Now that Ruka, Hiori, and Mio reached the lair that Shino is hiding at, can they reach her feelings before it’s too late?
At last, they reached the lair. Of course, Shino awakens as she sees the sight of Fragment Shino. She is not happy that her feelings still exist. She uses her powers to cause the Fragment Shino to become rampant. It’s obvious that she resent those feelings that Fragment Shino represents.
Aside from that, we find out that in the time loop, Shino gained special powers. That is when she ran away from her mother’s dungeon. She saw a dark portal and touches it. She gains magical powers on her left arm and a red ring. Yep, Shino uses these powers unintentionally against her mother to blind her when her mother about to slap her. It’s obvious that Shino is happy she has the powers of despair.
Thankfully, Mio decides to protect Shino after not understanding the troubles Shino went through initially. Mio wants to set things right this time. Sure, Shino resisted it at first. Of course, Mio transforms Fragment Shino using her ring to neutralize its rampancy. She gives the fragment to Hiori. Mio eventually decides to take her fragment out and use it to break Shino’s barrier.
Of course, while this seems risky, Hiori and Ruka with Shino’s fragment managed to get into Shino’s consciousness. We find out that day when Shino is looking for her sister, younger Hiori was the one that found Shino. Hiori mentions that Shino was the girl she reached out a girl before Shino ultimately committed suicide.
After realizing what happened when Shino decides to let go of Hiori when she wanted to take her to a place that she would be safe, Shino decides that running away is not the answer since she is scared what would happen. She felt that she can’t escape from her evil mother. Thankfully, older Hiori with Ruka manages to find younger Shino.
It’s obvious that Hiori doesn’t want Shino to continue suffering by going down the same path. It’s obvious that Shino did what she did because of her mother. Thankfully, Hiori and Ruka reassures Shino that they will be by her side. She tells her not to be afraid of her feelings as they eventually change. Either way, it’s good that Shino comes into terms with her feelings.
With that, Ruka and her friends brings Shino back to her senses and restore the Common. Mio of course reappears. Eventually, all the girls who had their fragments taken had their feelings and consciousness restored.
In the end, Shino starts her new life at a new school as life returns to normal. Sure, the girls can no longer transform. Still, Hiori is confident that everything will be fine since their feelings are connected. Then again, I am not sure of that since Uta still welds the power of the red ring.
Final Thoughts
As expected, Blue Reflection Ray was rollercoaster ride for sure. After all, confronting those unpleasant feelings is difficult. However, letting them go instead of accepting them is probably not the best choice and have hidden consequences. Of course, we see the battle of ideals play out with the red vs blue team Reflectors.
While the concept was interesting, I felt that the beginning starts off somewhat confusing since it required some understanding of the Blue Reflection video game, which is the prequel to this show. Yes, mainly regarding Yuzu and Lime, the Common, fragments, and what Reflectors do. The first episode doesn’t really cover that or reveal the names of most of the characters until a few episodes in. I feel that this can turn some viewers off who haven’t played the first game since a lot of things are left unexplained until later.
Of course, despite the flaws, the story is interesting and darker than the game itself. In the game, Hinako resolve problems that most teenage girls face using her Reflector powers and defeating monsters.
In comparison, Ray challenges this view with a Battle Royale of beliefs. Should Reflectors take away unpleasant feelings without knowing the consequences or stabilizing them. Not to mention, besides Niina’s and Mio’s past, which they went through unpleasant phases of their life, Shino’s past is probably the most messed up. Yes, so much that she wanted to control the Common to get rid of all feelings.
Still, it’s obvious that the blue team’s ideals will ultimately win. After all, one can’t escape their feelings forever, no matter how unpleasant they are. It what make them who they are.
Overall, Blue Reflection Ray had a rough start in the beginning but got better over time. Yes, probably a good number of viewers gave up on the show because of the slow pace and being somewhat confusing. I felt that the story became interesting as the story develops. Sure, the animation is a mixed bag, the story was the strong point of the show since it develops like fine wine. While I felt that the beginning could be a lot better, if one can look past that, I think Blue Reflection Ray can become an interesting Magical Girl show.
Pretty good show. Glad things worked out for everyone, even Uta, and we didn’t get a “play the game to find out what happens next” bait ending. We’ll find out how some of the Ray girls ended up in Second Light when we get the game.
Agreed. Still, I think Uta is probably not going to redeem herself. From the description, it doesn’t mention anything about her sadist personality, except for being a quiet and straightforward person. Very sus.