Failure Frame episode 9 review: Seven Arcs fires on all cylinders in the series' first perfect episode

The best way to describe the installments leading into Failure Frame episode 9’s release earlier today was by calling each of great caliber in one specific area, but failing to offer a complete package. Released on Thursday, September 5, 2024, the ninth chapter in the television anime’s first season united all of these high quality focuses on specific areas into one brilliant episode.

Essentially every major narrative area is executed incredibly well in Failure Frame episode 9, from character development and romance building to action and plot advancement. While the episode’s voice acting isn’t anything to write home about, it isn’t stilted or alienating enough to truly be called a negative and drag the episode down from perfection.

Failure Frame episode 9 review: Seven Arcs achieves perfection with narrative focus, character and relationship growth, action, and more

Failure Frame episode 9 review (Image via Seven Arcs)

The best way to explain why Failure Frame episode 9 can be considered a perfect release is to start by discussing what the series had typically altered between up to this point.

Almost every installment in the season thus far had either focused primarily on action or on worldbuilding and general plot advancement. Very rarely had Seven Arcs blended the two in one episode where both are done equally effectively, and effectively well done overall.

Episode 9 changes this by opening up with a sequence that blends both worldbuilding/narrative development and action flawlessly. Questions regarding the Curse Users of Ashint are explicitly answered before the group’s demise, with their death in turn also revealing grander plans they were a key part of. The back-and-forth of story-action-story-action in this opening sequence serves to captivate viewers wholly, helping to make the episode’s first half fly by.

Failure Frame episode 9 also interweaves moments of character development into this action, such as Seras Ashrain taking charge and engaging the enemy in order to save Touka Mimori’s life.

That leads to Touka eventually dubbing her the vice captain of the group. It’s a subtle yet incredibly effective moment which shows that both are not only growing more comfortable around each other, but also growing to deeply respect and value each other.

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Focus during this opening action sequence is also given to Eve Speed and Touka’s relationship, albeit purely as combatants given the context. Nevertheless, it highlights that the two are able to naturally work together, cementing that they will be the frontline fighters of future battles while Seras and Lisbeth support from the shadows. Their chemistry during this sequence is also palpable and helps further endear viewers to both the pair as a package and Eve individually.

Finally, Eve Speed is also given some individual character development here via her confrontation of Duke Zuan in Failure Frame episode 9. It’s a quick moment which isn’t particularly deep, but it does still help to flesh out Eve as a character and person with respect to her values and ideals. Likewise, with Eve seemingly returning to her roots by leading Touka and co to the Witch of Taboos, this is surely only the start of a major developmental focus on her.

One name which hasn’t been mentioned yet is Lisbeth, and that’s primarily due to her lacking any skills or value as a combatant. Likewise, the battle’s aftermath immediately turns focus to her, seeing her and Seras bond briefly.

It’s a quick moment, but one which is incredibly effective at cementing Seras’ kindness and Lisbeth’s being enamored with Touka and Seras alike. While Lisbeth will likely get a definitive “role” soon, her character development in the meantime is being very well done.

Failure Frame episode 9 parlays this into a focus on Seras and Touka’s relationship, both as commander and subordinate, and as two people clearly falling in love with each other.

The biggest compliment that can be paid to this focus is that it all seems organic and not forced, with Seras and Touka clearly having a legitimate connection. While episode 7’s lust potion may have intensified these feelings, it’s clear that they’re deep-seated and truly present in each.

It’s also worth praising how effective this focus is despite lasting all of two-and-a-half minutes of runtime in the episode. Again, this speaks to how natural the relationship and their obvious love for each other feels, especially when it comes to Seras’ undying support for Touka’s quest of revenge. If any directorial choice from season 1 sticks around for a hopeful renewal, the handling of Seras and Touka’s interactions and feelings for each other deserves to be it.

Yet even with all of this action and character development present, Failure Frame episode 9 still finds time to jampack the episode with narrative advancement and setup. As mentioned above, the death of the Curse Users of Ashint teases one brand new plotline which is sure to be explored by the season’s end.

There’s also a brief introspective moment with Touka where he reaffirms vengeance as his main priority, further suggesting he does truly care for Seras and co.

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However, the most significant plot advancement and setup from the episode comes in a focus on Goddess Vicius and the summoned heroes. It’s revealed that they will be heading to the Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters before long, setting up an explosive confrontation between Touka, his former allies, his current allies, and the Goddess. It’s an exceptionally well done setup which serves as the perfect cliffhanger for the week wait until episode 10’s official release.

As mentioned above, beyond this, there are no major negatives worth discussing. Voice acting wasn’t exceptional, but was adequate enough to be carried by the positives above.

Animation was clean and consistent, but not particularly flashy or impressive; what saves this from being a true negative is that there are no major mistakes, and CGI animation wasn’t noticeably used at any point.

Failure Frame episode 9 review: Final thoughts

While there is still room for improvement in some areas, there’s not a single aspect of Failure Frame episode 9’s production which can truly weigh it down beyond the point of a perfect grade.

The focus on action, character development, romance development and plot development specifically carry the weight here, making for an enthralling watch that seems to fly by. Hopefully Seven Arcs can build on this release and continue to crescendo until the conclusive release.