REVIEW: ‘The Tale of Outcasts,’ Episode 9 – “Bullfight”

Faced with both the commander of the Sword Cross Knights and a demon-possessed Takenami and Wisteria’s strength failing her, Marbas is forced to beat a hasty retreat. But the danger is not completely passed and it seems Marbas is willing to take on more risk than he expects in The Tale of Outcasts Episode 9.

Change can come about in an odd way. Oftentimes, change can start happening even though we are unable to perceive it. Those around us may register the changes we go through before we ourselves do. This can lead to a delayed revelation on the part of the individual that feels rather anti-climatic in a fictional setting, yet gifts the recipient with an air of believability. This is certainly true for Marbas, as The Tale of Outcasts Episode 9 sees him realizing things about himself, Wisteria’s role in his life, and what he is willing to do to see her happy that most of us have known for a while now.

While these personal discoveries feel a little late in coming to the greater demon, this episode nonetheless makes sure that they land with a reasonable amount of impact. The show has always presented Marbas as being rather set in his ways. Having walked the earth since time immemorial and with no sign that he won’t be here forever, the greater demon has grown rather obstinant where change is concerned. His struggle to fully grasp the changes in himself is explored well, though not too deeply.

While The Tale of Outcasts Episode 9‘s biggest moments center on Marbas self-exploration, there is a fair amount of physical threat to go along with it. These moments of action play out well. The battles proceed in the style and manner that the show has come to utilize throughout the bulk of its run thus far. These moments are entertaining but don’t expect anything that’s going to take your breath away either. Perhaps the best element of this story’s fights is the small character moments that are drawn out of them, helping to build up the personality of some of the series’ more recently introduced characters. I always love it when a fight can be used for more than just throwing punches/fireballs. It helps the story and continues to move it along, even while the action happens.

Between the battles and character exploration, this episode also introduces viewers to a familiar face, despite his being new to the show. Teased in the last episode, Sherlock Holmes makes a fun appearance here. The Tale of Outcasts Episode 9 handles the great detective well. He is as sharp as one would expect, some of his deductions are even able to unsettle Marbas with how keen they are. It is a fun presentation of a classic literary character.

The Tale of Outcasts Episode 9 does a good job of delivering a variety of elements into one, smooth-moving story. It paces well and manages to bring these elements to life in a completely satisfactory way.

The Tale of Outcasts Episode 9 is streaming on Crunchyroll.