Predictions and Observations:
Pop Goes the Duel

Okay, Sartorius, what in the name of Obelisk, Slifer, and Ra did you do to Jaden?! He seems to have been sapped of all his dueling energy or something; he can’t see or interact with his cards anymore, and dueling is what he loves most, where his strength comes from, so without it…well, he seems pretty depressed. I don’t think they should have left him on his own to go to the duel, because it’s not that surprising that he seems to be about to attempt to run away. Sure Alexis needed their support, but so does Jaden. Desperately. I keep wondering if they should have dragged him along to the duel anyway, if it would’ve helped; it’s been seen before that a bit of duel action can lift the spirits of many a strong duelist. But I think that it might have actually made it worse, because on the other hand if his problem is what I fear it is, he would have felt none of the excitement he usually did watching that duel and would have become even more aware that something is very wrong here, or even decide that he’s just changed. He’s suddenly and entirely lost his love of the game, and his ability to play it. He’s been isolated from what usually gives him strength and joy and a will to go on.

I noticed that when Chazz told them to get out, those Slifers and Ras snapped to in a hurry, and they all knew his name. If I had to guess, I’d say Chazz’s duel with Reggie and his climactic duels in the past have made him somewhat popular; he’s the only Duel Academy student with his own cheer! They’ll also know from these duels that he’s no one to be messed with.

Crowler is feeling twinges of sympathy. He expresses shock that he seems to be becoming a good guy. Come on, it’s not *that* bad, teach!

It tallies with what I’ve been perceiving about Jaden’s “chosen duelist” title and his connection to duel spirits; Ojama Yellow was very distressed about Jaden’s state, and I bet he’s not the only one.
I guess it’s hopeless to wonder, though, if Yugi might notice that one of the cards he once owned and shares a bond with (namely Winged Kuriboh) is no doubt in an even worse state, and show up to see what on Earth is going on. The Powers That Write seem pretty dead-set against that sort of thing.

Was I the only one who noticed that Fonda Fontaine was among Atticus’ cheer squad there in the bleachers?

*No,* Syrus, Zane didn’t get replaced by *Atticus*… Zane himself passed the torch to Jaden, remember? Sy’s loyalty to Zane is very touching. Speaking of, how’s he doing? We haven’t seen him since he lost to Aster.

Interesting point, Bastion: without Jaden out there showing what Reds are made of, Crowler just might align with Bonaparte about tearing down the Slifer dorm. However, I think they still have time; Jaden won’t stay like this for long, and they can’t forget past successes so quickly. But, when the time comes to defend the Dorm, or, I perceive, to defend Jaden in the near future if he needs it, because it’s clear that he’s in no shape to stand up to much of anything, those five stand together like the keykeepers so recently did, and will take it on as a team! And by the way, props to Chazz for rallying them like that—Chazz it up!

I had just been about to wonder when we were going to have another goofy episode along with all this heavy Phoenix stuff. This almost ranks up there with the best of the embarrassingly goofy GX episodes so far, though my favorites are still The King of Copycats I and II and The Maiden in Love.

“No, when they said you hit puberty, *that* was a rumor.” Ouch! “Three men, a lady, and Syrus!” Ouch ouch! Why so mean to Syrus today, Chazz?

I’d do a rundown of Alexis’ Cyber Angels, but it helps when you have any inkling how to spell them when it comes to keeping them straight.

Unless I’m much mistaken, we’ve only seen Crowler in a wetsuit when there have been two things involved: the little boats that serve as transportation around campus and a plan that involves Alexis directly. The Shadow Duelist didn’t count, because although Alexis was involved in the adventure, she wasn’t originally intended to be kidnapped and used as bait. My point: a weird coincidence that when there’s a Crowler-scheme that directly involves Alexis it also involves little boats and that wetsuit of his.

First Red-Eyeses, now Atticus is playing Panther Warrior and Scapegoats? Still card parallels to Joey, but considering how often Atticus pokes his nose where it doesn’t belong into Alexis’ business, I find trouble relating the two. Then again, when all’s said and done, the Rhodes sibs love each other (as we saw during the first half of year 1), and Atticus really is trying to help her and show that, in his inimitable fashion.

I have a feeling that Atticus supported this whole plan because to him it probably *did* sound like fun!

I couldn’t believe the range of Chazz we saw today; it was somethin’ else! He commanded immediate obedience from a sizeable group of peers, rallied the rest of Jaden’s crew to defend Slifer Dorm, broke down when faced with choosing between Alexis and Atticus, and was Alexis’ most devoted groupie. It struck me that, yes, I *was* actually seeing Chazz wear pink of his own free will. It’s almost frightening how silly the levelheaded and powerful Chazz can become when he’s in love. I almost want to cheer for him to win her heart just because he tries so darn hard. Almost.

Hassleberry called the Slifer Dorm “our headquarters.” That’s a very good description.

I thought it interesting how Atticus asked Chazz to tell Alexis to go along; I think Atticus already knew Chazz might, because he went to Atticus for help winning Alexis in Chazz-anova (speaking of which, it looks like the air in those planets was fine after all), and possibly because he saw right through him.

One thing I’d like to know: how did they talk Alexis into riding that goose cart into the stadium? I won’t ask where they got it; that would be like asking why the Air Force supervises the delivery of Duel Academy’s rare cards.

Did anyone else jump slightly when Atticus played a card with “destiny” in the name?

The next episode is “I’ve Seen the Light.” I have a feeling I know what’s coming, but it’s not a canon feeling so I’ll keep it to myself for now. It probably has to do with what Sartorius did to Jaden; does that mean that something’s going to happen that lets Jaden snap out of it, or does this mean that Jaden’s “eyes will finally open” and he’ll go join Sartorius or something?

Forgot from yesterday:

“Tenacious” means:
1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often fol. by of): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.
2. highly retentive: a tenacious memory.
3. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.
4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.
5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.
(Dictionary.com)

I noticed that Sartorius’ outfit vaguely resembled a senior Obelisk Blue blazer from Duel Academy. Could this vaguely suggest that his motives have to do with a history with Duel Academy in which he was a student? I highly doubt it, considering that the school couldn’t have been around that long. But it’s one more possibility.

Good night, everybody! -Clio