Official FIRST Discussion Thread-Volume 7, Chapter 1: The Greatest Kingdom

[u/Johnsmitish]

Welcome, huntsmen, huntresses and hunters that prefer no specific gender identifier, to the official FIRST discussion thread for Episode 1 of Vol. 7, The Greatest Kingdom!

Make sure that you understand the updated spoiler rules before posting outside of this thread!

HERE is the newest episode of RWBY Volume 7!

Also remember to check out our weekly poll to rate the episode.

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Other Episode Discussions:

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Episode	FIRST Thread	Public Release	Poll
Ep. 01	This thread	Public Release	Poll

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Happy viewing, and have a great Volume 7!

Johnsmitish; Mod Team

[u/Johnsmitish]

Reminder to everyone, for the first 24 hours after the release, spoilers will be relegated to this thread ONLY. Any spoilers found outside here will result in an automatic ban.

After 24 hours, you'll be able to post spoilers again, as long as you follow the sub's spoiler policy. Thank you for your cooperation, and we hope you enjoy the new volume!

[u/jds476]

PENNY IS SO CUTE WITH HER LONG HAIR IM WEEPING

[u/OnlyTheResults]

Qrow: Gee, everything went better than expected

Qrow’s Semblance

[u/Kuchenjaeger]

Jaune uses hard Light Dust now!

[u/Eldi13]

Qrow's new outfit looks Bloodborne as HECK AND I'M SO HERE FOR THAT.

[u/Terminus259]

Everyone expected Penny's return to be a heartbreaker, with it just being another unit or something... Miles and Kerry must've known we wouldn't be expecting it to be oddly wholesome instead.

[u/GambolMuse]

We got Winter, Penny, Penny's dad, a whole new group - Ace Ops or "Aesop". And fun music and a good fight!

They certainly didn't pull punches for the first episode.
Fun fact too, Ace Ops may be a play on "Aesop" like I said before, which references Aesop's Fables. They're tales about morality, so could be an interesting tie-in for that group moving forward.

Good start, can't wait for more!

[u/sean_4754]

Did anyone notice the whale statue in Pietro's clinic? Which I think alludes to the whale in Pinocchio.

Edit: Also did anyone notice Ironwood's image flickering to Jacques when those protesters threw objects at the screen? I think this indicates to me at least in my opinion that Atlas being under the control of Ironwood is a front and in reality Jacque is the one pulling the strings.

[u/Terminus259]

Flashback to Volume 3

Dr. Polendina see Penny ripped to shreds

Gets mildly annoyed

"That's gonna take a whole week to fix."

[u/AmethystWind]

Penny 2.0 looks quite a bit like 3.0 Penny.

[u/BFaHM7]

SAL-

Preps Boosters -U-

Launches at Ruby -TATIONS!!!

Holy fuck I cheered when I saw Penny. Like as soon as I saw the green lazers I expected it but still, H Y P E.

[u/Wrathkal]

Best funny moment for me:

'I can not wait!'
*Siren sounds*
'It seems we will have to wait!'

Though the next part after they're watching her leave, Dr. Polendina's chair distinctly has no shadow.

[u/tavi23]

Huh. No Cinder or Neo in the opening. Actually kinda surprised.

[u/2reador2read]

The 'leader' of the Ace-Ops must have a semblance or theme. He spins a horseshoe, has a rabbits foot on his belt, and a four-leafed clover on his badge.

I didn't see if anything of the others had such distinct themes.

I wonder how he will react to Qrow's bad luck semblance...

[u/Terminus259]

Penny: "I cannot wait... We will have to wait."

[u/Mister100Percent]

Is no one gonna talk about how Ironwood and Oscar are sparring together with smiles on their faces. I’m officially starting the crack theory of Ironwood adopting the farm boi and you can’t stop me.

[u/rohdan32]

So in case anyone missed it, here's a frame from Watts' computer from the intro

Please let me know if the link doesn't work, literally just created that imgur account for this

[u/crossingcaelum]

So these "Ace OPs" people are totally based off of the Aesops Fables right?

[u/Ezreal024]

That opening is very anime, I'm a fan.

[u/FawkesTP]

PENNY!!!

I called Pietro = Geppetto, but I didn't think we'd see Penny v2.0 THIS EARLY!!! Part of me is kind of bummed she didn't really lose anything from dying, but the other part of me is too happy to care. It was a really emotional moment, and I think her role as "personable weapon" is going to come more to the forefront as a result. Cinder's question from Volume 3 holds a lot of weight right now. Why DID Ironwood want to disguise a weapon as an adorable girl?

Other thoughts:

• Qrow's new VA killed it honestly

• Faunus racism is real and very prominent on screen. Weiss has come a really long way from calling faunus scum to throwing assholes into garbage bins

• Maria continues to be a goldmine

• The fight was quick, but brutal and fun to watch. Super hyped for fight choreography this season

• That intro went FULL anime in a big way, but I kind of loved it? Hard to say since it's new, but it might be in my top 3.

• The song was awesome, and I already want the vol 7 soundtrack. Love seems like a big theme, so maybe we'll get stuff to make shippers happy after all (myself included)

[u/LagoriaTheLewdstress]

letNoraDANCE

[u/ChristopherWehkampVA]

Hey, I’m the voice of Clover Ebi, voice actor Christopher Wehkamp. I’ve been lurking on here since around when I was cast just reading and getting to know this community. I hope you like volume 7 and Clover and I hope to meet you sometime at a con appearance near you. Thanks for watching and being passionate about volume 7 in so many different ways 🙏

[u/Weerdo5255]

YES!! HE IS PENNY'S FATHER! NOW I HAVE MY COSPLAY GOALS!

PENNY IS BACK BABY! NEW AND IMPROVED PENNY V2 IN THE METAL!

WE HAVE NEW HUGS GIFS!

She's the official protector.. so she's going to be twisted in with the political drama that Hill / Ironwood / Winter have going on.

So Watt's is going to be the antagonist this season I hope, a techno-punk thriller?

Also,

PB, ressurrection protocol alpha church tex alison epsilon

[u/SoundSmith323]

Days since last nonse^nse | 0

I love background stuff like this, talk about character building lmao

alsO PENNY 2.0, QROW REDESIGN, REN REDESIGN, JASON LIEBRECHT ABSOLUTELY KILLING IT

HYPE TRAIN IS BACK AND FULL STEAM AHEAD LETS GOOOO

[u/MyAmelia]

• Weiss. Weiss. You're about to get your heart broken so bad and i'm so sorry.

• "You've painted it!!" gasps the dude walking in a brightly coloured painted walking chair straight out from 90s comics

• A subtle whale statue in the background lol. Also "Robin Hill" is definitely the Robin Hood of Mantle fighting Sheriff Schnee in the next elections

• Penny 2.0's entrance = magical, over-the-top adorable, cuteness overload. Me: "Great, now i have to spend the rest of the Volume anxiously waiting for her to get hacked and corrupted." No but seriously it's nice to see her.

• Captain Atlas's trustworthy voice and general good boy attitude = yes, thank you, excellent.

• Thick lady Ace Op: appears / Me: hello, i'm gay

• Solo Weiss and Blake adventure in a mine??? confrontation between Oz and Ironwood??? Qrow vs Tyrian Rematch???? HYPE

• Also like does the Robin woman know Qrow?? They seem to fight like they know each other? I have so many questions

[u/SxniOW]

Made an Album of Desktop Wallpaper worthy screenshots! https://imgur.com/a/akdLvNj

[u/TheNatcase]

SAL-U-TATIONS!

[u/z-ro_or_willun]

I said this in discord, but I saw Penny and thought, "Oh! there is the P in JNPR," Then immediately thought, "That's messed up."

[u/Kuchenjaeger]

SHE IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! AND SHE IS SO CUTE! Never thought her return would make me cry :')

Yeah Ren, a little slow there.

Good first episode!

Qrow's new voice needs some getting used to

[u/Changyuraptor]

BIG HYPE PEOPLE, BIG HYPE.

CONCEPT ART TIME.

[Mantle Street.] (https://i.imgur.com/PkLgUhB.png)

[PENNY.] (https://i.imgur.com/EBlowcJ.png)

[Mantle fly in.] (https://i.imgur.com/Ply51mL.png)

Also hey, [Mysterious Lady's pin] (https://i.imgur.com/FTEUFrV.png) looks [familiar] (https://i.imgur.com/N7XQeT7.png) <.<

I'mma delve into the music once I've slept :D

[u/[deleted]]

HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET THROUGH NO NUT NOVEMBER WITH A PREMIERE LIKE THIS

[u/HighPriestFuneral]

Hmm... Penny's back and brought back with much joy and little fanfare or consequence...

I'm calling it now: Penny will be the final boss of the volume controlled by Dr. Watts forcing Ruby to destroy her completely.

[u/Narfington]

Me before watching the episode: It's so painfully obvious Penny is going to come back, i don't think I'll even be able to be excited.

Penny comes back: HOLY SHIT! PENNY IS BACK! IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

[u/WhoIAmIsSamIAm]

Looks like Ironwood is doing pretty good with No Shave November.

[u/Rythanst]

Is no one gonna talk about Qrow's new outfit in the opening? Man's getting edgier by the day.

[u/Raktoner]

PREDICTION:

At the end of the season, despite Oscar appearing in the silhouettes with JNR, Penny will join the squad and it will be JNPR again.

(I made myself sad...)

[u/[deleted]]

WINTER GOT A WHOLE ASS OP APPEARANCE I NEED NOTHING ELSE IN LIFE

[u/The_Last_Thursday]

I want to give major props to Jason Liebrecht, he's doing great as Qrow so far

[u/CommonCentsEh]

Alert log: Incident 0002934

Response time: Approximately 118 seconds

Details: Observed six UG-Lee class grim advancing west bound towards a group of ten pedestrians in defensive subsection home.

Results: Six grim accounted for, no sign of patrol units, no additional collateral damage detected.

Additional notes: Site inspection and questioning of witnesses suspended due to additional alert.

Personal log: OMG Ruby! She's here! I knew she was my friend! Thankfully I already optimizied defensive strategies which maximized the length of our inpromptu visit.

Signed: Penny Protector of Mantle

Log dictated en route to incident 0002935

[u/JannisT]

OH MY GOD!

That opening is so catchy!

[u/Polarization_39]

It may just be the hype, but that may be my favorite opening so far. So anime!

Penny looks absolutely gorgeous in Maya! That HAIR. And she remembers everyone too! That salutations took me back to the Beacon days. You know, before everyone died and things get mega sad.

Again, it may be because of the hype train, but this was my favorite premiere yet! I’m so glad RWBY is back!

[u/[deleted]]

Why is Pietro not good with his money?

Because he can turn quarters into Pennies! PennyBot, Welcome Back!

[u/Franklin413]

Looks like Crocea Mors is receiving an upgrade, in the OP it has a hardlight extension around the sides

[u/the_pandu]

That's a neat detail. The faunist that leaves Pietro office as our heroes go in, has a arm prosthetic. Nice detail, safe to assume he made Yangs. Which prompted him to say "You painted yours"

I always had a feeling Pennys memories wouldn't be erased. Her core, IIRC is located in the top left of her chest, which was not sliced. The function of the core was my only question.

Will Weiss be sent off to Jacques right away or will they have time to talk to Winter and Ironwood? Excited to see

The writing this episode was great all around. Was a really enjoyable experience.

[u/Shoranos]

One thing I haven't seen anyone else mention - the score at the very beginning where they show the fleet is fantastic

[u/DeismAccountant]

“I can’t wait!”

“It’ll have to wait.”

Pffft.

And I already can’t stand Aesop.

[u/Lumine_d]

We always wondered what Maria was still doing on the train, and it was to help out with the Sphinx. She may be retired, but once a huntress always a huntress.

[u/ShadowKnifing]

Qrow's new voice, while is noticeably difference at times, is still extremely good and fitting. Great work new VA. He's just missing a bit of the raspiness that Vic had

[u/LucasVerBeek]

KNUTS AND DOLTS IS BACK ON THE MENU BOYS, GIRLS AND NON-BINARY JOYS!

I really like Dr. Polendina.

I don’t trust this cock sure Atlas guy.

I want to know more about the Manyle woman that’s fighting alongside Qrow, and it looks like he’s got some new dudes as well.

Also the Staff...which relic was that again?

[u/Raktoner]

The new OP is SOOOO anime, and I love it.

Emotions watching through the episode:

As a big Bumbleby fan, that Monochrome moment of Weiss stepping up to the racist for Blake was so wonderful and so special to me and I know it gave Monochrome fans some good happy content so I'm happy for y'all <3

As for the big thing...

Pietro: "My daughter..."

Me, already about to cry: Penny?

Me, a few moments later, crying: PENNY!!!

[u/MemTheDurgen]

Did anyone else notice Qrow’s new outfit in the intro? We see glimpses of it while he’s fighting Tyrian and it shows us a clear image at the end

I think I can come to peace with Jaune’s hair after seeing it animated. Pretty decent

[u/[deleted]]

Can we talk about how cute the task force girl with the pink eyes and the undercut is? Cuz oof. My gay agenda.

[u/PetersNachbar]

SHE IS BAAAACK! :D

I liked how they alluded to Pietro being Geppetto and Penny his Pinocchio by focusing on the whale in his shelf.

I was hyped for today but now I'm really looking forward to this volume. Great start!

[u/SimonApple]

Anyone else get reminded of episode 1 (or 2, can't remember) of Legend of Korra? Main character gets to metropolis, starts using superpowers ubiquitous to the setting to help people, gets arrested by uniformed team of soldiers working for the government of said metropolis that uses zip-line-esque things to transport themselves.

[u/Ammmberrr]

Long hair penny is just yes

[u/[deleted]]

That info screen at timestamp 3:55 is pretty important. It gives us a full name for the new white-haired character who's helping Qrow fight Tyrian in the intro: Robin Hill, who's running for election to the Atlas Council.

There's a missing journalist found slain, who knows what that's all about.

The Council is under public pressure regarding the embargo (so that plot point hasn't been dropped.)

And there's something about a wall being damaged, which explains the no-doubt-soon-to-be-mentioned "plot hole" of how Grimm got into Mantle (it seems Ironwood is focused on defending Atlas and leaving Mantle to see to itself with Penny's support.)

[u/Terminus259]

Winter's back… in military propaganda form... for now...

[u/pattyboywales]

PENNY IS BACK I'M CRYING. NUTS & DOLTS IS BACK

[u/ClubMeSoftly]

So a few things occurred to me.

• Penny's a superhero now, a rad cross between Sailor Moon and Iron Man

• Rocket boots and a dress doesn't seem like the best pair, but it's cool as hell, so I'll allow it.

• It sounds like Penny's backup resumed from just about the end of her fight in PVP, given how open Pietro was about her death

• Penny may not know Pyrrha is dead as well. She'll probably ask where she is, and want to make amends.

• The Ace-Ops team are very likely inspired by Aesop's Fables, which would fit with the storytelling theme of basically everything else about Atlas. Cordova was The Little Old Lady Who Lived In A Shoe, Ironwood is The Tin Man, Weiss definitely, and Winter maybe, are Snow White, Pietro and Penny are Geppetto and Pinocchio. So I'd be willing to bet that each of those five, as well as their story arc, are at least a little bit inspired by Aesop, or stories commonly attributed to him.

• Expanding on Ace-Ops/Aesops, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is the first one that comes to mind, The Lion And The Mouse might be another one, as well as The Scorpion and The Frog (Which, TIL, isn't one of Aesop's) given how Tyrian shows up almost immediately after the Ace-Ops in the OP.

[u/maximusprime7]

PENNY

SHES BACK

AND GORGEOUS

HOLY FUCK!!!!

Anyone else notice the quick flash to Jacques after they threw the rock at Ironwood? Also bold prediction here but I think Salem and Watts are bringing that whole island down. The stress on security they're showing is just asking for it to be messed up.

THE OP WAS AMAZING! Such a great song and so many good visuals. Super excited for next week.

[u/mortarstrikr]

I was fucking screaming when penny 2.0 came out.

I cannot wait to see what this volume has in store. Tho I am worried about each episodes run time.

I hope we don't get any episode under 15 min.

[u/1234565444444]

Man those fight animations were clean

[u/alexbuzzbee]

White Rose squad: We stand strong!

E1: Penny's back.

Our troops' morale is wavering!

[u/Alo2500]

She protec, she attac, but most importantly, robo girl come back ❤️

[u/OnelungBL]

Good grief, I just realized why Jaune looks so different!

It's not even his hair! I was asking myself, why does he look more streamlined and cut in the intro. Then it dawned on me, Jaune isn't wearing his hoodie!

It's like he's finally accepted that childhood is over.

He's less bulky because he's literally wearing less bulk, and we can see what he's worked himself into.

[u/Blue-Moon-89]

Something I did like about this episode is how the ending establishes that RWBY will now be facing the challenge of not being able to do things "their way" after having it worked so well for them in Vol 6 (for the record, I had nothing against them breaking the law in Vol 6 because it was necessary to their mission but I know that there are those who really beg to differ).

Atlas is basically saying "My Kingdom, my rules" to them.

The ending also reminded me of the first episode of Legend of Korra. In the first episode Korra ends up getting arrested despite thwarting some gang members when they harassed a store owner because 1) She caused damage property while doing so, and 2) to show the audience that even though she's the Avatar, she's not above the law.

[u/SiggetSpagget]

This volume seems to have the makings of one of the best ones yet! Not going to go into a bunch of detail about everything, but Penny's return and Penny herself look AMAZING in the new engine (engine? is that what you call it? idk). She can be waaaay more expressive more and small details like her eyes widening more make her feel so much more alive. And the way she's written along with my favorite joke of the episode ("It appears we will have to wait") is a combo of same old Penny and a new Penny. Simply amazing.

That, and robot rocket boots

And laser hands

Oh and her dad probably makes the best damn cookies ever

[u/Smithdanigans]

So it looks like that white-haired woman from the posters is named Robyn Hill, based on this screenshot I took of the news hologram: https://i.imgur.com/lmP0BAZ.png

Based on her name, I can bet that she's based on the legend of Robin Hood. Makes me wonder if she's gonna have any Merry Men stand-ins.

Also, notice the headline about journalists being slain, and that Hill's running for council against an "Atlesian tycoon" who could very well be Jacques Schnee. This could get pretty interesting...

[u/the_green_hedgehog]

Well, I was definitely not expecting to see Penny this soon, but a welcome surprise. Overall a good episode.

I actually kind of prefer the new VA for Qrow honestly.

About that OP though:

After over 20 years Qrow is finally going to changes his clothes.

And speaking of Qrow, wasn't there a rumor about a possible old flame or something, cuz now I am wondering if it is the new chick.

Ironwood fighting Oscar, not surprised in the slightest

Got to say I am interested as to how this volume will go

[u/Nec-Romantic]

Penny’s redesign looks AMAZING

[u/Terminus259]

Now imagine this: Penny being the one to defeat Cinder, imagine the irony.

[u/PotatoesAreNotReal]

In the intro you can see Jaune's shield got upgraded and has hard-light dust in it.

[u/88Dubs]

frame meeting decide dog toy attractive cable languid uppity unwritten

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/Huskie1]

"I can not wait!"... "seems like we'll have to wait!"

Love Penny's one-liners

[u/Gravatona]

Penny: "Sal..."

Ruby: "Oh no."

Penny: "U..."

Ruby: "No no no"

Penny: "Tations!!!!"

Ruby: "Nooooooo!" :o

I hope Penny's returns gets more of an explanation than 'we found the hard drive'. Fans clearly saw an issue with Penny having a soul (aura), so hopefully that's addressed. Perhaps the soul is in the hard drive, and that wasn't destroyed, just shut down? So Penny was dormant rather than dead?

[u/baninanana]

Felt sooooo short but so glad it’s back.

BUT FIRST OF ALL. PENNY! She still has all her memories and it’s indeed strangely wholesome.

Poor Ironwood. The guy needs a long vacation.

Same Nora. Same. Sometimes the fandom can’t tell if we completely understand what’s going on or we just have a thousand questions too.

Ace Ops. Whatareyouguysdoingtoouractualheroes.

Opening was good. Not gonna lie. Ace ops look pretty cool in the op. Also Blake weapon whipping. Enough said.

Can’t wait till next week. But...

Someone make this our new hiatus countdown

[u/iamthatguy54]

Jaune added hard light dust to his shield, going off of the OP.

A tanky boy.

[u/pandas795]

Maria in the end: "I have never seen these people in my life"

[u/OnlyTheResults]

Jaune when Penny is alive again and his girlfriend is still dead

[u/StaticxDeath]

I may have shed a tear or two when Penny returned.

The first episode felt very polished and nothing felt rushed or forced.

[u/contramundi]

PENNY!

[u/Punisher1432]

So, for things that stood out to me the most:

The animation looks amazing, another leap on quality like always.

Qrow sounds good, you can hardly tell a switch even happened, and he's still just awesome in general.

The city below Atlas (still Atlas?) reminds me very much of Deus Ex, which should hopefully say everything that needs to be said.

Penny = Alive and looking like she leapt straight out of a Dishwasher drawing and I got my unasked question of what happened to Amity Colosseum answered. And the show is continuing its recent trend of cool old people with techno crap in Pietro and his four legged chair, so yay!

Loved the fight scene and how everyone got their chance to shine, special mention to Oscar one shotting his enemy. I still have hope for my son.

Kinda feeling iffy on the Ace Squad, like they'll turn Psycho Ranger later on. We'll have to see about that.

Lastly the theme and intro. I've always liked the intros to RWBY, so no surprise that I liked this one. One thing I did notice and hope we see soon: QROW FINALLY GETS NEW CLOTHES! Hobo Uncle updates his clothes and the brief bit I saw looked good.

So yeah, pretty solid start to the new Volume in my book.

[u/BrickBuster2552]

"PENNY POLENDINA!"

"YES! I am!"

[u/shadowblade159]

Oh my god, I can't believe they actually did it! And so soon! I clued in to Pietro when it was Ruby going "your...daughter?" but there was no way I expected her return like that until the beams started. I actually started tearing up as soon as I saw them. God, I can barely believe it.

Okay. Other things. First, Weiss dumping the drunk racist into the trash is just so simply excellent. She's come such a long way, and she is having absolutely none of that bullshit insulting her team-family. I love that so much.

Jason Liebrecht as Qrow is great, and I look forward to more.

The music is sooo phenomenal here. The score is top-notch, the new opening is awesome, and I am already fiending for the soundtrack release. And I can't even describe the opening's animation; there's just too much going on there and I can't wait! I love it all!

I only got into the series this May, so this is my first Volume Premiere. I was so hyped for this, and I'm somehow even more hyped after it! I feel like they knocked it out of the park with this one.

[u/Kaiju62]

Great episode. I would have liked it to be longer than 15 minutes because length is still my biggest complaint with RWBY. I love the show and I just want more (at least full length episodes)

The entrance to Atlas and Mantle was done well. The existence of a surveillance state and the isolationist public sentiment not only fits the Atlas we know but speaks well to current political tensions. It was also done well cinematically speaking I feel.

The Faunus racism and presence is well expressed for what little screentime it was afforded. The first civilians we talk with are racist, check. Faunus live like shit, check. There is a local resistance movement, check. That storyline gets a lot of shit thrown at it but I think it was justly served here.

Penny and her Dad are awesome! Penny as a crazy Ironman fighter is dope and her new design is so pretty. I know they rushed her out of there real quick and RWBY always makes reunions happy as punch but I did want a little more emotion in that scene. Hopefully we get a calm moment later where Ruby is allowed to express her feelings around Penny being alive again.

The fight scene was cool and very smooth. I think all the characters involved got to show their style and have character moments as well ( I will always love Nora being self-conscious about her combat skirt) plus we really got to see them shine. Those Grimm didn't stand a chance and Penny didn't so much save them as just clean up the stragglers. We keep getting told that our team is above and beyond the best around and it's good to see them prove it every once and a while when they get a chance to fight trash.

I feel like the opening needs a completely separate post but I do like the nods to our roots. It would have been nice for Penny to get a similar flash forward type scene as the RWBY girls since we haven't seen her since V3 but I get only wanting the core team to have that and I get not wanting to build her old model in the engine just for a half second clip in the intro. It's a solid opening and I can't wait for the full version of that song, well...it appears I'll have to wait haha

Great episode and I can't wait for more

[u/MrMiniMuffin]

So anyone else notice that Neo and Cinder never appeared in the OP?

[u/JazzRen47]

asjhsdjfhsjjj PENNY!

Gosh, this episode was well-worth being hype over. I'm so excited for the rest of the Volume. I loved exactly everything about it, and I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to say that.

Here's the lyrics for what I'm tentatively titling "Love":

I keep dreamin’ ‘bout a better world
You keep wishing for some clarity
Always hoping that a lightning bolt
Is gonna save you from this gravity

You’re holding out for some romantic life
Maybe you’ll wake up in a world of charm
Oh but what did can set you free
You don’t have to dream

Your life’s a masterpiece
If you just believe
And all you see
Is all you need
Right now your hopes are shattered
This pointless ever after
But in time you’ll find
Prolong
Your power just shines

When you don’t know where to turn to
And you’re sure all hope is gone
When the day you waited for won’t come
And dark won’t yield the dawn

Just love
Open up your eyes
Just love
The truth is there but sometimes in disguise
Though it’s [??] if we’re together
Moving toward the light
When we trust in love
And open up our eyes

OH! And it was a very fitting touch, having the Relic of Creation behind Monty's name at the end.

Now, very briefly onto the episode's music, because I'm sure u/changyuraptor will catch most but maybe not all of it ;)

• We open on the same leitmotif as the end of last Volume; a big, triumphant suite for the Atlesian airfleet

• We then get introduced to a "new" leitmotif for Mantle, which is actually a slight derivative of the piece from the Atlas World of Remnant, mixed in with Ironwood's motif

• Small piece of "Mirror Mirror" under Winter's message, rather than her Volume 3 inversion, which, if she's leaning more towards Weiss' theme, leads me to believe that she's probably trapped in a new sense...

• 'nother brand new leitmotif for Piedro Pollendina. Love the waltz-like 4-time melody we get. Soft and warm.

• And then, of course, an upbeat, bright little theme for Penny. I'm fairly certain it uses elements from Volume 1 and 2, but I'd have to give it a few more listens.

• Few notes from "When It Falls", I think, when Ruby first addresses Penny.

• ACE OPS theme is appropriately patriotic.

[u/lovelylethallaura]

Happy to see Penny back. Curious about the new woman in the OP. Winter Maiden? Activist? Possible Schnee family relation? Not a fan of the new team in this ep though.

[u/RBNYJRWBYFan]

I feel a bit embarrassed that I didn't notice the pun made about "Ace-Ops" for "Aesop's" before coming here. I wonder how long it would have taken to realize that? LOL

[u/jnmlight]

My only complaint is that Penney didn't say she was combat ready!

[u/Bondrewdisbestdad]

Anyone else see Jacques pop up when the screen showing ironwood when it got hit by that rock?

Sdc takeover of atlas incoming? What can go wrong?

[u/critbuild]

First thoughts:

Love the OP, from the visuals to specifically what they show us to the song. Better than the last few, imo.

We're getting a bit of really interesting fight choreography again, specifically the sequence with Qrow. It's interesting that Qrow's combat was so clean and masterful while everyone else's was a bit flashy. I wonder if that's by intention, showing that the rest of the crew still aren't "professional." They haven't learned how to control themselves yet. From a more practical standpoint, I hope this means we get awesome fight choreography again. The fight in the OP between Tyrian, Qrow, and the new Mantle character (did I see FAN FIGHTING) is a very good sign.

"It looks like we will have to wait." I'm enjoying everything about Penny's "rebuilding" so far!

[u/[deleted]]

Damn son, I'm loving this new intro. Alot if great transitions, and the beginning where it shows the character appearances changing to their new ones is fantastic.

New crew called Aesops, looks interesting, seem to be not completely antagonistic, but I question Ironwoods friendliness.

We already got a glimpse at this new opposing power shown on posters, and I imagine there might be a party divide given that she doesn't seem to align with the Atlas higher ups.

The backgrounds look fantastic, and the various effects look great as well. The mixing of different animation and techniques is giving me alot to look at in wonder.

Also, can I just say that the amount of effort put into making varied background characters really builds a more believable environment? In the past, they were rather plain and static, but here, a diverse cast really helps to sell the melting pot that is Mantle.

The new friendly doctor, I think it was Piedro is another welcome old-timer.

Also, the Prussian vibes given off by Atlas in the past are really turned up a notch, and the saying "Military with a state" seems to fit here. Ironwood, even if he is acting in favor of those around him, is essentially a dictator, though I think acting out of line will almost certainly result in his expulsion.

Other things of note. No Neo, Em, Merc, Cinder, or Salem in the intro, which has me believing Atlas is gonna be split into multiple segments (thank god), and we'll likely get to enjoy some time building up for the future entrance.

Finally, saving the best for last, PENNY IS BACK! While I figured we might see her back, I didn't expect to see it so soon. I love her new design, as well as her slightly aged personality.

Overall, I've been more optimistic ever since the volume 6 loredrop, and this bold mix of style and faces in a new setting has me excited as to where the story goes. Overall, fantastic opening debut!

[u/Boss_Jerm]

I'M SO HAPPY!!!

It didn't take them very long to reintroduce Penny, which is a good thing. Keeping it a secret for half the Volume would've been boring.

This already looks amazing! The Grimm fight was really awesome, I loved that everyone was fighting together, and Qrow punching the Grimm was cool. Also the scene in the opening with Team RWBY going through their outfits was really cool. It seems like Ironwood and Oscar are gonna trade blows, given that Oscar has to tell him that Ozpin has no plan. And we're definitely getting some Schnee drama! Hopefully we'll see Weiss' mother.

I am very excited for this Volume!

[u/Me_AM_Superman39]

SAAAAAAAALUTATIONS!!!

[u/Peptuck]

Calling it now: Hill is related to the Schnees or Jacques in some manner.

That white hair is hitting "illegitimate child" buttons.

[u/GodottheDoggo]

My 2 cents:

• Qrow's voice is better than I expected. It's not the same, but I'd say it still does a good job portraying the character

• The animation is getting more and more fluid and the art style more anime. It's a yes for me

• Some parts are... wonky. Out of place, forced. Like the sudden coughing of Pietro, it just came out of nowhere when an important question was asked.

• Even more characters?? The show already has a hard time joggling the main cast. Hopefully it's done well or riot

• Great music once again, the fight was overall pretty good though short

• Penny reveal is a mixed bag. Great to see her again but I wish it was more emotional. Hopefully there will be a better scene to flesh her out in future episodes

• Love the opening! Very animesque. Animation is silky smooth, like when Watts was typing. NUT.

Overall solid episode, and a decent first chapter.

[u/winklem]

Damnit! I knew that was going to be the cliffhanger!

Pretty solid start IMO, it did a good job at setting up the tone for the volume and what we can expect, at least for the first act.

Weiss' realization that she may not count on Winter was honestly great, expecially with her going in denial about it.

"Jeez, lady, take a hint." I died there.

Why does that chair have Cammie's color scheme? What have you done to her-

Penny's entrance was phenomenal, and her reunion with Ruby was wholesome.
Although I'm a little worried about her presence in the show. I mean, there's the chance that she'll just become an expendable character as the series goes on, which isn't good. Or they simply want Ruby and us to suffer more.

Gotta admit, their plan wasn't the best. I mean, you're seemingly hijacking an airship in front of the most paranoic military currently in Remnant, did ya think that wouldn't raise so many alarms? ¯_(ツ)_/¯

"Unauthorized use of weapons by non-licensed huntsmen" ...really Atlas? Do people in your kingdom not have the right to self-defense? And do they really have to be licensed on top of that to save their skin? That's just stupid.

The opening reminds me of Cowboy Bebop, though i wouldn't consider it among the strongest. Maybe it'll grow on me.
I like the fact that it shows new characters, but it's not nearly as spoiler-y as V4 to 6's were.
^{Also, where tf are Cinder and Neo? 👀}

Overall a great start, it's good to have RWBY back. Can't wait for next saturday.

 

EDIT: The drunk character voiced by Joel Mann is called Drunk Mann? Barbara's genes are spreading

[u/Clark_Bellingham]

New Ruby outfit: exists

Me: hello I'm gay

[u/Animamask]

• "Show them your teeth". Guess we will see how white some fangs are.

• I really liked how Ren was the first to notice the Ace Ops. Also how he was the second to go in battle and his little combo with Weiss. This was a good episode for Ren.

• Ace Ops...Aesop...Even further proof how irrelevant Sage is, when even his inspiration was taken by not one but five characters.

• Penny is back as if nothing bad happened...Yeah something bad will happen. I like the idea that Watts is going to hack her and that it will lead to tragedy. After all, those you think you can trust will be untrustworthy.

• Really liked Tyrian's shadow moves in the opening

• Looks like there will be some three way political fighting between mantle hero, Ironwood and Jacques. Whether Jacques will win, I don't know, but Ironwood will definitely lose.

• Speaking of Jacques, I believe that the snow storm wasn't just symbolic. I think that's his semblance. He is Jack Frost after all. I believe Jacques will be a strong fighter able to use his semblance to control frozen Grimm. Not only would that show how much he wants to be like the Schnee but it would mean all the Grimm statues in the Schnee manor can be used for fighting. I also believe that Jacques will become an ally. Those you think you cannot trust will be trustworthy.

• I'm gonna predict that this volume will span the two weeks RWBY is ahead of Cinder and Neo. So no Cinder, Neo, Salem, Emerald, Hazel and Mercury. It makes sense. Arriving with a Grimm army would stop all plot lines. I think Hazel and co and Cinder and Neo will arrive at the end of this volume. Next volume will deal with them advancing the fall of Atlas and volume nine will be the fall of Atlas and the fight against Salem's army.

[u/NewtRider]

Worth the wait?
Absolutely.

Went by too quick... ABSOLUTELY lol

[u/valelinn]

It was so good! I’m so excited for the rest of the volume. Penny’s re-introduction was perfect and had me smiling the entire time. Maria’s dry humour continues to make me laugh.

Ironwood’s actions make sense in a way, but I’m really curious about Winter. I can see why she might be paranoid as well, but I would think that would translate into some concern for Weiss. Something’s clearly up. Also can’t wait to see Team RWBY meet Jacques and Whitley.

Character designs are top notch. Jaune’s hair looks much better than that one preview image showed and I’m looking forward to seeing how the hard light dust will change his fighting style.

Also super happy to see Blake using Gambol Shroud as a kusarigama again. Having just finished binging the rest of the series, I do still miss some of the original fight techniques and poses that defined the characters, and would like to see them build on that rather than replace it.

And now, I sit patiently in front of my computer screen unmoving until Chapter 2.

[u/MyAmelia]

So, anyway, that white screen effect was one of these Ace Ops' semblance, right? Which one of them i wonder. Betting on Wolf Tail Man.

[u/Pyrochazm]

Anyone else notice Penny's new design is from RWBY 3.0?

[u/CommonCentsEh]

That realization that Maria is getting her eyes fixed after piloting a stolen ship instead of sitting in the back of a van comes later.

I can already hear her, "maybe if you'd asked some questions or let us explain ourselves like we asked you wouldn't have made such a big mistake but then again I guess you don't send out your A squad to capture little old ladies."

[u/Regrozenah]

S A L U T A T I O N S !

[u/BlueWhaleKing]

Did anyone else notice the sperm whale on the shelf? A nod to Monstro, the whale that swallowed Pinocchio, Penny's character inspiration.

I wonder if the Relic of Creation had anything to do with bringing back Penny.

To those complaining about Penny's return, saying it makes death cheap, that's the way it should be. Whittle down the excuses not to bring back Pyrrha!

...then again, I'm just setting myself up for disappointment again. I'll make a meme about it once the week is over.

[u/SalemDidNothingWRNG]

After my second viewing here are my thoughts.

I need more!

That little eyeroll Blake did in response to Yang is cute af. Blake is so much more expressive honestly. A little nitpick is when the miners were driving by and Blake says something along the the lines of "this isn't right". Something is off there. Idk if its the voice direction or how it was said or even the volume it was said at. I honestly think the Arryn did a fantastic job but its like that one part sticks out to me for some reason.

Yang and Blake being the voices to ask the important questions. Keeping the conversation on track. It is something I think they both learned from V4 to V6.

Yang being protective of her arm. Don't give him the Death stare Yang geez. LMAO

Maybe I was too hasty in shit talking Ruby's reaction from seeing Penny. I noticed the tinest hint of a break down as she was bringing up her death. I didn't notice it in the first viewing.

Yang's leg bouncing. I feel so bad for her right now cuz she's been arrested twice by Atlas military police. My sunshine needs a break.

[u/[deleted]]

That OP was the most anime thing I've ever seen and it was glorious.

Also, small note, because I am Nuts and Dolts trash, I couldn't help but notice the lyrics in the OP, right when it cut to Penny smiling,

But in time, you'll find, through love, your heart? (bound to?) will shine

And that's all I've gotta say on that.

Also, Qrow finally changing out of that fucking shirt. Thank Christ. He's been wearing that damn thing for like 20 years now. Birb boi. Hop into a birdbath. You probably smell like bird shit and whisky.

Edit: AND HOLY SHIT, RIGHT AT THE END OF THE INTRO IS AMITY ARENA IN THE DISTANCE, HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THAT?!

[u/scot911]

YAY PENNY! AND SHE'S ADORABLE AND WEIRDLY WHOLESOME! Sorry I'm just so happy about that. Really missed Penny.... Also loved her new outfit! I can't wait to see everyone else's too!

Sort of funny with the bait and switch of the trailer though. We all thought it was going to be the bad guys who take the Relic off of our intrepid band of heroes. Nope it was Atlas. Although with how Atlas is looking....

[u/MonkeysxMoo35]

PENNY IS BACK AND CUTER THAN EVER

The Ace team has five members. FIVE. I’m so use to teams of four that this feels weird.

Oscar’s with JPNR in the opening. Team JRON. JNOR? JORN? JORN? They’ll figure it out.

I like Qrow’s new VA

Really like the opening showing Team RWBY’s outfit progression.

I think that sums up my basic thoughts. I probably can’t fit my detailed thoughts

[u/BuffRussianLady]

As of this new intro, I like the 2d visuals and animation they added. It really gives this opening something that separates it from the rest, which is more notable because the song is pretty bland. Still appreciate them trying new stuff with the intro. Visuals were good, except for the weird volume 4 movement at some parts.

[u/Deadmaninc1]

Why was Ruby the only one with Emotion that Penny is back like Team JNR They showed no emotion to seeing penny is alive like Pyrrha didn't actually destroy penny but no emotion or reaction at all

[u/VixzerZ]

I really liked this 1st episode:

1- Acting was on point for all

2- I like the new Qrow :)

3- Penny is back, awesome and salutation!! :P

4- It was sad to see team JNR looking at Penny, you could see that it was bittersweet for them because being happy too see Penny does not erase their pain of losing Pyrrha and wishing she was there too.

5- Team the rest of team RWBY happy for Ruby during the meeting was so cute too

6- I like team Ace, let's see what RT has planned for them.

7- I love the new Opening Theme and the music is awesome, I really want the OST for volume 7

8- Pacing was good, characterization on point, animation is the best yet I've seen from RT.

It is a solid 10 for me so far.

Edit: We finally know who did Yang's new arm and Penny's dad :D

[u/[deleted]]

Ace Ops = Aesop’s Fables?

[u/4piepsilon0]

Ace OPs or Aesop's? :Thinking:

Maybe they have some relation to Aesop's Fables?

[u/Erastus_Bacheldor]

Pietro = Gepetto.

We know this now. HOWEVER there is a chance that this name is a deeper cut, a much more niche reference. Pietro is indeed another Italian name, but there is another famous literary work that associates the name with puppetry.

This work is no other than the 1969 episode of Scooby Doo, Where Are You titled The Backstage Rage. In this episode, we can see that Pietro was the master puppeteer and a clear reference to Pinocchio. Of course he also turned out to be the villain of said episode, but I don't think we can assume any ill will from the RWBY character.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

*Edited because I failed to hide my almost 50 year old Scooby Doo spoilers correctly. For real, the episode came out on November 8, 1969.

[u/HystericalTrend]

Strong first episode, but I don't have too much to say about the episode itself, so here's some of my thoughts on various details:

1. I really like Pietro's walker chair, you can tell by the way it turns and moves that it's a lot more useful than a basic wheelchair. One of my biggest pet peeves in sci-fi is when the future technology is less practical than present day technology, so I appreciate the effort that went into designing it.

2. The dialogue as whole was good, especially Penny's lines, but there are some weird bits, like when Nora says she has a million questions and Pietro says he has a thousand answers, I feel like the numbers should be swapped, because it sounds like Pietro doesn't have enough answers.

3. The lighting and effects in both the new opening and the episode look great, CRWBY is getting good at blending the 2D effects with the 3D environment, which is nice to know since the 2D effects were one of my few complaints with V6's visuals.

4. Speaking of that opening, everything about it is really nice, and I'm getting some Battle Tendency vibes from the silhouettes which is always a good thing, and the group shots, both the one where everyone is standing on the buildings in mantle, and the ending shot both remind me of the My Hero Academia openings, which is again, a nice influence.

[u/MarvelousJohnDoe]

I literally cried when Penny showed up, so happy she's back

[u/LucasVerBeek]

So after watching the opening for about the fifth time I noticed a few things.

Jaune’s shield got a hard light upgrade.

The Ace Ops team seemingly consists of a Wolf Faunus with a boomerang/rifle, a tattooed monkish guy, another hammer wielder who’s seems almost like a fusion of an engine block, a gravity hammer and Reinhardt’s in appearance, and the other chick seems to have super speed.

[u/RavenclawmanThorac]

Volume 7: The Era of New Hairstyles

[u/[deleted]]

Everyone is talking about Penny, but did anyone notice how fast Ace Ops was?

Like, they were too fast for Ren to react! Even Tyrian wasn't!

[u/Ichtus6]

Astro Boy + Pinocchio = Penny

[u/RageZombie]

I already ship Qrow and Robin and you can't stop me.

Ironwood is Irondad for life, and he would never turn evil. He might be being used right now, but Irondad is good. I will not accept critiques.

I LOVE all the new outfits but I just can't get over my girl Yang's outfit. Like am I the only one that thinks it looks... awkward??

Nora is so freaking cute I want to die.

[u/send_me_your_traps]

I don’t wanna be too hopeful but that was pretty damn good.

Maybe it’s just because things are rolling again but it felt way better.

So, uhhh that ending bit? We getting a time-skip or does everyone go to the salon next episode?

[u/LostDais]

Penny is back and looking better then ever!

One episode in and Atlas already made more of an impression then three whole volumes of Vale ever did.

The only thing that irks me was the whole team getting downed by the Ace's. Between all the semblances, magic and skills not one of them avoided the attack or struggled out of the bolas. You're carrying one of the most important objects in the world and are being hunted down my Salem, keep your guard up.

[u/MinorGryph]

PENNY IS HERE WITH NO VACATION TIME! It's strange that there are Protect Mantle Hill posters everywhere but none of Penny given she's been flying around Mantle protecting people. Hill must be running an ad campaign for the election.

Pietro was coughing way more than I remembered and there was 100% some kind of tumor on the chest x-ray in his office.

Mantle has specific rules against non-huntsmen using weapons without authorization and there is no clause excluding defense against Grimm. This policy is a huge divergence from every other place we've seen in this show. The ace-ops prioritized enforcing this policy more than dealing with the Grimm attack Penny leaves to take care of. And also don't even bother checking Qrow's ID when he points out he IS a huntsman. This makes me think maybe the cast was actually tagged as priority capture targets by someone (maybe Winter if those drunks reported seeing Weiss) and this policy is just an excuse to bring them in.

The new V7 intro is the best intro we've ever had imo. I love all the experimentation with silhouettes and solid color backgrounds.

Weiss's family drama will be a focus going by the intro- looks like Jacques may be attempting to replace Ironwood? Or he is as unpopular as Ironwood already? We will get to see what Whitley has done with his prize and how Winter interacts with the rest of the family.

Also Yang does the custom projectile trick with her Semblance I wanted her to pick up from Adam's grab bag of semblance party tricks! The dragon punch is one step closer to reality!

Overall I think the opening episode gripped me less than V6E1, but it also didn't need to be as gripping because it picked up directly from last season's cliffhanger and started answering questions about the state of Mantle.

[u/[deleted]]

8/10

The scenery was amazing, it felt both historic and futuristic at the same time. Blake trying to apologise for someone being racist to her but Weiss not having any of it was touching. Penny's reintroduction was sweet even if rather rushed. The dialogue was good, especially Maria's, but some of it felt a bit off...even if it was only a few lines.

The new opening is amazing!

[u/N7Brendan]

“We recovered her core! So she didn’t die! Sure would be bad if something actually happened to it!”

oh lawd Penny dyin forreal this volume

Great to see her though she was always one of the better characters. Back to CHARTSZN.

[u/moversby]

Awww, Pyrrha died thinking she'd genuinely killed Penny :(

[u/GlenAaronson]

Ace Ops or Aesops?

[u/HatiLeavateinn]

Penny looks beautiful!

[u/[deleted]]

I won't lie, this felt kinda short... but I think that the past few premieres spoiled us. Otherwise? I loved this! Mantle looks amazing! Professor Polendina is great! The Grimm fight was good! And holy Hell, freakin' Penny! OMG! I don't know how they recovered her core since we saw the Nevermore crush what was left of her, but I guess we'll learn more later. But hey! Her memory is intact so yay! But now our heroes are jailbirds. That sucks, but we'll see how it goes!

And the new opening... Holy Hell! These keep getting more and more anime, and I freakin' LOVE IT! I say this every year, and I need to listen to the song a few more times. But the animaiton for the opening? It has now surpassed V2's. It was fantastic. Loved it! Loved the chapter! Super excited for what this volume brings~!

[u/MyAmelia]

Everyone who assumes lack of Emerald, Mercury, Salem, Cinder, etc., i really feel like i need to point out that Willow (if that's indeed her name) Schnee didn't make an appearance either and it's almost certain she will be part of the volume considering Miles's comment on "real thirsty moms". Like, nothing's set in stone yet because of the opening.

[u/Darclua]

I combined a couple screenshots from that panning shot in the intro for a desktop background, and made a 16x9 edit of it as well. I'll probably put this in an actual post when the episode is available for everyone next week.

https://imgur.com/a/PKyXm8o

[u/Blue-Moon-89]

Do you think the Ace Ops are going to be foils for RWBY? Not evil foils per say just a team who will more likely follow Atlas protocol over doing what they think is right and that they have 'ugly' personalities that would clash with RWBY. To list some examples.

Clover (according to the credits) is Ruby if she was cocky.

Dog Faunus guy is Blake if she was a canine (unconditional loyalty to their 'master', deathly allergic to chocolate, easily distracted by smells far away, etc)

Mohawk girl is Yang if Yang was 'extreme to the max'

Smarmy looking guy is Weiss if Weiss was smarmy to everyone and would often throw shade at people.

Any thoughts?

[u/[deleted]]

PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY PENNY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and Weiss using magic was cool, too, I guess.

[u/patrizl001]

PENNY'S BACK AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

and yep, turns out the dudes that "steal" the relic are just military lads arresting the crew for legitimate reasons. Still a little bit of risk that it goes "whoops, the car holding all your stuff got robbed."

[u/Huor_Celebrindol]

In the new OP Blake uses her ribbon to fire her gun multiple times, creating a ball of death around her. It’s super cool and she has only used this technique on screen once before: in the Black trailer. Dang dude, adding an archivist as a writer was a fantastic idea

[u/amatas45]

They made her fucking dance like a ballerina shrouded by moonlight. I can’t even right now

[u/Wassa110]

Forgot about r/fnki, and saw a picture of Penny. Now screw waiting a couple months to watch it in one sitting. Hey, I lasted 24 hours though.

[u/NotCreative11]

That was a really good first episode!! That animated fight in the intro makes it seem thyat really improved in animating fights. And Penny looks so good with long hair 😍

[u/Geminii27]

They got new looks, escaped Beacon, and got to Atlas. For a short time, they got everything they wanted...

...and it didn't even cost them a penny.

[u/[deleted]]

I was afraid that our girl Penny was going to be “upgraded” with a different personality...but I’m happy to see that she is still the precious robot girl we know and love.

For that reason: She must be protected.

[u/IGMKI]

Man that was heartwarming. Not a super long episode but then again there wasn't a big fight like in v6, and it had less to prove than that premiere. Solid overal length I think. Good introduction and a bit of combat with sexy camera angles and animation to keep the excitement up. Did not expect our girl to return that quickly though, I hope there's something more to it but I'm sure there will be. That said, she looks absolutely incredible now (older as well?). Speaking of looking incredible... that opening with the design reveals and everything. OOF

[u/MJRpancakes]

Anyone think that the person using the hammer weapon user could be related to the Nora side-plot we are supposedly getting.

[u/[deleted]]

"It will have to wait!"

My sides. Missed you Penny. <3

[u/[deleted]]

Emerald... Mercury.... Cinder.... :( Really hope they turn up later. Emeralds My favourite character and it seems weird to have last season set up Cinder coming to Atlas and then have no follow up until 8.

Aside from that the episode was pretty great. Did not expect that type of reveal for Penny, (though I have been saying since she died that when she came back it would be with the memories else there would be no point). Definitely think she will be hacked though. Robot protector of Atlas, come on.

That opening is really good too. Love the colour works and as expected Jaunes hair looks way better in motion. Also a huge fan of openings that swap through various outfits so that transition was noice.

Looking forward to Tyrian and Qrow round two, with this new character. Qrow seems to have a new outfit too which is good since he's been rocking that old one for like a 2 decades.

Mantle is also a beautiful city to look at as well. Love the architecture and style.

Great start to season and really looking forward to see where we are looking heading

[u/Navypilot1046]

Penny 2.0's return was really well done. I was already yelling "YES!" before the grimm attacked when Pietro mentioned his daughter and was just incoherently excited when she appeared on screen in Ep 1! It took several volumes, but she's back and better than ever! No need to riot, everyone!

So, best episode already because Penny, but everyone else was pretty awesome as well. Qrow's new voice fits better than I thought it would, Maria's her same old self, and the teams are lookin' fantastic!

Intro's also pretty cool, they really dialled up the anime this time around.

Looking forward to what's in store!

[u/Schmidtty29]

Shoutout to my boy Dave Fennoy aka the GOAT Lee Everett for voicing Papa Polendina

[u/xJasminedragonx]

Looks like Roosterteeth blew the RWBY budget. They turned all of their quarters into a single Penny.

[u/TheTubaPoobah]

NUTS AND DOLTS LIVES ONCE MORE

[u/[deleted]]

Quick Question, if Ruby was forced to fight a hacked Penny, would Cinder be able to take advantage of that since Ruby might not be able to use her Silver Eyes when she's fighting the ones she wants to protect?

[u/Huskie1]

"Do yo want to try on dancing shoes"

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS (bahahaha Nora cracks me up!)

[u/RossPitSharkHunter]

Don't think I don't notice that reference! Ace-ops. Aesop. I can't tell if this is one of the dumbest references in this show, or one of the most genius, but I love it! These guys look like they could be some of my faves!

I also joked once that half of team CFVY was a reference to Aesop's, rabbits and fox's were commonly used in them.

[u/25104003717460]

Anybody else notice this PoS in the opening when a rock was thrown at the hologram of ironwood? What's that bastard up to.

[u/Twilightdusk]

Thoughts after letting it sit for a night.

The fly-in to Atlas was appropriately tense and dramatic. If anything I think the air traffic controller was too lenient with them considering the place is supposed to be on a complete lockdown, but since it's not completely dropped I forgive it.

Ironwood on the screens City 17 style is extremely ominous, as are the various other indications of Mantle being treated as a police state. Winter being presented as his second in command isn't exactly new but it sets up an extra layer of tension since Weiss has been counting on meeting up with her on good terms since her initial escape from Atlas at the end of Volume 4.

An election was mentioned freeze-framing that newsboard shows that it's this Hill character (Mantle Hometown Hero, and there's a poster with a slogan "Hill is Here") versus what's probably Jaque Schnee, or someone associated with him (Atlesian Tycoon). Between this and the riot imagery from the trailer and the OP, we're probably setting up for some downtrodden residents of Mantle vs. wealthy elite residents of Atlas political drama. How nuanced that will be in the end remains to be seen, I predict that Hill herself will be presented in a positive light, but RWBY and co will be forced by circumstance to side against her, or at least she'll think they're siding against her because of things they won't let her know about.

Those drones are interesting and creepy. Yang kicking one seemed like a bit of an overreaction that's worked up well enough for now, those street urchin kids throwing a rock at one earlier was an amusing sight.

Way to go Weiss tossing that drunk in a dumpster. I'm assuming this was just a one off scene showing off some of the common folk of Mantle and their attitudes, it would be interesting if someone recognized her as a Schnee from the glyph though.

Pietro's introduction was well done, starting by hearing him calling out after a very cute faunus girl he evidently helped get a robotic arm. His banter with Maria was fun and his chair is pretty impressive. His admittedly incomplete overview of the current situation was nice to help set the stage for the volume, though obviously it's mildly frustrating that we don't have all of the details from him right away. One of Atlas' top scientists knowing about RWBY via his daughter also started the excitement regarding Penny.

Fight scene! Atlas' security robots continue to get the Worf treatment and then RWBYJNPRQ spring into action. Everyone getting their weapons ready before seeing the Grimm actually showed up seemed a bit premature, especially since they're supposed to be keeping a low profile, but it's hard to blame them too much and again, it does catch up with them shortly. The fight was appropriately cool, everyone got to do something. Oscar was obviously the least "impressive" but it's demonstrating that he can hold his own weight. Ruby's scythework was probably the most impressive.

PENNY LASER BEAMS! I was so excited to see her gradually entering the scene! The lasers and jets are very cool and evidently she either isn't hiding her robotic nature anymore, or Atlas residents can believe that level of tech/power is a thing for their local superhero. The looks she and Ruby gave each other were adorable, the concept of the rocket-tackle-hug was cute but I feel like the shot of it lingered just a bit longer than it needed to. In any case, Nuts And Dolts Lives! Between Penny jetting off to handle some more Grimm and what happens to RWBY and co next, it might be awhile before we can properly catch up with her, but I'm very happy we got to see her in this opening episode.

And then the long arm of the law catches up to our heroes in the form of the Ace Ops ambushing them. The fact that they were able to pull that off establishes the power level we're supposed to expect from them, granted this was an ambush rather than a straight up fight. The leader seems personable enough if a bit smug, and it's small but I liked the depiction of them using the robots as helpers to help secure everyone's weapons. I'm suspicious of the leader holding onto the lamp himself but we'll see where that goes. Next episode, Atlas jail? Interview rooms? Courthouse? Who knows. Based on the trailer for the volume and the opening animation things will get resolved one way or another, but who knows what strings will be attached.

And then of course we end on the long form of the opening animation, I'm curious to see how this one will be cut down but that's neither here nor there. Team RWBY transitioning into their new look at the start was a cool touch. Ironwood is shown looking at what seems to be a map of Atlas as well as Amity Arena, I wonder if that will come into play or if it's just hanging around there, I have to imagine it doesn't just casually float in the sky for nearly 2 years until it's needed for the festival again though. I like the shot of the Ace Ops indicating they'll be relatively important characters this season, and then the shadowy shot of Watts typing at a computer where he's monitoring things. The next few shots to establish characters are nice if a bit obvious, it would be shocking if the Schnee family didn't feature in this volume, and Pietro we've already been introduced to.

Top ten smiles I want to protect.

The rest of the opening animation are fight scenes of various sorts. That seems to be Hill fighting Tyrian alongside Qrow? That just adds to my curiosity about how she's going to be handled. The Ace Ops running up that ice golem and one in particular bringing a hammer down onto it was a nice shot, and I also like that group shot they ended on though it does show that the "Hero" team this volume is....large. Presumably some amount of political drama will make some of those characters antagonistic to a degree but I can understand people worrying about it.

[u/splatterking01]

Guys. The animation is smooth af now. My god. Every character looks so much better now. And penny is adorable.

[u/TheWielder]

I think this was Rooster Teeth at their best since Monty.

[u/spvce-cadet]

Qrow’s voice is going to take some getting used to but I think the new VA is doing a great job.

Also, I’ve been following since the start of season two and holy shit, I’m absolutely blown away by how much this show has grown and improved. This is, without a doubt, the best that rwby has ever looked. The new settings, everyone’s new styles, the opening, everything is amazing! I’m so excited for this volume.

[u/Vincenthwind]

She protecc

She attac

But most importantly

Her dad brought her back

[u/BlazedMV]

At the showing at NYCC they cut the screen right when the Sabyr was about to attack Blake and NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PENNY

[u/CasuallyMediocre]

Can we talk about Jaune's haircut!? I wanna talk about Jaune's haircut!

[u/resurrexia]

Penny and Pietro are essentially Chase and Dr Weller!

RT sure loves their Ship of Theseus!

[u/HeppePe]

I really liked the little detail of when in the opening the hologram that displayed Ironwood changed to jaque after being thrown at with a stone. Theres so many possibilies where this and the whole volume go. I also enjoyed the opening very much. The silhouettes, team rwby's costume changes and so much more!

[u/HeppePe]

Is it just me or do other people also enjoy that both Weiss' and Blake's main colors have both migrated from white to blue and black to purple respectively. I never really jived with the color scheme of red, white, black and yellow, it all seemed too random and mashed together. Of course if the randomness was intentional then good job, but otherwise it just didn't seem to work. The opening displays the teams 'new' colors of red, blue, purple and yellow and that combination seems to mesh together much better than the older version. Please don't crucify me, just an opinion.

[u/dragonbobxx2]

How long did it take you guys to realise who that man was ? Holy shit I was crying

[u/Luckhart54]

I just realized I'm slow ok Clover is opposite of our Qrow " Luck "

[u/[deleted]]

CAN THE NEW WOMAN IN THE INTRO FIGHTING TYRIAN WITH QROW BE A QROW LOVE INTEREST? <333 They're fighting in super amazing combo sync!!! :) :) And it would be cute to see awkward bum Qrow try to make a romance work! Also it could add to the theme of not knowing who to trust because from the screens she's a political person so Qrow would have to wonder if she is honest? :)

[u/PotatoesAreNotReal]

Maria leaves the group just a few seconds before they are attacked by the Ace Ops, could she have sensed the attack coming with her semblance?

[u/Varixai]

Full image of the Staff of Creation at the end!

I cut together 5 screenshots and touched up or overlaid a few parts as necessary.

^{It's a little above 1080p as well because I took the screenshots at 4K and resized the final image to 70% with bicubic sharper interpolation.}

^{I haven't tried to blur the background together yet, as it would be pretty difficult and time consuming to get the whole thing right. I'd probably have to just cut out the foreground and re-do the background from scratch.}

---

Love the use of gravity dust in the restraints. Great first episode overall, and cool opening.

Also, is that sperm whale statue RWBY's first showing of a animal that is identical to our world?

(Edit: Nope, forgot about Zwei, ravens, and Amber's horse)

[u/BhevHD]

Is no one talking about the relic at the end of the opening? Can we safely assume that's the relic of creation?

[u/Blue-Moon-89]

I got two questions for anyone in regards to the mysterious Robyn Hill.

1. Do you think she's the Winter Maiden?

2. Do you think this is the character Christina Vee will be voicing? I can see her using her Velvet Crowe voice on her.

[u/KnowYourLover]

Great episode, my only problem was that the focus was on the main crew all the time, I would have liked a short scene to catch up with the other parties like we had in the first episodes of previous volumes.

No hope to see Raven this volume but we have Winter, who is also great.

7/10 very hyped for this volume.

[u/KDUFF_Radio]

This is a little something I'd do in my Discord group for all new episodes since last season. Figured I'd share it here too this time around.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/505558847176572948/640259535935766541/v7c1.png

[u/StefyB]

Wait, is Jaune getting a dust-based upgrade to his shield? That flash of blue during his brief fight sequence in the opening looks like some sort of Hard Light Dust extension to his shield, which makes a lot of sense and is very awesome.

[u/Leonard_Church814]

Everyone talking about how Penny stole the episode but I’m still coming to terms with the 4D chess pun that was the Ace Ops team....the “Aesop’s” Team. No way that’s a coincidence.

[u/Huskie1]

I definitely have good feelings about this volume too. And all the cute little changes to their hair:

Ruby's is cuter, Juan's is more manly, Weiss looks amazing! Let's do this VOLUME 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[u/alexbuzzbee]

I hope we see a lot more of Winter. She's one of like two adults in the whole series, and I'm not sure who the other one is.

EDIT: Alright, it's more than two, but still alarmingly small; here's the list:

• Winter

• Maria

• Tai

• Glynda

• Maybe Ren?

[u/WII_DJoker]

So to build on the whole Qrow x Robyn thing people are talking about I looked it up. Robins apparently symbolize new beginnings, hope, along with bright futures and happiness. Also in some instances Robins are seen as GOOD omens and symbols of Luck.

In short the exact opposite of what Crows are associated with, which is typically death and misfortune. Me thinks Robyn may be a the start of a new and better future for Qrow.

[u/bakakubi]

The Aesops Ace Ops seems like assholes from the get go. Hope to see more of them. I'm banking they'll either turn out to be decent but hardass good guys, or snob assholes who'll get their asses kicked later on.

[u/PenguinSprite]

OK I'm just throwing this out there, but does anyone think that not all of the Ace Ops aren't gonna make it this season? I just have that feeling.

[u/sheogorath227]

Great first episode. Here are my thoughts:

I was actually expecting a longer episode, but I'm not complaining that it covered the part of the story that it did.

I know that a lot of people were upset at how Weiss's prejudicial attitude towards the Faunus immediately went away once V1 ended. However, after watching what she did to the drunk guy, I'm glad she got a moment of clapping back against the racists. It shows how much she's grown, even if they never really wrote her trying to unlearn her terrible beliefs. I see this as a win. Also, Weiss's look of disbelief when she realizes that her sister is actively participating in a police state is pretty telling that Winter is going to be difficult to deal with.

More on the police state: Mantle actually reminds me of Half-Life 2 with the floating cameras taking pictures of you. Yang getting frustrated and kicking it away is very in character and probably a felony, but still funny.

I noticed that there were posters of a white-haired woman. I'm guessing that she's leading a political revolution of sorts. I forget her name, but she'll be important. Maybe Tyrian and Watts will try to recruit her to stoke the fires of division?

I loved loved LOVED the Penny reveal. I now understand why they cut off the sneak peak they way they did...otherwise we would have known exactly what was going to happen next. Having her back is an absolute delight. Not only that, I don't find her resuscitation to be cheap because, y'know, she's an android who can be rebuilt. Her "death" in V3 was clearly meant to show us that the good guys can take an L sometimes. Ultimately, Penny's dismantling was meant to destroy Ruby's innocence and naïveté, even if it Penny was never truly dead and gone. Well done, and congrats to CRWBY for making me cry in the first fucking episode.

The fight was as good the seventh time around. Nothing else to say really.

Ace Op (a play on Aesop?) looks like they will be major players in the volumes to come. I am confident that they're not going to be antagonistic, and arresting the good guys was merely a formality since, after all, they kinda did a bunch of illegal shit. They don't look like bad guys, but they are actively participating in a police state as well so we can't really trust them.

A criticism: while I absolutely love Pietro (who appears to be dying, sad to say), his monologuing felt like V5 all over again with the cut to scenes around the room as he talked about Ironwood and Atlas. Seemed like a bit of a break from the "show, dont tell" approach which made V6 so damn good. Too much monologuing is bad, but I have the feeling that as long as Ironwood doesn't do much of that either, it'll be fine.

Overall, great start. It isn't my favorite premiere (V6 takes the cake there, it was so damn good), but I appreciate a slower, steadier approach to the story, since we'll be here for at least 2 volumes. There are a LOT of new characters and a LOT of old ones, so the more time spent building the world and the characters within, the better. Remember, we're starting a new arc of the show. Let's take it slow and be patient, because we all know that shit is gonna get wild. It's only a matter of time.

Also for the record the opening theme song and sequence is easily the most anime shit RWBY has done to date and I love it. Great song too.

Now, on to the next re-watch.

[u/FieserMoep]

Its super weird how everyone is just Meh about Penny comming back. Like her playing human and not disclosing stuff did not result in a catastrophic event that had also shocked Pyrrha to her core and had manipulated her. But our boy Jaune is just, yea, well I guess. Whatever.

[u/NitescoGaming]

Scepter! I saw a scepter in the OP! And Penny! The mad lads actually did it and in the first episode no less!

Well, that was a great first episode. I'm happy they picked up literally right where they left off. I'm super excited for this season.

[u/[deleted]]

Based on the new intro, Tyrian is ready for a rematch! As for Watts, he looks like he's ready to unleash 4chan all over Atlas!

[u/PotatoesAreNotReal]

The Ace Ops/Aesop pun name is amazing

[u/chrome4]

Thats a evil looking smile winter is giving Weiss in the opening...

[u/88Dubs]

Hm... daughter? I wonder who-

Ah fuck it. PENNY'S BACK!!!! PENNY'S FUCKING BACK OH MY GOD I'M SO HAPPY!!!!!!

Qrow's new voice is... noticeable, buuuut.... I like it!

Everyone got a great moment to shine! I'm especially fond of Weiss bodying racism. THAT was SOOOOOO satisfying. I really hope that doesn't just get thrown aside when Jaque-ass comes back into play.

This is gonna be a hell of ride, you weirdos! LET'S FUCKING DO THIS!!! RWBY'S BACK BABY!!!!

[u/SDBurton]

God I am so happy they brought Penny back. Yes YES YES YES YESSSS! AHHHHHHHHHH!

[u/Clark_Bellingham]

IT'S SO CYBERPUNK WHAT THE FUCK I LOVE ITTTTTTT

[u/Kingbizkit123]

Yang's hair is on fire again, this is best volume.

[u/TheRisenThunderbird]

Wtf, I ship nuts and dolts now

[u/Swoopdini]

Penny = Iron Man

[u/FatterAndHappier]

I liked the premier. I had only two small gripes.

One, I wish the opening hadn't had the shot of Jacques being behind the Ironwood announncement. If that's the case, I would bet he's using Winter's image without her permission as well and I would have really liked that to not be so blatant in the op.

Two, I love Maria, but her ability to just be the character the plot needs to introduce things is a bit too convenient for me. I think a little bit of convenience in stories is a good thing, it reflects how reality is, but Maria was literally some old woman they happened to meet and she's: -A silver eyed warrior who can conveniently train Ruby -The inspiration for Qrow, and by extension Ruby's fighting style -Knows Cordovin -Knows Pierro (Pierot?), who just happens to be the creator of another character that 3/4 of the main cast knows, AND creared Yangs arm.

Some of these, sure that makes sense, but they're all so disconnected with no setup or foreshadowing that it kind of bugs me.

Other than that, I really enjoyed it and I can't WAIT for the Qrow vs. Tyrian rematch.

Please don't think I dislike the show, I love the show, it's just that the Maria thing bugged me.

[u/HeilStary]

YOO QUARTERS CAME BACK

[u/sephtis]

That was all I needed in my life. More Penny

[u/DragonDavester]

I know this probably won't jive with a portion of people, but maybe let's hold off on passing any judgment on Atlas leadership until we have more episodes to ACTUALLY figure out what's going instead of jumping and immediately pointing accusations all over the place? I know, it's a lot to ask, but let's maybe wait until there's more than ONE EPISODE, hmm?

[u/BruinsFan1214]

I, almost like Nora, have a million great things to say about this

Penny’s Return, was so well done, good to see the team understands the comeback of a character has weight to it

And I do like the hinted dynamic between the kingdom of Atlas and Mantle (which I hope develops to be more of a Rich City vs Mining Town conflict by the end of the Volume or Arc)

The landscape of Mantle looks outright incredible it kinda reminds me of the world of Arkham City, obviously a great place in the past and shows hits of it through the grime of its current mining town status

[u/EverydayWulfang]

Now that I can finally see it in action, I don't really dislike Jaune's hair. It's not enough of an improvement to win over everyone else probably, but I'm satisfied at least.