RWBY Volume 5 Review Notes

Chapter 1: Welcome to Haven

• I like the intro to the volume. Already I can tell the animation has improved.
• God I wish we got to see more of Mistral. This is so nice. I mean, the 2D stills are kinda off-putting, but they look aesthetically pleasing.
  • Also, ZUKO LOOK ALIKE AND A GAY COUPLE EVEN THE PLANT SHIPS IT.
  • And then we see none of it… ugh.
  • So it’s Ba Sing Se but vertical… oh god.
• WEISS. HI, WEISS.
  • God bless Pilot Boi.
  • The look on Weiss’ face when those people were in danger, my god. The facial animation has gotten so fucking good.
• I like that they tried to integrate all the girls into the first episode. But looking back… yeah, red flags for the pacing abound.
• Haven looks fucking gorgeous. Again, I wish we saw more of it.
  • Oh my god imagine if the classrooms were all dojos.
• Nice intro to Lionheart proper.
  • OH MY GOD THAT’S THE POCKET WATCH HE USES  FOR THE STATUE.
• Yes we know your names, can we move forward please?
• Okay Ghira’s plants are nice but we don’t need three angles on them.
• The one time Sun and Ghira agree, my god. Still, outta context this scene feels so odd.
• I know the Belladonna guards are fucking useless, but I love their armor. Though I’m willing to buy they haven’t unlocked their Auras, since it seems to be Huntsmen exclusively who’ve been able to pull that off.
• ILIA. HI, CHERAMI LEIGH.
• Remember when we thought all the episodes would be at least 20 minutes. Ha. Dumbasses we were.
• I love the lighting they use in Lionheart’s office. Seriously, the fights are meh, but the animation has gotten so damn good.
• HA. “DREAD IN THE AIR.” HA. HA HA.
• Nice that we’re acknowledging that 1. All the kingdoms were attacked during the Fall of Beacon from the panic, and 2. Mistral is a bit of a clusterfuck politically.
  • I imagine the Mistral Council is very laid back, allowing the black market to go unnoticed. That’s probably how Salem was planning to get away with the Fall of Haven.
• Funny how Lionheart and Qrow never name the Spring Maiden. Not once. Ugh. I know it’s to keep the plot twist a secret, but seriously, you’d think they’d name her.
• “I quit teaching for a reason.” CAN QROW BE MY PROFESSOR? In a non-dirty way.
• I feel we should’ve heard of this “Maidens correspond with Relics” thing last volume. Ugh. Though the vault ideas do make sense.
• LIONHEART YOU SKETCHY MOTHAFUCKA.
• Qrow throwing books for dramatic effect. My god, he’s so extra and I love him.
• Lionheart puts up a good argument, even though we all know now he’s full of fucking shit.
• “DAMN THE COUNCIL.” IT’S A STUPID ASS DECISION SO I’VE ELECTED TO IGNORE IT.
• Cue the Jaune Arthur fist meme. But poor Jaune, my god.
  • Nice use of the Cinder theme there as well.
• DON’T BE NICE TO HIM, RUBY, HE’S A PIECE OF SHIT.
• Oh, hi Watts. How you doin’?
• “I need a drink.” We all do.
• The bar scene again? WE DO NOT NEED THIS ENTIRE FUCKING SCENE MY GOD.
  • IT’S EXACTLY THE SAME WITH SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT LIGHTING MY GOD.
• Just Rite my god. I am here for the Goldilocks references.
  • Also, WHY IS THE GAS STATION ALSO A BAR?
  • “Not too bulky, not too lean.” My god.
• Oh hello, Shay D. Mann. KNOCK HIM THE FUCK OUT, YANG.
  • Okay I love the punch but that was a little over the top.
  • I wonder if Shay recognized the similarities in Raven and Yang’s hair. I mean, he wasn’t inside to hear Yang mention Raven, so… 
• Yang’s personality is a lot more somber this volume. I like it.
• Were Ren, Nora, and Jaune just… sitting there doing nothing the whole time? Why? Also, WHY IS THERE A GREENHOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOUSE NO ONE GOES INTO? Can you enter it? It’d be a cool place for a picnic or something. Unless it’s just for decor, which… it could be. Ugh.
• OH MY GOD OSCAR IS SO SMALL AND PRECIOUS AND ADORABLE AND I LOVE HIM.
• Protective Nora is Best Nora.
• DRUNK QROW OH MY GOD. HE BOOPED OSCAR’S NOSE I CAN’T FUCKING EVEN.
• $10 Ruby’s comics were some smut she stole from Blake.
• THE FACT RUBY IS USED TO QROW GETTING DRUNK MY GOD.
• “You have silver eyes.” Which I will never explain.
• PINE ROSE. PINE ROSE.
  • I know most call it Rose Garden but I give no fucks I ship it so bad. Ozpin can fuck off to his mental fireplace while Oscar and Ruby have cute moments. I feel Oz would respect Oscar’s boundaries that way at least, even if Oz is a shady piece of shit who’s intentionally a vague liar.
• My god that ending with Qrow falling off the couch gives me fucking life.
• THE INTRO. I LOVE THE INTRO AND I NEED THE FULL VERSION OF THIS SONG.
  • GIVE ME THE FUCKING SOUNDTRACK NOOWWWWWWWW.
  • Okay I love Team RWBY fighting together in the opening, and while they did reunite, I AM STILL BITTER THEY DIDN’T ACTUALLY FIGHT TOGETHER IN THE ACTUAL SHOW. WTF.

Chapter 2: Dread in the Air

• HA. GET IT. CUZ AIR BATTLE AND LIONHEART SAID THIS TITLE LAST EPISODE. HA. HA HA. WE DID A FUNNY.
  • But no seriously, god bless this title.
• God the Seer Grimm is creepy as hell.
• I live for Cinder and Watts’ bickering.
• Nice touch with Salem not commending Lionheart. Keep his ego in check, since he’s just a pawn.
• Don’t tell her what to do, Leo. She doesn’t like that.
• They really confused a lot of people saying Watts had to make Tyrian a new tail. They should’ve specified he would be returning to Salem’s domain after meeting with Raven.
• Still convinced Salem is either gonna try to turn Ruby to her side or she has a specific way to kill Silver Eyed Warriors. I mean, there is the theory that Salem is a corrupted Summer Rose (Kinda like how Ozpin reincarnates.), which I’m starting to like. It’d do wonders for Ruby’s character.
• OOOH, TYRIAN GONNA GET THE BELT. Too bad we never see that or the new tail. Ugh.
• I do love the lighting in this room though.
• The floating islands are so cool, and make sense with the Gravity Dust. SO FUCKING COOL. Kinda reminds me of the Gummi Ship missions from Kingdom Hearts 2.
• THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR NOT HELPING PEOPLE.
• I’ve now noticed everyone says “gods” or “oh my gods.”
  • I mean Yang didn’t in Volume 1(She said “god”), but let’s be real, they didn’t know any of that god shit back then.
• Oh great: BEE GRIMM. If there are spider Grimm, I vote we nuke this entire planet from orbit.
• YAY, WEISS FINALLY GETS TO FIGHT. IT’S ABOUT FUCKING TIME.
• YES, WEISS, USE YOUR GLYPHS INTELLIGENTLY. Her Semblance and fighting style are my favorite in the show.
• Oh my god, the little melody of “Mirror Mirror” they use here. Jeff and Alex have blessed us.
• OH EW GET THE LANCER TEETH AWAY FROM ME.
• Not sure how Weiss got that shot from her angle but I love her too much to question it.
• OH GREAT. A QUEEN LANCER. FUCK MY LIFE. IT’S THE SIZE OF A DAMN BUS, PROBABLY BIGGER.
• OH MY GOD “THIS LIFE IS MINE” MELODY I CAN’T EVEN.
• Aaaand Weiss dabbed. Fuck my life.
• Of course it doesn’t even have a scratch, why would it?
• OH MY GOD ROCK BRIDGE OF “THIS LIFE IS MINE” GOD BLESS IT’S IN THE SHOW PROPER SO EVERYONE CAN HEAR IT GOD BLESS THIS.
• BEHOLD LE ARMA GIGAS. HE SHALL NOW BE KNOWN AS JONAS.
• Nice touch with Weiss trying to slow down the ship with her glyphs. Didn’t work, but an attempt was made.
• SIENNA KHAN. HER DESIGN IS AMAZING AND SHE’S VOICED BY MONICA RIAL I CAN’T I ADORE HER but I know this will not end well for her.
  • I feel we could’ve seen her before. Maybe a brief appearance on the news in Volume 3 like “I didn’t run no train into Vale,” or Volume 4 like “Bish I didn’t attack Beacon.” I know she probably wasn’t even an idea til Volume 4 but… ugh.
• Adam what the fuck is with all the zippers? I know it’s White Fang attire, but seriously, it’s so ridiculous.
  • You know what, I pet all his pockets are filled with BULLSHIT. HA. HA HA. Fuck Adam.
• Seriously, I am here for Sienna roasting Adam all day.
• HAZEL. HI, HAZEL. He seems pretty chill actually.
  • I get the feeling Hazel was supposed to keep Adam under control… too bad it didn’t go that way.
• Where is the White Fang headquarters anyway? Probably outside Mistral if Sienna is able to execute people no problem.
• Adam step the fuck down. Get yo ass off her steps.
• Oh shit the tension in the room when the guards won’t obey her.
• Can we get an idea of how many Faunus agree with Adam? Cuz I feel it’s just these asshats. Where’s the rest of the White Fang who still believe in Sienna?
• Still so pissed Sienna didn’t at least get a fight to go out on. I get her needing to die to set the tone and for Adam to take the reins, but CAN’T SIENNA HAVE TIGER CLAWS THAT ARE ALSO GUNS OR SOMETHING?
  • Can we appreciate that even when Sienna is dying she’s trying to claw out Adam’s throat?
• “Nobody needed to die today.” Remember when Hazel was an interesting villain? Ugh.
• I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO DIE, ADAM.
• WEISS LIVES. R.I.P. Pilot Boi.
• RAVEN. Actually I really like this way of tying all our plots together.

Chapter 3: Unforeseen Complications

• First off… that episode title. The fuck even is that? You couldn’t call it “The Farmhand with Two Souls” or something? Ugh.
• I seriously feel this speech would’ve made a better finale for the end of Blake’s Volume 4 story.
• Ghira’s glasses are adorable. Also, CAT FAM ALL HUGGING.
• Sun being awkward Sun-In-Law. God I love Sun.
• Oh look it’s that Saber guy, the head of the Menagerie police. TOO BAD HE’S USELESS AS SHIT.
• I actually really loved Ghira’s speech. I wish we got to hear Blake’s.
• I was so terrified watching this the first time that someone was gonna kill Ghira, or fatally wound him.
• The timeline issue makes it so difficult to gauge how events line up. Ugh. Volume 4 should’ve just started immediately after Volume 3’s ending, not months after with all the separate storylines.
• So Ghira WAS the leader of the White Fang. Did he found the group, or maybe it was a parent of his?
  • But seriously, how did no one notice Blake had the same last name as Ghira? Why did no one in RWBY or JNPR ask if she was related to Ghira if he was that well-known? Again, I know it’s cuz Ghira and Kali didn’t exist til Volume 4, but seriously, it makes no sense. Besides, Belladonna doesn’t fit Ghira and Kali’s names. I know in my rewrites, I gave them the last name Purnima, and Blake used Belladonna as a fake last name.
• Okay, but Cherami Leigh did an amazing job with Ilia. Still wondering how no one noticed a random person in a creepy cloak right there.
• I love how Sun pronounced Ilia’s name: “Eel-ia.” I’m just imagining this terrifying eel with Ilia’s hair, my god.
• Hey, Sun, how about not announcing your surprise attack next time, okay?
• Oscar is so adorable, oh my god. Still not sure why he’s 14. He looks like he’s 16. Then again, anime characters are always younger than they appear.
• Wow, Qrow sobered up fast. Then again, I have no idea how alcohol works since I’d rather get hit by a bus than drink that shit.
• Okay, nice fusion of Ozpin and Oscar’s voices. Aaron did an amazing job emulating the way Shannon speaks.
• I remember seeing a video on the problems with Legend of Korra, mainly boiling it down to it being serialized instead of episodic. I feel that’s a problem for RWBY as well: the episodes are all disjointed scenes; they don’t tell their own self-contained, satisfying stories.
• Still into the theory that Ozpin wound up annihilating Salem’s entire race, and now she wants to return the favor. I don’t buy his story about the gods cursing him for not stopping Salem. He could easily be lying to save his own ass.
• WEISS. SHE LIVES.
• Do those bandits have names? Cuz I kinda like their designs.
• VERNAL HAS GRACED US WITH HER PRESENCE.
  • Bitch let Myrtenaster go.
• Can we appreciate Weiss is strong enough not to fall into despair?
• Honestly, with the CCTS down, how would they even send Weiss back to Jacques? I mean, the White Fang headquarters is here in Mistral, and I’m sure Adam would love to publicly execute a Schnee to send a message to the world. Adds to the tension and has our heroes learn that Adam is still a huge threat.
• I like Weiss and Vernal’s banter. I wish they got more to work up their “rivalry.”
• Weiss’ face when we learn that Winter is no longer in Mistral is the fandom’s reaction.
• Oh, guess Weiss has to save herself then. Okay.
• OH MY GOD NORA EXCITED FOR “Cute little boy Ozpin” I ADORE NORA.
• At least we’re all aware Leo is sketchy as fuck. Yet we still walk into his trap later… sigh. At least we took our weapons, I guess.
• Remember when we thought we’d get to see more of Mistral and meet some cool Huntsmen? Remember when the training arc was gonna be a bigger deal? Remember when we were indirectly threatening to break Crescent Rose? UGH.
  • Seriously, THIS ISN’T HOW CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WORKS FOR RUBY.
  • Okay but Ren and Nora are perfect the way they are. They have their shit together.
• Oh my god Nora is not at all impressed, god bless.
• Poor Oscar is such a mess.
• WEISS SUMMONED THE ARMA NANOS, JONAS JUNIOR, OR LI’L J.
  • Her smile is precious and she must be protected (Even though she can protect herself).

Chapter 4: Lighting the Fire

• Still think this episode should be titled “Strike the Match” cuz it sounds better and rolls off the tongue easier, but… whatever.
• YANG, FINALLY. HI, YANG.
• Okay but she knew it was a trap. Her shaking her head gives me life.
• To the people saying the animation sucks in Maya, please fuck off. The colors and environments are gorgeous. Really the only thing that took a huge hit was the fight scenes, but even then they can be fixed if the right people were to handle it or their production pipeline got an overhaul.
• WRECK THEIR SHIT, YANG.
• THIS MUSIC I AM HERE FOR IT. The shades of “I Burn” and “Armed and Ready,” my god, I love the way they integrate the melodies into the music.
• THIS FIGHT SCENE RIGHT HERE IS SO GOOD. It’s not over the top given that Yang’s still a bit rusty, but it’s still so damn good.
• “But I doubt it. I’m her daughter after all.” “I’m dead.” I kinda wish we got more Shay. Showing why Raven cares for her tribe so much.
• Oh my god that Ruby face before she punches Oscar square in the face and then celebrating I love this.
• I wish we had visual cues for people engaging their Auras like how we see Auras breaking.
• I know we never had an in-show explanation for Aura and Semblances, but SERIOUSLY DO WE NEED THIS REHASH OF INFORMATION???
  • I do like that Nora discovered her Semblance by getting hit by lightning on a Thursday. Nice Thor reference.
• Oh my god the bandits are covered in bruises, I can’t even.
• I wish we got a huge bandit fight to show off Vernal’s skills and show Yang’s PTSD is still acting up.
• Oh, hey Raven. Go fuck yourself.
• I love that Yang took the smart way to find Ruby and is using her mom as just a tool. GOD BLESS YOU, YANG, FOR NOT BEING AN IDIOT.
  • Still, I feel Yang should’ve tried to play along with her mother to get her to open the portal, THEN crush her heart.
• I like Raven’s Semblance. My god, she uses the people closest to her as fast travel points, I can’t.
• Seriously, they try to paint Ozpin as this devil in disguise, yet they keep showing him as the good guy at every turn. It’s such a missed opportunity.
• “I get it from my mom.” OOOOOOOOOOOOH.
• “SEND ME TO QROW DAMMIT.” YES YANG. WRECK THEM ALL.
  • “Make me.”
• “Well subtlety is out.” My god, I love you, Weiss.
  • I don’t think any of us expected a Freezerburn reunion first, YET WE NEEDED IT MY GOD.
• Seriously, I wish we got at least a brief fight.
• “Your mom kidnapped me?” “YOU KIDNAPPED HER?” Okay, I love that line, but BITCH SHE WAS IN A CAGE.
• Remember when we thought we were gonna get a STRQ reunion instead of a rehash of shit we already know? UGH.
• OH MY GOD THE WEISS AND YANG HUG AND WEISS’ FEET NOT TOUCHING THE GROUND AND YANG CRADLING HER HEAD I CAN’T MY HEART AND THEY’RE PLAYING “HOME” FUCK MY FUCKING LIFE.

Chapter 5: Necessary Sacrifice

• That is a really nice opening shot of Menagerie, especially with the birds.
• Sun, trust me, getting signatures is hell.
• Mata is adorable and I love him.
• Sun hanging from the tree I can’t even, I love him too much.
• AQUATIC FAUNUS MY GOD. This is such a cool way to integrate them into Kuo Kuana.
• SUN USING HIS TAIL TO DRINK FROM THE COCONUT CAN I HAVE A SUN OF MY OWN PLEASE?
• I really like Blake and Sun’s conversation, and the distinction that Adam isn’t hate or rage but spite. Still, I would’ve liked a flashback to Adam, Blake, and Ilia’s youth in the White Fang.
  • But… what did the world do to Adam? I don’t want it to justify his actions, but it’d be interesting to see.
• I love the “Like Morning Follows Night” melody here. YES, BLAKE, SAVE YOUR FRIENDS.
• I just noticed the episodes have been getting shorter and shorter. You know what would help? Giving the episodes all an individual focus without them bouncing back and forth with different scenes and disrupting the stories.
• RUBY AND OSCAR CONVERSATION THEY’RE SO ADORABLE I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
• Oh shit “Combat ready” that hurt my heart.
• Oh my god take a shot everytime someone says “What do you mean?”
• I’m happy we gave Oscar his breaking point, and I really like his and Ruby’s conversation. The closest we get to character development for Ruby. Also, SHE MENTIONED PYRRHA AND PENNY MY HEART HURTS SO BAD. THE HURT IS SO DEEP.
  • I think this is the “When it Falls” melody transitioning into “Let’s Just Live.” MY GOD THE MUSIC IS AMAZING.
  • “To keep moving forward.” I’VE BEEN SHOT IN THE HEART.
  • It’s moments like this that make me love this show. It’s a mess but it’s got heart. Where is this Ruby the rest of the volume?
• The fact that Ozpin acknowledges Ruby is a fucking mess I can’t.
• OH YAY. CULT CANDLES. MY FAVORITE.
• How did they get this message here though? Maybe a messenger from Adam directly?
• I seriously feel they should’ve had the Vale CCTS down, but the other kingdoms work fine within their own borders. It’d fix a LOT of plot problems.
• That twitch Ilia has when Corsac says Sienna was “buried with honor.”
• Seriously, who is in that portrait? I wish we got a story behind it; maybe a reason for why Corsac and Fennec are doing this in a legend, myth, or religious tale?
• They don’t even say “killed,” they say “silenced.” God this is so creepy.
• OH MY GOD A DUTCH ANGLE I CAN’T THIS IS TERRIFYING. (Whitley flashbacks)
• Adam probably wanted Blake alive so he could torture and kill her himself, and do… other unspeakable horrors to her. Y’all know what I’m talking about. Excuse me as I vomit.
• Adam is such a whiny little bitch. Get over yourself, dude.
  • Seriously with his horns, he looks like the goddamn Devil.
• “A tremendous burden.” Bitch, please.
• I do like that Corsac and Fennec do seem to be considering taking Adam out at some point down the line.
• Remember when we thought Yuma was gonna be a huge threat but turned out to be a meh Discount Batman? UGH.
  • Seriously, I wish we got to see him take out that messenger. That would’ve been cool.

Chapter 6: Known by its Song

• QROW, WHERE YOU BEEN?
• I want to know the story of that one guy face planting in the corner.
• I swear, the name Shiro is a fucking death sentence.
• OH MY GOD, MY LAST NAME (Vaccaro) IS ON THAT LIST MY GOD.
• I mean I’m grateful we got to see some of Mistral, but it’s practically nothing. Ugh. Would’ve been nice to see him transition into the lowest parts of Mistral to show the class divide.
  • Qrow screaming is me.
• I remember the first time I saw this, I wasn’t catching on to all the Huntsmen having died. I thought that girl was like Yang in that their mom abandoned them. But nope, she got murdered. THANKS, LEO.
• Okay this part of Mistral looks kinda nice. Too bad there’s no one here.
• Oh my god under “Griffin, Carmina,” it says “IN PROGRSS.” I can’t they didn’t even fix it for the YouTube version I am cackling.
• A “No Faunus” sign. Makes sense, seeing as Mistral used to have a lot of Faunus slave labor. Still, more of this would’ve been nice to show Faunus discrimination beforehand.
• Sigh, wasted storytime with Mama Raven. Did we need her talking about Raven like that? We already know, so why not start it off with them already having gotten the information?
• I AM HERE FOR WEISS BEING A SNARKY BITCH. GOD BLESS HER NOT PUTTING UP WITH TOXIC PARENTS.
• I do like the revelation that Qrow and Raven initially went to Beacon to learn how to kill Huntsmen. But seriously, FLASHBACKS WOULD BE NICE. I WANNA SEE THE ADVENTURES OF TEAM STRQ. You can show just enough to give us more new info while opening more questions, like “How did Summer die?”
• “Great and terrible secret.” Nice Wizard of Oz reference right there. But seriously, I feel Yang is overreacting to this information about Oz. It doesn’t seem like that big a deal.
• Bitch, you know we got that table from Ikea, right? We had to kidnap an employee just to assemble it.
• VERNAL’S CHAKRAMS ARE SO COOL BUT SERIOUSLY WE SHOULD’VE GOTTEN A FIGHT OF HER WITH THEM BEFORE.
• Weiss trying to make sure Yang is okay warms my heart.
• She got pissed cuz she could turn into a bird of her own choice… okay then. Seems reasonable(???).
• YES, YANG, GO HELP YOUR SISTER.
• Oh my god Weiss holding onto Yang and the eye roll at Raven GOD BLESS WEISS.
• I am here for domestic RNJR. NORA, STOP EATING ALL OUR FOOD.
  • The fact Ren is the best cook makes me so happy.
• CAN Y’ALL PLEASE STOP BREAKING TEASETS?
• OH MY GOD SISTER REUNION MY HEART RUBY CRYING AND “Gold” IS PLAYING AND WEISS JUMPING INTO THE HUG MY HEART IS HURTING.

Chapter 7: Rest and Resolutions

• Awe, Jaune, please laugh more. Thank you, Nora, for trying to cheer him up.
• “Did you see Ren during that fight, he was outta control.” “I’m sorry.” “No, as in awesome.” “Oh.” Silence. “Thank you.” GOD BLESS.
• THE FOOD LOOKS SO FUCKING GOOD.
• Oh my god Jaune slurping the noodles.
• WEISS SUMMONING TO SCARE THE SHIT OUTTA NORA YES.
• RUBY FANGIRLING OVER YANG’S AUTOMAIL AND THE ARM WRESTLE WITH NORA AND NORA GETTING LAUNCHED INTO THE WALL YES I AM HERE FOR ALL OF THIS.
  • YANG’S LAUGH GIVES ME LIFE.
• “WEISS YOU’RE NOT CHEERING LOUD ENOUGH.”
• Vomit boy, oh my god, my heart.
• Ren is so right though. The more you cringe at your past self, the more you’ve grown. I can vouch this is truth.
• Nora has always been perfect. OH MY GOD SHE WAS PLAYING “Shine” MY HEART HURTS.
• I like the ticking clock here, but… this scene feels lacking. Though this does make sense as the halfway point for the volume, since the second half is much darker.
• I wonder if Qrow and Raven being turned into birds was like an inside joke…
• So Ozpin made human keys for the Relics’ vaults as Maidens? That is fucked up. See, it’s shit like this that makes Ozpin feel sketchy as shit.
• I seriously wish they kept Yang suspicious of Ozpin. It would’ve been so interesting, and a good conflict between her and Ruby. Maybe this could be a parallel to Summer and Raven as well.
• I love you, Nora. Never change.
• THE VILLAINS HAVE ARRIVED.
  • Still wondering why Emerald and Mercury didn’t get new outfits. I know they wouldn’t have been around that long, but still.

Chapter 8: Alone Together

• Nice opening shot of Mistral with the birds. Seriously, I WANNA SEE MORE OF MISTRAL.
• The Ruby and Yang moment was cute, but Yang’s hair didn’t even touch Ruby.
• WEISS HERE WITH THE COFFEE GOD BLESS.
  • Nice callback to Ruby liking her coffee with a shit ton of cream and sugar.
  • “I will pour this on you, and it will burn.” Never change, Weiss.
• SOMEONE FINALLY MENTIONED BLAKE. I do get why she wasn’t brought up last episode, though, since last episode was meant to be all happy.
• Yang, we know you care about Blake. WE ALL HEARD “Bmblb,” BITCH.
• BLAKE WHY YOU LOOK SO DISTRESSED.
  • Seriously, that’s an odd place to leave a note. Maybe if she’d already been reading it when the scene started… 
• THERE’S A NOCTURNAL SECTION? CAN WE SEE IT PLEASE?
• Who else looked for Ilia in the trees?
• I like that shot through the window to Yang. OH MY GOD, IT’S THE PHOTO OF TEAM RWBY FROM “No Safe Haven” MY HEART.
  • I can easily see Yang as being bisexual. I mean, I am an avid Sunnybees shipper (Blake, Yang, and Sun).
• I’m happy Weiss was the one to talk to Yang. They needed this. Now hopefully we get a Ruby and Blake conversation like this next volume, cuz they’ve almost never spoken.
• I think Weiss’ mom’s name is Willow. But my god, she IS an alcoholic. God, Jacques is such a piece of shit.
  • They’re playing the “Path to Isolation” melody here. Nice touch.
• I love how reflective Weiss has become (Ha. Get it? Cuz mirrors.). She really has become the group therapist. It’s so fitting that she’s the one defending Blake’s actions.
• Yang, Blake blames herself.
  • YANG CRYING MY GOD.
• The fact Weiss knew Blake would come back… my heart.
• Oh joy a creepy dark alley. At least Blake was smart enough to sense a trap and bring backup.
• Again the melodies are so good. I love pretty much every variant of “Smile.”
• Seriously, Ilia and Weiss’ weapons are so alike. I’d love to see them develop a strange friendship. Weiss would definitely feel for the harm her family has caused ilia, and it could cement Ilia’s change. Also, THEIR SHIP SHALL BE KNOWN AS RAINBOW SNOW. IMAGINE JACQUES’ REACTION IF HIS DAUGHTER NOT ONLY DATED A WOMAN, BUT A FAUNUS.
• Ilia sounds so much like Adam. Thank god we saved her.
• AND ILIA IS GAY / BI. GOD BLESS. But seriously, how have we not had LGBT characters up to this point? We met so many people at Beacon and you’d think some of them would be gay or bi. All you gotta do is show them holding hands or kissing or calling each other pet names.
• AND THE TENSION IS IMMEDIATE. SO GOOD.
• I’m actually fine with the guards not having Auras. I figured it was only Huntsmen who’d unlocked their Auras.
• “GET OUT OF MY HOUSE.” GOD BLESS KALI.
• I’m actually so glad neither Ghira nor Kali died. It subverts expectations. Also I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
• YES, GHIRA, KILL CORSAC AND FENNEC.
  • But seriously, his jacket teleported away.

Chapter 9: A Perfect Storm

• How dare they not call this “Spring Forward, Fall Back.”
• So Raven was polishing her sword. I wonder if she was… SPRING CLEANING. HA. HA HA. Kill me with fire please.
• Is it me, or did the tents lose their coloring in some parts of the scene? They seem very gray and colorless. Like in some shots the barracks have no color, and in others they get their color back. Was that a rendering issue, or am I just seeing things?
• I love the new fire effect on the Maiden eyes. Still, how does the color work? Cuz Fall was originally orange, but Spring was green. I mean green wouldn’t go well with Raven at all. If it’s Aura, then why is Raven’s Aura orange and not red-pink? UGH. WHY AM I SO NITPICKY???
• I am here for Raven picking on Mercury and roasting them all, especially Cinder. Fake-ass last name for a fake-ass bitch.
  • “Disciples.” My fucking god, check your damn ego, Cinder.
• I at one point thought Watts was based on Watson from Sherlock Holmes, though I think he’s also Dr. Frankenstein given he’s a disgraced scientist. Hmm… I mean, Hazel is a fusion of Hansel and the Hulk, so…
• So disappointed Vernal (By which I mean Raven pretending Vernal is doing this) didn’t make it rain. I know it’s to save on time and budget, but who else would’ve loved Cinder keeping herself dry with her powers while everyone else got soaked?
• Cinder, you don’t wanna quote President Bush to make yourself sound smart. Then again, she is an egomaniacal moron, so… 
• The look on everyone’s faces when Raven says she wants Qrow dead my god.
• People say this plan is stupid, but that’s kinda the point. Raven wants this to be a total shit show, and Cinder has let her ego get the better of her. Watts knew this was fucking stupid, but again, THAT WAS THE POINT.
• “He has Ruby.” “He certainly does.” BITCH, YOU IGNORED RUBY THE ENTIRE FINALE, SHUT THE FUCK UP WITH YOUR WEIRD OBSESSION.
• Ugh the Blake sections this episode SUCK, as does the Qrow and Ozpin thing.
• Sun stopping that wind tunnel with his staff looks so damn awkward. These “fights” are so slow and clunky.
• Okay, Blake’s section with her Dust clone was cool, but CORSAC AND FENNEC WERE DEFENSELESS. WHY DID NO ONE TAKE THEM OUT.
• “I won’t let you down, sir.” “Shut up.” Okay that I loved.
• “Salem only uses people until they are no longer useful.” THAT IS THE WORST LINE IN THE ENTIRE SERIES. BAR NONE.
• WHERE ARE ALL THESE SOUNDS COMING FROM? NOTHING IS HAPPENING ON SCREEN THIS HOUSE IS NOT THAT LARGE AND THERE ARE NOT THAT MANY PEOPLE HERE.
• Fuck this cliffhanger, ugh. I will say though I love the “Smile” melody though.

Chapter 10: True Colors

• The title is perfect. That is all.
• Okay, did we need the little conversation about humanity with Ozpin and Qrow? GUYS, WE HAVE A CAT FAMILY TO PROTECT.
• I get Ruby asking about the cane, the Relic of Choice, and Cinder, but WHY NOT ASK ABOUT THE SILVER EYES? WHY??? WHY HAS NO ONE TALKED ABOUT THEM.
• Well, at least they know to bring their weapons.
• I kinda like the conversation between Raven and Leo. I like that we tried to have Leo feel guilty for his actions, but he made his choice to betray humanity. Fuck him.
• WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE SHOOTING? THEY’RE INVISIBLE, AND KALI WAS DEFENSELESS FOR A SOLID 5 SECONDS. HOW DID THE TEA TRAY STOP A BULLET. WTF IS HAPPENING?
• Okay I love Kali taking Yuma out with the tea tray, but… that’s all Yuma got? Not even a big fight before he’s taken out? Ugh.
• So Ilia was sitting out the massacre. THERE’S STILL HOPE FOR HER.
• Okay but Ilia’s weapon is so fucking cool.
• The fight feels a little slow and clunky so far.
• YES, BLAKE, USE YOUR SHADOW CLONES.
• “Because I run away too much.” I feel that line should’ve been “Because I’m through running away.”
• “Sorry, Dad.” Lights plants aflame. Ghira busts in. “MY PETUNIAS.”
• Nice catch, Blake.
• Nice use the Ice Dust to render Ilia’s weapon useless.
• And cue the fan artists losing their minds.
• Ilia crying here hurt me so deep. So deep.
• Ghira why were you so worried for Blake? She had shit under control.
• How is Corsac this strong?
• It’s so weird seeing the Albain bros fight given how they’ve just been so creepy this whole time.
• GUNCHUCKS. THE GUNCHUCKS HAVE RETURNED TO US.
• Seriously, nice lighting with the fire.
• The power of kitty tears.
• NICE SAVE, GHIRA. SAVE MY CHAMELEON DAUGHTER.
• Aaaand Fennec gets a Wile E. Coyote death. THANK GOD HE’S GONE.
• Kali dragging in her kill to the rest of the cat fam. I adore Kali.
• YES, ILIA. KNOCK CORSAC THE FUCK OUT.
  • And “Smile” again. GOD I LOVE THIS MUSIC.
• Blake’s speech here was so good. I’m so proud. AND YES, WE HAVE A FAUNUS ARMY.
  • MATA WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO VOLUNTEER (Besides Ilia) YES.
• I love that this volume has been making us think it’ll be Volume 3 again, only to go “Nope. Good guys win.”
• “There is strength in forgiveness.” PREACH IT, GHIRA.
• Oh my god I want Sun and Ilia to be best buds talking shit about Blake.
• THE SHIP CAPTAIN. I WISH WE SAW HIM AGAIN. Can Ship Captain be in RWBY Chibi? Can he get a miniseries about his nautical misadventures?

Chapter 11: The More the Merrier

• Okay, the moon is gorgeous. Nice quiet intro to the episode. Really sets up the tension for what’s about to go down.
• I wish Qrow informed everyone beforehand that “Leo is sketchy, so everyone be careful.” At least they had the sense to bring their weapons.
• So the big cathedral in the opening with all the fighting was actually the unfinished version of this room? Well, it is quite gorgeous, though I feel we could’ve used some fights on the rafters, especially Qrow v. Raven.
  • Also, that statue is FUCKING GORGEOUS. I’ve seen theories that it’s either a goddess, the original Spring Maiden, or even Salem before her corruption.
• Nice Yang noticing her mom and Qrow firing off the shot immediately.
• Nice use of Leo to cover Raven’s shapeshifting.
  • “If you’re going to shoot me, shoot me. That was insulting.” SUCH A GOOD LINE FROM SUCH A FUCKING BITCH.
• I like that Ruby tried to win Salem over, but the second that portal opened, the fight should’ve started. I feel Raven should’ve done the explaining that Leo killed all the Huntsmen indirectly.
  • Also, WHY DID NO ONE DRAW THEIR WEAPONS WHEN CINDER AND THE OTHERS APPEARED? STOP GASPING AND GET COMBAT READY.
• This was a good way to have Hazel partake in the plot in some way.
• I am here for Jaune’s voice acting, and that “Who are you again” line. Still, I feel Cinder should’ve tried to go after Ruby, only for Jaune to step in and Emerald to go “No, no, she has silver eyes.”
• Okay, at several points, other characters vanish from the scene. I know all the fights were likely animated separately, but seriously, there are angles where everyone just teleports out of existence, like Yang running at Mercury. This room is not that big.
• RAVEN, QROW, STOP TALKING AND FIGHT. Still pissed we didn’t get a Branwen fight.
• I think the little family comments triggered Weiss, though. Poor girl.
  • “I’m more than a name.” YOU GO, GIRL.
• What the fuck were Ren and Nora even doing while Oscar was sneaking off? Besides, Hazel isn’t doing anything. Guys, Jaune and Weiss are fighting Maidens and could use the backup. Ren could keep up with Vernal while Nora could smack the shit outta Cinder.
• Okay, I like Lionheart’s weapon referencing the palette of DaVinci, but it’s so impractical. Then again, Lionheart is a dumbass, so… fuck him.
• YES, OSCAR, KICK LIONHEART’S FUCKING ASS.
• So Lionheart’s been hiding his tail. I wish we had a reason why. Like the people of Mistral don’t like him since he’s a Faunus, so he hides it at every turn.
• KEEP SALEM AWAY FROM MY FARM CHILD.
• YES, WEISS, KICK VERNAL’S ASS.
  • But seriously, I love the guitar, Weiss is graceful as shit, and I love Vernal’s chakrams, but there’s a lot of teleporting here, and Weiss’ glyphs are inconsistent in their coloring. YES I NOTICE THESE THINGS.
• Okay the Ruby and Emerald “fight” is so… bleh. It’s just Ruby spinning her scythe to and fro. Also, I like the attempt to transition the scene with the bullet, but you can’t cut away from the bullet while doing it.
• Weiss, you need to get better at picking your summoning moments. Or just have faith in your other abilities. Why not use time dilation to keep up with Vernal, for instance?
  • That said, nice use of the “This Life is Mine” melody.
  • HER AURA IS BROKEN NO. I do like that even though Weiss is arguably the most combat proficient besides Qrow on the heroes’ side, she’s still outmatched considering Vernal’s fighting style is the worst thing she could’ve been pitted against.
• “Are you gonna let her die too?” FUCK YOU, CINDER.
• CINDER HAS A FIRE SWORD. VOLUME ONE REFERENCE IN THE MOST TERRIFYING WAY POSSIBLE.
• Okay the Pyrrha thing hurt how dare.
  • SILVER EX MACHINA. I mean, I like that it didn’t save the day but SERIOUSLY, WHY DID WE NEED IT? WHY HAS NO ONE TALKED ABOUT THIS?
• I mean, Cinder chose Weiss to target most likely cuz she was vulnerable with a broken Aura and couldn’t move, and Jaune already displayed how much he cared about her. That, and Cinder studied all their fighting styles at Beacon, so she prob knew Weiss was up there with Pyrrha in terms of fighting skill.
• SHE MISSED THE VITAL ORGANS BECAUSE SHE HAS NO DEPTH PERCEPTION. WEISS IS OKAY.
  • But seriously, nice touch with Cinder making a mock of Pyrrha’s javelin.
  • I feel everyone’s looks of shock would’ve been better in slow mo during their fights.
  • MY GOD THEY MIMICKED PYRRHA’S DEATH YOU MONSTERS.
  • Though we did need this not only for Jaune’s Semblance, but to psych the audience out for the rest of the finale.

Chapter 12: Vault of the Spring Maiden

• Seriously? Still not “Spring Forward, Fall Back”? THE FUCK GUYS? YOU HAD THE PERFECT PUN RIGHT THERE AND YA BLEW IT. YOU’RE MAKIN’ BARB SAD.
• YES OSCAR SMACK THE SHIT OUT OF LEO. I AM HERE FOR IT.
• Oh god, Hazel IS the Hulk meets Hansel. I love that he uses Dust to enhance his strength. Such a cool way of fighting that could be his undoing down the line.
• Where did Cinder go? And Raven? WHY IS EVERYONE DISAPPEARING LIKE THIS?
• QROW’S SCYTHE YES. I mean scythes are horrifically inefficient but still THEY’RE COOL AS SHIT.
• Nice entrance to the vault with the statue. I approve.
• Aaaand Yang’s PTSD is acting up again. Poor girl.
• You know, this reminds me that Emerald and Mercury’s ship name is Circle Merc. I love it so much, yet I hate them so much.
• RAVEN DON’T YOU SHAKE YOUR HEAD BITCH.
• Hazel’s backstory is so disappointing. He’s working with the woman whose monsters likely killed Gretchen and blaming the man who wants to stop her. WHY???
  • I hope there’s a twist down the line, like Ozpin did in fact kill Gretchen, or maybe she was a Maiden. Maybe Ozpin lied about the training mission altogether, and we’ll get that revelation down the line. I HOPE SO, CUZ IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT.
• I get Ozpin taking over by force, though. Oscar couldn’t handle this.
• JAUNE’S SEMBLANCE. MY HEART. I’M SO PROUD. GOD BLESS SUPPORT CHARACTERS.
  • “I NEED HEALING.” I don’t even play Overwatch and I know of the damn meme.
• Cinder, please shut the fuck up and die already.
• Okay, but the vault looks so damn cool. I love the design, especially of the huge trees and the glowing flower petals. Beacon’s vault was just a bunch of hallways. I know it’s cuz of budget and production constraints, and cuz the vault’s location and how to access it are kept secret by Ozpin, but still.
• YES, QROW, WRECK LEO’S SHIT.
• “You’ve been poked, Hazel.”
• QROW, NO.
• A lot of people have asked why Ruby moved Jaune’s hands, and the answer is to show that Weiss’ wound has totally healed.
• “Make it happen, RNJR.” MY HEART.
• Okay, I know Ruby’s angry, but… she’s done nothing thus far. Ugh.
• THE VAULT DOOR IS DESIGNED AFTER PETALS IT’S SO PRETTYFUL.
• Nice reveal of the Grimm arm. So that’s why Cinder was in pain during “Of Runaways and Stowaways,” and why she has the huge-ass sleeve.
• AND THE EVEN BIGGER TWIST OF RAVEN BEING THE SPRING MAIDEN. Kinda disappointed Vernal didn’t get much too do, but she served well as a red herring.
  • Also, THE SPRING MAIDEN ISN’T THIS RANDOM BITCH, IT’S SOMEONE WE’VE KNOWN FOR ALONG TIME. Makes the Spring and Fall rivalry even more satisfying if you ask me.
  • R.I.P. my theory that Raven was the Spring Maiden since her Beacon days and that’s why she left… time to cry.

Chapter 13: Downfall

• Okay I like Ruby putting Mercury in his place, but seriously? That’s what we’ve been building to? UGH. THIS IS NOT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.
• Do not hurt Nora’s man or she will break you like a twig.
• You know Weiss will be okay when she’s being a bitch.
• HOW DOES LEO KEEP TELEPORTING?
• YES, NORA, WRECK HAZEL.
  • “I DON’T NEED HIM TO HURT. I JUST NEED HIM TO GO DOWN.” HOW DO PEOPLE HATE THIS LINE I LOVE IT.
  • AND SHE SMACKS HIM THROUGH THE WALL. I love it. Also, nice transition to the White Fang plot outside.
• BLAKE HAS ARRIVED.
  • “Who is that?” YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE.
• Okay, I know people have had issues with Adam here, but I kinda like it. Blake is making him feel small and insignificant, and Adam is getting desperate from things finally not going his way. My main problems are that we didn’t get a huge fight, and that Adam only brought like… eight White Fang members.
• MATA. HI, MATA.
• SOMEONE WAS SMART ENOUGH TO CALL THE POLICE HALLE-FUCKIN’-LUJAH.
• ILIA DIFFUSED THE BOMBS, GOD BLESS YOU, ILIA.
• “This is your business, not mine.” Nice quoting Adam right there.
• WEISS STABBED HAZEL WHERE SHE GOT STABBED, AND OH MY GOD SHE DIDN’T SUMMON JONAS SHE SUMMONED THE FUCKING BEE YES. SHE’S SUCH A BADASS.
  • Can we appreciate she summoned a bee for the Beeunion?
• I wish Yang’s arm sent Mercury flying into the wall like it did Nora. Still, nice showing Yang doesn’t need it.
• YES, WEISS, WRECK THEM.
• I like Ruby and Blake’s nod: “We can talk later.”
• YES. MAIDEN FIGHT. GIVE ME THE BATTLE OF THE BITCHES.
• I need the full version of “All Things Must Die.”
  • Though I don’t hear “Legends should scatter”; I hear “Legends have scattered,” like how in “This Will Be The Day” they say “Legends scatter.”
  • I love that this is a “Fuck you Cinder” song.
• I love this fight, it’s like watching two female Avatars fighting in the Avatar State.
  • Anyone notice Cinder’s back bent like the Nuckelavee? Nasty.
  • Also, ‘90S ANIME SWORDS GIVE ME FUCKING LIFE FIRE AND ICE.
• Take a shot every time someone teleports, including Vernal’s corpse.
• So Cinder didn’t have a Grimm eye, just a Zuko wannabe scar.
• HA. BYE, CINDER, NO ONE WILL MISS YOU.
• I love the way the door glows and opens up with the petals acting like gears. I kinda wish the inside of the vault was a garden cuz spring, though maybe it’s a withered garden because Raven is a fucking bitch.
• AND YANG HAS ARRIVED.

Chapter 14: Haven’s Fate

• I SHIP VELVET AND BUNNY GIRL.
• Oh yeah Blake’s got zero idea of Salem, Maidens, etc. God, that kinda bothers me. She’s gonna need a PowerPoint for all this shit.
• Seriously, I’m happy Blake was smart enough to know Adam’s underhanded tactics, but maybe have Sun nearly die and Blake saves him (Again, she’s gonna save her friends this time.). I just want a bigger fight.
• Oh wow, Qrow actually shapeshifting in combat. Cool.
• HE HURT THE SUMMON. KILL HAZEL NOW.
  • Then again, them being glass cannons makes sense, given their power.
• BLAKE HERE TO HELP YES.
  • That “quiet one” line felt weird to me. I don’t know, I feel there was something missing.
• YEAH, LIONHEART, RUN LIKE THE LITTLE BITCH YOU ARE.
  • Hazel screaming is me.
• I WANNA SEE SOME CHECKMATE, WHAT THE HELL.
  • God that sounds bad outta context…
• Yang knew she couldn’t win against Raven, even with her automail. She used her wits, and I LOVE IT. YES, CALL RAVEN OUT ON HER BULLSHIT.
  • SHE BUMPED RAVEN OUTTA THE WAY AND MADE HER CRY YES.
• Ooh, the Relic of Knowledge looks cool, and actually matches Haven’s emblem.
  • Yes, Yang, cry it all out. It’s okay.
• A lot of people have had issues with Leo’s death scene, but I actually really enjoyed it. The only good thing Salem has ever done.
  • Ooh, that sounded graphic. Feel bad for whoever is gonna walk in and find his corpse strung about the office.
• SERIOUSLY, I WANTED TO SEE THAT FIGHT.
• SO PROUD OF YANG RIGHT HERE.
• And cue the Salem hallucination. Holy fuck that was horrifying, and a really good way for our heroes to see our Big Bad for the first time.
  • I love the little “Divide” melody they have there.
• Adam’s prob gonna join Salem’s side directly now. Great.
• YAY NO GOOD GUYS DIED. BLESS.
• YES A NEW WHITE FANG. I also just noticed they have the melody from “This Time” here.
• Oh my god I am here for Sun turning Blake around with his tail.
• So Yang is keeping Raven being a Maiden a secret… interesting.
• BLAKE’S SMILE AND THE HUG I CAN’T IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE TEAM RWBY HAS BEEN TOGETHER AND MY HEART CANNOT HANDLE THIS. I wish they got to fight together but MY HEART.
  • Also, love this new song (“All That Matters”).
• TO ATLAS.
  • “Oh cool we can stay with Weiss’ family.” Weiss goes “NOPE, WE’RE LIVING IN THE MOTEL.”
• Okay, but I LOOOOVE this credit song. So good.
• I will admit I’m disappointed at the post credit scene. I was expecting Tyrian with his new tail. The Raven thing could’ve been the last thing before the credits, or something we saw earlier. Sigh. At least we know this isn’t the last of Raven.

Overall

• Okay, Volume 5 is WAY better binged. The volumes are designed more as films than as an episodic series honestly. They only release them episodically to drag out the hype and revenue I feel.
• It’s not as bad as people have been making it out to be. But my god, the exposition is such a time waster. RWBY could benefit from being more episodic: one story at a damn time per episode, instead of all the constant cutting between storylines. Also, EXPOSITION.