Divine Gate: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Endless Rain” [Series Premiere] – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

Overview

In a world where demons, humans, and faeries co-exist, though not like Kekkai Sensen, there is a fairy tale about the Divine Gate. Something perhaps only people with elemental abilities can reach and, if they do, they are granted a wish. However, between discovery of powers and the possibility of reaching the gate, they use their powers for either good, or possibly evil.

Characters & Story (with Commentary)

Many years ago, for reasons not gone into in the premiere, the world of the humans, Terrastia, the demons, Hellistia, and fairies, Celestia, combined. The convergence led to humans gaining elemental powers, such as the ability to conjure fire, water, and manipulate air, and also the birth of the Divine Gate legend began. Leading to the need for training, restriction, and directing the future generations when it comes to these powers.

Thus giving birth to the World Council, and their academy for those who have discovered they have powers. Some are like Midori and Akane, happy go lucky teens who believe in the Divine Gate, and seemingly train to be officers. On the opposing end though, there are people like Aoto. Those who almost look at their powers as if they are a curse, and have no interest in honing their powers, or joining the academy. If anything, they just wish to be left alone and continue the trajectory they already have in life.

But, things aren’t that simple. Especially when those who abuse their power threaten the lives of others, and the safety of users. Hence why these three young people meet, and Akane and Midori are tasked with trying to recruit Aoto.

Highlights

Aoto’s backstory is a bit dark and while it is likely he didn’t kill his parents, there remains the question of where is his brother now? Much less, who is this child, which looks similar to him, that is following him around?

Low Points

Neither Midori or Akane bring anything to the table to make them seem interesting. Midori is this happy go lucky girl who likes racing, and dreams of finding the Divine Gate, and Akane just seems like he is along for the ride.

The introduction to, for a lack of a better term, the dark side of magic users, was weak. It was one lone crazy guy, and despite Aoto not having much, if any, training, he quickly disposed of him. Which, for me, was an issue for that fire user was the sole source of conflict.

With how mopey Aoto talks, it doesn’t really make him seem like the best person to choose to start the series with. For while his backstory is praise worthy since it does present the sole interesting thing in the premiere, his down and dreary attitude pushes you away than brings you in.

The politics of the world council, and their prejudice, didn’t bring any interest to what the adults are doing, or the likely difficulties in the three worlds trying to maintain balance.

Final Thought(s): Stick Around (Not Going To Cover, Won’t Continue To Watch)

While this show could possibly become more interesting as more characters are introduced, the Diving Gate is better explained, as well as how the worlds collided and powers began to develop, as of the first episode I’m too bored to continue. Aoto, Midori, Akane, their teachers, and the head of the academy Arthur, none of them have that type of persona which keeps you wanting more. Then with there being no sort of interesting villain to at least love to hate, you are just left with them.

Making it so Aoto’s backstory is the sole thing of interest. Which leaves the hope that considering how dark his story is, in terms of him being neglected and allegedly killing his parents, maybe it can spread throughout the rest of the show. Thus giving a true reason to stick around.