove the wristbands from the Lazarus members, who were all pardoned of their crimes. Abel also suggested that Lazarus stay together as a group to helps maintain world peace. Everyone agreed to continue being part of Lazarus – even Axel.

That was the end of Lazarus and it was honestly very underwhelming. I expected a better ending from this director. That being said, the series doesn’t deserve hate and certainly wasn’t “awful.” I think it still deserves 7/10 when you factor in the excellent fighting animations and general good vibes of Shinichiro Watanabe. Also, there’s the fact that it pisses off those anti-woke idiots by including a transgender woman and multiple people of color. That definitely wins points with me.

Initial series rating: 7/10

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Your Forma Episode 13

Echika shot at Harold to prevent him from dismembering Napolov. In response, Harold took the gun away from Echika and pinned her to the wall angrily. He told her that this was not just revenge against the Nightmare, but also his own atonement for not saving Sozon. Apparently, Harold felt deeply ashamed even though it wasn’t his fault. By committing a violent act of vengeance, he would ensure that he would be shut down for malfunctioning, thus ending his life.

In the end, Echika convinced Harold to stand down with emotional appeals. It’s the most emotional I think we’ve ever seen Echika be before. Harold actually started involuntarily shedding tears, proving more than ever that his mind is basically like that of a human. Echika embraced Harold and succeeded in getting him to calm down and stop the violence. It was a sweet scene and the voice-acting was excellent.

Later, Napolov tried to kill himself with a stolen gun, putting himself into a coma. Echika brain-dived into the comatose suspect and discovered that he was indeed the nightmare of St. Petersburg who claimed so many victims. However, Napolov was not the one who killed Sozon. Apparently, Sozon was killed by a copycat for unknown reasons. It was moderately interesting seeing Echika dive into Napolov’s mind. I wish more time had been spent on things like that in this series.

After this, the case about E and Tosti resurfaced. Echika and Harold continued investigating. A few loose ends were tied up on the drama side. For instance, Elena thanked Harold for saving Nikolai. Harold also started wearing the scarf that Bigga gave him, much to her delight. With the loose ends tied up, it’s the end of Your Forma, unless there is a second season down the line. If there is, I might actually watch it because I like Echika and Harold. The series overall wasn’t really impressive, though.

Initial Series Rating: 6/10

~Thanks for reading~

Written by 7Mononoke at Anime Rants

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