Revolutionary Girl Utena Season 1 Episode 20 Wakaba Flourishing

Wakaba Flourishing is the twentieth episode of Revolutionary Girl Utena, and it starts with Wakaba struggling to complete a physical fitness exam. She is feeling insecure about her abilities, as everyone else is performing better than her.

As Wakaba is practicing on her own, she falls asleep and starts dreaming about her ideal world, where everything is perfect. In this dream, she sees herself as a popular and successful person, beloved by everyone. However, as she starts to become more and more convinced that this is the way things should be, a boy named Akio appears. He is the new chairman of the school council, and he offers her a rose.

Wakaba accepts the rose and is taken on a ride through different dimensions, accompanied by Akio. As she travels with him, Wakaba starts to understand that everything is not as perfect as it seems. The world she wants is just an illusion, and it is not an ideal place to live.

Eventually, Wakaba returns to reality, where she finds her friends waiting for her. They encourage her to keep trying and not to give up, no matter how difficult the task may be. Realizing that she is not alone, Wakaba regains her confidence and finishes the task successfully.

Overall, Wakaba Flourishing is an episode that deals with the issue of self-doubt and self-esteem. Through Wakaba's journey, the show emphasizes the importance of having a positive outlook and surrounding oneself with supportive friends. It warns against the temptation of seeking an ideal world, as it is not real and can ultimately lead to disappointment and isolation.

The episode also introduces Akio, who will play an important role in the upcoming episodes. His mysterious demeanor and the power he holds will become a major plot point as the show delves deeper into its themes of power, revolution, and identity.

Finally, the episode features some beautiful animation and engaging music, which enhance the dreamlike atmosphere of Wakaba's journey. The show has a unique style that blends surrealism, symbolism, and melodrama, and this episode is a great example of its strengths. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves anime that challenges conventions and explores complex issues in a visually stunning way.