Fate/Zero is the prequel to Fate/Stay Night. In this we learn about the grail war that came before the one in the original series.
In Fate/Zero there are seven different groups vying for the grail which is able to grant a wish to the person who obtains it. The reasons for wanting it are all over the spectrum from charitable to trying to prove themselves. The series starts with events leading up to the war and obtaining servants and ends with helping to defeat one servant in particular. The series isn’t over yet though.
First off, I did not watch this show because I am a fan of Fate/Stay Night. I do not like that show at all. So I was very surprised that I enjoyed this show. At first the show put me off a little with some of the gross scenes they showed during preparation for the grail war, but after the war started there have not been any more.
The best part of this show is the character Iskander or Rider. Rider is very outgoing and does not care how he is supposed to behave in order to win. He is friendly with the other servants and helpful. He is interested in modern society and known for getting things that have to do with conquering things. If Rider is in an episode it is bound to be one of the best episodes.
On the other side of the coin is Caster, the worst character. Except for when he first appeared he doesn’t ruin an episode, but he does make it a bit worse. I guess he makes a good villain and I can’t wait until he is defeated.
The biggest problem with the series is the pacing. Some of the episodes are full of action and others are all story. Only a few of them have any kind of mixture. This put some people off at the beginning of the series when it was all story and people were ready for some action. I think all the story is important, so it doesn’t really bother me, but it is a problem. There should be some way to not put heaps of story in several episodes and all action in a few.
Looking at and listening to Fate/Zero is such a joy. I love the songs in the beginning and ending. Seeing a little of where the servants are from in the ending is interesting too. The fights are so well animated that I want to see the action parts so badly, just to see what they will do next.
Overall this series has it all good characters, story, music, and visuals. If you have not checked it out yet then you should give it a shot. This show was my favorite of the season.
Score: 5/5
