Volume 6 of RahXephon takes the fabulous finisher of the previous volume and all but forgets about it - redirecting the focus of the show to more important (boring) things like an impending apocalypse. I fear for the show as it begins to cast off the elements that were working very well for it in favor of more of the earlier pretension. Despite the show actively working against itself at this point, there is still some hope that it will be able to wrap up cleanly. It had better hurry though, for its time is ticking away...

This volume is one of personnel changes. Isshiki Makoto takes the helm at TERRA for a bit, and a girl who looks mysteriously like Reika comes in as Makoto's aide. Megumi gets a promotion, and Ayato's friend Mamoru from Tokyo shows up out of the blue. And then, as they say, the "stuff" hits the fan. Makoto gets a tad too ambitious while Ayato gets close to finishing his painting, and Quon does...something, and I hope becomes more clear in the final volume as to exactly what she did.

There are a couple of developments offered by this volume that are pleasant and/or appropriate, despite the "stuff" being flung about. The first is on the part of the main character, which is somewhat surprising. Ayato shows remarkable insight and self-confidence in this volume, clearly defying one of the most fundamental requirements of the genre. The other nice development is that the "Jupiter phenomenon" that surrounded Tokyo has a fairly solid explanation now. Explanations of any kind are a very good thing at this point.

Haruka is overjoyed at her chance to spend time in Ayato's company when he's not being a bastard.	Why did this scene cut to Quon playing the piano? Sayeth the teenaged boys: Who cares!? She are HAWT.

The disc contains the usual clean opening/closing sequences and production artwork that the previous discs have had. The other extra on this volume is the last of a series of interviews with the English dub cast. The packaging for this volume sports a shot of Ayato, Haruka, and Quon that looks like it's templated from a Star Wars poster. The accompanying booklet is informative and stylish as always, containing information on the Dolems and characters showing up in this volume, as well as translation notes and interview transcripts.

From this point, my overall evaluation of the show could lean in either direction. It's walking a fine line between something that's emotionally stimulating and insightful, and something that's both contrived and convoluted. Causing confusion with deliberation is great for April Fool's Day pranks, but generally doesn't make for good programming. Stay tuned for my final answer - coming up after these messages!

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