FYI: Living in the US, I am following the US release schedule for this show. I realize that the pre-air episodes are up to episode 5, but I will be blogging on the Funimation release schedule. In addition, the video quality of the pre-air episodes is just too sad, especially for a PA Works show with astounding background art. Now back to your regularly scheduled review and highlights post…
Review:
Episodes 2 and 3 of RDG raise the bar considerably. While episode one introduced the main characters well and set the tone, we didn't learn a whole lot about them or what makes them special. What exactly is a “Himegami”? What is the relationship between the “mountain monks” (Yamabushi) and the Himegami? Why does looking at Wamiya give me the creeps? Over these two episodes, we learn quite a bit about why Izumiko is special, what Miyuki's role in her life is, and Wamiya's true level of creepiness. This information is presented in a way that is entertaining and suspenseful.
Atmosphere is one of the true strengths of this series. Both of these episodes are presented with flair and style. When Izumiko and Mayuki are in danger, there is a palpable sense of dread. When things are quieter, there is a relaxed sense of beauty to everything around.
The animators at PA Works do a wonderful job of working with light and shadow, as well as using the animation to the fullest to tell the story above and beyond the dialog. I will be putting a bunch of screenshots at the end of this post, but, as I collected them, I couldn't help but reflect on how inadequate still images are at conveying the absolute radiance of some scenes and the visceral impact that a change of lighting can have on the mood of the show.
The character development in these episodes was tremendous. At the end of episode 1, Izumiko came across as an entirely weak and self loathing character with some weird powers that she didn't seem aware of, Wamiya seemed like a nice guy, but with an air of creepiness about him that was off-putting and Miyuki left the impression that he is arrogant, competent, but a first class jerk, to put it politely. In episode 2, the Izumiko and Miyuki get to know each other better on a class trip to Tokyo as they share some very tense situations. Wamiya is in the early part of the episode, and a bit more aggressive in his creepiness. By the end of episode 3, Izumiko and Miyuki have both grown as characters considerably, and the true creepiness of Wamiya is fully on display. Episode 2 sets up a very standard protector/protected relationship vibe between Miyuki and Izumiko. When that relationship is briefly reversed in episode 3, it is a breath of fresh air and a shining moment for all of the characters involved.
This show was one I was looking forward to prior to the season, just based on the synopsis,the fact that it is done by PA Works, and the original character designer, Mel Kishida. Three weeks in, it is in a close race with Gargantia for my favorite of the season.
Episode Highlights:
Episode 2:
By the end of episode 1, Izumiko's desire to go to a local high school instead of the academy in Tokyo that both her father and Sagara want their children to attend has been accepted as the new plan. Neither Miyuki or Izumiko is very happy about the fact that he is going to be forced to attend that country school with her. Miyuki appears to be fitting in well at the middle school, with many of the girls becoming fans.
However, with the school trip to Tokyo is coming up, Izumiko receives a new cell phone from her mother Yukariko, and a letter saying she would like to meet with her. It seems to be an opportunity to get things straightened out. According to Miyuki, Yukariko is one of the only people Sagara is likely listen to. He agrees to take the cell phone and help her contact her mother in Tokyo, since she would only break the phone and he wants out of this servant business without forfeiting his life if possible!
Wamiya has noted that Izumiko hasn't seemed like herself lately. He wonders if it is because of the new transfer student and point blank asks her if she hates Miyuki. Izumiko replies that she does. Wamiya feels the same way and encourages her to attend the local high school with him. The lighting and music manage to make the scene have a lingering sense of dread, despite the upbeat, friendly manner Wamiya speaks with Izumiko.
When leaving for the trip, Izumiko finds out that Wamiya is not coming. She seems surprised, but her classmates are not, saying that it isn't the type of thing he would do. When he is watching their plane leave, it is an extra special creepy moment.
On the flight to Tokyo, it seemed that Izumiko's technology destroyer was going to kick in for a minute, but it turned out to be a sense of someone following her, even on the plane. (To be honest, my first thought when she started having the “weird vibe” on the plane was that she was going to fry the planes electronics. A real danger for a girl like her!)
At the airport, the weirdness continues, with dark, shadowy figures lurking in the crowd. Izumiko is clearly out of her element here. Miyuki is skeptical about these shadowy figures, as he can't see them. He has gotten the meeting details via text from Yukariko, however. The class is going to be at a government building with some free time, they are to meet her on the observation deck on the south tower.
Once there, they get another text. Yukariko can't make it and tells them to leave immediately, because “they” have already found Izumiko. Miyuki begins to wonder if there is something to this seeming paranoia. (Is it really paranoia if people really are out to get you?) Yukariko tells them to meet her at her house instead, because there are barriers there that will keep Izumiko safe. Looking up the location, Miyuki discovers it isn't very far, just a short train ride.
Of course, nothing is quite so simple when dealing with a RDG! When she passes her ticket for the train through the machine, the entire bank of gates breaks. Then, once they are on the train, there is a malfunction that causes the shut-down of the entire line. If they are going to get to Yukariko's house, they will have to find another way. They start out on their way, but soon Izumiko is getting tired. Miyuki takes her hand and urges her on.
Shadowy figures still loom for Izumiko. Since Yukariko has stated that “They” have found her, Miyuki decides to get a hat to hide her braids. The scenes frequently pan to the ever-present security cameras, and indication that I took as Miyuki starting to believe that they are being tracked using them. The take a cab at one point, but are dropped off in the wrong spot, leaving quite a ways to walk to get to the house. As luck would have it, it starts pouring down rain.
Izumiko is clearly terrified. She can sense that the shadowy figures are coming. They can't get away. Miyuki is profoundly affected by her level of fear. He comments that he has never actually seen anyone tremble in fear before.
He is starting to believe that something may actually be out there. He asks if she would like him to chant a mantra against evil, having learned some during his training on the mountain. She says that it probably won't work, but… if possible… could he hold her hand. When he did that earlier it made her feel a little less afraid. He offers her his hand and she, very tentatively, takes it. The amount of time and detail spent on this simple scene is touching and says more about the changes occurring in the characters, and between them, than any amount of dialog ever could.
The shadowy figure is approaching. The two teens go inside the entry way of the apartment building they are in front of and Miyuki begins to do his “evil be gone” mantra. The approaching figure is also chanting a mantra, however. The tension builds so thick you can practically taste it!
“Something wicked this way comes”, as Ray Bradbury once wrote. The door slides open and the shadowy form appears. Lightning crashes and…
Yukumasa Sagara is the person standing at the door. He chides Miyuki, in a very telling comment, that Izumiko is the one he should be exorcizing, not him. (Side note: It 
seems that the chants that both of them were doing are chants to exorcize a person possessed. For some reason, Yukimasa thinks that Izumiko needs it?) Miyuki challenges him to prove that he is the real Yukimasa, since Izumiko was obviously afraid of him as some sort of evil while he was approaching. He says that Izumiko clearly can tell that he is who he appears to be. She thinks that it must have been her imagination, that she was mistaken and worried over nothing. Miyuki doesn't buy that one bit. He may not have sensed the lurking presence, but he knows her fear was real.
Yukimasa explains that her fear of him is proof of his identity. She is still confused, saying that she sensed something truly bad approaching. Yukimasa explains that she probably sensed someone other than just him. There are many people who have her in their sights and wish to make her theirs.
Yukimasa informs Izumiko that Yukariko gave up on seeing her when she couldn't make it to the observation deck, so they won't be seeing her even at her house. But he takes her there because of the barrier, which makes it a good resting spot for her. When they get there, he encourages Izumiko change out of her wet clothes and rest. (Side note: the name on the door is Tanaka Ryuugi, not Yukariko Suzuhara. I don't see any record of that name in the character lists though.) Izumiko is obviously sad that she won't be seeing her mother, but Yukimasa explains that Yukariko chose to be a decoy to draw attention away from Izumiko.
When they are alone, Miyuki begins to change out of his wet clothes. Yukimasa tells him to keep his pants on since they are in someone's home. Miyuki bristles that he knew to do that already. Yukimasa wonders why Miyuki is always angry when their together and why they cannot have a “peaceful conversation” when they are alone.
Miyuki confronts Yukimasa about his story about “others” being who Izumiko was afraid of, accusing him of exorcising her to alleviate her fear. He also suggests that Yukimasa is the real reason Yukariko left, not because she was protecting Izumiko. 
Yukimasa basically admits as much, saying that “it is in their nature to run.” He tells Miyuki that there are a whole bunch of people who want to use the powers of women like Yukariko and Izumiko for personal gain. “Such as enterprisers (Side note: does that mean entrepreneurs?), politicians, 
researchers, men of religion, and even us Mountain Monks.” Miyuki asks what exactly these powers are. (Finally, the meat of the puzzle!!) 
Yukimasa explains that there are a rare few that are born with the”‘pure' power that the Mountain Monks train to obtain. Such power is limited to women since ancient times.” Miyuki counters that Izumiko is basically a “big scaredy cat who can't do squat”. Yukario counters that she hasn't 
fully awakened. Miyuki tells his father that if she needs protecting, he needs to do it himself. He won't be his lackey. As he is talking, the building begins to shake. 
Suddenly, Izumiko appears before them, dressed in a kimono, with light radiating about her.
As she turns and sends an appraising glare toward the half dressed Miyuki, it is clear that someone else is manning the store, so to speak. A look of wisdom and a bit of mischievousness, if I am not mistaken, is all conveyed without words, but by the tilt of her head and the set of her eyes. It is a masterful piece of animation, using facial expression and posture to inform the viewer of the situation.
Yukimasa is clearly taken aback, refers to her as “her highness”, and tells Miyuki to get back. He must not appear before her dressed as he is. 
It is the Himegami. She seems surprised that Yukimasa is there, as he bows to her and apologizes. She says it is not a problem, since she came unannounced, this being the first time she has descended into Izumiko. She states that the body is uncomfortable due to its youth, but she came because she “sensed something taking wing.” When she says this, I got the impression that she was looking directly at Miyuki, and the expression on her face is priceless, and a bit amused, I think. What is it that was “taking wing”? I guess we'll find out over the course of the season!
When asked if she with be “staying” with Izumiko from now on, she replies in a playful manner, “It is not as if you have caught me yet.” (Side note: An interesting bit of byplay here. Is somehow the goal of the Mountain Monks to “catch” the Himegami? What exactly did she mean by that…) Then she tells them to take good care of Izumiko's body, as she will most likely be her last vessel. Yukimasa is clearly shocked. Then her eyes begin to droop…
Izumiko is back in control of her own body, and clearly confused. Yukimasa lets her know that she will remember everything in time, and she runs away.
So now Miyuki knows that Izumiko is from a long line of women who are easily possessed. My take on this is, since the Mountain Monks learn spells to exorcize people who have been possessed, they are the protectors of these women, making sure that only the Himegami has access to her vessel and that no evil beings take control of these powerful, yet at the same time uniquely vulnerable, women.
Yukimasa seems to feel he underestimated the value of Izumiko for some reason and informs Miyuki that her protection is far beyond his capabilities and he is relieved of the duty. Miyuki, given what he was asking for, responds with anger. Yukimasa comments that he should be more happy. But it is clear that Miyuki cannot get the vision of Izumiko possessed by the Himegami out of his head. Perhaps what he wants has changed?
Episode 3:
Back at the shrine, Izumiko seems to be at peace with the world. Things seem back to normal, but Izumiko's attitude toward Miyuki has softened considerably. She even invites him to come with her to see the view from the top of the mountain, as on a clear day like this, you can see the ocean.
On top of the mountain, Miyuki seems like a different person almost. He seems happy to be there. Izumiko asks him when he will be transferring back to his old school, since Yukimasa told him he didn't have to attend her school anymore, and he says he isn't planning on going back. It seems 
that the experience with the Himegami has changed him somewhat. He asks her if she can remember what happened when she was possessed, and she says she can, but it was like she was just watching someone else talk. He suggests that she consider the Himegami another person. She asks if, since she isn't the Himegami, if that means he won't pick on her abut being useless anymore. He laughs and tells her there is no need to worry about that.
He tells her that he will be transferring to a school in Tokyo soon, Hojo Academy, the same school that her father wanted her to go to. He tells her, “I'm not going to avoid standing in the same ring as Yukimasa anymore.” He wants to really learn to be a Mountain Monk. She wonders why she wanted to go to the local high school in the first place?
At school, a group of girls gives her a gift bag that they bought for Wamiya while they were in Tokyo. They know that she felt sorry that he couldn't go, so they want her to give it to him. It is clear that they think she likes him.
She finds him by the shoe rack and gives him the present. This is one of those scenes that still shots just don't do justice to. The change in lighting, combined with the background music, when she hands him the present is positively eerie! He asks her about the trip, tells her he wishes she hadn't <