The third volume of RahXephon doesn't do much to alleviate the confusion of the plot, but it does hand over some much needed character development. We're introduced to new characters from a separate organization (the Bähbem Foundation), and the story appears to be progressing at a comfortable pace. The show has reached "Not bad." status at this point.

Volume 3 starts off with a bit of backstory on Jin Kunugi, the commander of TERRA. It centers around discussion of the early confrontations with the Mu. From this we see that the commander carries a heavy burden. We also learn a little more about Quon, and how she seems to know a person's feelings by the sounds that they make. As for Ayato, it's business as usual. He seems to be getting better at this piloting thing, but like a good little clueless hero, he still is driven by his doubts and distrust of people. The focus returns to Quon at the end of the volume, identifying some kind of relationship between her and RahXephon.

Though Ayato's distrust of the people surrounding him borders on paranoia, his fears aren't exactly misguided. It's obvious that he's not being told about everything, but he also recalls through a rather convenient rendezvous with an enemy dolem that the folks back home are not exactly the most trustworthy as well. Volume 3 doesn't go to great lengths to help the viewer understand the plot, but it does offer insightful tidbits about the characters. As long as it continues to do that, the lack of understandable information is only of minimal concern.

This is the genius reporter that's more knowledgeable than us viewers. Shoot him.	Demon eyes? Or lighting accident? :)

The cover of Volume 3 sports a nifty picture of RahXephon's head, as well as Ayato and Reika Mishima in a wind-tunnel pose. Extras on the disc include clean opening and ending sequences, production artwork, and a special promotional video for the show that was created early in its production. The case insert once again contains informative blurbs about certain characters and machines in the series, as well as interviews from the production staff.

At this point, I'll forego further judgement of the series until I see where the story takes us in the fourth volume. There are some good things happening in the show, such as it's style and its level of character development, but at some point we're going to have to get some answers about RahXephon and all that behind the scenes stuff.

Video Quality: A+
Audio Quality: B+
Presentation: A+
Content: B
Overall: B