Review of R.O.D. (TV Series): Vol. 7

Introduction

I had a look at the first volume of R.O.D The TV last year, and immediately fell for its literary charms. Well, it`s a cold, calculated romance, as I waited for a suitable sale before filling out the parking space assigned to R.O.D on my shelf. Also determined to do things right, this time I began with Read Or Die, the OVA series. It`s well worth doing as while initially the two stories seem separate and can be enjoyed that way, from practically the first frame, the TV series makes visual and narrative reference to the OVA, and as the story progresses, the two become more and more intertwined. These aspects didn`t stand out for me the first time round, but having watched the OVA first this time, I found there was extra enjoyment to be had from the TV series. Volume 7 is the conclusion of the series, and par for the course as for many anime series we just get three episodes for this volume, however these are extended episodes, offering around 15 more minutes of paper folding goodness.

Michelle, Maggie and Anita are three paper masters, able to manipulate paper to their will. In their hands, paper cuts can be fatal, paper aeroplanes can take paying passengers, and a sheet of A4 can be bulletproof. They run the Paper Sisters detective agency, using their formidable abilities to fight crime. They are also committed bibliophiles, well all except Anita, and their love of the written word is something that dominates their lives.

Previously, a lengthy stand off between the heroes and the bad guys led to some shattering revelations. Now, as the story concludes, the Paper Sisters take the fight directly to the British Library. The final three episodes of R.O.D The TV are presented by MVM on Volume 7 along with a few extra goodies.

24. You Know Me
The UK is about to claim dominance over the world, as the infrastructure for the British Library`s mind control is put in place. The Paper Sisters will have to solve their identity crisis if they will be able to help Yomiko put things to rights. But when they get to London, it`s become a cross between an Arthur Conan Doyle story, and an H.G. Wells book.

25. Not A Big Problem
There are seven days left before Joker and the British Library put their plan into effect. The Paper Sisters, Yomiko, Drake and Nancy have that long to find the secret base, rescue Nenene, rescue Junior, and stop Joker. It sounds simple, but London is trapped in some sort of a time warp, and the streets and buildings keep changing.

26. From There On
The Conclusion.

Video

You get a 4:3 regular transfer, which is clear, sharp and with strong colours. I didn`t notice any problems with artefacts and the like, other than the usual banding associated with animation. The animation is nicely done, with vibrantly animated action sequences, balanced with more subtle moments. It`s an Aniplex series, and if you are a fan of Full Metal Alchemist, you`ll see some of that style in the character designs.

Audio

You get a choice between DD 5.1 English and Japanese as well as a DD 2.0 Japanese soundtrack. Translated English subtitles or signs accompany these. They are effective surround tracks, with plenty of oomph for the action sequences. I`ve also fallen for the music. Taku Iwasaki`s themes remind me strongly of the concept action dramas of the sixties, the Randall & Hopkirks, the Man From UNCLEs, with a hefty soupcon of James Bond to boot. It`s very stylish, very evocative, and is perfectly suited to the show.

Features

It`s an MVM disc so you can expect animated menus, as well as trailers for the second Full Metal Alchemist and Burst Angel. The previews (this time only in Japanese), which are normally at the end of each episode, get consigned to their own section here. You`ll also find a gallery containing 12 images, from the show as well as line and promotional art.

The final commentary accompanies the final episode. Joining Taliesin Jaffe this time are voice actors Helena Taylor (Yomiko), Siobhan Flynn (Wendy), and Carrie Savage (Nancy). There are adults in the room. Gone are the hyperactive teens, and this commentary is actually bearable. While there are still the occasional giggles and goofing around, there is a lot more of interest here, especially concerning the mechanics of ADR. At least this time you get to hear the anecdotes before the giggles erupt.

Incidentally, if you want to see the creditless title sequences, just turn the subtitles off completely while they play.

Conclusion

If you have been following my reviews of R.O.D The TV, then here`s a spoiler for you; I loved this disc too. Volume 7 of the show sends off the series in appropriate style, offering a conclusion that lives up to what the story has consistently promised to deliver In traditional James Bond style, the villain`s plans are about to come to fruition, he appears to be holding all the cards, and he`s holed up in a secret base under the streets of London. The local residents must have been complete morons to remain oblivious of the construction of such a massive complex. As is usual for such affairs, our heroes must break in, in an all or nothing attempt to save the world. The final episodes are action packed to say the least.

Except of course there are no villains in the strictest sense of the word. Joker and his minions have judged the human race and found it wanting. They have found that free will stands in the way of a peaceful organised society, and have decided to make the appropriate sacrifice, even of themselves. Regardless of Joker`s calculated brutality, it becomes a question of moral value, exactly where should the balance be between individuality and the collective good? It`s always so much more interesting when shows offer something more than simple banal delineations of good and evil. It`s the sort of thing that makes anime stand out, and this show in particular.

And like all good anime, there are just enough plot threads left hanging at the end to hint at plenty of more potential stories. So brush up on your Japanese and start petitioning the creators for another series or a movie.

This mad rush through R.O.D The TV has been thoroughly enjoyable for me. Of course this isn`t the way viewers are supposed to watch these shows, with one episode a week the usual way they are broadcast. But I can`t help thinking that it`s so much more rewarding to just immerse yourself in a show, the same way as you would a novel. Books and paper sound like a mundane topic for an action show, but R.O.D The TV is one of the best anime shows out there. It`s a title that should be on every shelf, and hopefully it will be the next title that MVM choose to release as a boxset.