Orb: On the Movements of the Earth - Episode 4 Review

Episode 4 of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth delivers a turning point that fans of the show had feared—Rafal is truly dead. As much as we held on to the hope that maybe there was some trick, a fake corpse, or a miraculous survival, the subtle but significant changes in the opening and ending sequences make it clear: we are now entering a new arc, led by different characters. The emotional impact of Rafal’s demise sets the tone for a darker, more perilous journey as we follow new protagonists caught in the ongoing battle between science and religious dogma.

Accepting Rafal's Death: The End of an Era

Rafal’s death was a moment that hit hard. He was a character whose passion for knowledge and discovery made him a beacon of hope in a world gripped by fear and ignorance. With Episode 4, we must finally come to terms with his fate. His death wasn’t just a personal loss; it was a symbolic one. Rafal’s sacrifice underscored the dangers of challenging the status quo in a world where new ideas are met with violent opposition. His passing signals to viewers that no one is safe, and that the stakes in this series are as high as they come.

The subtle changes in the opening animation were a nice touch. As we transition into a new era of storytelling, the shift in visuals reflects the gravity of Rafal’s loss and the new direction the show is taking. It’s clear that Episode 4 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Orb.

A New Protagonist Emerges: Oczy and Gras Take the Lead

With Rafal gone, the focus now shifts to Oczy and Gras, two characters who couldn’t be more different from the idealistic protagonist we’ve come to know. Oczy is a mercenary—a cynical, hardened individual whose faith is as shattered as his trust in the world. Gras, on the other hand, is a man still grappling with the reality of the cosmos, particularly after witnessing Mars’s retrograde motion. His optimism, albeit shaken, contrasts with Oczy's jaded worldview, creating an interesting dynamic between the two.

Oczy’s introduction as the new lead is a bold move by the series. While Rafal represented hope and the quest for knowledge, Oczy brings a more grounded, gritty perspective. His character adds a layer of realism to the story—after all, not everyone in this world is driven by a thirst for discovery. Some are simply trying to survive. Episode 4 sets up Oczy and Gras as reluctant allies, drawn together by their circumstances but motivated by very different things.

Mars and Retrograde Motion: Breaking Beliefs

One of the most intriguing elements of Episode 4 is how it continues to use astronomy as a metaphor for shifting worldviews. Gras's discovery of Mars’s retrograde motion—a phenomenon that seemingly contradicts the belief in a perfect, divine cosmos—plays a crucial role in the episode. For Gras, this revelation is devastating, as it challenges everything he once believed about the universe.

The retrograde motion of Mars is more than just an astronomical concept in Orb; it symbolizes the crumbling of old beliefs and the rise of new ideas. This mirrors the larger theme of the series, where scientific truth battles against entrenched dogma. Episode 4 brilliantly ties this astronomical event to Gras’s personal journey, showing how the movements of the stars can upend not just the physical world, but one’s entire belief system.

The Church’s Relentless Pursuit: Danger Lurking Ahead

As Oczy and Gras take center stage, we’re reminded that the Church remains a constant threat. Their persecution of those who challenge geocentrism is brutal and unyielding, and with Rafal gone, it’s clear that Oczy and Gras will face a similarly dangerous path. Episode 4 hints that the stakes are only going to get higher, with the Church intensifying its hunt for "heretics."

The episode also teases a deeper mystery regarding Rafal's fate. While we are led to accept his death, there are still lingering hints—like the nobleman at the tavern who resembles Rafal—that leave room for speculation. Could Rafal have survived in some way, or is this merely a clever red herring?

Final Thoughts

Episode 4 of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth marks a critical turning point in the series. With Rafal's death, the show embraces a new direction, introducing us to a darker, more complex protagonist in Oczy. The exploration of astronomical phenomena like Mars’s retrograde motion continues to deepen the show's themes of knowledge, faith, and the harsh consequences of challenging authority. As we move forward with Oczy and Gras, the series promises more intrigue, danger, and philosophical questions about our place in the universe.

What did you think about Rafal’s death? Do you think Oczy will fill his shoes, or are we in for more heartbreak? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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