REVIEW: ‘Noblesse,’ Episode 10 – “Dangerous Man/LOVEPARADE”

Seira gets a bit more of the spotlight in Noblesse Episode 10, as her and Regis face the consequences of concealing Raizel. This week was a solid installment in a show that sometimes struggles on average. The anime from Production I.G. is a Crunchyroll Original. It is based on the long-running webtoon. The show follows Raizel and friends as they try to live peacefully in human society.

At the end of last week, Gejutel had an abrupt change of heart and decided to lie about encountering Raizel to the Lord. This prompts her to send Kurtia clan member, Rael, to collect Seira at his request. Noblesse Episode 10 kicks off right away with Rael ambushing the school. He severely injures M-21 and overpowers Regis. He, however, doesn’t reveal that the Lord has sent him. Instead, he reveals that he has proposed to Seira in the past, and has come to request her hand once again. Rael’s feelings for Seira are very clearly a yandere-level obsession. He temporarily backs off to let Seira think over her options.

A lot is done in Noblesse Episode 10 to show character growth. Viewers are given more insight into Regis and Seira’s relationship. While they aren’t siblings, many (including this reviewer), likely initially thought so. Regis is revealed to be quite protective of Seira, and that they have been together since they were children. Regis is also comically revealed to be 199 years old. His conversation with Seira on the balcony is one of the most genuine moments seen from this character. He puts on a strong demeanor, but it is clear he is insecure about his status in relation to other nobles. While he wants to protect Seira, it is clear she is more the protector in this relationship. There is also a glimpse that there might be more romantic feelings, at least on Regis’ end, but it is too small to tell for sure. These small moments between characters, that illustrate more than exposition in dialogue ever could, are when the show is at its best. If only they were more frequent.

Similarly, Tao and Takeo resolve to get stronger with the help of Frankenstein. They are still getting to know their fellow modified human, M-21, but they feel they owe a lot to him. Their decision to jump back into the realm of experimentation for power feels a little forced, but not unbelievable. It is clear the show is running out of time to do everything it wants to. The moments are good, and they make up for the fact that this episode is predictable.

Noblesse Episode 10 delivers on the action front as well. Frankenstein intervenes when Seira goes off on her own to confront Rael. After seeing Frankenstein train intensively with Ragar, Rael’s father, in the flashback, it is a compelling dynamic to watch him fight his former acquaintance’s drastically different son. While this is an exciting fight for Frankenstein—with decent animation to boot—there is the elephant in the room that must be addressed: Seira. If audiences were hoping to see Seira fight, they will be disappointed. Granted, she has more lines than any other previous episode, but that isn’t saying much. Her verbally turning down Rael after being stoic the entire season feels less empowering. Her silent and stoic nature results in her being underdeveloped, which is disappointing considering she is the only woman in the main cast.

Noblesse Episode 10 is a well-rounded installment. The plot is predictable yet decently executed. Multiple scenes showcase the anime’s ability to build its characters beyond just speeding through plot events when it wants to. Unfortunately, that doesn’t really apply to the sole woman of the main cast: Seira. The focus on her this week stumbles given it is the most we have seen her speak all season.

Noblesse is streaming now on Crunchyroll.