Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note

Lord El-Melloi II is a mystery series that breaks from the conventions of the genre. Specifically, the convention of using the question of “Howdunit” to determine “Whodunit”. When urban fantasy normally sets into this territory, you see writers structure out their magic system to fit within this magical structure. Lord El-Melloi II, on the other hand, tosses convention out on its head and decides to play Calvinball instead. In the Nasu-verse, there’s a tendency for rules to be made to be broken. Lancer’s Gae Bolg is a sure kill except for when it isn’t. Like in Calvinball, rules changes are rolled out however and whenever necessary, never really contradicting each over, but always coming out when narratively convenient. Consequently, when magic is brought out in the context of a murder mystery, it’s not particularly predictable. Instead, as a viewer, our insights are more related to character motivations than to anything else. Hence, the question becomes not “howdunit”, but rather “whydunit”. This doesn’t mean the show doesn’t cheat – it cheats like a motherfucker. The Calvinball magic system rules allow them to spring new wrinkles in a case whenever it seems dramatically appropriate, and a significant character pops out of the aether during the show’s climax with nothing to previously establish their existence. The show follows Waver Velvet, who is now a teacher at The Clock Tower, the academy for magi in the Nasuverse, and is following in the footsteps of his teacher – Keyneth El-Melloi, whose catalyst Waver stole in order to take part in the Holy Grail War in Fate/Zero, and in turn allowing him to summon Iskandar. Now as an adult, Waver has been changed by his experiences, both with the death of his mentor (douchebag though he was), and now Waver has set himself the goal to rebuild his former master’s class, while also trying to change a mage society that provides opportunities for mages of lesser bloodlines. This leaves Waver with something of a class full of misfits, including some we’ve met in alternative universe works, like Caules from Fate/Apocrypha. Further, because Waver is socially something of an outsider – he’s been adopted into the El-Melloi family but does not personally possess that family’s clout – this gives him that outsider advantage. He’s a person that people can call on to help resolve situations where things get messy, both magically, politically, and in the case of the mysteries in this show, physically. This is also reflected with his character – he refuses to be identified as Lord El-Melloi, instead insisting on being referred to as Lord El-Melloi II. The show also starts partway through Waver’s career as a teacher and as an investigator. He’s got a supporting cast around him already, who have their general roles that they play in solving mysteries. Probably the most significant one of these is Grey, Waver’s Watson figure – and also a literal Saberface – for reasons that are somewhat expanded on in the show. This makes this show something of an interesting mess. The characters are interestingly written, and fans of the franchise – especially Fate/Apocrypha – will enjoy the guest appearances. However, those looking for a satisfying mystery will likely be sorely disappointed.

A closing episode in the most literal sense of the word. Story arcs conclude, years come to a close, cases are resolved. No major surprises, just the promise of unresolved issues, but we'll leave that for another spin-off. A palpable emotional weight in the final glimpses of the characters who appeared in this series. The kiss joke was so unnecessary... The final scene, the reunion, is incredibly moving

To be honest, I didn't like how the case was resolved. Neither the real killer, nor the explanation for their actions, nor the way they remain present throughout the entire ordeal, clearly demonstrating that they'll get away with it all. The best part of the episode? The fight scenes. Although many things happen that I don't understand, at least it's colorful and visually appealing. However, we again have problems with the poorly implemented 3D, which significantly detracts from the overall visual experience.

We're in the middle of a battle, but not one of punches or magic, it's a battle of money! A curious way to build tension; an auction can also be a war, and reinforcements and strategies can be used to emerge victorious. Waver returns to his detective duties, and he's got the killer cornered... or has he?

Let's say this episode has a transitional purpose, exploring Gray and her mental turmoil before moving the murder case forward. A little of this and a little of that. We gradually unravel pieces of information about a past crime that has repercussions in the present. Conclusions are drawn, but it seems like the story isn't over yet. It's a good episode, but it feels like its function is to prepare us for something more.

Okay, this episode is INTENSE. Waver is incapacitated, and the other characters have to work together to find a way out of a major threat, without knowing exactly who's responsible. Great episode, and what's more... zombie recipes. Now that's a show I'd like to watch. Fights, magic demonstrations, time is against us, imminent threat—this episode has a lot going for it.

An intense episode featuring a confrontation on a train, with high potential for epic scenes, but the setting wasn't used to its full potential. On the other hand, I couldn't help but notice the noticeably poorly rendered 3D effects and the awful texture of the enemy's dagger. I like the dual focus of the episode: while Waver and Gray deal with a murder and a secret enemy on a train; Reines, Livia, and Sisigou are investigating other matters on their own. A good episode overall, it's a shame about the drop in animation quality.

I have a feeling we're finally moving beyond the minor, insignificant cases and getting closer to something bigger. This episode reveals a bit more information, which someone like me, who knows nothing about Fate, greatly appreciates. There are many interesting characters to meet, and others who feel quite out of place. The ending is truly surprising and accompanied by a very grotesque visual.

Several episodes have been dragging out the Holy Grail War and how it continues to affect Waver. This episode explains a little more about it, but doesn't reveal much. This episode had me on a rollercoaster ride of boring-interesting-boring. I feel like the 3D models of the enemies here don't quite work; they look too superimposed on the 2D characters. Luvia's action scenes are a delight. Towards the end, the tone turns dark, foreshadowing what gives this anime its name. Honestly, it comes a little late, but there are still enough episodes for it to develop properly.

Un episodio final dedicado principalmente para mostrarnos la relación entre maestro y estudiantes, además de el desarrollo que ha tenido el protagonista a lo largo de los episodios. Realmente no resuelve completamente el caso porque aun quedan cosas por resolver entorno a Heartless, pero sí sirve como epílogo. El caso continúa en las novelas, pero no en el anime. Es un anime en general que está bien, aunque tiene episodios que transcurren a un ritmo demasiado lento; y otros momentos que están a la altura de la saga Fate. Es un anime con un tono diferente que se dedica a casos de misterios, pero que igualmente se me hizo interesante y logró que tuviera ganas de volverme a ver Fate Zero.

This episode is much more action-oriented than the previous one, and there are some pretty interesting revelations, although without a solid understanding of the Fate series lore, it's hard to follow. I just nod and accept that there are magical things doing magical things; it's not a problem. Even without understanding the whole plot, it sounds well-constructed. The action scenes look impressive. I still don't appreciate the screenwriter's obvious fetish for young women having feelings for older men. With so many other impressive things happening, this nonsense ends up being a brain drain.

Un increíble episodio que al fin resuelve el caso de Rail Zeppelin con una deducción extraordinaria por parte de Lord El-Melloi II. Al principio parecía un deus ex machina, pero logró conectar con muchas cosas satisfactoriamente. Nos dio desarrollo para el protagonista, quien logra estar a la altura de Iskandar, y para Gray con su deseo de proteger a su maestro. El mejor episodio de este anime.

This episode starts a bit slow, and its resolution will have to wait until later chapters. Honestly, I can't stand the jokes about minors making sexual advances toward older men. It's uncomfortable to watch and completely unnecessary. It makes me wonder if whoever writes those lines has ever spoken to a real woman. Again, we're dealing with a murder case, and clues are gradually being planted that go beyond the case itself, pointing to other parallel events. Aside from the harassment scenes, everything else is fine.

Un episodio que empieza la subasta de los Ojos Místicos con desarrollo para personajes secundarios, pero que sigue a una increíble resolución del caso por parte de Lord El-Melloi II y con un giro que cambia todo. Parece ser que el culpable es alguien de quien no nos esperábamos nada, pero porque apenas hizo algo. Quiero saber cuál fue su móvil y cómo este anime lo justifica sin caer en un deus ex machina.

Un episodio que brilla por el despliegue de deducción y análisis detectivesco, donde no se necesita la magia para intentar resolver el caso. Aun queda mucho misterio por resolver de este caso, pero ya tiene el primer sospechoso. Aunque no creo que lo sea, ya que todo apunta a que realmente será alguien mucho más importante en este anime.

One of the episode's best qualities is its balanced pacing. It doesn’t rush to introduce new mysteries or force an escalation of tension. Instead, it gives the characters ample space to reveal their personalities and show how they have changed following recent events.

A clean, exciting, and satisfying finale that is well worth watching, especially if you enjoyed the entire Rail Zeppelin arc.

The handling of emotion in this episode is excellent as the motives of certain characters are revealed, it becomes increasingly clear that each one has their own reasons for their actions.

We have another magical mystery. I have to say, there's a scene that could be considered a jump scare; it surprised me, haha. Knowing this is a spin-off, I wonder how many characters I should already know and which ones are new to this series. There are conversations that seem to allude to past events, but I don't understand why the characters talk as if they don't know each other. On the other hand, the incident this time didn't interest me much. It seemed like something big at first, but when Waver, in a really silly gesture, starts showing the bad guy the electricity bill and a newspaper to prove what he'd done... it's quite ridiculous and completely broke the epic feel of the moment. I still don't fully understand the magic system and what differentiates one magician from another, but those aren't really problems for me in following the story. The logical inconsistencies, though, that's another story.

In this episode, we begin with a plot involving an investigation, murder, and suspicions among family members. Very much in the vein of "Closed Case," but with magic. I must say I was surprised and pleased to see the dismembered body uncensored; I don't usually like it when, in murder cases, the victim appears too "alive" to avoid upsetting sensibilities. The action scene is good, but the random English words are a bit cringeworthy, plus there's a guy over-explaining things in a surprised voice, a pretty common flaw in anime. The mysterious case doesn't really develop the mystery for very long, but I don't think it was necessary; if it's a case to start with, a simple one isn't bad at all.