Revolutionary Girl Utena: Episode 3

Anthy as charity case and Kouga having the hots for Utena.  That pretty much sums up this episode.  Although darker themes still exist (Anthy gets bullied by other girls for supposedly humiliating Saionji since he won't leave his kendo room) the atmosphere is more fun.  The central focus is a ball to which Anthy is invited, supposedly because she's been nominated as a possible dance queen by admiring boys.

In her bid to make Anthy more friends, Utena tells Anthy that they will go and, despite Anthy stating that she doesn't like large crowds, she gives in to Utena.  Since Utena thinks she has the other woman's best interests at heart this doesn't feel like a bad thing but it's a clear example of others forcing their beliefs onto the Rose Bride.

Kouga is interested in the aloof Utena and quickly figures out that playing up the potential that he might be the prince from her childhood is the way to entice her towards him.  Kouga's playboy nature conflicts with the ideals embodied by her prince so Utena is not blindly accepting of his advances.  The man buys her a dress for the dance and this is the first time we see Utena in stereotypical girl clothing.  She is obviously uncomfortable with the outfit which negatively affects her ability to keep Kouga at a distance, almost as if the dress compels her to be more submissive.

She rediscovers the role she's most comfortable with when Anthy is once more the focus of humiliating pranks.  Nanami, a character who initially appeared to be befriending Anthy, reveals that she's intent on hurting the woman she thinks Touga (her brother) fancies since she wants to be the only woman in his life (kind of creepy, can't lie).  She ensures that the dress the Rose Bride is wearing will disintegrate when touched by champagne which she then has one of the servants spill on the victim.

While Anthy is paralysed with fear at being surrounded by people and embarrassed at her state of undress, Utena assumes her boy's uniform and fashions a tablecloth into a dress for Anthy.  The two then enjoy a romantic dance on the ballroom floor.

Nothing really grand happens in this installment but it does further add to the characters.  I have to admit that it provides me with great amusement, mostly because I have a side-narrative running simultaneously in my mind thanks to Naji Minkin.  Their spoof video of this episode is one of the funniest things I've ever seen!  Unfortunately it no longer appears to be available on the internet.

Images courtesy of  http://ohtori.nu/