Little Witch Academia Episode 14 Review: New Age Magic

Sparks fly in Episode 14 of Little Witch Academia, both figuratively and literally! Just as we predicted last week, a new character has been introduced, and apparently, she’s someone who could very well change how things are done in Luna Nova, and maybe even more!

Japanese Original Episode Title: ニューエイジマジック

Plot

Aside from being an introduction episode for Professor Croix, the new teacher of Luna Nova, this chapter once again highlighted somebody else aside from Akko or her friends. Well, more like a certain group rather than somebody: the ones making the school run like clockwork behind the scenes, the faeries! It was nice that they focused on them this time, as nobody even imagined they’d want something for themselves! They did seem to be all about working, although it didn’t even look like they were slaves of the school. And even then, they’re still beings with needs, but by the time anyone ever took notice of them, it was too late. Well, who knew faeries could go on strike?

Episode Highlights

Ursula’s Intentions: For a moment there, I thought Akko was finally going to learn that Professor Ursula was actually her beloved idol, Chariot! Or at least know her destiny as the wielder of the Shiny Rod and what she has to do. But alas, school duties had to, technically, come first, even if it just ended up wasting her time and effort since the school no longer needed the magical energy she went around requesting. And now that Akko seems to be quite fascinated with modern magic and Professor Croix, will it get in the way of their long chat, or even their mentor-mentee relationship?

Faerie Strike: Not sure about you guys, but I have actually never been curious about these magical creatures, aside from knowing they’re fueled by the Sorcerer’s Stone based on Episode 5 when it was stolen and they all stopped moving. But I guess that’s one of the things that made them go on strike in the first place. Most likely, nobody paid any proper attention to them! No wonder Akko was moved by their plight and ended up siding with them. However, at the end of the ruckus, a lot of things hinted at the possibility that Croix might’ve actually had something to do with their strike in the first place. Their protests came out of nowhere, they had magic insulators that seemed to be hard to get and someone attacked a poor fire faerie! There was also that mechanical faerie that professor had mingled with them. Could it be… Did she use the machine to put ideas in their heads?

Modern Magic: The moment we’ve all been waiting for: Luna Nova embracing innovation! Sadly, it took a really big fuss for everyone to realize that technology would be of great help to them and that they needed to keep up with the times. Preserving traditions is good and all, but advancing and changing for the better would definitely bring more success and make life easier. And it wasn’t that they were giving up on magic. It’s amazing how Croix found a balance between the two, making both even more powerful forces! You’ve got to admit, even if she really had bad intentions, it’s without a doubt that she brought a new era to the school. Let’s just hope it doesn’t bite them in the behind and make them regret going with this change.

Croix’s Deceit: Why can’t cool and smart teachers ever not be evil? I mean, sure, the moment she confidently showed herself with those fabulous glasses and cape, a part of me screamed ‘She seems like bad news!’ But why couldn’t they have proven my instincts wrong? Even Professor Finneran didn’t seem to buy her performances, although it’s mostly because she still wants to stick with traditions. Either way, for once I’m with the snooty professor on this one. And what’s with that ‘Preparation complete?’ Just what is she preparing for? Oh well. Guess we’ll see it eventually, whether we like it or not. Ursula seemed to know her too; could they have been classmates, or maybe even good friends before?

Themes & Trivia

Good effects, Wrong means: On the outside, what Professor Croix was trying to achieve seems really good for everyone. It’s just too bad that she secretly started the trouble, just to show off and get the results she wanted. It even looked like she had something more devious up her sleeve, either a sinister plan or a selfish goal.

Technomancy: Usually found in certain kinds of science fiction or modern fantasy stories, technomancy could be described as magic affecting technology. Aside from Professor Croix, Constanze also uses this; they’d probably get along well, huh? Maybe this time the young inventor’s thingamabobs would be more widely accepted in the school, probably even improving a lot more if she were to be under Croix’s guidance.

Comments

First of all, I gotta say: the new opening song, ‘Mind Conductor’ by YURiKA gave me goosebumps! The melody was super enchanting, especially with the background lyrics near the end! Plus, with all the hints of what may come scattered during the whole sequence, it’s a perfect fit as the opener of the show up until the end! (I just made myself sad saying that, but we have a lot more weeks to go). Of course, the ending theme ‘Tōmei no Tsubasa‘ by Yuiko Ōhara is just as beautiful, with meaningful lyrics depicting Akko’s feelings, accompanied by fascinating, flowy visuals! My impression of this second half just went tons of levels higher!

The story just got more interesting with the appearance of this deceptive teacher! I thought Little Witch Academia was just going to be a simple, feel-good anime with a bit of a story, but I guess I have to stand corrected! Just with the small detail of cutting some sequences to black while the characters were still talking gave it an eerie feel. This makes everything even more crucial, and intriguing!

What’s the catch, Professor Croix?

While I would love for the mystery to keep going, I also want to know what’s up with this new teacher, as well as what connection she has with Ursula! I can’t wait for next week! What thrilling things are in store for us then? If you guys have any predictions, share them in the comments box below! I’d also love to hear your opinions on this episode!

In the meantime, our Spring 2017 reviews are rolling in one by one, so be sure to check them out! Till the next episode!