[C] CONTROL - The Money and Soul of Possibility

ABSOLUTE CINEMA! Hands down the best episode of this anime. Great animation, choreography, cinematography, character dialogue, and dynamics. It was this good even though the anime was rushed. Highly recommend this anime.

The tension keeps building throughout this episode as the anime moves closer to its climax. It does feel a bit rushed at times, but the execution still makes it an engaging build-up overall. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the final fight plays out.

This episode really highlights the impact of C and Midas Money on reality. I’m really excited to see what Kimimaro will do now that he finally has something worth fighting for.

This episode serves as a turning point for the anime, and you can already feel it building toward its final arc. It’s a really strong setup episode that perfectly lays the groundwork for what’s about to come next.

This episode may be dialogue-heavy, but it never feels dull because every conversation carries weight and meaning. Not only does it tackle the fascinating conflict between valuing the present or protecting the future, but it also gives strong character development to both Kimimaro and Mikuni, whose opposing ideals make them feel like reflections of two completely different perspectives.

The morals of this anime after each Entre Deal really get me every time. It feels like whether you win or lose, you still end up losing in some way. You either suffer the punishment yourself or carry the guilt of taking away your opponent’s future, and I find that really compelling.

I like how this episode further showed how Entre deals affect reality. While the previous episode focused on what happens to an individual after bankruptcy, this episode expanded on that by showing how it can also affect the livelihoods of other people.

The episode conveyed the aftermath of each Deal in the Financial District really well. It presents a compelling moral dilemma about what someone should do in that kind of situation, and I think that’s what makes it so impactful. I also really liked Mikuni’s character. He’s a man driven by a clear goal and purpose. The loophole he uses is incredibly clever as well.

This episode serves as an in-depth explanation of the intricacies of Deals and the effects of Midas Money in the real world. It presented a fascinating concept and conveyed very well how it alters reality.

The animation quality noticeably dropped compared to the pilot episode, with rough-looking frames and heavy CGI use for Masakaki. However, the writing remains strong, effectively showcasing Kimimaro’s personality and lack of ambition during his first Open Deal. Through the fight, we can clearly see how these traits influence both his mindset and his decisions.

First episode in, and I’m already hooked. The visuals, cinematography, and transitions are so well crafted that you’d be surprised it’s a 2011 anime. The concept is unique and interesting, and it’s written so well that you can already grasp it from the pilot episode alone. Definitely a must-watch anime, and you can already see that it was way ahead of its time.

Intensifies the anime’s central themes about money, sacrifice, and control over the future. Kimimaro is forced to make increasingly difficult decisions as the consequences of the Financial District spread further into reality.

It delivers intense emotional conflict and escalating tension as the consequences of the Financial District become impossible to ignore.

Strongly emphasizes the destructive impact of financial obsession and economic manipulation. Kimimaro is pushed further into emotional conflict as he witnesses how deeply the Financial District can alter society and individual lives.

It deepens the emotional and ideological conflict of the series as Kimimaro struggles to understand whether financial power can ever truly protect society.

Explores the dangerous balance between financial control and human values. Kimimaro becomes increasingly conflicted as he witnesses how different participants justify sacrificing the future for economic survival.

It focuses heavily on the clash between personal ambition and social responsibility. Kimimaro begins questioning whether the Financial District can truly benefit society or if it only creates greater destruction beneath the illusion of prosperity.

This episode strengthens the anime’s exploration of greed, ambition, and sacrifice by focusing on the emotional burden carried by the participants.

It delivers stronger emotional conflict while exploring how deeply the Financial District affects reality outside its hidden world.

Expands the anime’s world-building by introducing stronger political and economic undertones. Kimimaro begins questioning the true purpose of the Financial District and whether its influence extends beyond individual participants into society itself.