GeekNights Presents: Utena
Episode 09

Episode nine of Utena is probably the most important and revelatory of all episodes up to this point in the show. We see Utena's backstory, as well as Touga's and Saionji's. We learn of a pre-existing relationship between Utena and the school, between Utena and the two boys, and possibly some context to Utena's prince and his gift of the ring to her.

What exactly did young Utena see that gave her the courage and conviction to leave that coffin? Saionji, believing that Touga had a hand in it (and now confronted with the reality of death: both of the body and of true friendship), is set on his disastrous path.

Touga betrayed Saionji, with the help of End of the World (whoever or whatever that is), removing him from the equation while simultaneously setting the stage for his coming duel with Utena. But, what exactly is he after?

Is there something "eternal" in the castle?