English names will be used in this review to coincide with the familiarity of the English game text.
Phoenix Wright is on his second case as a defense attorney and it is one he never expected to happen. In the second episode of Ace Attorney, Phoenix discovers his mentor (and boss) has been murdered in their office on a night that was supposed to be a celebration. Mia was a beautiful and strong-willed attorney who, as we learn in episode three, was investigating a notorious and secretive criminal. Originally, she placed evidence in the Thinker miniature statue-clock which she intended her little sister Maya to hold until the trial came to light. Ironically, the murderer used the very same Thinker clock to kill Mia.
Detective Dick Gumshoe accused and arrested Maya for her sister’s murder and Phoenix is searching for the truth and evidence to support Maya’s innocence. This episode takes place mainly in the courtroom, but since this mystery is spread over the span of three episode segments the story is being given enough time to develop, unlike the first mystery which was contained within one episode. The dashing, and rather oppressive, Miles Edgeworth, the prosecutor, is popular for never losing a case. Here fans will see his aggressiveness come to life from the game as he ruthlessly tries to prove Maya is the murderer.
Phoenix finds evidence in Mia’s office that leads to the famous and never committed criminal Redd White, an annoying, ridiculous-looking man who’s spent quite a bit of time in America and has a difficult time speaking Japanese. His voice is grating, although most likely intended to sound that way, yet it’s too annoying to listen to. However, the point of his character being obnoxious and able to get away with any crime he wishes, due to his political power, is very clear.
During the trial, Miles embarrasses the new attorney by producing a second autopsy report indicating the victim “pretty much” died instantly from the blow to the head, instead of instantly. As shocking it is to Phoenix, it is just as annoying for the audience. Miles’ smug expression and boasting is unbecoming for such a well-revered prosecutor. In this story, it is becoming clear that Miles does not care to find the truth, he only wants a quick ending for the trial and add it to his victory collection. Phoenix, although young and a bit exhausted from silly-minded people, is always on a journey to bring truth to light.
His hard work is admirable and the anime is beginning to show his dedication to the truth. Episode 3: Turnabout Sisters 2nd Trial is a promising hope for the future of the Ace Attorney anime adaptation. Phoenix’s personality and dedication to truth is beginning to shine through the screen. His own traumatic experience of wrongfully being accused by his classmates is guiding him to his calling. Unfortunately, Maya hasn’t been given much screen time. Her personality has yet to be seen, and her personal story and relationship with her sister has been glossed over in a few short sentences. The next episode is the final one for the Turnabout Sisters. Before this story-arc ends, it would be great to see an in-depth look at Mia and Maya as sisters.
This anime adaptation lifts the story, characters and evidence directly from the Ace Attorney Capcom games. The studio, A-1 Pictures, hasn’t taken many liberties with the storyline so far. Exploration of the main cast and their past and current lives aren’t shown, except on extremely rare occasions. A huge advantage to the adaptation is that it feels nostalgic to fans of the game series. The characters’ expressions and personalities from the DS and 3DS games are exact. Although this is only the third episode, it seems the series is in need of improvement. If you would like to follow along and watch Ace Attorney, you may watch it through Crunchyroll.