REVIEW: ‘Metallic Rouge’ Episode 2 — “Wander In The Labyrinth”

Metallic Rouge Episode 2 makes one thing abundantly clear: even if you’re not yet sold on the story, the charismatic characters can bear the load. Android Rouge Redstar, aka Metal Rouge (Yume Miyamoto), and human Naomi Orthmann (Tomoyo Kurosawa) are instantly loveable, especially when together. In “Wander in the Labyrinth,” most of their time is spent paired up, and the effect is immediately charming. They’re not polar opposites, but Naomi’s personable yet no-nonsense nature works beautifully in tandem with Rouge’s aloof, juvenile, even approach to the world. This brings a necessary electric current to Metallic Rouge from Studio Bones.

Following the action of the premiere, Metallic Rouge Episode 2 spends its time in transit. Moving to their next location, Rouge and Naomi travel along with a likely doctor, a married couple with a Nyean servant, a grandmother, and her grandchildren, and an eager journalist. As Rouge and Naomi observe those around them while not drawing too much attention to themselves, things undeniably rise up. This is a shame because the episode is already so infectious, with just the two protagonists acting off one another. Naomi, in particular, is given more room to be her own character as she rants about historical touchstones and gives Rouge a hard time for her childlike nature.

But perhaps the most significant moment between the two comes after a group of mercenaries has attacked them. Naomi would instead run and hide, but Rouge disagrees, leading the two to a compromise. It’s a small, seemingly insignificant beat in an otherwise lore-heavy episode, but it works all the same. The two are bartering over how much time Rouge will be allowed to fight the said mercenaries, huddling in a bathroom. This frame says as much about them and their temperaments as much as Rouge mid-battle.

Despite the continued dense narrative that builds on the existing world, the series finds itself with a strong, declarative tone and grandiose visuals. In a particular way, it’s reminiscent of 2023’s Trigun Stampede or even Cowboy Bebop. Lone figures stand against distrustful humanity and the lawless, Western-inspired world that lures them in. Rouge and Naomi are intriguing characters in their own right but made more so due to the mystery surrounding them.

The action, too, displays a considerable balletic grace despite the weight of impact pushed through the sequence. We never question Rouge’s strength, suited up or not, as she confidently meets her foes. And still, the highlights aren’t so much the hit of a punch or toss but the movement it takes for her to get to that moment. The movement of her character while in her mecha suit displays both stunning restraint and athleticism. Both the grace and the brutality are muscular.

The design is equally strong, especially as it bridges the past with the futuristic present. The details of the landscapes help enrich the world, with eroded architecture being the main implication of a sorrowful history. This is a highlight when Rouge runs into a mystery man and a weapon called “Cylinder Head.” The archaic monstrosity comes to life and becomes a full-fledged destructive machine as it wreaks havoc in pursuit of Rouge. These artifacts link the characters to their recent past, which helps further establish the more incredible world.

It’s a shame that the narrative remains wordy and dense when it instead might’ve allowed a more gradual reveal. Instead, we receive a lecture on the history of alien invaders via Naomi’s exposition dump. It’s engaging but cuts the momentum flow, even if it offers necessary insight. There’s just so much to try and follow and hold onto. From the Nectar that the Nyeans need to consume to the Asimov Code, which makes it so Nyeans can’t hurt humans, and the SOA, Suns of Ares, a private military group, there are plenty of names and terms to remember. This in and of itself isn’t an issue, but the series needs to find a better, smoother way to dole out this information.

Metallic Rouge Episode 2 is a definite step up from its premiere due to the immense personality that shines through. Both the visuals and the characters come alive with more significant spark and insight. “Wander In the Labyrinth” might not be the most thrilling or action-packed episode, but it still entertains. Here’s hoping that moving forward, it won’t just be lush visuals and fun character traits that keep viewers engaged. We also need an intense, narrative-focused story with twists and turns.

Metallic Rouge Episode 2 is available now on Crunchyroll.