LogFAQs > #979297743

And we're done with the day's investigations! Despite exploring far more locations than we have up to this point, the most interesting part of proceedings is Ryunosuke's internal conflict. Back when Kazuma was around (RIP) he told us to believe in our clients, and of course after the McGilded case Runo's having all sorts of doubts. It makes sense how hesitant he is to take on Natsume as a client, and how it colours his interactions here. He wants to do the right thing but doesn't know what or who to believe in, everything seems bleak and contradictory. Of course there's no doubt he will take the case in the end, but that doesn't lessen how much I enjoy the final scene in the prison.

Herlock, of all people, becomes a wise mentor figure here (uh oh don't die, Herlock!) and gives our protagonist the guidance he needs to confidently believe in himself. Despite his surface ditz behaviour he does seem to genuinely care about Ryunosuke and knows when and how his presence is needed. I suppose, much like with his deductions, he can see straight to the heart of personal matters like this. I already enjoyed him for entertainment value but he's boosted up majorly for me here, I very much doubt his going to the prison was purely for professional reasons. I really like this guy!

I'm warming to Natsume too, who it seems is as innocent and helpless as he first appeared. Though some of the conversation here was very inappropriate to have in his presence, particularly all the talk about Van Zieks's opponents dying >_> That said, props to Ryunosuke for forming that 16 word sentence so quickly.

A word on Susato, who I realise I've barely talked about despite her constant presence. I like her, but as it stands I think they're kinda wasting her potential to be a unique interesting character. Since arriving in London she's played the 'adorable quirky sidekick girl' character to a T, it feels like she's there to fill the series' mandatory supporting female role, and has been given the personality to match. Even her personal oddities like Susato Takedown or her adoration of Sholmes feel like they could come from any other series sidekick. She stands out the most when displaying her own intelligence, usually in court, having a lot of knowledge herself and a book that seems to contain all possible pieces of information we could ever need. But ever since Stronghart asked us who we proposed to replace Kazuma as lawyer, I've thought... well, why not Susato? What do we bring to the bench in court that she doesn't? She's knowledgeable and better at getting things out of other people than Ryunosuke is.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mean she should replace Ryunosuke (who I probably find more compelling as a human being than Phoenix at this point), but does she not have any drive of her own to become something more in her career? Is she at all bothered by the restrictions placed upon her because of her gender? There's been no sign of this, she seems perfectly happy being the supporting character, and I dunno it feels like a missed opportunity that when this game is trying a bunch of new things they go to the same old well for the sidekick. I dunno, maybe I'll change my mind!

I should also mention the Garridebs, who we spend a lot of time with today. Oddly the area description spoils that Mr Garrideb lives with his wife, so that wasn't much of a reveal. The dance of deduction is fun and I assume the two will have some relevance to the case going forward, but the fat jokes are a little lazy and I don't find them all that interesting yet. There's also a couple of random characters we meet for only a few seconds, who I assume will show up in court. I've no clue how the attempted murder went at this point. I like that they've kept the victim alive (for now at least), but I'm not sure why.