NOBLESSE -ノブレス-
Noblesse - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
A Reason to Fight / Nobility
This episode establishes the central conflict by properly introducing the Union as a threat. It also solidifies Rai's role as a protector when he steps in to save his friends, showcasing his overwhelming power for the first time in the series. It's a key episode for setting the stakes and defining the dynamics between the main characters and the antagonists.
It sets the narrative in motion, moving beyond Rai's initial culture shock to establish the action-oriented plot. It defines Rai's motivation to protect his new friends and gives M-21 a reason to begin questioning his allegiance to the Union.
A Friend's Hand / Fight For...
Regis and Seira, two other Nobles, arrive to investigate Rai, creating tension and expanding the world's lore. This episode is significant for introducing the politics of the Nobles' society (Lukedonia) and for the major confrontation between Frankenstein and the DA-5, a specialized unit from the Union. Frankenstein's immense power and sadistic fighting style are put on full display.
This episode deepens the world-building by introducing Lukedonia and the hierarchy of the Nobles. It establishes Frankenstein as a formidable fighter in his own right and plants the seeds of conflict between Rai's group and the established Noble society.
Great Power / Raizel
Ranked as one of the best episodes by viewers, this entry features intense, escalating battles. Rai fully intervenes in the fight against the Union's agent Crans, using his signature Blood Field ability. It's a pivotal moment where Rai demonstrates the true, terrifying extent of his power as the Noblesse to save M-21 and his friends.
This episode is a turning point, solidifying M-21's loyalty to Rai and showcasing the life-draining cost of Rai's powers. It's a crucial demonstration of the series' central theme: the burden of power and the sacrifices made to protect others.
Frankenstein / First Contact
Gejutel, a Noble elder and Regis's grandfather, arrives in Japan and has an unexpected reunion with Frankenstein and Rai. This episode delves into Frankenstein's mysterious past and his complicated history with the Nobles, revealing that he is a human who possesses power rivaling that of a clan leader.
It provides crucial backstory for Frankenstein, adding depth to his character beyond being a loyal servant. The episode builds the bridge between the conflict with the Union and the impending conflict with Lukedonia, setting the stage for the season's climax.
Noblesse / Take Her Hand
The season finale brings the conflict with Lukedonia to a head. Rai confronts the current Lord, Raskreia, to stop the execution of Gejutel and reveals the truth behind the previous Lord's 'betrayal'. The episode features a climactic battle and resolves the misunderstanding that has plagued Noble society for centuries, but at a great cost to Rai's remaining life force.
This episode concludes the first major arc of the story, revealing key secrets about Rai's past and the history of the Nobles. It firmly establishes Rai's authority and righteousness but ends on a somber note, emphasizing the toll his duties have taken on him and leaving his future uncertain.