Checked out the latest episode last night (just posting it now because I can't post consecutively in the same thread more than once in one day). Despite what JackTheSpades said in the discussion thread, there does seem to be more to this show than just pure fanservice (although that certainly is a large part), like with the flashback to Mirai's past to explain why she's so determined to protect Mamori (as she failed to protect her previous Exster). The relationship between Mamori and Mirai is pretty much the highlight of the show for me, as the cute, innocent and virginal schoolgirl being protected (and seduced) by the cool, aloof and mature woman pretty much hits all of my fetish buttons at once. Although, I say "schoolgirl" and "mature" but funnily enough, Mamori is actually one year
older then Mirai, believe it or not! There's also a lot of bridal symbolism going on in this episode with Mamori (who's surname can be read as "Virgin") getting all dolled up in a white dress and waltzed down an aisle to be "matched up" with a Liberator in what's explicitly referred to as a wedding ceremony. Subtlety definitely isn't this show's strong suit LOL! (In more senses than one)
The show seems to be making a running gag of sorts with characters referring to Mamori as "Shoujo" (Virgin) and her incessantly correcting them even in ostensibly "serious" scenes. Can't exactly blame the poor girl though, must be pretty embarrassing to have people constantly reading your name as "Virgin" (especially if you have it literally emblazoned on your shirt!). She should maybe think about including a pronunciation guide on that shirt of hers LOL...
The censorship in this episode really is ridiculous though. I have no problem with censorship if it's done in an artistic or at least not overtly intrusive way (like the "eating" scenes in Yurikuma Arashi for example, a show that I need to watch more of sometime), but just showing random bright lights or dark spots in front of boobs is the laziest way possible of going about it. Not even trying to do anything clever with camera angles or scenery censors or anything, just "Oh hey, have some censorship!". In some scenes practically the entire screen is blocked out with white light for fig's sake! It's obvious that they're only airing the show as a teaser for the inevitable uncensored DVD release that hardcore otaku covet so much.
Update: found an uncensored
version of this episode over on Animeshow.com. Rewatched the episode and it was
way better without glowing nipple and crotch lights everywhere (those really only worked for Kill La Kill, and only because the show
knew full well how absurd it was). Once again, it's not even the censorship itself that I mind, but how blatant and unoriginal it is. Plus it was kinda overzealous. I mean boobs I can see, but they even censored the friggin'
kissing scene between Mamori and Mirai.
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Evil flower of Pure Illusion... we're going to pluck you out!
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