“takt op. Destiny” episode 2 is here, and it is another wonderful episode for the series. The first episode blew us all away with its vibrant animation but now, it’s all about music and emotions. After the reveal of the opening song last week, I noticed something different about Cosette. She didn’t seem robotic in the previews too, so what exactly happened to her? Protagonist-backstory time!
“takt op. Destiny” episode 2 is a prequel/flashback story of Takt, Cosette, and Anna’s peaceful life before their road trip. We discover that Takt’s father, a renowned Maestro, lost his life in a horrible D2 attack. Since then, music has stopped playing to avoid similar tragedies. Takt, now older, plays the piano day and night in his garage. Cosette and Anna come often to check on him. Cosette is very thoughtful and even encourages the boy to play in the Symphonica festival.
This episode is pretty laid-back and has no fight scenes at all. Instead, we get storytelling and character development. “takt op. Destiny” episode 2 also focused on the music part. All the piano animations and scenes are lovely. In addition, I loved seeing Cosette being so energetic and friendly. She was especially caring for Takt, who still misses his dad and music. Cosette is now my best girl!
Music is a double-edged sword — it brings destruction but at the same time, it also saves people’s lives. Only the people at Symphonica can play music now. “takt op. Destiny” episode 2 establishes that fact. I loved that Cosette and Takt share a wonderful moment with the piano. In the final part of the episode, although it was a beautiful performance, I can’t deny that I was nervous about them at the festival. I was also dreading that nothing bad would happen, but in fact, it came true. At least now we know how they became Conductor and Musicart. But what exactly happened?
Honestly, I really loved seeing Cosette in this episode, especially her precious smile! It’s pretty obvious that Takt is more than a childhood friend, and even Anna knew about it. This backstory was wholesome first, and then tragic. That’s why when Cosette said the same thing again in the last part of the episode, it gave me instant heartache. I’m hoping that when the trio gets to New York, Cosette’s “tuning” will work out well. Maybe they can play the piano together again someday?
All in all, I think “takt op. Destiny” episode 2 is another amazing and strong episode. Last week, we got a great sequence of action and comedy. This week, we got to see a subtle but deep backstory to our protagonists. It’s an emotional one, and it completely changes what I think of their dynamic in episode 1.
Did you enjoy the classical music played in this episode? We had Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 (Pathétique), Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 In B Flat Minor, Op.23, piano renditions of “Take A Train” and “Sing Sing Sing/ With A Swing“, and many more. I really like how Maestro Asahina described music — “Music is the light that illuminates all people.” I agree. There’s this mysterious power that good music, live performances especially, have. They elicit waves of mysterious, awe-inspiring, and nostalgic emotions. This anime is giving me the bittersweet vibes of “Your Lie in April.” What is it with dark hair and blonde musicians?
Anyway, I’m curious to see how the battle unfolds in the next episode. The original character designer, LAM, posted an illustration of Cosette on Twitter to celebrate episode 2:
Episode 3 of “takt op. Destiny” will air on October 19, at 24:00 JST, while the subtitled version will stream an hour later on Crunchyroll and VRV. You can also watch it on Ani-one, and Amazon in select regions. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to vote for it in our weekly poll!
Set in New York City, in the year 2047. The world was destroyed in a war with a mysterious monster D2, which was created out of Black Night Meteorite that fell from the sky. Magical girls, “Musicarts” fight against the monster, while being led by the “Conductor”. Their goal is to bring music back to the destroyed world.
-via ACN Edit
Images via Ani-one Asia
©DeNA／タクトオーパスフィルハーモニック