Episode 9 of the “Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc” intensifies the escape from the Werewolves’ Forest, highlighting character development, thrilling action, and surprising reveals. Here’s a breakdown of the key events and themes explored in this episode:
A Dark Fairy Tale
The episode opens with a recap, framing the narrative as a dark fairy tale. A little girl is imprisoned in a castle within a dark forest by her wicked witch mother. A wolf guards her, tasked with protecting her from harm but also preventing her escape. The girl grows to love the wolf, and he, in turn, develops a fatherly affection for her. However, when the witch’s spell is broken, the wolf is ordered to retrieve the girl and return her to imprisonment. This sets up the central conflict for Wolfram, Sieglinde’s protector, who is torn between his duty and his affection for her.
Wolfram’s Turmoil
Wolfram’s internal conflict is a major focus. He is portrayed as someone who has always followed orders, even when those orders were cruel, such as breaking Sieglinde’s feet to bind them. However, it’s clear that he cares deeply for Sieglinde and sees her as a person, not just a tool. He is contrasted with the other soldiers, particularly Grete, who have no qualms about risking Sieglinde’s life.
- The Weight of Duty: Wolfram struggles with the orders he has followed for so long. Unlike Finny, who was freed by Ciel, Wolfram has no one to tell him he is free. He is caught between his emotions and the commands of Frau Sullivan.
- Fatherly Affection: The episode emphasizes Wolfram’s fatherly love for Sieglinde. He has cared for her for years and wants to protect her, but he is unsure how to do that while still fulfilling his duty.
- Moral Conflict: Wolfram seems to understand that returning Sieglinde to the village would be detrimental to her well-being, essentially “breaking her feet all over again.” He is beginning to question whether his duty to Frau Sullivan is truly in Sieglinde’s best interest.
Action and Animation
Visually, the episode stands out, particularly in the fight scene between Wolfram and Baldroy. The animation utilizes the dark shadows of the forest to enhance the intensity and menace of Wolfram’s movements. The action sequences are dynamic and engaging, adding to the overall excitement of the episode.
The Phantomhive Servants Shine
The Phantomhive servants play a crucial role in the escape. Finnian’s actions mirror Sieglinde’s, highlighting his genuine care for Ciel and his desire to protect him. Baldroy, Mey-Rin, and Snake also demonstrate their skills and loyalty, contributing to the group’s efforts to evade their pursuers. Tanaka even has a standout moment when he deflects a bullet.
Ciel’s Disguise
Ciel’s appearance in Sieglinde’s dress is a notable moment, and Tanaka’s transformation and sword skills are highlighted by a black-and-white filter, emphasizing his age and experience. The choice to present Tanaka’s scene in black and white is praised for giving him a moment to shine while highlighting his age and skill.
Thematic Echoes
- Peter Pan Symbolism: Finny’s leap from the cliff is reminiscent of Ciel and Sebastian’s arrival at Sieglinde’s window, linking to the Peter Pan symbolism.
- Salvation and Opportunity: The episode reinforces the idea that the Phantomhive servants were given salvation and the chance to do something meaningful with their lives. Saving Sieglinde feels like a natural extension of what Ciel did for Finny.
Community and Production
Fans have expressed excitement for the episode, particularly praising the animation and voice acting. Yuuki Kaji’s performance as Finnian has been singled out for its excellence, with the editor of Black Butler noting that Kaji recorded his lines seamlessly. The voice actor for Tanaka also received cheers from the cast during recording.
Unveiling the Truth
The “Emerald Witch Arc” delves into darker themes than initially suggested. What starts as an investigation into a curse quickly reveals a complex web of lies, scientific manipulation, and exploitation.
- Sullivan’s Role: Sieglinde Sullivan, initially believed to be a witch wielding magical powers, is revealed to be a child prodigy in chemistry. She has been manipulated by her mother and others to develop a deadly poison gas under the guise of a “magical working”.
- The “Ultimate Spell”: The “Ultimate Spell” that Sullivan develops is not a means to appease magical beasts but a weapon of mass destruction. The miasma it produces is lethal to humans, revealing the sinister purpose behind the village’s isolation.
- Loss of Innocence: Sieglinde’s confinement and manipulation have robbed her of a normal childhood. She is forced to bear the burden of creating weapons, unaware of the true consequences of her actions.
Overall Impression
Episode 9 builds tension and raises the stakes as the group attempts to escape the forest. Wolfram’s wavering loyalty, combined with the action-packed animation and the glimpses of Diedrich, create a compelling viewing experience. The episode serves as a strong continuation of the “Emerald Witch Arc,” leaving viewers eager to see how the conflict will resolve and what role Sebastian will play in the unfolding events.
