Episode 9 of the Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc deepens the mysteries surrounding Sieglinde Sullivan and the enigmatic Wolfram, while delivering thrilling action and stunning visuals. The episode masterfully explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the conflict between personal feelings and external directives.
A Twisted Fairy Tale
The episode opens with a poignant fairy tale-like narration, setting the stage for Wolfram’s tragic dilemma. The story of a little girl imprisoned by her witch mother, guarded by a wolf who grows to love her, mirrors Wolfram’s own situation. He is tasked with protecting Sieglinde while simultaneously being bound by Frau Sullivan’s orders, creating a conflict between his duty and his affection for the young witch.
Wolfram’s Internal Struggle
Wolfram’s character is at the forefront of this episode, showcasing his internal struggle with remarkable depth. He is portrayed as a “tame wolf,” someone expected to blindly follow orders, yet he clearly adores Sieglinde in a fatherly way. The recap effectively highlights his past actions, such as breaking Sieglinde’s feet to bind them, while also emphasizing his genuine care for her. This duality makes him a compelling and sympathetic character.
Unlike Frau Sullivan, who sees Sieglinde as a mere tool, Wolfram recognizes her humanity. This distinction positions him as Sieglinde’s potential ally, but he must first break free from Frau Sullivan’s manipulation. The episode draws a parallel between Wolfram and Finny, highlighting that while both are bound by directives, Finny has found freedom through Ciel, whereas Wolfram remains trapped between conflicting emotions and orders.
Action and Visuals
The episode is visually stunning, featuring a dynamic fight scene between Wolfram and Baldroy. The animation cleverly uses the dark shadows of the forest to enhance the intensity of Wolfram’s movements, making him appear even more menacing. Another visual highlight is the reveal of Ciel disguised in Sieglinde’s dress, a moment that is executed with exquisite detail.
Tanaka’s return to his true form and his swordsmanship skills are particularly memorable. The decision to present this scene in black and white adds to its impact, emphasizing Tanaka’s age and experience.
Key Moments and Developments
- The Fairy Tale Analogy: The episode uses the fairy tale of the imprisoned girl and the wolf to mirror Wolfram’s internal conflict and his relationship with Sieglinde.
- Wolfram vs. Baldroy: A dynamic fight scene showcases Wolfram’s strength and fighting abilities, set against the backdrop of the dark forest.
- Ciel in Disguise: The reveal of Ciel in Sieglinde’s dress is a visually striking moment.
- Tanaka’s Heroics: Tanaka’s transformation and display of swordsmanship, rendered in black and white, are a standout scene.
- Finny’s Determination: Finny’s leap from the cliff is visually linked to Ciel and Sebastian’s earlier arrival at Sieglinde’s window, reinforcing the theme of salvation and escape.
- Diedrich’s Appearance: The arrival of Diedrich adds another layer of intrigue to the story, hinting at further developments and alliances.
Themes and Symbolism
Several key themes and symbols are explored in this episode:
- Duty vs. Loyalty: Wolfram’s struggle represents the conflict between following orders and protecting those he cares about.
- Freedom and Salvation: The contrast between Finny and Wolfram highlights the importance of freedom and the opportunity to make one’s own choices.
- Fairy Tales: The episode uses the fairy tale motif to underscore the dark and twisted nature of the events unfolding in the Emerald Witch Arc.
Final Thoughts
Episode 9 of Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc is a compelling and visually impressive installment that delves into the complex character of Wolfram while advancing the overarching plot. The episode’s themes of duty, loyalty, and the struggle for freedom resonate deeply, making it a standout in the arc.
Rating: 4.5/5. The episode is only held back from a perfect score due to the extensive recap at the beginning, but the action, visuals, and character development more than make up for it.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Kenjiro Okada
- Series Composition: Hiroyuki Yoshino
- Character Design: Yumi Shimizu
- Music: Ryo Kawasaki
- Animation Studio: CloverWorks
Voice Cast:
- Ciel Phantomhive: Brina Palencia (English Dub), Maaya Sakamoto (Japanese)
- Sebastian Michaelis: J. Michael Tatum (English Dub), Daisuke Ono (Japanese)
- Sieglinde Sullivan: Sarah Wiedenheft (English Dub), Rie Kugimiya (Japanese)
- Wolfram Gelzer: Conner Allison (English Dub), Chikahiro Kobayashi (Japanese)
- Finnian: Ernesto Jason Liebrecht (English Dub), Yuuki Kaji (Japanese)
- Baldroy: Ian Sinclair (English Dub)
- Mey-Rin: Monica Rial (English Dub)
- Tanaka: R Bruce Elliott (English Dub), Mugihito (Japanese)
Where to Watch
Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
More to Come
With tensions rising and alliances shifting, the Emerald Witch Arc promises more thrilling developments in the episodes to come. Be sure to tune in to see how Ciel and Sebastian will navigate the dangers of the Werewolf Forest and uncover the truth behind the curse.
