Volume 3 of R.O.D the TV completely erases my earlier worries about the show's writing and drama. That's really saying something, since I'm a hereditary worrier. In this volume, the series commands that we take notice, and becomes a series that one can be passionate about without apology. The drama escalates and is tightly written, and the characterization has gotten even better than it was before. This is the good stuff.

The volume begins with a premonition, breaks for a charming Christmas episode, then goes full board with the main plot. While the second volume did not boast much in the way of villainy, this volume provides nearly an overdose thereof. It was excellent timing to say the least, because the sisters have not faced a significant challenge up to this point. Of course, it is somewhat formulaic to wow the audience with the superpowers of the fair and fearless warriors to foster an attachment from the audience, only to all but crush their hopes in an onslaught of the Mighty Evil Forces and leave the battered and exhausted heroes on the defensive until they can find the strength within themselves to bring the light of hope back to the kingdom and regain our full confidence! But who can't get excited about this stuff? Some formulas are good.

Nenene rests in the one part of Yomiko Readman's apartment that isn't full of books.	Question! Are there any Cheetos involved in this plan?

Because I'm a sucker for this mushy stuff, and because Christmas is my favorite holiday, I will make special mention of this series' Christmas episode. It doesn't have spiked eggnog or "sexy santas," but it does have a sugary caramel sweetness to it. The writers really impressed me here, resorting to the good old "Christmas miracle" formula, instead of the more modern commercial extravaganza. The episode tells of how the three sisters shared the holiday on a particularly special year, as well as reliving the event that got Nenene started as a writer. The episode nails two facets of the Christmas experience that are often overlooked: a renewal of hope, and and the spirit of giving.

The Christmas episode has an important impact to the story - another oddity in itself. From that point on, the sisters' actions and motives become easier to predict. I like this kind of predictability, because it makes you feel as if you know these people. By contrast, the villains' motives raise all kinds of questions. Viewers who have seen the Read or Die OVAs will have a little more of a clue as to what's going on, but there are juicy bits of uncertainty for any viewer at this point.

What is certain is that the fight is on for this series, and it boasts some impressive contenders on both sides. The Big Evil Jerks are pretty hateworthy at this point, so it will be satisfying to see the Dynamic Damsels whoop up on them. I, for one, can't wait.

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