Eugeo Was Seduced By Quinella and Her Evil

Sword Art Online: Alicization, Episode 18 Review/Recap

We’ve seen how far the so-called “Pontifex” Quinella is willing to go to maintain her power. She created the Taboo Index to shackle the humans of Underworld to her oppressive rules. It’s only in this episode of SAO: Alicization that we see the depths of her wickedness. At this point, she’s number two on my list of most hated women in anime. Guess who’s number one.

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Recap

The episode opens back with Kirito and Alice on the ledge, where Kirito tells Alice the truth. The truth that Quinella lied to the Integrity Knights about summoning them from heaven. That she wiped their memories and stole their identities. Above all, that she doesn’t care about the humans of Underworld; only herself.

Once Alice hears everything, it doesn’t take long for her to realize he’s telling the truth. She already knows from Bercouli that there aren’t enough Integrity Knights to stop the Dark Territory from invading. Yet Quinella won’t do anything, and refuses to arm and train the people. She just lets scumbag nobles get away with whatever they want.

Now convinced of the Axiom Church’s corruption and that her memories are a lie, Alice agrees to help Kirito and Eugeo. When she tries to renounce the Axiom Church, the Taboo Index kicks in and tries to stop her. Through sheer force of will, though, Alice breaks free, even though it costs her her eye.

At the top of the Cathedral, Eugeo awakens in Quinella’s bedroom, with a voice telling him to run. Before he can, Quinella awakens, and its too late. The immortal Pontifex draws Eugeo in with her sweet words and comforting promises. As the episode ends, she uses Eugeo to give her access to his fluctlight,and then she begins her work.

Review

First, I want to give credit where credit is due, and Alice deserves credit. I don’t know why, but I love seeing people rebel against tyrannical regimes. One of my biggest buttons is the notion of a group robbing people of free will; it angers me so much! So I liked seeing Alice say what is, for all intents and purposes, “there are no strings on me”.

I was going to say something else, but then I thought that verse was better.

As for Quinella, my loathing of her has only grown. Seeing her use both her words and beauty to ensare Eugeo in a honeypot of lies made me so mad, not just at her, but at myself. Quinella’s VA did a great job with her lines, knowing how to say them in a way that calms the heart. Even I was almost taken in by what she said.

What I hated, though, was all that “love” nonsense that she was spewing. We know that that’s not love, but she tried to use a memory Eugeo had of Kirito and Alice hanging out together to manipulate him. Even if that actually happened, I doubt that’s the whole story. Plus, using jealousy over the fact that Alice may have liked Kirito seems like a lame tactic. Especially since none of them should remember that yet.

In short, I got super happy to see Alice tell Quinella to stick it, and super mad that Quinella seduced Eugeo so fast. It was a good episode, though, and that’s saying something since a lot of the episodes this season have been hit or miss. Only five left before the first half is over, but I already know what’s gonna happen. Let’s hope its worth watching, though.
Especially since none of them should remember that yet.

In short, I got super happy to see Alice tell Quinella to stick it, and super mad that Quinella seduced Eugeo so fast. It was a good episode, though, and that’s saying something since a lot of the episodes this season have been hit or miss. Only five left before the first half is over, but I already know what’s gonna happen. Let’s hope its worth watching, though.

I Give “Legendary Hero” A 3.5/5

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