Fate Zero
Fate/Zero is a prequel to the visual novel Fate/stay night and takes place ten years prior to the events of that story. The Holy Grail War is a battle between seven mages known as Masters, who summon powerful spirits called Servants to fight for them. The winner of the Holy Grail War is granted a wish. Fate/Zero follows the Fourth Holy Grail War and the conflicts that arise between the Masters and Servants. The story primarily focuses on the perspectives of Kiritsugu Emiya, a cold and calculating mage who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal, and Saber, the heroic spirit summoned by his rival, a chivalrous knight named Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi. As the battle progresses, the various Masters and Servants clash with each other, each with their own motivations and objectives. Along the way, the characters confront moral dilemmas and complex relationships as they fight for the Holy Grail. Throughout the series, Fate/Zero explores themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The story is known for its intense action scenes, complex characters, and dark tone.
There is a lot of information to take in this episode, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I like the idea of having ancient historical figures come back to life, but not to indulge in their own wishes and pursuits, as I assume they did when they were alive back then, but instead become the servant to powerful mages all around the world. It will be interesting to see how they behave as a servant rather than a conqueror. I have a lot to learn concerning these figures, as although I am familiar with their names, like Gilgamesh for example, I am unfamiliar with who they are and what they’ve done. I am confused about one thing, though. Waver Velvet states that the Holy Grail appears every 60 years in Japan to grant whatever wish its receiver wants, but once they receive it, do they get to keep it forever? Do they lose it by the time the 60-year period ends? That will have to be clarified. I am also excited to find out what Kirei and Tokiomi are going to use the grail for. So far, I am rooting for Kariya to receive the Holy Grail, since I believe his reason for it is the most valiant; he isn’t wishing to defy destiny like Kiritsugu or to have eternal life like the head of the Matous family wants, but to save one little girl, Sakura Tohsaka, who doesn’t deserve the “education” that the Matuos family wants to give her. I wonder if Sakura will have a bigger role in the upcoming episodes other than being the damsel in distress.
This episode did a good job further establishing the relationships between the masters and their servants. I was surprised to find out that Kiritsugu is actually a pretty good dad to Ilya. Perhaps I was ignorant in assuming that he was your typical edge lord. Hopefully, he and Saber can truly “see eye to eye,” as she wants. Saber is quite the honorable person, only wanting the grail to rescue Britain. I feel sympathy for her failure. I also love the dynamic between Iskandar and Waver; their relationship seems like a pompous and optimistic father who just wants the best for his NEET son. I couldn’t help myself from saying “Shut up, twink!” every time he got upset when Iskandar would push him around. Who’s really the master there? Also, what a way to introduce psychopathic serial killer Ryuunosuke Uryuu into the mix. He feels out of place somehow, considering all the other masters are of high class or otherwise have incredible skills and abilities, Waver being an exception of course. But Ryuunosuke is just some guy who “likes kids and little girls” (eww) and killing people for fun. Conveniently, his servant Bluebeard seems to enjoy the cruelty as well. They’re perfect for each other it seems. I wonder how they’re going to clash with the other servants. Finally, OMG we see Gilgamesh so early, and in his full glory. God, he’s such an asshole, but that’s what makes him so likable to me. How interesting to see Kirei’s plan to kill Tokiomi using Hassan fail so horribly because of the powerful Gilgamesh. It is pitiful that their “alliance” would end so quickly; I think Kirei is behaving rather recklessly. I sincerely hope we get lots of scenes with Gilgamesh mocking everyone, as well as more scenes with Iskandar and Waver. Love those two so far. Makes Fate/Zero seem like a slice of life whenever those two are on screen.
So it looks like Tokiomi isn’t (?) aware that it was Kirei who sent Hassan to attack, but only that he was expecting an intruder based on Kiritsugu’s confidant/LOVER?! Maiya’s word. What I find most interesting is the fact that Takiomi is so polite and respectful to Gilgamesh that it seems like it comes from a place of fear rather than genuine regard. Also… Kiritsugu's a cheater?! I knew he probably had some flaws in his character, but I didn’t expect him to betray his relationship with the sweet and loving Irisveil. That, in combination with the fact that Saber put away any qualms about discussing plans with Kiritsugu to explore the city of Fuyuki with Irisveil together… Hell, Saber and Irisveil should get together instead at this point. Let’s just hope that Saber survives this battle with the Lancer class servant to make that happen (though, let’s be for real, she obviously will).
This episode was less eventful, and just a continuation of the battle between the now-identified Diarmuid of the Love Spot and Saber. The lancer’s abilities are impressive, and almost OP! I mean, to have both the ability to negate magic and incur wounds that don’t heal… Saber has it rough out here. Good thing fucking Iskandar showed up out of nowhere to introduce himself as the King of Conquerors before things got ugly. I love Iskandar so much.
Ok wow, I was not expecting almost literally everybody to show up and throw hands at each other, lmao. I wonder what the ramifications would be now that Tokiomi and Kayneth already used one of their command seals on their servants. The difference in their reactions was also interesting to note, with Diarmuid trying to resist Kayneth’s command to withdraw from the fight, while Gilgamesh, although he also wished to resist, freely gave in and also withdrew. Gilgamesh’s conversations with the other servants are like watching a reality TV show, with him throwing petty insults and showing off his Noble Phantasm with no regard for the consequences. He definitely seems confident in his abilities, and, I believe he has every right to be. I find comfort in the fact that some of the servants seem to have a genuine kind of respect for one another, with the amazing Iskandar being the propositor. The way Iskandar tried to become allies with Saber and Lancer to conquer the world together was very sweet if not for the fact that the world refers to the one we live in, though, in all honesty, maybe I wouldn’t mind living in a world where Iskandar and friends are the rulers since they appear to be respectful, noble people, with the exception of Gilgamesh the asshole, Bluebeard the Saber simp (lol), and Kariya’s servant Berserker who’s just there to kill people I guess. It almost makes me feel bad that they have to follow the wills of their masters that they signed a contract with, as if they weren’t bound by it, I think some of them could have been genuine allies and companions.
Goddamn, Kiritsugu is willing to do anything to take down Kayneth, huh? Even going as far as to take down the skyscraper where he lives(?). At least he tried his best not to have any collateral damage. Maiya is lucky to have escaped Kirei in the building next to it. Now he knows something fishy is going on. I never expected Kirei and Gilgamesh to connect so well in this episode, having such philosophical conversations about whether feelings of joy count as a sin, which, I mean, if Kirei really thinks that, I feel bad for him. I think he’s associating joy with hedonic pleasures like sex, food, etc. which wouldn’t align with his beliefs of serving the Lord I guess, rather than the joy that can come from… not doing those things 😐. In any case, Gilgamesh has become much more of an interesting character to me.
Nah now Tohsaka got the old priest (don’t know his name) on his side to get another Command seal by killing Caster?! Just great. Well, I agree with the killing Caster part. Mf is just unlikable all around. Murders kids, is a weirdo around Saber, looks like a bootleg Ryuk… I could go on. AH have I mentioned how much I love Iskandar? He and Waver seem to be having a grand ol’ time in their house by themselves. The fact that Iskandar made Waver promise to buy him a damn pair of pants is strangely very sweet to think about. I really can’t get enough of them as a duo. I would pay for them to have a Full House-esque sitcom. I am very glad that I got to see a little bit of Kiritsugu’s magic. It was weird seeing him rely on plain jane guns and “mechanical traps” like Kayneth said when he invaded Kiritsugu’s mansion. I mean hell, he can control time, even if it only affects himself! Is it wrong to say he kind of reminds me of Jotaro a little bit? They’re both edgy, have strong family values, can control time, have said yare yare at some point (I’m pretty sure)… Anyways—Yeah, the Ryuk child killer needs to die, whether by Lancer’s spears, Saber’s Excalibur, I don’t care.
Goddamn Kayneth is not pretty to look at. It’s a shame he didn’t die at Kiritsugu’s hands. On a similar note, how smart of Kiritsugu to conceal the magic bullets’ true power, which, according to a blue hair and pronoun lady from his past, is supposed to entangle a mage’s… “magic circuits.” What the fuck is that, and what does that even mean? Does every mage have these circuits? Is a mage a human circuit board? Hopefully, we learn more about that and the lady. Damn, Caster escaped. The cowardly bastard couldn’t even be killed by his supposed lover Jeanne d’Arc—I mean Saber. I was expecting him to die the same way his demonic army died, and the same way he killed all those kids, and that is in a great red mist of blood. Welp, maybe later on.
Love this new episode of Wiskandar™. Their conversation with Waver’s not grandparents was slightly unnerving considering that they’re basically hypnotizing and keeping this elderly couple hostage, but if you ignore that part, they’re just one big happy family… Yay… Anywho, I must admit I am very scared of Iskandar being killed by another servant. I was on my toes just watching Kirei and Tohsaka discuss trying to figure out Iskandar’s Noble Phantasm, or ultimate attack. I think it is obvious at this point that he is my favorite servant, and I would be devastated to see him decease. I suppose technically they’re already gone since they all died thousands of years ago, but still. I love him so much. Also, where the fuck is the Ryuk pedo?! Why isn’t he dead yet?! Hopefully these coming episodes or by the end of the season we’ll be seeing some fatal blows being made. Right now it’s just a game of cat and mouse.
WOOO we’re finally introduced to Rin Tohsaka! Before I even knew what Fate as a series was, I’ve still seen Rin’s image everywhere, and so I’m very happy that I get to see her in her proper show. And goddamn, she is one badass, even as a kid. Smart student, stands up for others, studies magic endlessly… The author really wanted to portray Rin in a good light. It’s crazy to me how no one else has been able to land a hit on Ryuunosuke except a (very strong and courageous) little girl. How embarrassing. In any case, I cannot wait to see more of her. Also, Tokiomi is a good father AS WELL??? Who would’ve thought? All that’s left is for us to be introduced to Kirei’s secret love child somewhere. That would be the best surprise ever, since he’s a (Catholic?) priest.
Fate/stay night
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel
Fate/Apocrypha
Fate/Extra: Last Encore
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya