Girls' Frontline: The Kindling 02

Since the “Message Arc,” episodes five and six, Girls’ Frontline has been building towards a crescendo. The plans of Sangvis are coming to fruition, Griffin’s HQ is under attack, and they are cut off from any outside assistance. If Sangvis wins the day, what will come of it? World Peace? A New Order, or a planet run by machines? Will Sangvis become the next Skynet, or will the Fab 4 bring the house down for good? Hopefully, these questions will get answered as we trudge through the last few episodes.

Through the anime’s lens, not much is known about Sangvis except that they are T-Dolls operating to some extent of their own accord. They exhibit human personalities that span the breadth of human emotions. Except for the Jaegers, the Command Dolls act independently, so it's no surprise that we see no human involvement throughout eight episodes. There is little information about who or what set the ball in motion other than war and the decimation of much of the planet. We know there is a hierarchy above Agent, “another” Ringleader referred to only by “Master.” This Master seeks to bring Griffin to its knees.

Episode 9 opens after the assault on Griffin HQ with the defeat of the invaders. AR Team is tasked with finding Destroyer; if you are keeping track, she is the latest Sangvis Command Doll. Finding Destroyer should be an easy task, as with most Sangvis Ringleaders, they tend to overestimate their chances. She is no different as she welcomes the AR Team to her base. Team AR had recently taken the ground, which helped stave off the attack against Griffin HQ.

Meeting them via a monitor, she pompously greets them, even going as far as to tell them the capture of the base was of no consequence. This angers M4A1, a significant change of pace from her normally unsure approach. AR-15, however, suggests that they return to base, much to the dismay of SOPII, who was up for more action. Nevertheless, it's back to base to get a hug from Gentiane. Well, SOPII receives a hug. I honestly think she enjoys snuggling against her breast, but in a mother-child way! A nod to SOPII's child-like persona.

AR Team has had more breakups than the Beatles, and rarely can the Fab 4 catch a break. Since the break-up at Safehouse 3, these girls have been like the Wu, sometimes dropping solo joints and duets, and occasionally we get a project like Wu-Massacre. I’m stretching a bit, but when we get to see anime’s version of Ringo, Lennon, Paul, and George together again, it's a bit of a pisser when one member leaves the band. Such is the case with AR-15, who Kryuger pulls away due to being a naughty girl. By “naughty girl,” I mean she’s been informing the enemy about Griffin’s whereabouts, i.e., the location of their hidden rebel base!

I’ve had my suspicions, but I felt that when AR-15 was taken captive by Hunter, she was compromised, and Sangvis allowed her to escape. I previously thought M4A1 might have been compromised during her fight with Executioner but to no avail. I’ll say this the Ringleaders may be arrogant and shortsighted, but they are not without intelligence. When they make a plan, they stick to it even in defeat.

Gentiane has proven herself to be a capable leader under fire, and factoring in the AR Team, including AR-15, one would think greater caution would be the order of the day. Still, I have to give Sangvis credit for the win for removing AR-15, as well as seeding doubt and concern amongst Griffin. Conversely, I also have to revoke the win due to either poor writing or poor generalship on the side of Sangvis for failing to incorporate the human quotient into the mix.

Blame for this oversight should go to Destroyer. Destroyer is unlike the other Ringleaders. She does not come off as possessing the higher intelligence of her sisters. As stated in my last review, she acts more like a Vtuber than a commander. She makes use of short-range artillery and is more in line with SOPII, who is a Grenadier. Destroyer has a trim physique which makes sense as she is a distance attacker. Like Scarecrow, she fights using stealth more than brute force, and like the latter who answered to Executioner, Destroyer answers to Dreamer (Ringleader). Dreamer is the antithesis of Gentiane.

As Griffin advances upon Destroyer’s location, she learns the true nature of Sangvis. She learns she is a tool for a more significant cause. She is the sweet little puppy who answers Dreamer's beck and call. Dreamer is a fitting name for one so cold and willing to send Destroyer back to sleep.

Unlike the previous episode, which was sprinkled with a bit of comedy, episode nine has taken a darker tone. The episode feels emotionally heavy and not just because Destroyer sheds a tear. The cloud of darkness looms heavy even as M4A1 reunites with G43. G43 has been reactivated though her memories of the battle they mutually participated in are gone.

Like most episodes, The Kindling 02 is not without its faults. It highlights the gravity of the situation and the hope that all is not lost. It shines in its animation where necessary, and the emotional range given by AR-15 deserves recognition. From her artistic detail to the color changes in her eyes, it's apparent care was taken with her. Even the bitting of her bottom lip when she is being analyzed deserves recognition. She is one of the shining stars of the Anti Rain Team, and I hope you’re rooting for her because just like she defeated Hunter, my girl will come out on top.