Radiant Episode 3 Review: Day of Departure – Alma –

Remember when I said Radiant was off to a slow start? Well, now it’s finally heading somewhere by launching Seth to the world, but not before smacking us with a feels-fest! Still less energetic than what I’ve been expecting; nonetheless, I’m starting to be intrigued!

Japanese Original Episode Title: 旅立ちの日 -Alma-

Plot

After a powerful counterattack from Seth and a quick clean-up from Alma, the Nemesis was defeated and the citizens were saved at last. Seth then heard about the Radiant, which is said to be where the Nemesis come from. Thus, he decided that he will find it to eradicate the monsters spreading terror to the normal folk and framing sorcerers, especially Alma, as the bad guys. However, as the one who had taken care of Seth all these years, Alma didn’t seem too keen on the idea.

Episode Highlights

Evil defeated! Did Seth just harness the Fantasia that the Nemesis unleashed to counter? Is that why his Titan Punch was effective this time compared to the first one? Well, whatever the case, that was some massive damage he dealt, which makes his first Nemesis encounter successful in my opinion! And although he didn’t get to fully defeat it, at least Alma came at the perfect time to save him! But then I was so scared she was gonna shout at him afterwards. Fortunately, she seemed more concerned for him than angry. She even rounded up the Bravery Quartet, though I wish we could’ve seen how she caught them and beat up their sorry butts. So that’s two evils defeated, two evils that Pompo Hills was saved from!

Using gloves: The commercial bumper in the previous episode said that sorcerers need to have a tool so they can use magic. Gloves seem to be one of those common tools. And, based on what Alma said, normal sorcerers can’t use magic without them. But Seth could! Don Bossman also did look surprised when Seth used his Titan Punch bare–handed. Does this mean Seth has a special talent? Maybe it’s also why his gloveless Titan Punch was stronger than when he was wearing them.

The past: MOM!! From now on, I will think of Alma as Seth’s real mom unless otherwise stated. Kidding aside, I was so touched by their story! And little Seth was super-duper adorable! I wasn’t expecting that their bond was that deep; I thought they were just plainly master and disciple. The development of their relationship though, from Seth only being the link to Alma’s forgotten past, to him becoming more important than discovering her past life! She eventually came to treat him as her own, enough to act as the ‘bad guy’, and bought a castle just to protect him! I love them so much now, and it makes me incredibly sad that we won’t be seeing their tandem again, for now probably. There are just a few things I’m curious of: First, is Alma’s curse related to her memories, that’s why she said her headaches are due to her curse? Secondly, did she remember being a sorcerer, or did someone tell her that?

Leaving the nest: Alma and Seth’s parting was dramatic, and it honestly made my heart cry, but I’m actually also uneasy with her letting him go that easily. Not only is ‘With enough spirit, I’ll make it work!’ a very worrisome answer, but did she seriously think he’s ready enough to venture off on his own? He barely even survived that Nemesis attack! I know experience is the best teacher, but seriously, isn’t it a matter of life and death? So much for protecting your son. Well, maybe that’s just how ‘grown up’ she thinks he is now.

The Inquisition: Aside from the Nemesis, Seth also has these… interesting characters to watch out for as well! Alma said that this group goes after anyone that’s not normal, and it seems like he’s already in their radar. I get the feeling they’re also sorcerers, but just what is their group’s goal? To keep the peace or something?

Themes & Trivia

Amnesia: If you’re not familiar with this medical condition commonly seen in most stories, then you should know that this is what Alma is suffering from (no, not the headaches). Amnesia is a form of memory loss: either you can’t remember experiences, or you can’t form new ones. Usually, it’s caused by traumatic experiences or brain injury. Makes you wonder what caused Alma’s amnesia, huh?

Thaumaturge: This refers to a person who works wonders or miracles, so they are also called magicians. During his speech, this is what General Torque called his comrades. Could this be a clue to what they can do? If they’re sorcerers, why did he use this special word, though?

Comments

So far so good for this show! The eye candy visuals are still my favorite aspect though the writing is also neat! I still do need to get used to it, but I did like how it solidly established just how WRECKED their society is! Children violently bullying another kid just because he’s a sorcerer, then almost burning that kid on a stake for the same reason (and killing the other kids too, I guess), the terrible discrimination is clear as day now! I also thought it’s nice how they casually established the use of the gloves with Alma and Don’s reactions, although I’m still hoping that there will be more info on other sorcerer tools so we don’t have to keep guessing.

Anyway, I’m excited to see where the beginning of Seth’s journey will bring him to! Hopefully, the excitement will be turned up a notch. I also hope we get a chance to see Alma again in all her badass glory sometime soon! I’ll miss her!

Don’t become a monster

Seth is off to find the Radiant! But from the preview, it seems he got caught by the Inquisition. Hoo boy! What mess did he get himself into this time?

Until we find out, why don’t you tell us what you loved or disliked about this episode in the comments! And then you can read the rest of our Fall 2018 episodic reviews, if you haven’t yet!

NEXT TIME: A Meeting in the Sky – Encounter –