Highlights
"Free For All" marks a turning point in Undead Murder Farce, with the action taking center stage and hinting at a bloodier future for the story.
In this episode, the synergy between Shinuchi and Rindo is truly remarkable. Shinuchi's exceptional storytelling skills perfectly complement Rindo's ingenious strategies.
The introduction of new antagonists, such as Victor Frankenstein and Carmilla, injects a sense of excitement and paves the way for intense battles in the forthcoming episodes.
Spoiler warning! Tune in to Crunchyroll now to watch Episode 7 of Undead Murder Farce, titled "Free for All". The second arc of the series has exceeded expectations, captivating viewers with a vibrant and captivating cast of characters. While the show has previously showcased a restrained approach to action, "Free For All" completely lives up to its name, suggesting the possibility of a thrilling and blood-soaked narrative ahead.
The Tale of the Pot Thief
Last week, following an unfortunate mix-up that resulted in Rindo being separated from the rest of the group, Shinuchi and Shizuku successfully located and brought her back. However, their reunion was short-lived as Lupin and Erik unexpectedly crossed paths with the gang. A brief but intense battle ensued, resulting in Shinuchi's defeat. Subsequently, the criminals vanished into thin air, leaving all parties with no choice but to regroup at the Fogg Mansion. Their purpose was to safeguard the precious diamond, knowing that the two phantoms were poised to strike.Shinuchi and Rindo make quite the dynamic duo. Despite Shinuchi's occasional blunders that may irk Rindo, moments like these showcase the perfect synergy between them. While they are both intelligent individuals, Shinuchi stands out as a devoted storyteller and performer, incorporating his reputation as an attraction into his very persona. This allows him to bring a theatrical flair to Rindo's schemes, which she herself cannot fully deliver due to her body being absent.
In the premiere, Shinuchi made it clear that he would be the one supporting his master, saying, "You have the intelligence to find the enemy. I have the physical strength to take you to them." Every movement he makes in her presence and every posture he assumes serves to enhance her "performance" by exposing the deceptions they encounter.
Shinuchi's anecdote about the "pot thief" this week is not only entertaining but also cleverly adds a new layer of meaning to previous scenes. In the beginning of Episode 6, Shinuchi was engaged in what seemed like an unrelated story, using different voices, much to Rindo's dismay. However, when he starts recounting the story of "the pot thief" in Episode 7, the few close-up shots of Rindo's face suggest a similar annoyance, despite the fact that she is nowhere near him.
She remained inside the safe throughout the entire night since their arrival at the mansion, firmly holding the small door shut with her teeth, while the diamond remained elsewhere. Lupin might have succeeded in locating the diamond regardless, but it would be futile if Shinuchi managed to intercept Lupin and Erik when they reunited. Rindo effectively transformed herself into a living burglar alarm, further confirming the direct connection between Shinuchi's story and their plan.
The only hint the audience had about Rindo's strategy was the mention of "Ishikawa Goemon," the renowned Japanese thief who met a gruesome end by being boiled alive for his crimes. Shinuchi's tale revolved around Goemon's henchmen engaging in a spree of pot thefts across Japan subsequent to his demise, and a clever vendor who hid inside a pot to surprise the thieves. This remarkable revelation was heightened by Shinuchi's captivating storytelling technique.
The Party Crashers
The performance bears a striking resemblance to Rakugo, an art form where the actor engages the audience by assuming various roles, altering their voice and body language, and relying solely on a fan and cloth as props. Although Shinuchi's narrative involves much more movement than the customary Rakugo, his grand finale concludes with a respectful bow to his bewildered congregation of wrongdoers, making it all worthwhile.
The latter half of the episode aims to maintain the momentum created by the previous twist, and although it falls slightly short of reaching the same level of intensity, it provides a promising indication of what's yet to come. The Professor and his troupe of formidable misfits launch an assault on the mansion, resulting in the destruction of the bridge that spans the moat. This crew, just like the ensemble of detectives, adventurers, and thieves who have captivated the audience thus far, boasts an impressive lineup of characters.
Victor Frankenstein, Carmilla, Jack the Ripper, and Alistair Crowley form a compelling group of villains. Although the cast initially appears crowded, their portrayal is intelligently executed and the story maintains its focus on characters like Sherlock and Watson.
Sherlock's encounter with Crowley becomes a standout moment in the episode. Given that many of Moriarty's associates possess supernatural abilities, it is appropriate that Sherlock's adversary employs a form of "magic." However, Sherlock quickly unravels the illusion, exposing the tricks hidden within Crowley's coat. These moments resemble the essence of a genuine Sherlock Holmes tale, even amidst the show's stylized presentation.
The episode ends with multiple cliffhangers and teases thrilling upcoming fights, particularly the anticipated showdown between Shizuku and Carmilla. Among the three main characters, Shizuku has been somewhat neglected, making this battle significant for her development.
Undead Murder Farce keeps evolving every week, becoming a unique and successful show despite its abundance of challenging elements. As we reach the halfway point of the season, there is still a lot to unravel. Even if the direction it takes may not meet expectations, it is difficult to envision this story becoming any less captivating.