English Dub Review: Fate Strange Fake “Stars’ Banquet”

“if you’re nothing, then you can become anything.”


Overview

Shortly before the battle in the canyon, in a mansion situated in a swamp, a lone mercenary attempted to summon a Servant. His codename is Sigma. He holds no desires for this world, nor any intention of leaving anything behind. Chosen by the fake Holy Grail for this empty shell of a man was a Servant so singularly unique that it could never be summoned in a normal Holy Grail War…



Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, this chapter of Fate/strange Fake introduces a chaotic mix of new players, including the enigmatic child soldier Sigma, who faces trials to become a Lancer in his own right, and the ruthless mafia boss Bazdilot, whose command of Heracles’ darker side sets up a tense power dynamic. The episode juggles multiple perspectives, revealing complex alliances, manipulations, and the ominous machinations of shadowy figures who observe the conflict from afar. 

The episode thrives on the interplay between character dynamics and escalating threats. Sigma’s unique predicament as both master and potential servant, Bazdilot’s merciless methods, and the unpredictable antics of other key players create a palpable sense of unpredictability. Even with action taking a backseat, the tension is maintained through clever narrative pacing, shifting viewpoints, and carefully timed reveals that highlight the morally ambiguous, unhinged nature of this war. Francesca, in particular, continues to steal the spotlight with her chaotic unpredictability, keeping the tone thrilling and darkly comedic at once.

Overall, this episode served as a masterful setup for the escalating conflicts to come, providing enough intrigue and momentum to keep viewers invested while leaving key outcomes tantalizingly uncertain. The direction, pacing, and character interactions are strong, and the stylish new ED visuals reinforce the series’ playful yet intense tone. With the story moving deliberately through exposition and character focus, viewers will have to wait until the next episodes to see how these setups unfold and what new chaos will erupt in the Holy Grail War.