REVIEW: ‘The Tale of Outcasts,’ Episode 7 – “The Echo of Gunfire and the Rise of the Curtain”

With disaster mostly averted, Wisteria, Diana, Marbas, and Naberius set off for a quiet day at the lake. But little do they know, pieces are moving in a game that will threaten them, those they care about, and their well-earned peace in The Tale of Outcasts Episode 7.

This week’s episode opens by introducing two more of the 13 Calamities. While one feels at home with the largely indifferent attitude that Marbas and Neberious share towards the larger world, the other brings a fire in his disposition that is new for the show. This greater demon’s great joy is war. Human war seems to excite him and he has plans it seems to see another come to pass. But how he will do this remains a mystery for now.

From this ominous opening, The Tale of Outcasts Episode 7 returns to its stars as they enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. While Wisteria and Diana seem to enjoy themselves, Marbas and Naberious spend most of their time pointlessly bickering with each other. The shtick continues to be the weakest part of the show, as their compulsive yelling serves no real purpose for me.

Amid the yelling and pestering though, the sequence does have something constructive to do with Marbas. As the group explores the lake, Diana takes the spot by Wisteria’s side as she shows her around, describing the scenes and world to her friend. As this was to be Marbas’s job, he is understandably disappointed. This reasonable response to the moment lends Marbas an air of humanity. After getting to see him in his full power, it is nice that the show has the sense to remind the viewer that he still has his weaknesses and emotions. The sequence does have some quality moments between him and his contractor, so hopefully, no harmful rift will form from this sequence.

While much of this episode is focused on its core cast, The Tale of Outcasts Episode 7 also spends a considerable amount of time with Snow. Wisteria’s brother is not in the best place it seems. With his superiors learning that he was aware of Wisteria’s pact with Marbas, the young man has been suspended from his work. While this is clearly upsetting for Snow, he is making good use of his time by meeting up with old friends.

Along with being a critical moment in the plot, this look at Snow is a huge moment for the character. We get to see what else Snow has done with his life, as well as how he is when he is simply relaxing. It’s important for a character who is clearly significant to the ongoing story to have the opportunity to get their personality fleshed out like this.

The last element of The Tale of Outcasts Episode 7 I want to bring up is some unexpected action. A confrontation ensues in this entry that delivers what I would call a solid step up in the combat animation from what has come previously. While still fairly simple, this sequence puts a greater sense of skill on display from the combats than we have seen in the past. This skill creates a greater sense of tension for this bloody moment and I hope future moments of combat can follow its lead.

The Tale of Outcasts Episode 7 is a great introduction to the new threat that is coming for our protagonist. It manages setup, action, and some character exploration in equal measures. This allows each to feel important and unrushed.

The Tale of Outcasts Episode 7 is streaming on Crunchyroll.