Ep 3. Fuyuki City

In Fate/Zero season 1 episode 3 titled "Fuyuki City," the focus shifts from the characters we have previously met onto a new character, Kirei Kotomine. From the beginning, the episode immediately sets the tone for how dark and mysterious Kirei is. We see him attending a church sermon with his father, who tells him that he will find joy in administering justice. However, we can see through Kirei's inner thoughts that he doesn't feel the same way as his father. Instead, he feels a sense of emptiness inside him.

The episode then transitions to a flashback that shows Kirei's past. We learn that his father is actually a member of the Holy Grail War and had raised Kirei to be his successor despite Kirei's reluctance. We can see how Kirei struggled to find his own identity while his father forced him to become a ruthless killer to achieve his ideals.

After the flashback, the current timeline resumes, and we see Kirei attending a meeting with the other Masters. This meeting serves as a way to introduce us to all the other Masters who will be participating in the Holy Grail War. It's not long before we learn that Kirei's father has joined forces with Tokiomi, another Master who is seen as one of the most powerful. We learn that they have agreed to work together, but the exact details of their alliance are not clear yet.

The episode then shifts back to Kirei as he walks around Fuyuki City. Kirei seems to be struggling with his own moral compass and what he truly wants. He's presented with several situations that test his beliefs, such as a group of young children who have lost their parents. Kirei doesn't know how to respond and simply leaves, unsure of what to do.

Towards the end of the episode, we see Kirei attending his father's church sermon once again. During the sermon, his father reveals something shocking to Kirei that causes Kirei to feel even more lost and confused. This revelation catalyzes a shift in Kirei's character, prompting him to make a choice that will likely have consequences beyond this episode.

Overall, "Fuyuki City" is a pivotal episode for Fate/Zero season 1. It sets up Kirei as a key character in the series and adds depth to our understanding of the Holy Grail War and the different Masters who are involved. The episode also establishes a murky and morally complex tone that sets the pace for the rest of the series. Throughout the episode, we see Kirei's internal struggles and begin to question what his true intentions are. "Fuyuki City" leaves viewers on the edge of their seats and eagerly anticipating the next episode.