Gungrave Season 3's second episode, "Letter," is an absolute masterpiece, and a standout entry in the series. This episode is a testament to the show's strengths, with excellent writing, character development, and an emotional gut-punch of a conclusion.
"Letter" is particularly noteworthy for how it handles and ultimately ends the character of Big Daddy, the leader of the mafia in Gungrave. The episode provides a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of the character's motivations, while also giving viewers a glimpse into his past and the events that shaped him. The final confrontation between Big Daddy and Grave is both harrowing and poignant, delivering an emotional punch that is rare in anime.
Unfortunately, the third season of Gungrave fails to live up to the promise of this exceptional episode. While "Letter" is a highlight of the series, the rest of season 3 misses the mark, with lackluster writing and a muddled plot. While it's not a complete disaster, the third season is ultimately a 6/10, and a significant letdown compared to the heights of the show's earlier seasons.
Despite this, Gungrave remains a classic series, and "Letter" is an essential watch for fans of the genre. This episode is a shining example of what the show does best, and a reminder of just how great anime can be when it's firing on all cylinders.
"Letter" is particularly noteworthy for how it handles and ultimately ends the character of Big Daddy, the leader of the mafia in Gungrave. The episode provides a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of the character's motivations, while also giving viewers a glimpse into his past and the events that shaped him. The final confrontation between Big Daddy and Grave is both harrowing and poignant, delivering an emotional punch that is rare in anime.
Unfortunately, the third season of Gungrave fails to live up to the promise of this exceptional episode. While "Letter" is a highlight of the series, the rest of season 3 misses the mark, with lackluster writing and a muddled plot. While it's not a complete disaster, the third season is ultimately a 6/10, and a significant letdown compared to the heights of the show's earlier seasons.
Despite this, Gungrave remains a classic series, and "Letter" is an essential watch for fans of the genre. This episode is a shining example of what the show does best, and a reminder of just how great anime can be when it's firing on all cylinders.
