REVIEW ‘Takt op. Destiny,’ Episode 1 – “Conduct-Creed-“

Takt op.Destiny is an action/sci-fi anime produced by MAPPA and Madhouse. An alien race has come to earth, infesting it. The aliens loathe the sound created by humans. This is especially true for anything with rhythm or beat. The performance of music causes any nearby aliens to go into a frenzy. This has caused music to become a lost art, as people fear to play and risk the rage of the aliens. But a group of individuals called Conductors, along with their allies the Magicarts, fight the aliens empowered by the very music denied mankind. Takt op.Destiny Episode 1 introduces viewers to Takt, his Magicart Cosette, and Anne as they seek a way to pass through alien-infested territory on their way to New York City.

I love when aspects of different cultures can be brought together in a harmonious way that elevates both to create something that has the potential to be amazing. The successful blending of eastern and western cultures has produced some of my favorite animes of all time. Whether it’s Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust‘s mixture of western gothic with anime creature design, or the melding of western superhero stories with shonen arch-types in My Hero Academia, combining two great things can often lead to something more than the sum of its parts. Takt op.Destiny Episode 1 sets its series on the path to attempt a similar fusing of worlds.

Takt op.Destiny has a heavy focus on music. Not only is music the weapon that empowers the Conductors and Musicarts, but it is an outright obsession for lead character Takt. In particular, Takt seems to love classical music. This fixation sees several scenes, including both battle sequences, play out to some gorgeous classical compositions. This choice of music gives the story a tone that feels strikingly different than many animes. There is a weightiness and grandeur that is imparted largely by the choice of musical accompaniment. While Takt op.Destiny Episode 1 has its music to thank for much of the grandiose feel in its action sequences, it is far from the only reason for it.

With MAPPA attached to the production of Takt op.Destiny I instantly had high expectations of the visual design and animation. So far, they are living up to my expectations. Thanks to gorgeous animation, and a flair for cinematography that works perfectly with the music to emphasize the style of the episode’s moments, this episode is a visual treat worth experiencing. The combat moments are fairly brief, yet hit hard. Also, whenever combat begins Cosette transforms her normal appearance into her combat attire. The look she dons, while seemingly ill-suited for a fight, nonetheless fits perfectly for the show’s unique choice of sounds in battle. Appearing like a diva at a concert performance, Cosette’s appearance adds a further layer of elegance to the show’s proceedings.

With all this talk of look and sound, you may be wondering how Takt op.Destiny Episode 1 story does. While the bulk of the narrative works simply to establish the protagonists and their motives, it accomplishes this in a fun way that manages to flesh out many of the core elements of the story without any long-winded explanations. Concepts like how Takt and Cosette’s bond functions are done in a way that integrated them into the flowing discussions and narrative smoothly.

So, when all is said and done, Takt op.Destiny Episode 1 opens its story wonderfully. It establishes its world, characters, and tone smoothly and in a way that never fails to entertain. I would highly recommend giving this series a shot, even if sci-fi action isn’t your normal cup of tea. Its visual and musical presentations make it an experience worth having.

Takt op.Destiny Episode 1 is streaming on Crunchyroll.