We were so ready to sing Steins Gate 0 praises after the last episode but unfortunately, episode 10 marks a return to pandering, low-effort filler.
Sergeant Clean
The episode kicks off with a sketch wherein the cast clean the lab. This would have been fine as an animated short or web OVA, but to devote so much time of an actual episode to it is questionable at best. Daru, apparently sick of acting likeable, predictably, returns to his old self. It’s a sad state of affairs, particularly given how much the characters have grown in recent episodes.
Sleepover with Faris
Maho, Moeka, and Faris have a sleepover with all the usual fan service tropes. Girls hanging out in lingerie? Check. Inappropriate physical contact? Check. Commenting on each other’s bodies? You better believe that’s a check. We’d go as far as to say that scenes like these actually detract from the quality of the show as a whole.
Mozart
At the very least, Maho got some significant character development this episode. Just as Mozart had a lifelong rival, Salieri, Maho was Kurisu’s. It’s an interesting dynamic: the two liked each other a lot, but each inspired the other to improve as a scientist. Of course, the major development this episode was that Maho has access to Kurisu’s (admittedly locked) laptop.
Hearing this causes Okabe to tell Maho about time travel. Understandably, she’s shocked but as she’s given the laptop to a “trusted” source, there’s nothing she can do about it. This kind of drama, where characters realize that the future is truly out of their hands, is where Steins Gate really shines. If only these moments were given priority over the fan service, the show may actually be a must-watch title.
Stop, Start, Stop
Pacing has never been Steins Gate’s strong point. Even the first season took a few episodes to really get running, but we’re ten episodes in now. Honestly, it feels like all of the plot progression so far could have been condensed into a handful of episodes. Having the pedigree that the Steins Gate does only gets you so far; there’ll have to be some major hook coming up to keep casual fans interested.
The pieces are all in place, so there’s no reason why the story shouldn’t move forward. This episode felt like in an RPG, when the final boss is waiting for you, but you’re still busy doing side quests. In short, it’s an unfulfilling glimpse at what Steins Gate could be, not necessarily what it is.
