Spice and Wolf – Episode 18 Review

「決意の積荷と覚悟交渉」 (Ketsui no Tsumini to Kakugo no Koushou)
“Goods of Intent and Negotiation of Resolve”

It’s kind of funny in hindsight that how I thought Spice and Wolf’s return would play out is in fact exactly how it’s, well, playing out. Although slightly surprising seeing the cliffhanger this week, in actuality that’s just my memory playing tricks as the original also had a similar breakpoint before getting to the climactic apex of Kraft and Amati duking it out. Sure, annoying to Pancakes’ modern old man sensibilities and desire to get to certain scenes, but nice knowing that what comes after this arc won’t be cut off mid-way through. And thank god for that.

With one of Spice and Wolf’s underlying themes being how quickly fortunes can change, it should probably be no major shock that Kraft’s grand plan for winning back Holo encountered a few stumbling blocks before even getting started. While easily able to get back into touch with and secure the support of Diana, Kraft’s desire to buy pyrite from her was set back courtesy of someone else beating him to the punch. Was it Amati? That’s actually a legitimate question because for all the plot wants us to think so there’s no guarantee. Easily could be another buyer, especially after the remarks about prominent merchants hoarding a lot of the stuff themselves in the hope of turning a quick profit. Not to say it’s not Amati either, but I’m not about to spoil this particular point further. Suffice to say it’s quite important for this arc’s outcome!

Speaking of Amati that leads to the second bit of development here with the kid teasing Holo’s presence with him after Kraft, surprise surprise, finally comes to realize what she means to him. As brought up at the start of this arc the relationship between Kraft and Holo was always the focal point and key driver for it: both characters had not really delved into the details, figured out exactly what they were to each other, or even gone as far as to explicitly voice it for emphasis. Kraft’s running around to find Yoitsu’s location and Holo’s visceral – and fearful – lament at losing his presence were the unspoken truths of a pairing on the cusp of understanding, with the duel with Amati simply the catalyst for properly bringing them together in discussing it. Kraft’s flustered actions and figurative cargo descriptions are simply the first half of the act, a man who now realizes what he has and understands his desire to not ever lose it. Holo’s response of course is mired in deliberate separation (with just a touch of teasing – consider the feathers if you want a hint), but we – and Kraft – weren’t going to get a proper reply until the duel was finished regardless.

In the end it all comes down to how best Kraft can play the market with his weakened hand, and just what external forces come into play either with him or against. Needless to say the ride will prove interesting, because as Spice and Wolf has already shown the outcome, while somewhat certain, is no predictor of the path needed to reach it.

Preview