We were so ready to sing Steins Gate 0 praises after the last episode but unfortunately, episode 10 marks a return to pandering, low-effort filler.
What even is this? (Photo credit: White Fox, 2018)[/caption]
The episode kicks off with a sketch wherein the cast clean the lab. This would have been fine as an animated short or web OVA, but to devote so much time of an actual episode to it is questionable at best. Daru, apparently sick of acting likeable, predictably, returns to his old self. It’s a sad state of affairs, particularly given how much the characters have grown in recent episodes.
Hearing this causes Okabe to tell Maho about time travel. Understandably, she’s shocked but as she’s given the laptop to a “trusted” source, there’s nothing she can do about it. This kind of drama, where characters realize that the future is truly out of their hands, is where Steins Gate really shines. If only these moments were given priority over the fan service, the show may actually be a must-watch title.
Sergeant Clean
[caption id="attachment_9336" align="alignnone" width="1775"] What even is this? (Photo credit: White Fox, 2018)[/caption]
The episode kicks off with a sketch wherein the cast clean the lab. This would have been fine as an animated short or web OVA, but to devote so much time of an actual episode to it is questionable at best. Daru, apparently sick of acting likeable, predictably, returns to his old self. It’s a sad state of affairs, particularly given how much the characters have grown in recent episodes.
Sleepover with Faris
Maho, Moeka, and Faris have a sleepover with all the usual fan service tropes. Girls hanging out in lingerie? Check. Inappropriate physical contact? Check. Commenting on each other’s bodies? You better believe that’s a check. We’d go as far as to say that scenes like these actually detract from the quality of the show as a whole.
Mozart
At the very least, Maho got some significant character development this episode. Just as Mozart had a lifelong rival, Salieri, Maho was Kurisu’s. It’s an interesting dynamic: the two liked each other a lot, but each inspired the other to improve as a scientist. Of course, the major development this episode was that Maho has access to Kurisu’s (admittedly locked) laptop.
Hearing this causes Okabe to tell Maho about time travel. Understandably, she’s shocked but as she’s given the laptop to a “trusted” source, there’s nothing she can do about it. This kind of drama, where characters realize that the future is truly out of their hands, is where Steins Gate really shines. If only these moments were given priority over the fan service, the show may actually be a must-watch title.