Watching 'Cannon Busters' Episode 2

What is evident in this episode is that the narrative path that this show is heading down is quite predictable. Sam has flashbacks throughout this episode to the day when she was separated from the prince, and the segment during this time is incredibly reminiscent of the likes of Kingsglaive, Atlantis, and Arslan Senki. The prince and Sam were close friends that were separated as a result of the kingdom that they are living in being attacked. Now, while the prince is being escorted by the king’s guards, Sam is trying to find her way back to the prince. It is here that we are introduced to the main villain of the show.

What is curious about the show is that while the first episode had a very sci-fi, western feel to it, this episode goes a step further and adds magic into the mix as well. It is here that we get a likeness towards the likes of Eragon (the book of course) and Throne of Glass, where the world is losing it’s magic as a result of the current ruler of the land. There is even shades of Star Wars here with the two robots are employing the help of an immortal to help save the royalty. The more of this piece that I write the more I am getting the feeling that someone could spend a good chunk of the day pouring through every frame of this show so that they can mine every reference that relates to another piece of media. Which is not something that is bad in itself, you only need to look at the likes of Tarentino and Zack Snyder to find work that is littered with references.

Going back to the Sam and the prince, there is an interesting relationship here that can be explored. As Sam is a friendship bot, the prince challenges Sam about the way she behaves towards the prince. If she is spending time and being his friend because it is her choice, or because it is a part of her programming.

As mentioned earlier, Sam was having flashbacks, and in this episode, the flashbacks were probably the best part of the episode. The narrative that was taking place in the present was dull and filled with stereotypes. Philly was becoming quite insufferable in this episode as he was played as being irritated for the sake of being irritated. When they run into the incredibly stereotypical country family that is living in the middle of nowhere, it becomes even worse, and it is actually a godsend when he is killed by the daughter of the family they meet. Sam and Casey are taken out, dropped into a hole, and left there. We are then left to find the resolution in the next episode.

One of the few highlights in this episode, with regards to the narrative happening in the present, is that whenever the tension in the scene increases, in its own awkward way, Sam would be able to break the tension with relative ease because of just how friendly she is towards everyone. This adds a sense of aloofness that makes the show adorable to keep watching as Sam radiates joy and positivity. In fact she has a lot of the qualities of Joy from Inside Out.

While this episode was a series of ups and downs, there is one aspect I must admit was done quite well. This episode expanded upon the scope of the world. We got to see a different part of the desert, which gave a good sense as to just how large the area is, while also introducing us to an entire kingdom that was beautifully animated. This really emphasises a rich and diverse world in terms of location, characters, and systems (mechanical and magic).