i'm fine with "I live to face the best opponent" types. they don't really fit in this series, and it's one of those anime archetypes that's been recycled to death, but i'm still hoping Mister can somehow make it work well.

I'm not such a big fan of the 'find love while stranded on some island' moves, and i think the only reason this one was stomachable for me was because we got more of Allelujah's backstory (i had always wanted to know specifically what happened on that transport ship) and because Sergei was just so freaking awesome. That extra wrinkle really made the episode work. Of course, considering Soma's most likely going to be in CB from now on, I can't imagine it's going to end well for the old guy...

I'm also interested to see what the Allelujah and Soma relationship does to Sumeragi. I think she's mature enough (and eternally heartbroken over Emilio) to just be happy for her buddy, but maybe...

Tieria. Solid background info? And Ribbons AND Wang Liu Mei next episode? I knew him being separate from most of the other pilots in all those OPs was done for a reason... Let's see how deep into the other side he goes... This episode was alright, but I'm really looking forward to the next one.