Black Clover’s Episode 165 has given the audience its heavily-anticipated action sequences coming from Princess Loropechika, Noelle Silva, and Mimosa Vermillion against Megicula’s host, Vanica Zogratis. We’ll try to dissect the episode as it touched on Loropechika’s vulnerability, the alleged spy from the Clover Kingdom, and a very familiar symbol.
“Water Crusade” started off covering the latter halves of Chapters 246 and 251 which then continued all the way to the end of Chapter 253.
Spoilers ahead!
Quick Recap
Here’s what you’ve missed from the previous episode:
Charmy Pappitson and Leo Vermillion faced the Dark Disciples, Halvet Chevour and Sivoir Snyle
Dante Zogratis explained that they require Yami Sukehiro’s Dark Magic and William Vangeance’s World Tree Magic to create the Tree of Qliphoth
The Tree of Qliphoth is a magic channel that connects the human realm and the underworld and once created, it will allow all of the devils to pass through
You can check out the full review of the previous episode here.
The Alleged Spy from the Clover Kingdom
This particular segment was taken from the latter half of Chapter 246. We all knew it was bound to be shown as it was not included in the previous episode. This was a good move on the part of the production team as it makes sense given that the events in this chapter was a flashback from a different time in the past. Having a small section for it to start Episode 165 was a good way to execute it.
As the chapter had direct connection with the Tree of Qliphoth, this particular segment was really intriguing for viewers especially since the alleged spy was from the Clover Kingdom and even showed a glimpse of the character’s grimoire holder before transitioning to the usual opening theme.
This raised a lot of questions regarding the person’s identity and whether he/she was a friend or foe. There was no clear indication as to why this unnamed character infiltrated the Spade Kingdom but what made the sequence even more intriguing is this specific detail in the scene which looked very, very familiar. What does the spy want to do with this?
This is another character and storyline that we should all watch out for as the anime progresses.
Loropechika: Beyond Status
Since Black Clover is an anime about magic and really powerful characters, most of the time, the audience easily forget the mortality of these individuals. This episode portrayed a really vulnerable side of Loropechika which viewers should all appreciate.
Prior to the premiere of the Spade Kingdom Arc, it was made known that the ruler of the Heart Kingdom was also cursed by the devil Megicula which threatens her life if it is not lifted. As the All-Knowing Priestess, she needs to act in a very specific manner in front of her people as she is the cornerstone of their kingdom. If she shows any sign of weakness, it will heavily impact the entire Heart Kingdom and its people.
Luckily, she has found friendship in all of the mages from the Clover Kingdom and had connected very deeply with Noelle Silva, Mimosa Vermillion and Secre Swallowtail. That connection has allowed her to interact with them not only as the ruler of the Heart Kingdom, but also as a friend which she can share her emotions with. A very touching scene that reminds viewers to see people beyond their status and not forget that everyone is all human.
“Water Crusade” did quite well with its delivery of the battle sequences but what elevated the episode is the intrigue to the audience brought about by the alleged spy from the Clover Kingdom and the valuable lesson of trying to look past a person’s status.
If there was a let-down in this episode, it would have to be the Dark Disciples. In all honesty, there was not a lot of expectations for these characters as they are only secondary to the Dark Triad. However, the powers they possess are lame and boring as it pretty much gave abilities to parts of the human body.
Let us all watch out for more details regarding the unnamed character, battle outcomes against the Dark Triad, and Asta and Yuno’s return to the battlefield.
Black Clover Episode 166, “Captain: Yami Sukehiro” comes out on March 2, 2021 at 6:25PM (JST).
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The alleged spy from the Clover Kingdom raised a lot of questions and intrigue for the audience regarding his/her true motive especially after seeing the character’s grimoire holder
The episode excellently portrayed Loropechika’s vulnerability and showcased her beyond her status as ruler of the Heart Kingdom
A valuable lesson of trying look past a person’s status and view them as human was delivered
The Dark Disciples’ powers are lame and boring which only depicted abilities given to parts of the human body; Though not much was expected out of them since they are only secondary characters
