Finally got a chance to watch the episode earlier today. To be honest, in some sense I kindof liked it a lot. Granted like the previous episode there was a wave of plot and story elements rushing forward but at least it mostly tried to keep itself focused on the main conflict at hand. The revelations of Charles and Marianne were done well and in some sense surprising in terms of relatively good execution. Personally, I'm reserving judgment until the end of the series whether this was a good idea, but right now it seems alright.
Like what many people said Charles' juxtaposition with Lelouch in his desire to create a world free of strife and lies was interesting, albeit flawed due to his selfish desire. Thankfully Lelouch transcended that and gave them a farewell parting that is equal parts dramatic and super special awesome. The ending was quite enjoyable, most definitely the highest point was the regal happy music playing which gave way to terror as Lelouch sauntered his way to the throne. How he will turn out will be up to debate in the next episodes.
Where was Anya btw after she regained consciousness? She wasn't with the Knights of Round who were disenchanted with Lelouch's appearance in the Royal Palace nor was she with Schneizel? A potential avenue for Marianne to come back perhaps? Who knows.
Also I must say I'm not sure who I dislike even more after revealing their true selves, Charles or Marianne? Charles was a ****** don't get me wrong, but seeing Marianne be like that was... to some extent even worse. Maybe that was because we were expecting something more... good out of her, but in turn what a terrible mother she appears to be. Lelouch telling them off because they never saw Nunally's smile was also pretty poignant.
With that I leave a final note in regarRAB to the previous discussion about the director's lamentations that Season 2's start didn't go as expected. If it did... Would Marianne's character had changed? The way they were going for it throughout the series was that Marianne seemed to be an amazing, talented, wonderful human being who'd give her life for her daughter. If the so-called series had not shifted as it did according to the interview... would her appearance have been that way? (give or take the nature of the interview perhaps, correct me if I'm wrong).
All in all, a good episode that served to create a new status quo that may resolve itself (ideally) in the next four episodes.
8/10