Berserk: Episode 18 (Review)

By: MithrandielMiss my latest review? You can read it here![yasr_multiset setid=11] The battle against the trolls has arrived! After Guts and the rest of the party make their way to Morgan's town, which has been constantly under siege by vicious trolls, they are turned away at the gates by the skeptical townsfolk. Further complicating matters is a man of the cloth (troublesome religious figures seems to be a recurring theme...) who is positive that Morgan just recruited some random troupe of entertainers wearing costumes.After chastising Schierke and attempting to dismiss the group, Guts corners the priest by telling him that Casca is on a pilgrimage, and as a man of the cloth he is obligated to offer shelter. He begrudgingly concedes, and the group begins to plan for the pending attack.The first half of the episode features a lot of down-time, in which we see some valuable exchanges that deepen relationships within the group. Serpico recognizes how Farnese has changed looking after Casca, while Schierke and Guts have an honest conversation outside of the church as they strategize for their battle against the trolls. Isidoro also hears more from Morgan about his past as he struggles to accept Schierke. The time spent is appreciated, as we begin to see the group forming into a more cohesive entity instead of Guts plus a misfit band of annoyances.I hate to admit it, but even Farnese is making some decent strides in the recent episodes.The action heats up in the second half of he episode, as the Trolls attack in a larger group than ever before. Serpico quickly puts his new gear to good use, decapitating a handful of trolls with a stroke of his enchanted feather-sword-thing.Isidoro does his best to assist, tossing enchanted berries and largely just trying not to get eaten. The group makes their way to the church to regroup with Guts and Schierke, but find themselves surrounded just outside of the church. Just as Casca's about to get attacked, Guts makes his badass entry, disregarding the frightened clergyman's warnings that the trolls can't be handled by human means.The townspeople are in awe of Guts' power and ability as Schierke notices something a bit...off...about his weapon.Eh, I'm sure it's nothing too terribly important. Anyways, moving on...Schierke takes post at the top of the church and begins channeling her instant-kill move as trolls close in from all around. Further complicating matters is the stuffy reverend from earlier - surprise, surprise. Unaware of the encroaching danger as she performs the incantation, Farnese does her best to protect the young witch and Casca and amidst the chaos, Schierke's spell is unleashed. Schierke's power seems impressive, but will this be enough to save the town? Will the clergyman get in the way yet again? I know I'm excited to see how it shakes out - and Berserk continues to monopolize my attention on a weekly basis.For all the moaning and groaning about the animation last season, I have to say it seems as thought Berserk is finding a good blend of 3d and 2d styles that is much easier on the eyes. I hope that they continue to refine their techniques in the coming weeks and seasons, but in the meantime it is only getting better with each passing week.