English Dub Review: Saga of Tanya the Evil “Battle of the Fjord”

After a brief hiatus, we check out the latest episode of Saga.

Spoilers Below

Saga of Tanya the Evil episode “Battle of the Fjord” continues Tanya Degurechaff’s (Monica Rial) epic. Season one episode seven introduces a new cast of characters and sets the stage for the Empire’s wartime dominance.

“Battle of the Fjord” opens with Captain Anson Sue (Jarrod Greene) of the 5th Aerial Mage Wing. Sue sees his wife and daughter off before resuming a post at the Orse Fjord. Sue’s daughter, Mary, gives him an early birthday present of a submachine gun. It’s a bit of an odd gift for a child to select, but certainly appropriate for her military captain father.

In the Imperial war room, Tanya disagrees on the Empire’s plan to attack the Entente Alliance. It’s apparently cumbersome. The Empire lacks sufficient supplies to invade the Entente. However, Tanya uses her wit to surmise that there’s more to the plan that has been revealed. Rather, it’s a surprise attack. Tanya leads her mage battalion into battle.

Tanya and company easily take out Legdeonia forces at Orse Fjord. However, Captain Sue, the seemingly last member of his mage wing left alive, attacks Tanya personally. When Sue strikes, he’s bestowed with immense power. Moreover, he prays before fighting Tanya and like her, his eyes glow yellow. Although it’s not stated, I suspect Sue has a pact with Being X as well.

Anson is seemingly killed by Tanya, though I certainly hope not. I say seemingly because “The Battle of the Fjord” appeared to posit Sue as channeling the power of Being X like Tanya. If that’s the case, there’s more to explore. While initially surprising, this makes sense. Why would Being X choose only Tanya? Surely it graces many with its power. I hope Sue returns, or that Saga of Tanya the Evil pits more Being X disciples against one another.

The animation remains solid. A scene with a line of boats delves into 2.5d territory. “The Battle of the Fjord” is grittier than past Saga of Tanya the Evil entries. While previous episodes retained a dark atmosphere, “The Battle of the Fjord” shows Legedonia forces being picked off in hordes. Young soldiers on a train car hear an inspiring speech moments before being blasted apart. Sue’s death is decidedly bloody and emotionally charged as he looks at his personalized rifle before plummeting below. In his final moments, Anson mutters “Mary,” his daughter’s name.

As Saga of Tanya the Evil season one continues, it persists in improving. I like the dark feel which isn’t quite like Berserk or Black Butler but still is fairly gritty while toned down in places. The series lends further depth to Tanya. Whereas initially, she appeared a confident, cold, and calculating character, Tanya is humorous and witty. Additionally, as shown by her internal dialogue, she’s not quite as confident as her outward portrayal.

Another Saga of Tanya the Evil entry, another victory for the Empire and stellar episode.

SCORE
9.5/10