Ep 9. Remaining Scent -scent-

Madlax is an anime television series that premiered in 2004. The show is created by the same studio that brought forth Noir and follows the story of two women who share a mysterious connection. Set in a fictional country of Gazth-Sonika, the show showcases the lives of the characters amidst the political turmoil of the region. In this review, we will take a look at the ninth episode of Madlax's first season, titled Remaining Scent -scent-.

The episode begins with Vanessa Rene speeding towards Gazth-Sonika, trying to get there before her sister Margret Burton. The two sisters diverged paths in the past, with Margret staying in Gazth-Sonika to become a successful businesswoman while Vanessa left to become a world-renowned pianist. However, they are now both in pursuit of the mysterious Madlax, with different intentions in mind.

Meanwhile, Madlax is still trying to figure out who she really is. She is plagued by dreams and visions that suggest she might have some connection to Gazth-Sonika, but cannot remember anything concrete. In this episode, Madlax meets a mysterious man named Friday Monday, who seems to know much more about her past than she does. As Madlax tries to uncover more about her past, Vanessa and Margret's arrival in Gazth-Sonika creates a stir among the locals, with some fearing that the two sisters might have some ulterior motives.

The episode also follows the story of Eleanor Baker and Carrossea Doon, who are still in Gazth-Sonika in search of information about Gazth-Sonika's prince, who has gone missing. Eleanor and Carrossea's investigation leads them to a group of resistance fighters who claim to have information about the prince's whereabouts. However, the leader of the group is hesitant to share any information, fearing that Eleanor and Carrossea might have some hidden agenda.

As the episode progresses, we see that all the different storylines in the show are interconnected. The arrival of Margret and Vanessa in Gazth-Sonika creates more problems for Madlax, who is still struggling to regain her memories. Meanwhile, Eleanor and Carrossea's investigation uncovers more about the political situation in the region, which seems to be more complicated than they imagined.

One of the aspects of the show that shines in this episode is the way it depicted the different characters' emotions. Madlax's confusion, Vanessa's determination, and Margret's scheming - all are portrayed with utmost care. As a viewer, we can feel the motivations and emotions behind each character's actions, which makes their stories all the more engaging.

The episode's plot felt well-paced. While there were no big action sequences, the slow-burning storyline kept me hooked. The show has a habit of unraveling its mysteries in a slow and methodical manner, which makes each episode more interesting than the last. The episode's ending is a testament to this, as it leaves enough clues and questions to pique the viewers' curiosity.

Overall, Remaining Scent -scent- is another compelling episode in the Madlax series. The show's intriguing plot and well-developed characters make each episode a delight to watch. While the show might not be for everyone, those who enjoy slow-burning storylines that unravel slowly over time will definitely enjoy this episode. If you're a fan of anime, action, or political intrigue, Madlax is a show that you should definitely give a chance.