How Not to Summon a Demon Lord (Episode 6) – Slave Market
Celestine informs Diablo that a slave market has just come to town and it’s likely that they’ll find someone there that can help remove Rem and Shera’s collars. Alicia thinks they need to focus on stopping the war first, but Diablo isn’t as worried.
What did you watch?
Similar to episode 5, episode 6 of How Not to Summon a Demon Lord almost took a step away from the active plot to develop the overarching plot a little bit while planting the seeds of things to come. It wasn’t a bad episode, but it could have done a little more. I’ll get into the details a little more shortly, however, there will be spoilers, so turn back now if you don’t want to see them…
What happened?
Celestine paid Diablo, Rem, and Shera a visit so that she could let them know that a slave market had come to town and if they wanted to talk to someone with experience with removing slave collars, this was the place to do it. Alicia felt that they needed to focus on stopping the elves from attacking, but Diablo wasn’t worried about it. In fact, the thought of entering the slave market set off his anxiety more.
The owner Medios showed Diablo how to unlock the collars, although it wasn’t easy and he was unable to do it that time. He just needed to practice and Shera would need to wear that outfit again… I’m telling you, it’s in the director’s notes. I had nothing to do with it… Anyhow, back at their room, they are visited by Keera, Shera’s brother who asks Shera to come home. She initially refuses, but Keera said that she should sleep on it and he’d back in the morning for her answer.
What did you think?
Not a great deal happened in this episode, but also a lot of stuff happened. Confusing! Basically, while the episode itself seemed to focus on Diablo removing the slave collar from Shera and her outfit… There was also a lot of little details that will come in handy in the future. Alicia performed a spell on Rem and seemed surprised that it worked, although at this stage we don’t know why. We found out that Shera can see the magical energy coming from Rem and still wants to be her friend. Diablo learnt about the flow of magic and the ball of yarn and we also learnt that Keera is crazy!!! See lots of things.
What was your favourite moment?
I guess it’s got to be Diablo trying to break Shera’s collar. This whole scene was full of Shera, lots and lots of Shera, and also Diablo making a plethora of uncomfortable faces as he touched Shera. It was yet another win for Diablo’s social anxiety which continues to be one of the most interesting elements.
What was your least favourite moment?
Right at the end of the episode, we see Keera playing with his flute, high in the treetops. He makes a fairly passionate plea for Shera to come back with him. Then, he makes the evil villain, crazy face, just so we know that he is the bad guy. Sure, it’s a pretty funny face and the only thing missing was him licking his lips, but it really didn’t need to be telegraphed like that.
Who was your favourite character?
It has to go to Shera in this episode. Not only was she put through unspeakable things in the name of research, although it sounded like she enjoyed it, but then, after revealing her fantasy to Rem, she felt the need to show her exactly what Diablo did to her. The whole time this was going on Diablo was pretending to be asleep, although after a while I think he would have blacked out anyhow.
Who was your least favourite character?
This was the first time that Alicia started to give you cause for concern about her character. It was subtle and done very well, unlike Keera who turned into a manically laughing evil elf. I have a strong feeling that Keera could be getting the mention in this slot for two weeks in a row. If you’ve seen it, you already know why.
Would you like some more?
I do feel like we’re entering a bit of a soggy middle, which tends to happen, especially when the start has been as good as this one. Don’t worry though, it’s still good, just not as good. It does get better and there’s still lots more Shera to come… I mean lots more interesting story elements and Shera…
Other posts in the series
- Season One
- Episode 1 – The Demon Lord Act
- Episode 2 – The Strongest Newcomer
- Episode 3 – Fallen Assault
- Episode 4 – Point-Blank War Dance
- Episode 5 – Imperial Knight
- Episode 6 – Slave Market
- Episode 7 – Change of Heart
- Episode 8 – Hero’s Charge
- Episode 9 – Holy Knight Tale
- Episode 10 – Demon Lord’s Resurrection
- Episode 11 – The Young Girl Awakens
- Episode 12 – Battle for Legitimacy
- Season Two
“He just needed to practice and Shera would need to wear that outfit again… I’m telling you, it’s in the director’s notes. I had nothing to do with it…”
Can confirm. The notes were right there, plain as day!
Thanks for banking me up on this integral matter. It just wouldn’t have worked any other way.