The episode begins with Wakaba having made lunch for Utena to show the depth of her friendship.  Anthy one-ups her in the lunch department but the three girls manage to enjoy a pleasant break. At least until Utena sees Touga surrounded by fawning girls and becomes confused about her feelings. 

When the members of the Student Council call Touga out on using Nanami as part of his plan to obtain the Rose Bride from Utena, he states that his sister was betrayed by her strong feelings. Such strong feelings can ensure victory when correctly placed, which he intends to make the most of.  Touga then confronts Anthy in the greenhouse and reminds her that she is the Rose Bride - a beautiful bird that can never leave its cage.

Touga continues leading Utena on, his intention to make her believe that he's the prince from her past. He is overly friendly, cutting their moment short by stating that it's indiscreet of him to kiss her in front of Anthy.  This action serves to make Utena further unsure of her feelings while also driving a wedge between her friendship with Anthy, although Utena doesn't yet realise it.  Then Touga goes in for the kill: He challenges Utena to a duel beneath the floating castle.

Utena and Anthy return their dorm where Anthy admits that she would like to acquire more friends. The admittance comes off as genuine, and a way for Anthy to bolster Utena's confidence. The confession makes Utena so happy that she travels to the arena determined to protect her friend.
The Shadow girls pause the story for a moment to depict a man shooting apples off his son's head. A clear reminder to think for yourself... or else you could face terrible consequences.

I will take this opportunity to point out that Utena's rose for the duels is white as opposed to the other duelists who generally have roses that match their hair.  White appears to indicate her purity, untainted by selfish motivations.  During the duel, Utena is on the offensive but showing restraint since she doesn't want to hurt Touga.  Touga waits to see the power of Dios in Utena before presenting himself in a stance that indicates he's waiting to be defeated.

Such a presentation throws Utena off her charge and he smoothly cuts the rose from her chest.  In a truly heartbreaking final scene, Touga states that Anthy merely embodies the desires of her betrothed, implying that her desire for friends was simply a projection of what Utena thought would be best for her.  Anthy cements this by agreeing with him and Utena is left weeping on the battlefield.

This was the episode that convinced me I had watch this series to the end.  The calculated way it pulls its audience in and uses their emotions is amazing.  I was hooked and am now re-hooked, eager to see where it goes from here.  There are many more exciting twists to follow.

Images courtesy of  http://ohtori.nu

There's something to be said for living an interesting life. Nothing teaches you what's important quite like being put in an unusual situation. Such moments force you to develop as a person – building your problem-solving, interpersonal and creative skills. Life tends to foist these on us, but there are some people who purposely seek out the thrill of unknown circumstances.

My father left post-secondary to travel, initially through the Middle East then India. After a brief return to Canada he set off again, this time with my mother, and they visited Greece along with a smattering of European countries. The stories he brought back – some Terrifying, some Humorous, all with at least one gem of Wisdom – expanded the viewpoints of those who heard them. He always said that traveling provided the best education and I can certainly understand why.

One does not have to cross borders to grow. Being open to new experiences and people, even just in one's home community, can have similar results. The biggest hurtle is getting out there. As adults, we're often pursuing financial stability and working towards the next goal. This can lead us to sit in the comfort and safety of routine. Keeping yourself informed is critical. While the news is usually viewed as a way to do this, engaging in meaningful discussion – and not being afraid to look at something from all sides – is just as important. Such interactions, that reach beyond the superficial, open our eyes to the world.

My dear friend leogrl19's life has been very different from my own, yet that difference – respectfully shared – has provided me with a wider world view. I will never completely comprehend what it's like to be in someone else's position, even if I can empathise with their experience, but it's still affected me. The experience forces me to look at myself and my life differently. It's easy to become wrapped up in your own world – but far more rewarding to push beyond it.

I may not be as inclined to travel to unfamiliar places like my parents did, but I know that Experience is the greatest teacher. Do right by yourself by placing the same value on Personal Growth that you do on Economic Empowerment. The diversity and knowledge we uncover is what makes life Rich. Ultimately, our legacy lives in Stories. What does yours look like?