LogFAQs > #902197685

Episodes 56-58

Recap: Gon and Killua are captured again while stalking the Spiders. Kurapika takes advantage of a planned power outage to capture Chrollo and use him as a hostage. This leverage causes a schism among the Troupe, and eventually they decide to split and let Kurapika and his bullshit Chain Rules walk free.

I have to say, I absolutely hated everything about the idea of this conclusion. But you know what? I'm gonna let it go, because given the setup, there was virtually no good concept that could have satisfied me here. Kurapika's power was too stupid and the Troupe was far too powerful for anyone else other than Hisoka. The gaps were just ridiculous for a satisfying ending by violence. But even so, relying on the ridiculously-designed Paku and contriving a schism over Chrollo's life (and ending Chrollo) was disappointing.

Chrollo is really great. It's unclear what he believes in since he never really talks to anyone, but you can see how beloved he is by his crew that they give up assault in favor of letting Chrollo live - even without ever seen him again. But he returns the favor by being cerebral and loyal to his people. Throughout all the debates, Chrollo always picks the right combination of people for each team, emphasizes that the Troupe members need to play to their roles (discussing the replaceability of members' abilities, pointing out that Nobunaga's job is more or less to die), reminds everyone of what their purpose is. He's got the series's best character design and now he's done without even getting a real fight. (Poor Hisoka.)

I do come out of this more pro-Melody, though. And I guess we can move on to something where Kurapika can be more of a regular character with lesser bullshit powers now.

Probably my favorite plot/character moment specific to this arc is Gon showing his usual realistic determination. He snaps out of the chains right in front of the entire remnant of the Troupe. Phinks snarls that if Gon moves he'll rip his head off, but Gon isn't going to back down from saying his piece: "Then I'll stay right here!"

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* Squalla was a bad character who gets a bad ending. Talk about depressing - you know he's doomed when he suddenly has a love interest.

* The healer chick stopping Killua from stabbing her using her abs alone - wut.

* Phinks and Feitan cornering Killua and Gon at the end of the arc is hilarious. Killua is terrified as always, but he does note in internal monologue, "It's pretty useful to have someone who's willing to ask questions."
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yet all sailors of all sorts are more or less capricious and unreliable - they live in the varying outer weather, and they inhale its fickleness