RWBY Review: Episode 9-10

Episode 9: The Badge and the Burden

A new day dawns as the girls in Team RWBY try to bond by redecorating their dorm room. After that gets done, the girls head off to class, where a portly professor (appropriately named Professor Port) talks about what makes a true Huntsman and Huntress. Weiss declares that she has what it takes to be a true Huntress, so Professor Port begins setting up a challenge for her.

There’s really not much I can say about this episode. I though the camaraderie among Ruby, Blake and Yang was great (if not a bit rushed) and Weiss’ belief that she’s the best I feel fits with her character that we’ve seen thus far. This is especially powerful with the scenes of Ruby goofing off in class while Weiss glares at her through her scarred eye. (…which I missed the story behind, sad to say. Now I really want to know what the deal is with that!)

I guess my one nitpick of this episode would have to be with Professor Port’s voice. Now, don’t get me wrong, Ryan Haywood performs the role well, but I just don’t buy that voice coming out of a body like that. I think a slightly deeper voice would’ve been a better fit, but that's just my personal preference, not a bash against the actor. Putting that aside, I think the character could be entertaining if he’s recurring.

Nothing much else to say about this one. I can’t wait to see what Weiss will have to go through in the next episode.

Episode 10: The Badge and the Burden, Part 2

Weiss fights against a Boar monster as part of Professor Port’s class. Ruby tries to cheer her on, but Weiss gets increasingly frustrated, even with her defeat of the creature. Weiss vents her anger out on Ruby by declaring her being made leader was a mistake due to her immaturity. Ruby and Weiss express their doubts to Ozpin and Port, who tell them sage advice to give them. They take the words to heart in order to get along better.

It’s refreshing to see Weiss get a little more development. The saying does go that, “One must first admit there is a problem before the problem can be solved.” Weiss’ talk with Professor Port about accepting what she has in life is one that’s been told in other stories, but it doesn’t make the meaning any less powerful. I’m glad to see her trying to adjust to being part of a team.

Ruby, as well, has a great story this episode, too. Her talk with Ozpin about the responsibilities of leadership is one I don’t hear often enough in these kinds of stories. Her decision to take Ozpin’s advise and try to improve herself is a powerful decision on her part, since she’s just been going with the flow until now.

However, the most powerful scene comes at the end of the episode, with Weiss announcing her resolve to be a great teammate to Ruby. That marks a big turning point in her that I’d love to see come to fruition in future episodes.

I can’t wait to see how Ruby and Weiss’ relationship goes from here.