Stein’s Gate Episode 21 – How Do You Melt a Paradox?

Oh, it's surprising ... it's like the tenth time

Oh, yes, Mayuri dies again for the hundredth time, like that was a big surprise for anyone. Then again, I’ve started to develop this sympathy for Mayuri. I actually care about what happens to her, and this time when she died, I had a heavy feeling in my heart. Okay, not really, but the sentiment’s still there. It’s a freaking tragedy.

What’s Okabe going to do from now on? Your guess is as good as mine, if I start talking about this honestly. A lot of people would have you believe that they know more about Stein’s Gate and they probably do…they’ve probably played the visual novel already. Anyways, leave a comment about what you think might happen soon and also, click to read more (Because you know there’s more).

Stein’s Gate Episode 20 – And The True Identity of FB is…. [Click to find out!]

I would have won a million dollars if I bet

Can I call ‘em, or can I call ‘em? I predicted way back in my previous Stein’s Gate post that there was possibility that Mr. Braun was FB all along. The initials were there, namely the B, and characters like him tend to take on a pivotal role despite their lack of development. Mr. Braun’s life story, though depressing, felt shoehorned and typical: Little boy grows up poor and gets taken in by a twisted organization. It’s happened before, and it sure as hell won’t be the last time someone will use this.

I suppose you are in need of a brief recap? Let ‘er rip!

Moeka and Okabe join forces to track down FB and the IBN 5100 computer. At the end of a long trail, they end up staking out Mr. Braun’s house. When confronted by questions relating to his secret identity, Mr. Braun reveals his life story and regales of his previous trickery. He then pulls out a gun and kills Moeka for being a traitor before killing himself. Of course, Okabe is able to reverse this sorry fate via a D-Mail. However in doing so, he’s left Makise Kurisu to her demise. How will he get out of it?

Stein’s Gate Episode 19 – Moeka’s Miffed

Not a very lush palette of colors, I know. The grays, blues, and blacks that permeate the scenes of this anime, Stein’s Gate, really serve nothing else than to set the mood of the piece, which it does well. Anyways, at the end of a tough road, we’d expect Okabe to have an easier time of things or to get some slack, but he doesn’t. Instead, he has to go hunting for that damned FB guy. Mark Zuckerberg, you have your work cut out for you.

Stein’s Gate Episode 18 – Kyouma Goes Gay for Ruko-Puffs

I ask you this, my loyal readers: you’ve gone coo-coo for coco puffs….But would you go gay for Ruko-Puffs? (Oh, and don’t even try to say that you have no idea what those “puffs” would be.) If Rukako stayed a girl, I’d actually consider that option, but as a boy, no. Just no. Don’t even ask me that (Ohohoho).

Anyways, Okabe tries to reverse the effects of Rukako’s D-Mail but wishes to get her blessing before he does so. Throughout the course of the episode, Okabe asks Rukako questions regarding her past life and makes her cry in the process. In order to set things straight as well as learn Rukako’s mother’s pager number, he goes on a date with her. They’re stiff and awkward the whole way through and the date ends on a bad note. Okabe runs back to Rukako at the end of the day and resumes his crazy antics, much to her pleasure. Oh, did I mention that Kurisu was tailing the two of them the whole way? 

Stein’s Gate Episode 17 – Feisty Feyris

Oh, Feyris, you make me cry

I’m going to have to eat my words in regards to Feyris never showing up again since, you know what? She popped up! Man, was I surprised to see her. Unfortunately, this is probably going to be the last time that Feyris gets any serious screen time since this episode wrapped her problems relatively quickly and without too much drama.

Shi-

Fast track to getting caught up: Mayuri notices that her watch stops working once again and Okabe calls out to Kurisu for help on this matter. She speculates that getting rid of the D-Mails that have been sent in the past is the key to reverting everything back to normal and retrieving that IBN computer.

Stein’s Gate Episode 16 – And in the End, Breaking These Chains, Changing Our Fate

May your sacrifice prove integral

Stein’s Gate is one of those series that refuse to let you get on with your life. It’ll stay in your mind and make you wish for your very own time machine, not to travel into the past but to travel into the future. Oh, how I wish time would fly. At times like these, I’m tempted to get my hands on a copy of the visual novel. Given the fact that it hasn’t been translated though, I’d be in trouble when it comes to understanding the story, so I’ll hold off for now.

And after all this time...

We all know that Mayuri’s tragic death was uncalled for and that Okabe will stop at nothing to ensure her safety, think about this though: who’s the real damsel in distress here? Sure Mayuri getting shot, getting run over by a bus, and getting pushed in front of a moving train are gruesome deaths, but have you ever stopped to think that there are things worse than death? Suzuha truly had a bad hand of cards in her deal with fate.

Stein’s Gate Episode 14 – Divergence Lines, Shifting Reality, Moving the Heavens

When life gives you crap - you move heaven and earth to change it

Anything new, whether it be shows or gadgets, tends to win the hearts of people as it’s a break from the usual and because it’s a change of pace. If that’s the direction most anime fans are going for the month of July, I am glad to be out of the majority. So, we’ve seen Mayuri get killed time and time again in brutal ways, and sometimes in downright stupid ways. But whatever the method, she winds up dead. What’s a mad scientist to do in all of this madness? How does the great Okabe Rintarou escape from his twisted reality?

Our angel, our savior - Kurisu

The theory of fatalism struck a chord with me since it’s a pretty powerful idea: no matter what you do, something (it could be anything) is going to happen. No way in the world is that result going to change. No way, no how. But it seems like the cast of characters are getting closer to a solution towards all of this – a way out. If this idea actually works, all will be well. But if it’s to fail…Oh boy, is Okabe in for a world of hurt.

Stein’s Gate Episode 13 – Can’t Change the Past

Suzuha just jumped right into my favorites list

Just like everyone predicted, Okabe immediately rushed over to the time leap machine in order to prevent Mayuri’s death. And who can blame him? He’s been with Mayuri forever, since they were kids, and without a doubt, she’s one of his most treasured companions. That being said, a lot of the other characters take a backseat this week as the whole episode focuses on Okabe’s efforts to get Mayuri back. At least Suzuha managed to have an awesome and badass scene (above).

Don't blow your ears with headphones, kids

As far as episode summaries go, you can tell that I’m not a big fan of them (I’m using “as far as” a lot these days). It’d be a safe bet to assume that most of you guys have already watched the episode by the time you read these posts, and if you haven’t…I just have to wonder why you would spoil the story for yourself. But whatever, it’s your choice. And it’s my choice to make these episode summaries as succinct as possible. Let ‘er rip!

Stein’s Gate Episode 12- Mind-Messin’

D'aaaaaw

Compared to the other shows of the season, there really isn’t anything that I can complain about in regards to Stein’s Gate. The pacing is well done and the comedic scenes are well-balanced with the ones with more serious under-tones. I’m going to gloss over plot summaries for now because I’m sure that all of you out here have already watched this episode. And really, with a show this captivating, how could you not?

Not quite sure what to make of this particular development. So Mayuri in the “present” is not the original, and neither is the Okabe in the “present”, they are simply themselves in the future, but in a different timeline than their own. Hm, I guess that sums it up and it’s a bit confusing. What that implies is that both Okabe and Mayuri have some special significance that basically pulls them from the standard realm of reality and places them in a different position all together from everyone else. That would explain Okabe’s ability to retain memories from a world line shift, and there’s also the possiblity that Mayuri has the same power as well. She never did let on whether or not she had it. There’s more to her than meets the eye.

Stein’s Gate Episode 11 Review- SERN Spy

SERN appears to be closing in on Okabe this episode as they continue to send threatening messages as well as pictures, though it’s up for discussion whether or not the mysterious entity really is SERN. The scene that followed the threat was slightly out of place though. It looks a bit too testosterone-fueled, but it was awesome, nonetheless.

Hoo, boy, do I hate doing summaries. So, as always, I’ll strive to keep it as concise as I possibly can. After running a few experiments concerning the D-Mail, Kurisu ascertains the conditions under which the D-Mail can be operated optimally. She even has an idea of transplanting someone’s memories into electrical data.