Overview: Leo (Ray Hurd) puts plans into motion to abolish the practice of sacrifices. To help him, Sariphi (Emi Lo) also takes it upon herself to act as his envoy, seeking to create equality between Ozmargo and Yoana.
Our Take: With the disappointing conclusion of Fenrir’s attempted siege, the aftermath jumpstarts a much more interesting storyline and revelations. One of those strengths is in how Leo confides within Sariphi, pondering the nature of his mother and birth. Their chemistry creates a tender intimacy more impactful than the simple sweet nothings they like to exchange.
Leo is also forced to accept his own mistakes that he’s made along the way in his kingship. Not helping previous sacrifices before Sariphi works to define him as more than a perfect idealistic character. This development comes at a key moment in how the series has stepped away from his mean streak somewhat.
Abolishing the sacrifice practice is an intriguing development in the job that’s placed on Sariphi. Her role as an envoy creates a tense mission, especially in choosing to go with Bennu alone. Her decision to leave Lante out further reiterates how much of a crutch he’s been, rather than help, making his role puzzling.
Yoana provides even more developments like the ostracized witch, who bears a striking resemblance to Leo’s human form. Her presence further unravels the origin of Leo’s half-human, half-beast bloodline, also establishing a compelling new character. Anastasia’s sole friendship with Ocelot mirrors Sariphi’s relationship with Ilya. While it’s cliche how reminiscent Sariphi is of Ocelot, acting as a connection to her friend, it’s heartwarming nonetheless. Also, Anastasia is simply an endearing tsundere, seeing how genuine Sariphi is. On Sariphi’s side, she has a sweet dynamic in how she understands Anastasia’s true heart better than most.
Set’s investigation into Leo also excites in how it brings both him and Anubis closer to the truth about his ancestry. However, Set’s royal blood is also a new wrinkle that could throw a wrench in the hierarchy moving forward.