RWBY 8x09 "Witch" & 8x10 "Ultimatum" - reaction & review

[@PheonixFire]

Ironwood: I need to threaten a bunch of kids. Bring me all the dramatic lighting!

[@RoseScar]

Lmfaoo this would be a great chibi skit

[@andyreacts]

You do realize those aren't exactly little kids and also not your typical late teens? Those could easily kill you in seconds if they wanted Lol

[@sanjaynandalall2260]

@@RoseScar omggg that really WOULD be a brilliant chibi skit!!!

[@vlcharlie4884]

I just love Blake covering her kitty ears because of the noise

[@tommygunn704]

Same 😆

[@Mirality]

The Girl Who Fell Through the World is a reference to Alice in Wonderland. Also, listen carefully to Ironwood's speech. He wants to save Atlas' technology. He never once mentioned saving its people.

[@PheonixFire]

Yang gets the honor of being the first of our heroes to get a Salem kill. Doesn't amount to much but hey bragging rights for exploding punches to the boobs.

[@TheAngelofFate17]

Not really. The only person that actually got a kill on her was Oscar using Oz’s cane. Her blowing up Salem’s boobs wasn’t a death, more a tickle. I think what what counts as a “death” for Salem is what Oscar did to her, by literally disintegrated and or pounding her into paste to where she has to regenerate herself like what Hazel did to her, him stating she was only gone for a few hours. Like what happened back in the Lost Fable when her and Ozma 2.0 fought, and she came back in a glow of light.

[@De_Vegi]

@@TheAngelofFate17 Mm, I’ll have to respectfully disagree. There was definitely a hole blown in her chest and you can hear her spine crunch when Yang detonates those sticky bombs. Under normal circumstances? I’d say you’d be pretty dead. That and Hazel caved in Salem’s face during their fight

[@TheAngelofFate17]

@@De_Vegi oh no I don’t doubt Yang did some damage to her, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t think it technically counts as a “death” since Salem was able to bring herself back from that in seconds Whereas Hazel saids when he killed her all those times before, she was only gone for a few hours implying that when he killed her those times he must have pounded her to the point where she was nothing but a pile of black mushy paste. But when Oscar kills her, he literally disintegrates her, and she’s gone exactly like Hazel says, for a few hours. Long enough for the hero’s to get everyone all off Atlas and into Vacuo. So while I do think that Yang blasting Salem in the badoongas was awesome, I think the Salem kill count goes to Oscar or more so Oz’s cane, since it literally just _blipped_ her into nothingness for a few hours.

[@De_Vegi]

@@TheAngelofFate17 Ah, I see. Personally I see anything that would be fatal to a normal human being as a "kill", regardless of how long it takes her to come back from it. Although, as to who did a better job, yeah, Oscar definitely takes the cake there. Also, something I cannot believe just occurred to me, do you think Salem has a soul? The reason I'm wondering about this is aura is "the manifestation of the soul" and Salem doesn't seem to have one. Then again, she doesn't really need one, so why bother. I think I just answered my own question

[@jittercritter]

As someone in Tumblr said: Yang punched the devil in the tits and survived

[@BuzryHaproMandalorianHunter]

The reason why Salem said “her agin?” is because Ruby made her think of her in the last Volume.

[@pyromite38]

Watt's speech elevated him from a mid tier villain into one of the best of RWBY. Also I just love Ironwood's descent into madness/despair. You can clearly see his motives and the points that caused him to become so desperate.

[@likecat7886]

You mean his Semblence?

[@pyromite38]

@@likecat7886 Ironwoods semblance fortifies his determination, allowing him to commit atrocities with a straight face.

[@JBasilix]

@@pyromite38 Ironwoods whole semblence thing is so bullshit. I am SO glad his Semblence doesn´t "show" anywhere in the series because his choices and character as a whole is way more interesting without it. And as long as it is only mentioned in outside sources I personally will treat it as nonexistend. And yes I liked Watts even before but DAMN that speech is so good.

[@alannorris3819]

Chris definitely channeled vegeta into watts

[@Acorn_Anomaly]

@@JBasilix Honestly, I think they've changed their mind on the semblance thing, which is why it's never brought up in the show.

[@bloodgulchblues4094]

Seeing Watts roast Cinder still brings me unbelievable amounts of serotonin

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@marieporter9488]

Harriet didn’t mention that the kids offered to be scouts for the Ace Ops WHILE looking for Oscar. She said EXACTLY what she needed to do so Winter would be in trouble

[@KitsyX]

He probably wouldn’t care about that, what bothers him is probably that it messes up his plan to use them as leverage and maybe that she let them go at all, when I think he told them to keep JRY or whatever with them.

[@marieporter9488]

@@KitsyX True, but I doubt he'd completely disregard the fact that the kids scouting would have increased the chance for the Ace Ops to live

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Harriet wasn't wrong though. Harriet tried to uphold the General's orders, she tried to caution Winter, but Winter chose to ignore her warnings and thus, as would be expected, paid the price for it. Now I'm not saying that she wasn't at least partially motivated by spite in that moment, but I honestly can't blame Harriet for how she acted.

[@KitsyX]

@@TheGreater-ScopeVillain Arguably it’s morally/ethically wrong lol… It’s kinda debatable though, I guess.

[@tsutsuichiharu]

Emerald has always seemed to have a bit of guilt when it came to things they did, in Volume 3 she was the only one of the three who didnt seem to enjoy what was happening to Beacon. In the Subway she was able to get a front row view of what she helped cause by aiding Salem, and you can see her reaction when she withdraws into herself and adverts her eyes from everyone. She is ashamed of what she has done.

[@Kaempfdog]

I am very happy you’ve caught just how far gone Ironwood is. Some didn’t notice his descent was happening until this episode. He keeps taking the easier and easier path to save as little as he can. 1st it was the world, then the kingdom, then just the city, and now, not even the people. Just the technology. He doesn’t even know what he’s saving now. Plus this is all happening in one night. It’s turning dawn. No one is sleeping. Things are getting desperate. Also someone actually counted how many taps of the cane Ozpin/Oscar have made across the show, and the energy was a very sizable pop when it was all said and done. And that’s 8 volumes of this show. Across the many lives he’s lived, a nuke of kinetic energy only being at minimum a little over half the power makes sense. Soooo yikes.

[@khairoohsem6327]

First, not just Lie Ren semblance evolved but Emerald and Hazel. Last time she put illusion in more than one person, she fainted in volume 5 and now her semblance could rival Neo. Hazel semblance is passive so even his aura break his semblance numbing agent still active but he break his limit to the edge with fire, earth, lightning, wind and hard light dust in his body but he is ready to die so it's double edge sword.

[@BGTitanAvatar]

Witch may be my favorite episode of the volume, but only by slim margins. Barb’s voice acting is top tier this episode, from the comedic and dramatic moments. Some of our heroes actually fighting Salem. Hazel and Em turning. The Burning of the Witch moment is just so good! I love this episode! Outside of Ironwood’s speech, the scene that made me most on edge was when the Ace Ops were in Ironwood’s office. The moment he puts his hand on Winter’s shoulder I was terrified for her. And Winter’s expression the whole time? My god! She’s really realizing that the man she viewed as a second (better) father figure has lost his mind, and in that moment she’s right back where she started. It was like she was back in Schnee Manor as a scared kid trembling under her father’s thumb. Ugh, that scene.

[@HyperfixationStation]

These are probably my two favorite episodes of the volume :D I'm super interested by the fact that the magic bubble Oscar made in ch9 had orange lightning, and the explosion in chapter 10 was green, orange and gold (the gold being the kinetic energy blast, I assume). The magic matches his eyes now. And the green keeps getting lighter and closer to Oscar's aura/emblem color. Every time they use it, the merge accelerates. Oscar picked up some vocab in ch10 -- "accumulating, reciprocate, entrusted," etc. I also love how you can tell Shannon is mimicking Aaron to sound more like Oscar. The way Oz says "I recognize that" and "Not having our cane certainly limits the options, so--?" get me every time. It really does seem to be that it's not a takeover, but a merging of two into one. Especially after ch9 had Oz say "I don't blame you" in response to Oscar not being ready yet. And I dunno, maybe it's just how much I love Oscar, but that scene in the tunnels is one of my favorites. Always love seeing him mediate and speak his mind, and I like when the group gets to disagree and have a variety of opinions/reactions

[@riskrov4522]

Just binge watched all your rwby reactions these past weeks and you’ve rocketed up to my favorite rwby reactor ever!!! you understand the characters and stories so well and it’s refreshing to see someone love the series for what it is, instead of nitpicking every tiny thing that didn’t turn out like they wanted lol! can’t wait for the rest of v8!!

[@andyreacts]

It's so great to see Emerald's redemption arc starting. I hope she'll make good friends with some of the hero teams. Girl needs real love and appreciation in her life

[@PugzGaming]

Between the scenes with hazel and emerald in the lamp chamber, the cinder and watts on the roof, the persuading of emerald and the threat by ironwood this episode has soo many good moments. But god dam I can’t wait for next episode.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Plot twist: That scene on the rooftop was the most beneficial thing Watts could've possibly done for Cinder.

[@cbhsoulreaper1393]

The emotion Ren saw in Emerald, the purple petals, was gilt.

[@fireball1249]

What's gilt?

[@sqxbarto9229]

@@fireball1249 guilt :)

[@fireball1249]

@@sqxbarto9229 lmao

[@cbhsoulreaper1393]

@@fireball1249 Guilt. Sorry

[@jeffreysmith236]

Hazel bit the dust. Literally. And burned the witch.

[@jeffreysmith236]

Hazel was a good person. So Salem had to super masterfully manipulate him to get him in line.

[@vikingtropical]

Hazel is the Another One from that music.....

[@RoseScar]

Ehhhh I would say its abit of a stretch to call him a ""good person" , at the very least he's the most moral our of Salem's squad, even then, imo while his motives are understandable, he does quite of bit of mental gymnastics for the justifications of his actions, which makes him a hypocrite most of the time, realistically he is no better then how he views ozpin

[@DigiCount]

He ate the gingerbread

[@Qrow-Samedi]

The Jail for Qrow and the others had no bars, it was an force field. So hir Bird form would not helped much.

[@vikingtropical]

not force field, but hard light dust :D

[@Qrow-Samedi]

thank you for pointing out that i am an idiot

[@RoseScar]

Its still technically a force field, made out of the hard light dust, that pretty much has always been the main usage of hard light dust that we've seen anyway

[@cbhsoulreaper1393]

Something that I may have figured out is that if the team's were to finally defeat Salem and at the same time bring the kingdoms together, then Ozpin can return to the afterlife, giving Oscar the chance to live his own life. Although I may just be creating another crazy theory... lol.

[@jeffreysmith236]

Re Ironwood: US military high command in Vietnam circa late 1960s, "We had to destroy the village in order to save the village." And Cinder has demonstrated she is not a psychopath, just a sociopath. Made not born.

[@morlock2012]

Not sure Cinder is either of those. She has reasonable impulse control, so not socio. I don't think she lacks empathy, it's just outweighed by her need for revenge and dominance, to make sure she's never hurt again.

[@morlock2012]

Totally agree on Ironwood, though.

[@BuzryHaproMandalorianHunter]

The decision between psychopath and sociopath makes me think of The Pretender Movie (2001). If you want to fully understand you need to watch the tv show of the same name before watching the movie.

[@jeffreysmith236]

@@morlock2012 she has shown literally ZERO empathy. Could she choose to? Of course, that would just require some introspection on her part, so that is not happening anytime soon. And apparently she did a little, so she was able to be far more effectively evil. She is imitating Salem, and Salem has shown ZERO fear even before she was immortal, so psychopath.

[@jeffreysmith236]

@@BuzryHaproMandalorianHunter Miss Parker is my favorite. According to some crime science documentary I watched 15 years ago at least, Psychopaths under fMRI do not experience the emotion of fear ever. They are hardwired differently from 99% of us. Which is why they act so brave, but are of course not, since bravery and courage require action in spite of fear. But we incorrectly empathize with them believing they are acting in spite of fear, but no.

[@LuminantLion]

I love how Hazel became the stake that the witch burned at

[@torimiller2928]

Honestly, when episode 10 came out, at the time, I still found it funny how people still blamed team RWBY for Ironwood threatening to drop a bomb on Mantle. And I will say that Ironwoods PTSD with Salem is what made him snap in the first place after seeing that chess piece on his table, so it wasn't exactly team rwby. Like I understand that things can build up, but at the same time, or for me at least, threatening other lives for "saving" other lives will make me not want to help you even more. Other thing, so CRWBY is good at giving subtle details in in this case when Yang and Ruby's team reunited again, it made me very happy, but when Ruby went to hug Oscar, but saw emerald coming instead, that hurt me lol. But I feel like there is going to be a big hug "coming soon" no spoiler by the way.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Shout-outs to Cinder for intentionally setting off the Ironwood time-bomb.

[@torimiller2928]

@@TheGreater-ScopeVillain Ikr, like a lot of people tend to blame Ruby but I'm like if you pay attention it was actually Cinder, because Ironwood took the news of Salem not being killed pretty well, and etc.

[@chrisa.2323]

Time for the show to speedrun Emerald to being one of my favorite characters. Start the timer.

[@LukaBlight69]

Ironwood is being petty at this point. He's delusional and has lost the plot. Screw'em. RIP to Hazel. That was the best he could have possibly done to aid our heroes. Now its up to Emerald to keep carrying the torch in his name. Oscar also broke the Grimm Kill count / is now the one who's killed the biggest known Grimm. Edit: Watts spat pure facts at Cinder and it broke her. He got to her so hard that she knew if she killed him, she'd be proving his point even more.

[@nstorm2415]

Biggest kill streak on a single attack. He already have the biggest killcount.

[@goddesssalem4842]

Both hazel and emerald are garbage, Emerald will get what's coming to her

[@Cyrinil142]

I mean, leaving the relics within reach of Salem because it's super uncomfortable to cut your losses is pretty damn petty too. They're gambling with a lot more than just the lives of the people in Mantle. At what point does it become acceptable to take extreme measures to stop them? Is it fair to turn to all the people who died after Thanos gets the infinity stones and say "woops, sorry, we didn't want to trade any lives"? Because that's what Ironwoods doing everything he can to prevent.

[@LukaBlight69]

@@Cyrinil142 After Oscar killed Monstro, he bought both Atlas and Mantle time to evacuate. Ironwood is stubbornly clinging to his own shotsightedness at this point. The ships Whitley sent to evac Mantle were of no threat to Ironwood or his forces. All he did was solidify that he cannot in fact be trusted. He's being irrational as hell. All he had to do was ask Penny to get the relic and leave on one of the ships as Salem is on Atlas and if she is indeed unkillable, then she will reform where she died aka ON ATLAS. Ironwood's plan is a lost cause.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@MinisterEvil]

19:54 Best reaction to that scene ever! I could almost see your heart jump out of your chest, through my screen, and smack me in the face.

[@smokestarrules]

these two episodes back-to-back are a TRIP.

[@killakanzgaming]

Yeah, Ironwood is now very much the King trying to save just his castle...

[@Newra33]

lucky you :) we had to wait for 2 weeks between these two chapters iirc

[@vlcharlie4884]

Arthur be like "holy shit that worked"

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Indeed. He was shooketh! XD But actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@Ruby-zl1sp]

I read this somewhere on Twitter I believe but this episode cemented Ironwood as someone who's... In the wrong genre of show. RWBY is dark but it's not gritty and grimdark (ironihcally). There's the brutal lows but we're never shown that's all there is. In RWBY, we're taught that love, trust, hope, and relationships prevail over all else. Ironwood is the complete antithesis to that. In a different series, he could be the grizzled hero. Making the hard choices and saving as many people as he can. But in RWBY, we see the flip side of that. His power and authority has gone to his head. He's the only one with all the answers and in pursuit of his future, nobody else matters. Sure, his actions were good for a while. But once his goals don't align with other heroes or he doesn't get what he wants, he's an antagonist. There are times where team RWBY has to make these hard decisions and I've seen people call hypocrisy on how they're portrayed vs Ironwood. But the thing is, Ironwood makes these decisions by himself and for himself. The heroes make these decisions with each other and for others.

[@Cyrinil142]

That's a great way to put it. He's wrong genre savvy. He doesn't understand that he's basically in a shonen so power of friendship and pureness of heart will always be more effective than moral compromise. And simply can't consider the fact that he's not always the smartest person in the room.

[@MarrowsRedemptionArc]

13:37 jinn appears to look at neo before disappearing. just thought that was a cool detail

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Mild spoilers: I love how Jinn can see Neo and view her as no great threat, but as soon as she lays eyes on Cinder we see the very first signs of genuine fear on the ancient magical spirit's face.

[@nicholasjones7542]

Ironwoods resolve is crazy and I love it

[@MinisterEvil]

There were no bars for Qrow to fly through. Their cell was made of light dust in hexagonal shapes.

[@brandynorby6657]

I binged all of your rwby vol7 reactions till now cause i'd been offline for a while- I can't wait to see your reaction to the rest of the season! It's gonna be great-

[@dragon2218]

Watts after roasting Cinder: Holy shit, that actually worked.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Indeed. He was shooketh! XD But actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@dragon2218]

@@TheGreater-ScopeVillain agreed

[@MsAlexisLaree]

I think Yang spoke up to get the attention off Oscar. She is always protecting everyone else and since she couldn’t get in front of him or use her fists, she used her words to draw Salem away from Oscar. Just my view/opinion.

[@sonicboomkj]

Ultimatum was one of my favorite episodes this volume. From the explosion to Watts' rant.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@genericdreamers831]

The cells in the brig were made out of 'hard light.' System got smashed, walls disappeared. And press F for Hazel, man. Dust and ashes in the wind, just as you said. Dust and ashes that they all then inhaled. So now there's a little bit of Hazel in all of them (BA-DING-TSSSH!).

[@Ponyman-1997]

This is the episode that Ironwood officially died to me

[@sunguardianryohei]

for me; he went off the redemption path when he shot Oscar

[@sanjaynandalall2260]

I didnt notice the silver eyes on the first watch. I was caught up with the human (Faunhaust). I found out through reactors, specifically MurderOfBirds who is definitely the biggest RWBY fan (watch him and you'll see why)

[@Acorn_Anomaly]

"Oh, wow, it worked! I don't know if that was his plan, or not!" Hilariously, even HE looks surprised it worked. I think he just thought he had once last chance to roast Cinder before she killed him, so he made sure he made the best of it.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Indeed. Though, funnily enough, the joke's actually on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@highfivewaterslide7659]

yes, the first caught up hiatus is the worst!

[@sixpense]

I WAS WAITING FOR THISSS

[@marie-evesimard725]

We all hope that Summer isn't really dead, or that at the very least we'll get to know what really happened to her. She'd be very proud of her daughters though, they both faced Salem like bosses. Also, Watts giving Cinder a piece of his mind is epic.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@marie-evesimard725]

@@TheGreater-ScopeVillain It was very entertaining to watch but I guess it would have been better for our crew if he had just die in silence without going through to her.

[@sanjaynandalall2260]

I love how pissed she gets when the episodes end, reminds me of me

[@notquiteallison]

These few episodes are some of my favorites! I love the little info on "The Girl Who Fell Through the World". The connection with Oscar is so impactful regarding his feelings. Oscar using the kinetic energy is so awesome, always gives me goosebumps. Hazel literally burned Salem "at the stake". In this he brings his allusion to Hansel and Gretel full circle. People like to say that Watts' semblance is savagery because of his monolouge. The Volume 8 soundtrack hasn't released yet, but the song that plays on our crews' regrouping is already in my heart. Ironwood is so far gone. Harriet is loyal to a tyrant, and totally throws Winter under the bus.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Harriet wasn't wrong though. Harriet tried to uphold the General's orders, she tried to caution Winter, but Winter chose to ignore her warnings and thus, as would be expected, paid the price for it. Now I'm not saying that she wasn't at least partially motivated by spite in that moment, but I honestly can't blame Harriet for how she acted.

[@notquiteallison]

@@TheGreater-ScopeVillain I never said Harriet was wrong. She didn't lie. However, she did throw Winter under the bus with how she presented the information. She was entirely loyal to Ironwood, with no regard for logic or compassion regarding our protagonists. Her loyalty was also being fueled by anger abt Clover and was directed at anyone whom Ironwood was opposed against. And yes, Winter did go against orders and did pay the price, but they were orders given that went against her morals and she was suffering from cognitive dissonance. Of course her decisions were odd.

[@WingManFang1]

If you pay attention to Hazel when he fuses the crystals to his body it’s the colors of Team RWBY.

[@zaandarbrow]

Watts: Go Go Gadget Talk shit XD

[@zaandarbrow]

Hazel went out like a boss !

[@EtherealSky5594]

Yay it's Rwby day! :D

[@magnushusted5043]

How do we fill the void between episodes? Mainly coming up with headcanons, and crack-pot theories

[@thegneech]

Well I mean, Salem fell through the world twice in her backstory episode...

[@TenebrousFilms]

Wish we'd seen how/where they got in. I never even noticed the other half of team FNKY was there too. Jaune has faith, it's totally in character, considering whom he's based on. That's why I think he was originally supposed to heal Ruby's eyes at Haven instead of Weiss getting skewered. As a former rollerblader, I have no idea how Neon can skate on that ground; but what's really concerning is, we never see FNKY again. It's nice to finally see Salem in action, and it's great to hear Yang refer to the woman that raised her as her mom after all that Raven fuss. But it's *awesome* to see more use of natural dust, especially that hard light shield near the end. I would've liked an extra line or too from Hazel: "You lied to me, manipulated me, to end the world Gretchen was willing to die to protect. I'm doing what she would've done!" But when it comes down to it, Hazel still helped murder the majority of Mistral's huntspeople, and intended to slaughter every child Ozpin ended up in. He went out like a boss, but I have no sympathy for the man. The first scene is awesome on a technical level, the second is awesome on a performance level, from Jessica and Christopher both. Arthur schools Cinder so hard she actually listens? There's something kharmic that everyone Oz or Oscar poked with that stick - Cinder, Lionheart, Hazel - contributed to the blast that put the almighty Salem on pause. The title of Big Bad now falls to Ironwood, and he's stepping up handily. He must be reading the Tome of Villainy from Kim Possible! He's got the evil chortle down, and he obviously just finished the chapter on dramatic ultimatum lighting. A shame the heroes' reunion was so short, it literally had me yelling, "Kiss, you cowards!" We know lesbian relationships are accepted (in Argus at least), so maybe it's the interracial aspect that's making them keep it on the downlow? I still think they had a deep and meaningful conversation the night before the airship heist, that we never got to see.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Actually, the joke's on Watts more than anyone here. He was terrified upon realising that Cinder could and would kill him now that Salem was no longer around to protect him, but after accepting that he was most likely going to die an unremarkable death, he decided to finally voice his pent-up frustrations about Cinder to her in an effort to at least not die a coward, which I can respect. However, although his goal was to _hurt_ Cinder, he really ended up *_benefitting_* her more than anything; he didn't break her, he gave her the tools she needed in order to build herself back up again. In fact, this was probably the most beneficial thing that Watts could have done for Cinder: he inadvertently helped her realise her faults that had built up since her loss at Beacon Tower to Ruby's Silver Eyes, and inspired her to become much more like the brilliant and dangerously competent villain that she was through Volumes 1-3. If anything, Watts went out unwittingly serving the one being that he hates most in the world (besides Ironwood). And the fact that Cinder spared Watts' life (to his great surprise and relief) after all that backtalk shows just how strong she is; lesser people would have just killed Watts right then and there, but Cinder was able to set aside her pride and accept that Watts was (for the most part) right. In addition, Cinder started showing more patience instead of allowing her anger to immediately and blindly cause her to lash out at anyone who earns her ire, as well as more strategic and tactical skills in obtaining her vengeance and manipulating others to do her bidding. This was seen where she first manipulated Neo and Watts to get what she needs first by convincing him to help her further destroy Atlas and impede Ruby and her group's plans before tying up loose ends with them both. So not only did Cinder sparing Watts show her restraint, but also her ability to think ahead to use the disgraced scientist's skills to serve her own ends.

[@alannorris3819]

Anyone else notice Jinn look right at neo as the others left the room?

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Mild spoilers: I love how Jinn can see Neo and view her as no great threat, but as soon as she lays eyes on Cinder we see the very first signs of genuine fear on the ancient magical spirit's face.

[@sanjaynandalall2260]

16:36 cmon Juan 🤣😂😅🤣😂😅

[@ChaosArdor]

Qrow back in volume 3: "you know, sometimes I don't think he even has a heart." Five volumes later... Ironwood: "Leveraging the lives of her friends is the only way to make her see reason." Cooperate with me and save Atlas, leaving Mantle to die, or I'll just nuke it anyway. "You have one hour to respond."

[@ВасяПупкин-х9з9п]

There will be things in next four episodes.

[@ProphetOfTruth_]

Nuke ‘em irondaddy

[@Ai_uchiha_sasuke_taka]

Nice

[@BrittanyArtPoetry]

I don’t think Qrow could have flown through the bars. Ironwood as part of Ozs inner circle would know about that form and probably took precautions

[@thelast5warriorsoftheworld546]

You should get the RWBY After the Fall and RWBY Before the Dawn and RWBY Roman Holiday books they are Canon books and they are important to the story and RWBY After the Fall takes places During Vol 4-6 and The Second Book RWBY Before the Dawn takes place Vol 7-8 and RWBY Roman Holiday we get to learn more about Roman and Neo you can read it after reading the first two books

[@Badger77722]

Ironwood's focus has always been on Atlas. Not the kingdom of Atlas, although he professes loyalty to that, but to the city of Atlas. Looking back through everything he's said and done in V7 and V8, Mantle has always been the bastard child that he only thinks about when it interferes with his ideas and plans for Atlas. That's part of the reason why he can even contemplate destroying Mantle and everyone there in order to "save" Atlas. I'd love to know more about Ironwood's early life, to see if there's some underlying reason why he is obsessed with the city of Atlas, but even understanding his reasons (if that's possible) wouldn't make them valid.

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

Given the choice, Ironwood would have saved the entire kingdom of Atlas, including Mantle. It's just that he believes that in the current situation it isn't feasible to save anything more than the capital city. The Staff of Creation can only raise so much.

[@robertpresley1503]

No, the ships were just for Mantle. The people in Atlas are already protected by....Atlas. Mantle is basically defenseless.

[@andrewlucaschism]

I know you record these well in advance of them coming to KZbin, but I really can't recommend RWBY Chibi therapy enough after you finish this volume.

[@goddesssalem4842]

They did Salem dirty, I hated episode 9

[@mmmmricher7258]

Yeah, shooting down the SDC ships was nothing but being straight petty

[@TheGreater-ScopeVillain]

It's logical, from his perspective. If they have no way to save Mantle, then the heroes are forced to help Ironwood save Atlas.

[@mmmmricher7258]

@@TheGreater-ScopeVillain well they were about to save mantle then and there. as soon as the ships left with the people in them, then they could go help ironwood, since all the people were safe

[@milomassacre]

queen have you seen soul eater

[@bigmexy924]

This all could’ve been avoided if they didn’t decide to lie and keep secrets from Ironwood

[@smockboy]

Not necessarily (and in my opinion not likely). One the important tipping points for Ironwood's descent into madness was learning the full story about just how unkillable Salem is. In all likelihood, all that telling him the truth from the get-go would've resulted in is his descent into madness and tyranny beginning earlier in the story.

[@torimiller2928]

@@smockboy I know I'm late to the party but I just want to add something. To be honest, a lot of fans tend to forget that back in volume 7 episode 8 when Ironwood had that mini flashback to Beacon with the Queen chess piece, it shows that he had PTSD not only that but he also explained how he felt weak against her. Then of course after Oscar telling him that truth about Salem, to be honest he took that very well, but of course he also had his first priority was to make sure mantle was safe. But what set him off wasn't really team RWBY (could've been a slight pile to it though), but it was him seeing the chess piece. Because up to a few moments before that Ironwood was still fine.

[@nateperkins9860]

I really hate what the writers did to Ironwood