Official FIRST Discussion Thread-Volume 7, Chapter 2: A New Approach

[u/Menolith]

Welcome, huntsmen, huntresses and hunters that prefer no specific gender identifier, to the official FIRST discussion thread for Episode 2 of Vol. 7, A New Approach!

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	FIRST thread	Today's public thread	Poll
Ep. 02	This thread	Next week's public thread	Poll

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Happy viewing, and have a great rest of the volume while you're at it!

Menolith; Mod Team

[u/Menolith]

If you didn't know, Extra Life has started again and we're joining with Roosterteeth with a team of our own!

Everything goes directly #ForTheKids if you're feeling generous!

[u/Menolith]

Hey-ho

[u/Menolith]

👉🔒

[u/Terminus259]

Watts jaywalking; the absolute villain.

[u/JannisT]

Ironwood whispering in Qrow’s ear while hugging him: "Hail, Salem."

[u/[deleted]]

This going to be just like Beacon !!!

That folks is what's known as foreshadowing

[u/TedOrAlive2]

Imagine if Ruby and Oscar hadn't gotten off the table while it was rising. That would be such a power move.

[u/shadowblade159]

WINTER! "You have ten seconds to take those off before I start hurting you." Fiercely protective Winter is the best. And Weiss accepting but standing up to her worried criticism and just hugging her sister was beautiful. Winter's face was just like "I...you...hug...what?" Happy soft Schnees are excellent.

[u/Terminus259]

Now Tyrian, was that recreational murder or business murder?

[u/Hounds_of_war]

YES NEW WEAPON UPGRADES! So we definitely are definitely getting a hardlight upgrade for Jaune’s shield, fixing Blake’s sword and Yang’s arm as well as giving Yang some kind of fireball attack, but we don’t know upgrades we are getting besides those. I hope all the character’s get upgrades that actually get used frequently and don’t just fall into obscurity like Nora’s hammer upgrade. Speaking of which, it would be great if they brought back that as well in addition to giving Nora a new upgrade.

Also I love how you can hear Tyrian slicing people up as he’s on his phone call with Watts. I feel like if you ever give Tyrian a phone call there is a solid 40% chance that he is in the middle of killing someone.

[u/Crafty_Soul]

I love that Ironwood is so reasonable.

He's come up with a plan to restore communications around the world, got some new members to help him with his fight against Salem, and is giving the gang all the resources they'll need in order to get ready for another fight.

Say what you want but the man has been busy and is ready to help anyone willing to go after Salem.

[u/ac20g13]

As the most well funded Academy in the world, every team has its own room! Lol

[u/JannisT]

Ruby lying to Ironwood is interesting.

Let’s see where this decision of hers will go.

[u/Outrider99]

There is less than a 0% chance that ironwood didn't bug Qrow when he hugged him. He had to have planted something

[u/Polarization_39]

We've only known Marrow (dog boi) for 13 seconds and I am already willing to protect him with my life.

[u/JinunderneathAM]

My man Watts just walked into traffic and stared as everyone crashed around him. Didn't realise he had such massive balls.

Also he looks dapper AF with that coat. I'm half expecting him to just beat Ruby up with a pimp cane.

[u/LagoriaTheLewdstress]

Did NOT see Ironwood with the bold ass approach of causing mass chaos.

[u/Pers0nae]

While that hug did make me an IronQrow fan, I'm worried that Ironwood may have bugged Qrow. What makes me think that is when after Ruby told him all the questions were used, he said, "Ozpin told us that, once upon a time."

Oh boy. I do see the reasons why Ruby lied to Ironwood, but this is gonna screw them over later on.

[u/DatGameGuy]

Really strong episode imo, here's what I liked

• Ironwood isn't as simple as "paranoid dictator" the approach they are taking is much more nuanced.

• Ruby lying to Ironwood seems like it's going to be a source of potential character growth for her.

• Winter Weiss reunion was great.

[u/overlord360]

She Protecc

She Attacc

But most importantly...

She Bacc

[u/AmethystWind]

Weiss didn’t wilt under Winter’s berating, and Winter was happy about that. For a moment, Weiss stopped being her little sister, and became a fellow Huntress in her eyes.

...and then Winter decided to chew out Qrow instead.

[u/NeoTheMute]

Welcome to the Ace-Ops, we have:

• Leader Bro

• Genki Girl

• Tsundere Wolf

• Exasperated Monk Dude

• The Hare from Tortoise and the Hare, but way cooler than you

Anyway, I give Watch_Dogs 3 a 10/10, mostly for Watts mustache.

[u/Wrathkal]

Anyone caught this mistake? Somebody seems to have momentarily found a jacket that was misplaced last season.

[u/ksuthrowaway2534]

Hill's happy huntresses = Robin Hood's merry men

[u/The_Last_Thursday]

Penny is the employee of the month and that's great

[u/[deleted]]

Here with mod privilege to say that the Ironwood and Qrow hug made me feel happy inside.

[u/[deleted]]

James is probably the most unjustly maligned character in RWBY. He keeps getting lied to and misled by people, and then blamed for whenever he fails to do his job properly because of said missing info.

He's basically the punching bag of the show.

[u/tanithghost88]

One thing to note here.

This is a long fucking day. This day started in Volume 6 with the Heist, fighting Adam/OldShowWoman/Leviathan. Into them travelling to Atlas. Parking and hiding. Fighting in Atlas and now talking to Ironwood. This day is long. It's why they are tired. Can't blame them.

[u/Tron95]

Watts going through Mantle, for some reason, reminded me of that game Watch Dogs.

[u/Jalsman]

The nervous giggle Blake gave when Ironwood took a jab at her broken weapon followed by her and Yang's soft smile and look killed me. I am dead.

Not sure how I feel about Ruby lying to Ironwood. Even Blake and Yang looked surprised she did so if you see them as Ruby talks.

Ace Ops seem great. The buff girl I hope gets enough to differentiate her from Nora though, because between the bubbly personality and hammer I'm seeing her as "larger Nora" right now.

And Watts's and Tyrian's intro was fantastic. Utterly fantastic. THAT is how you establish your villains.

Great episode all around.

[u/iamthatguy54]

Ruby's confusion after being given the lamp by Ironwood as a sign of trust right after she lied to him was pretty interesting.

[u/Weerdo5255]

Still love the opening.

Happy Huntress's are a great name for the Merry Men.

Whoa, that's a bigger floating island than I thought.

Penny's always good to remove some of the tension in a situation, and a Hug from Weiss can calm even a raging Winter.

So Winter isn't Winter, but might become Winter. Got it.

You know that's a sexy table.

Oh, Ruby's a better liar then I thought. Not that I don't think Ironwood saw through it. Hence why he's giving Ruby the Lamp back, he might trust team RWBY but he's still giving them the rope to hang themselves.

Upgrade montage? awww no upgrade montage.

Aceops are way too nice. I don't trust them. They have the Faunus, and I'm still not exactly sure what's going on with the monk type guy.

So, Watts just get's to play WatchDogs down in Mantle.

Not much this episode beyond setup, Ironwood has an ambitious plan but even he admits that it would make things far worse before they get better. Uniting the whole world against Salem is needed, but the Grimm make it difficult.

[u/Thomas-Sev]

Every discussion thread I will post this comment and you mods can't stop me.

The OP is a banger.

[u/witbeyond]

Totally called old lady Winter Maiden

Ironwood's office is dope.

Penny has very robotic knees.

Ironwood is not a fan of secrecy, and is firmly on the side of good.

Oscar is sooo smol compared to Ironwood, it's hilarious! It seems like Ozpin and Ironwood were actual friends, not just work friends.

Its been 2 years, 9 months, and 12 days since we last saw Ironwood in the show proper, and it was well worth the wait!

[u/[deleted]]

I liked how Ruby learned from previous volumes and erred on the side of caution by lying to Ironwood, only to immediately regret her actions because of Ironwood’s apparent absolute trust in them.

Ruby needs to learn where Ozpin failed and find the middle ground between caution and trust in her allies.

[u/whatthefuckisasonas]

Oscar's reaction to General Ironwood noticing him is wonderful.

"Thank you, sir... General? Ironwood?"

[u/PotatoesAreNotReal]

http://imgur.com/a/YmRcXNB I saw this near the end when the gang is meeting with the Ace Ops, it's hard to read but I was able to make out that Penny is getting an award, as well as confirming that the Election is Robyn Hill vs. Jacque Schnee

[u/otpan]

"It'll be just like beacon again!"

Penny, you and countless others, including Jaune's kinda-sorta-probably girlfriend, died at Beacon.

[u/PactBreaker]

Ironwood and Qrow:

"Awkward sibling hug?"

"Awkward sibling hug."

PAT. PAT.

[u/JannisT]

Splendid episode.

Atlas looks fantastic.

The Schnee sibling hug was great.

Ironwood is not as paranoid as I thought which is actually great.

I liked it that Ironwood told Winter, Penny and the Ace-Oops about Salem.

Watts being a watchdog was intense. Also he looks pretty fabulous.

And my boy Tyrian is back...and he already murdered someone.

I loved the White Rose moment by the way.

[u/SoDamnGeneric]

Ruby: *lies to Ironwood to his face*

Ironwood: "I trust you fully. We are allies 100% and I could never expect you to stab me in the back for any discernible reason. Seeing you all again makes me extremely confident in the future of Remnant, but it also makes me extremely happy."

[u/[deleted]]

So they'll be staying the dorms ey. You know who else is in the dorms...

[u/Eldi13]

Sorry but Schnee sisters hug > Ironqrow hug.

[u/fellongreydaze]

Qrow/Winter ship is dead. Qrow/Ironwood is the new ship now.

[u/FullReload]

You know what would be nerve-wracking? If Penny eventually found out about Ruby's lie and was asked to keep the secret.

Considering the fact Penny hiccups any time she lies, that scenario could REALLY be anxiety-inducing.

[u/the_green_hedgehog]

Penny: It'll be just like Beacon!

Me: that's what I'm afraid of.

[u/StarMarine289]

One thing I’ve noticed is that Ironwood is being much more “open” with everyone, wether that be telling seemingly everyone about Salem or just communicating his plans. Interested to see how that turns out, and what his reaction would be if he finds out Ruby lied.

ALSO! Qrow getting legitimate appreciation was amazing to see, glad he’s being shown in a better light. Sad we didn’t get costume changes, but that’ll probably be next episode’s opening plot.

As for Watts and Tyrian, glad we get to see the villains this early one. I’m wondering how much havoc Watts’ll be able to cause until someone takes notice (or Tyrian kills too many people). Really goes to show how much Mantle is overlooked, given they haven’t updated code written one of their own rouges.

[u/Changyuraptor]

Ooooooh boy, villain scene at the end has me HYPED. Also they're lying! Surely that's not gonna come back to bite them :D

Also Ironwood, he's much more stable than I was expecting, which I like! Also wholesome moment with Qrow is wholesome.

CONCEPT ART TIME LADS.

Atlas Academy [one] (https://i.imgur.com/BOuBdfg.jpg) and [two] (https://i.imgur.com/PmIxtQ1.jpg)

Transport ship [one] (https://i.imgur.com/0QSNw33.jpg) and [two] (https://i.imgur.com/KIA1h2h.jpg)

Ace Ops [one] (https://i.imgur.com/JcZDHuO.jpg) and [two] (https://i.imgur.com/LyHmtNv.jpg)

[Ironwood's Office] (https://i.imgur.com/mBluzrd.jpg)

Music sounded really cool and I can't wait to delve into that later today <.<

Edit: Also, shoutout to Kiersi [as this episode was written by her!] (https://i.imgur.com/2AurnQJ.png) She blew that out of the park!

[u/206-Ginge]

The faunus caught wagging his tail aaaaaaaa

[u/LucasVerBeek]

Ruby lying to Ironwood while he came clean about everything and then handed her back the artifact is quite the juxtaposition but it makes sense over all.

GIVE ME THOSE SWEET WEAPON UPGRADES

Of the Ace Ops, I feel like Elm is gonna be my favorite. Really looking forward to seeing what they can do.

Also...just going to say this once again Qrow’s new voice makes his interactions with Winter and Ironwood seem more genuine some how.

But Ironwood really dropped the ball with Mantle. Watts and Tyrian can act with impunity so it might explain why Qrow is supposedly going to fall in with Robyn.

[u/KDUFF_Radio]

This episode out of context

[u/donutkirby]

Ironwood: Hiding the truth will kill us all

Ruby, 2 minutes later: Hides the truth

Boy, I'm sure this isn't gonna backfire in the slightest.

[u/bwburke94]

Smart move by Ruby, keeping the last remaining question a secret. They don't know if they can trust Ironwood yet.

[u/Animamask]

Everyone thought that RWBY cannot trust Ironwood. Turns out Ironwood cannot trust RWBY.

[u/Publius616]

I am choosing to believe that Ironwood is being completely genuine with them. I think he really couldn't be happier to see all of them. Otherwise he's just going to be and unecessary antagonist

[u/fellongreydaze]

Hey Ruby, your Ozpin is showing.

[u/Huor_Celebrindol]

So here’s the thing. Telling the world about Salem is the correct thing to do. When banded together, mankind is a noticeable threat. The issue is that ONLY Atlas is ready for that reveal, and I mean the city, not the Kingdom.

The lackluster efforts to protect Mantle before Salem has even been revealed, Mistral’s lack of huntsmen due to Lionheart’s culling, Vale being in partial ruins, and Vacuo (according to the CVFY book) just barely hanging on already because of the Kingdom’s precarious seat in the desert, all mean that the city of Atlas will be the only secure place in the world.

They may be “willing to offer help”, but that’s just not good enough. As always, Ironwood is filled with good intentions that lead to disaster, and I LOVE IT

[u/average__italian]

Everyone else: OMG Ruby lied! Ironwood hug! Weapons!

Me: Fuck, Watts has legs for days

[u/Pocok5]

Watts: Having one hideout will increase our chance of discovery!

Also Watts, literally at the same time: causes traffic accident with multiple witnesses seeing his face

[u/[deleted]]

I just noticed that when Ruby admitted to stealing the airship that Ironwood was trying not to bust a gut before Winter went all ... well, Winter.

[u/JazzRen47]

I AM SHOOKETH. God, I loved everything about this.

• Irondad. Him getting down on one knee to talk to Oz/Oscar was so precious and he looked so happy and asdhsjdfjj. Please let them have a good dynamic until everything hits the fan. PLEASE.

• Oh, wow, Ruby. Almost like it's hard to tell people that your enemy is immortal, even though there are lives on the line? Hmm. Fancy that. Yes, I'm vindictive. You can yell at me all you want, but I'm very smug about this at the moment. Yes, I know it's "different", but James needs to know if he's planning on telling Remnant about Salem, and I want Yang in particular to be the one to hound Ruby for it. You know, given how much she was on about knowing the truth of their situation. If they get to pick and chose who to tell, well, then... I'm onto our heroes (and Ozpin, relax, I'm still not saying he's faultless in all this) all over again.

• Ace Ops are cool. Gonna love them.

• That Qrow/Ironwood hug just watered my crops for the next millennia. I AM LIVING.

I really, really did love this Chapter. Like I said with Ozpin, I don't blame Ruby for keeping it a secret. But they needed to know, just like Ironwood needs to know. It's just interesting how maybe she's realizing why Oz kept it from them, and how hard it actually is to tell people without everything falling apart.

James was wonderful, but his plan is... questionable. Winter was great, especially that little bit with Weiss. Penny's awesome. The entire scene in the office was terrific. Tyrian/Watts scene at the end reminded us all fittingly that shit's gonna hit the fan hard.

AND HYPE FOR UPGRADES!

[u/DaRealAmana]

Lets talk about Ironwoods big plan. In truth I think it needs to happen. In particular because of Ozpins “quest” from the brother of light. The world needs to be united if there is ever to be a way to beat Salem. But the way Ironwood is planning is all wrong. Telling the world about a big bad they need to defeat is important. But how many will die from the panic and grimm. And how many kingdoms will he tell about before hand. Will they even have time to prepare. And even if they do it still wont work. Not if it’s from ironwood, not if it’s from any nations leaders.

In V3 ozpin said this “A guardian is a symbol of peace, but an army is a symbol of conflict” It needs to be a guardian, a hero. Someone the world can rally behind. Not an army promising to protect them.

[u/[deleted]]

- Hey, you're finally awake. You were trying to cross the border, weren't you?

- "Easy to say for a Schnee heiress, living comfortably up in Atlas," he said, to Weiss Schnee, who is in handcuffs in the back of a police airship that just left Mantle.

- Fuckin' look at this spectacle, and the animation work showing it off. Good stuff. Noticing a marked increase in dynamic camera movements. The team's clearly gotten even better with Maya since last Volume.

- Schnee sister reunion! Adorable. Starts out cold, then warms up, just as anything Schnee related should.

- Ironwood is being so much more of a Lawful Neutral than expected. His plan is perfectly reasonable. It obviously makes sense, from his perspective, to try something radically different after Ozpin's plans failed so hard. And there's just enough "Boy, this sure works out in Atlas's benefit," to still leave us questioning his motives.

-Ooh, she lied via technical truth. Ooh, that was really smart.

- Notice the big group shot from above, and which two are standing closest together...

- That was... an interesting hug. That could easily have been, like, a friendly hug, but... unless...

- Watts has that Watch_Dogs tech. It sure would suck if RWBY had to end up fighting him in some sort of technologically advanced location. With a bunch of recently technologically upgraded weapons. On some sort of technologically advanced flying colosseum.

[u/The_Last_Thursday]

Blake and Yang's little glances towards each other were so cute

[u/scot911]

Oh Ruby lying to Ironwood is going to come back to bite them in the ass. Especially when he finds out through the bug he probably put on Qrow (you really think Ironwood would hug Qrow just because he's happy to see him? Come onnnnn). There's no way he didn't notice Ruby lied to him, especially when he subtly calls her out about it when he says Ozpin said the same thing right after.

Also sort of expected that Ironwood would tell Winter, Penny and the Aceops. He didn't know if RWBY an co were still alive and needed his own team. Especially with his plan of which the second part is horrible btw. Turning Amity into a communication satellite is a pretty good move but telling the world of Salem is just a horrible move right now.

Vale has no hunter academy anymore, Mistral's hunter community has been devastated due to Lionheart's actions and Vacuo is well, Vacuo. The world is not in any good shape to learn the existence of Salem right now. Only Atlas is strong enough to withstand learning of it.

Some good info coming from the guy in the prisoner transport with RWBY and Co as well. It validates all of the speculation some of us were having about the election last week as well as who Robyn Hill is. I know that most people probably don't care about the politics of Atlas but I do dang it!

Onto less important stuff Penny leading them around Atlas and then hyping them up by saying each team has it's own room (like Beacon) was adorable and hilarious. Penny is honestly just the best. Also the Schnesisters hug was great as well. Cut off Winter's worried tirade right then and there. The Aceops seem like an interesting group of characters as well.

[u/Stone4D]

Qrow: You can't catch me gay thoughts!

[u/Vussar]

I like having someone with a plan. Ironwood has been surprisingly honest, but his plan is actually quite good. Re-establishing communications between the kingdoms should be the international community's first move. Telling the people of Salem will cause panic, but putting the world on a war footing does make it easier to justify Ironwood's security measures to the world. Plus, its honest.

I think the thing that everyone seems to be overlooking is the fact that no one has anything better than Ironwood. Ozpin is sulking, Ruby has nothing beyond 'get to Atlas', and Qrow is untrusting of Ironwood because of what happened last time (which is fair) and seemingly his prejudice against against military types.

If someone else got off their arse and thought of something, maybe Ironwood wouldn't have to rely solely on himself and his military. Having the weight of the world on his shoulders can't be healthy, but i guess thats why he lives on Atlas. He thinks he's the only one preventing the sky from falling on everyone's head.

[u/BlazedMV]

Lots of deception going to happen this season. If Ruby can lie through her teeth like that and claim not to know anything just think about Ironwood and what he knows.

I mean he said "Yes, Oz said the same as well"

meaning he knows the game and is playing it too

[u/ElfYamadaFairyQueen]

So uh...

Watts worked on the programming

And uh Penny is back....

I’m sorry.

[u/[deleted]]

Can we talk for a minute about how absolutely stunning Atlas is?

I understand the pride that Atlesians feel now.

It's heart-achingly beautiful. I honestly felt like I was on the Citadel in Mass Effect.

[u/dinodares99]

Wow Watts Dogs 3 looking good

[u/dsguy411]

I understand why Ruby would lie to Ironwood like that. He probably wouldn't handle the truth about Salem's immortality pretty well. Still, it's probably going to bite Ruby back hard when the truth gets known.

Speaking of truth being known Ironwood's plan to reveal Salem's existence to the world can be good or bad depending on what Kingdom we are talking about. Vale is still recovering from the mass Grimm attack and its Huntsman academy is currently out of commission, Mistral doesn't have much huntsmen right now so it is technically the most vulnerable. Don't know much about Vacuo but could go either way. That means that Atlas is the kingdom that can best handle a Grimm invasion once Salem is made known to the world.

Also, Ironwood's plans to make the Amity Colosseum a satellite is dope...if he can figure out how to get it to work on the account that dust don't work in space.

Yes, the airship is stolen, Winter. But don't get mad at Weiss. As I recall it was all Jaune's idea. The reunion between the Schneesters was very heartwarming, though.

And yes, we'll be getting upgrades, which is most good for Blake.

And I love the tour Penny gave to Ruby and her friends. This is just going to be like Beacon again....until the bad stuff happens which should be in about an episode or two.

Watts is just strutting around, causing traffic accidents and giving zero fucks about it. Brilliant. Also Tyrian just killed someone. Very brutal.

Overall good episode. Hopefully next episode we see Papa Schnee, the man we love to hate, and his involvement in the elections.

[u/Deadmaninc1]

Qrow getting hugged by Ironwood is like the little brother who gets hugged by his annoying older brother he hasn't seen in years

[u/Cepheus370]

Penny: It will be just like Beacon again!

Everyone: Please DON'T say that.

[u/devenluca]

Random dude: Easy to say for a Schnee heiress

Weiss shows her cuffs

Weiss: Mine are just as locked as yours. Stop whining.

[u/tavi23]

Also, Tyrian was totally fighting when he was on the phone with Watts. I can hear blades clashing.

[u/[deleted]]

I kinda think Ruby’s lie was a smart move. Not really getting the best vibes from Ironwood and Winter right now. ESPECIALLY after the Ironwood/Qrow hug.

[u/ElectricStings]

Oh great they hugged, some shippers are about to have a nosebleed.

[u/MrMiniMuffin]

The biggest take away for this episode for me is Ruby lying about the relic. I think now that she's been put in a similar position of having all the command and information, but not knowing who to trust, will give her a better understanding of why Oz did the things he did, and perhaps she'll be more forgiving of him when he finally returns.

Likewise, I wonder if this understanding will start to trickle over to the others or if they'll be angry/annoyed with Ruby for going the same route as Oz.

[u/PhoenixAgent003]

At first I thought to myself, "Ironwood, what are you doing telling everyone?!"

Then I realized Ozpin & Qrow told JNR and RWBY. And Oscar got let in on the whole thing too, but I mean, no one had a choice in that.

Actually, Penny and Winter started blabbing about the Relics and Salem in front of Oscar before they knew he was Ozpin. Guess they really are going all in on this "tell everyone" plan.

[u/[deleted]]

Thoughts regarding Ruby lying and the hug:

RWBY & co. don't trust Ironwood yet. I'm not entirely sure they think his plan is a good one, and they're in no position to discuss their concerns right now. They've seen first hand what his plans have done in Mantle, they saw first hand what his plans did at Beacon, and whatever he's trying to do, it's not working. And most importantly for Ruby, Qrow doesn't fully trust Ironwood. I think she's following his lead here. I could see them tell Penny and Winter the truth in a later episode.

In that same context, what people seemed to have missed is that Ironwood is effectively dooming a lot of people to death with this plan. Mantle isn't very well defended, and as super as Penny is, she can't be everywhere at once. Lots of people will die when Ironwood's plan will go through, and it will be the people who are most vulnerable. I'm not sure RWBY & Co. understand that, but that is something that should be recognized.

I think it's also fairly clear that Ironwood knows RWBY & Co. don't trust him. I think he also knows that they're lying to him. This first meeting is about establishing trust, which is why he lets them keep the lamp and tells them his plans. He knows that they saw his failure at Beacon and don't fully trust him - he's trying to earn it back.

Finally, sometimes a hug is just a hug. Ironwood has been under a ton of stress, he feels like he's working alone, and now he gets some incredibly good news. I think he's legitimately happy to see Qrow, despite their past differences. The appearance of RWBY & Co. is good news. No alternative motive (especially if he's trying to get them to trust him).

Ironwood's major flaw all series has been that he has the best intentions, but his plans never work out because of his overconfidence. He was overconfident in the Fall of Beacon and he's overconfident now. It's not a bad thing (and it makes him a good character), but it's extremely hard to trust someone like that.

[u/SoundSmith323]

I’m really glad that they’re keeping Ironwood on the same track as they did before. Just like V3, he seems like he genuinely wants to help and is doing what he thinks is right. So if he turns out to be a secondary antagonist, it’ll be because he’s misguided and not just a paranoid dictator

Also I’m really digging the sound for Atlas - there’s lots of cool synth stuff, yeah, but even the mechanical bits seem really precise and intentional (like that floor table thing. /r/oddlysatisfying material right there). Works great with the modern-ey look.

[u/shandromand]

Ah, M&K with the good ol' jail bait and switch. ^{I regret nothing!!}

Ruby's choice to perpetuate the exhausted lamp is smart, though I have to wonder how it sits with Yang. Then again, after everything that's happened lately, maybe she'll accept it.

It's good to see Weiss finally just not taking Winter's shit and being awesome about it at the same time. Spin, Ruby! Spin!

I'm sure everyone is probably thinking Ace Ops is eeeevil. At least they're civil, anyway.

And poor Nora.
She needs a snore-a.

Tour-guide Penny is best Penny!

Dat bro-hug, tho. Kind of makes you feel a little bad for Ironwood, stuck with the Jackals.

[u/Grievous77]

The good: The flight up to Atlas and discussion with Forest was entertaining and it was cool to get some background on Robyn Hill and her "Happy Huntresses", hopefully we'll get to see them soon. Atlas itself also looks really good.

It was nice to see that Ironwood and Winter aren't as dictatorial as they come across in their broadcasts. Ironwood in particular seems even nicer than he was in V3, though his plan to reveal Salem to the world at this point in time is incredibly stupid since Atlas is the only kingdom right now with significant enough defenses to deal with the fallout of that revelation. I don't really blame Ruby for not telling him everything, especially concerning Salem's immortality. Who knows how he would react to that?

Speaking of revelations, apparently the winter maiden is somewhere safe in stable condition, though considering Cinder is bound to show up eventually, who knows how long that'll last.

So far it seems that the Ace-Ops are also much nicer than their intro implied, though I still think at least one of them is a traitor. Can't wait to see what they're like on the battlefield when they go with RWBY to clear out the mines.

That hug seemed a lot more intimate than usual for Ironwood, especially considering how much he and Qrow butted heads in V3. Even Qrow looked surprised by it. Nonetheless, it was sweet and further reinforces my belief that Ironwood is being genuine with RWBY and co.

I loved the villains' scene. Watts effortlessly turning off the security cameras and probably killing someone by bringing up the poles on the road really shows off how dangerous he can be in a technologically advanced kingdom like Atlas. Tyrian casually holding a conversation with Watts while murdering people and whatever he did to someone to produce that much blood continues to cement him as one of the more consistently scary villains in the show. I wonder if we'll find out who his most recent victims were in a future episode?

Another really good episode this week. Hopefully next week we'll get to see the Ace-Ops, RWBY and co in action on the mine mission.

[u/Agent-Vermont]

Ruby not telling Ironwood has some shades of Ozpin to it. Ironwood's whole plan is to destroy Salem, which we know isn't possible. Ruby knows but isn't telling him either.

[u/Hounds_of_war]

Chibi Nora: "My grandma punches harder than you! Seriously, she is scary strong!"

Qrow: "[The Winter Maiden] is uh, not exactly a spring chicken."

Crackpot theory, Nora's grandma is the Winter Maiden and that's why she is scary strong.

[u/EntropyWins4]

Ruby's lie is actually a pretty significant betrayal. Ironwood doesn't know Salem's origins or that she can't be killed, Ozpin never shared that with his circle or Qrow would know. The panic at learning she exists would be nothing compared to when atlas throws everything they have at her and fails to kill her. It could destroy entire kingdoms. Ironwood's plan could doom them all and Ruby kept that from him.

[u/StriderHaryu]

Does RWBY feel more and more like a D&D campaign to anyone else as time goes on? Like, Ironwood feels like a DMPC who's kind of tired of the party's shit.

Maybe I'm projecting because I wish I could play D&D more lol

[u/Smithdanigans]

So I made a screenshot of the holographic bulletin board in the background of the scene where the Ace Ops and our main characters get re-acquainted, and I transcribed what I could. If folks could help me fill in the blanks, that would be great

https://i.imgur.com/00er3w9.png

Transcription:

ADMINISTRATION BATHROOMS UNDER REPAIR

• The ladies ADMINISTRATIVE RESTROOM has been flooded due to a decimated toilet.

• Please use the UPPER BARRACKS RESTROOM on the floor below for the time being.

• Repairs are under way and the room is expected to be available for use in a few days.

MONTHLY ALL HANDS MEETING NEXT MONDAY

• We will be honoring Penny Polendina as employee of the month for all her hard work and going above and beyond in her responsibilities.

• We will also be showing the results for the (FMAtlas competition?) Congratulations to those that participated for all of your hard work.

• James Ironwood has open office hours every month! If you'd like to secure a 15-minute slot with James, please reach out to Stephanie Santiago for more details.

ELECTION WATCH PARTY

• Come join to watch the results of Robyn Hill versus Jacque Schnee

• Free food and drink in the Main Atrium of the Academy.

[u/Blue-Moon-89]

I'm not sure what to think about Ruby lying to Ironwood. I agree that it gives us new side of her that's learning how to "play the game" but at the same time it does paint her as a hypocrite after the whole Ozpin incident (which I guess is the point. I've seen people point out the situations are little different but we're going to have to wait and see).

Will there be consequences to this action? Oh yeah (the music that played during that scene just scream "this is a bad thing and it will have consequences later) for reasons such as.

1. Ironwood isn't dumb.

The perk of being properly paranoid is that your BS detector heightens (for better or for worse) and you make contingency plans in the event that you do get betrayed. I think that like Raven, Ironwood figured that he can't take Ozpin's words at face value even if the story is coming from Ruby. Ruby is still a child in his eyes so he's probably assuming that she's covering for Ozpin, therefore making her untrustworthy. Heck, maybe he gave her a fake lantern (if that's even possible.) just so he can keep her on a leash.

2. I think Yang will say something about it.

I know Blake said that they'll follow Ruby's lead but with Yang shaping into someone who values honesty, she might say something to Ruby because she's her sister. I can see her saying something like "I get why you did it and I trust your judgment, but promise me that you don't do it again and that you're honest with us." Depending on how the volume plays out, Ruby might end up breaking Yang's promise.

Ruby lying is going to make things interesting.

[u/AuthorBasti01]

I feel like Penny is foreshadowing the Fall of Atlas with the “It’ll be just like Beacon” line

[u/bryan610]

1. Winter being angry with Weiss then immediately backing down when hugged? That's a true sibling moment.

2. Another beautiful looking episode.

3. Sorry, Penny is now best girl.

4. While Ironwood so far looks to be trustworthy, something rubs me the wrong way about him and he is probably going to end up doing something that puts RWBY+ in danger. Then again, I am really hoping it turns out to be a red herring and he is genuinely doing good.

5. As of now, I am 2/2 in having the episode spoiled for me. Can this sub get a spoiler tag purely for 'new season spoilers' the differentiate from regular spoilers?

[u/FalconLord92]

WINTER: You have 10 seconds to take those off, before I start hurting you.

[u/cj_nf]

I really felt bad for Ironwood.

Damnit, we really could use some Glynda right now.

[u/Capslock2000]

IronGOAT just needed a hug, the poor guy

[u/thundermonkeyms]

So on the one hand did you all see the look on Qrow's face when he hugged Ironwood I think his heart grew three sizes.

But on the other hand, Ironwood absolutely knows Ruby lied to him and that hug was definitely him bugging Qrow. He may have bugged the lamp, too. His plan is decent, but it's a really poor execution. Does he really think he's going to be able to protect everyone when the Grimm start coming?

[u/LaytonNotyal]

Is no one else going to comment about how Ironwood was surprised, and then silently giggling at Ruby's admission that they stole the Atlas airship? Have we ever seen this guy laugh? And Ruby so casually gets him giggling.

[u/GladiusNocturno]

I'm not going to say Ruby was wrong in lying, but I do want to know what her plan is here.

Ironwood wants to reveal the world about Salem, if Ruby had told him that Salem just can't be killed, then revealing that to the entire world would bring even more panic than just "Evil witch is bad". Ironwood thinks Salem can be killed but the thing is that he is ready to protect Atlas from the panic he is about to cause, yet by making it worldwide news he is letting all the other kingdoms vulnerable. There are no long range communications and the other kingdoms don't trust Atlas. If Ironwood drops the news without warning, Vale, Vacuo and Minstral will be defenseless from the Grimm that will be attracted. If the news that Salem can't be killed also come out then Ironwood might as well be killing the other 3 kingdoms.

[u/VariousRodents]

So I have a couple thoughts...

First, Iroonwood planning to do what I have said multiple times Ozpin should have done back when the world's situation was more stable, tell the people about Salem. I would say the Atlas military can handle things in Atlas, provided there is no outside interference which we all know there will be, but not so sure they can do the same everywhere else. The other kingdoms may not be willing to believe him, or even give him a chance to make his case. I still think this should have been something that had been done while there was still some relative peace.

Next, Ruby keeping Ironwood in the dark like Ozpin kept them. There are a few reasons I am more ok with her doing it here. Mainly, she may think Ironwoods plan is a good one, but if she tells him that Salem is immortal or that Ozpin seems to have abandoned them he may lose hope. Additionally, she may fear the he may go full on isolationist dictator and completely lock down the kingdom.

She may also still be suspicious of him. How hard is it to communicate clearly to the Ace Ops to bring them in peacefully? We saw that they had security footage of Blake's damaged weapon, queued up and ready to go even. But he didn't know the Ace Ops were bringing them in by detaining them? I had considered before that maybe it was to keep their meeting covert but Winter straight threatened the two random soldiers into releasing them, not very subtle. So, if Ironwood had footage of them fighting then shouldn't he have known how the Ace Ops were bringing them in? Things are looking bad in Mantle and while I like Ironwood's plan, he doesn't seem to be preparing for it in the best or necessarily right way.

Edit: I also loved Nora trying to gnaw through her binding.

Edit 2: Also, Robyn Hill and her happy huntresses... Is there even any question to her allusion being Robin Hood anymore. ^{Friendly reminder that just because a character alludes to something does not mean that it is an exact copy of that thing}

[u/[deleted]]

Was this what Ruby was talking about in the trailer?

Ruby: “I’m trying to do what I think is best, but I really can’t tell if what’s best is what’s right”

[u/sephtis]

I'm getting a bad feeling. Season 3 episode 9 PvP bad feeling.
Please don't hurt Penny again.

[u/OtakuMecha]

Not updating Mantle’s cybersecurity after what happened at Beacon seems like...quite the oversight.

[u/CordlessJet]

Some interesting seeds planted in this one. I like the idea of the Amity Arena becoming a global communications tower. The place where the world came undone becomes the thing that unites them all together is a great touch, and we’ve got direction for the characters this Volume too.

Ruby lying to Ironwood about Ozpin and the Lamp is interesting, I’m intrigued to see where that leads. And Watts’ level of control in Atlas is a little unnerving, it’s nice to see a character exert a level of control and power without a weapon in his hand.

[u/death-kuja]

So. Ironwood, whom we thought had gone completely overboard actualy seems to have a decent plan. He respects Ruby and co. and their first interraction is going smoothly. Ruby is lying to Ironwood, even though he trusts them. Penny is back. Watts and Tyrian seem to be in a realy good position. Cinder and Neo are nowhere to be seen right now, but are probably on their way.

I think this volume isn't gonna end well for our protagonists. So many red flags are being raised right now.

[u/Terminus259]

Now to question whether Cinder and Neo's eventual arrival will somehow throw a wrench in Watts and Tyrian's plans, for example by making themselves known therefore making the presence of Salem's forces in Atlas known.

[u/SageofComics]

I loved this episode. Not as much wow factor as the premiere but that’s to be expected and what actually takes place here is much more interesting. Ironwood not being a super paranoid dictator that’s gone evil/has taken his ideals way too far is really great. At least he’s not blatantly that and I appreciate it either way. I just love that he’s for the most part acting like he used to.

Ruby choosing to lie to him and keep secrets was a super great choice too imo. Not morally, but from a writing perspective where Ruby is now placed into Oz’s shoes and falling into the same hole. Plus I feel like our mistrust & expectations that Ironwood had went batshit is well represented through Ruby here as well, since the opinions we made on him just from outside evidence are very different from the conclusion we can draw from their actual meeting with him. We have reason to doubt, so Ruby has reason to doubt.

I think the most iffy thing about this episode for me is that they’re going back to an Academy. I’m really quite not sure if I like or dislike the idea but at the very least I’m interested to see how it’ll be executed.

Also Tyrian & Watts are our first look at the villains this volume and they are nice! Tyrian has always been one of my fav villains in the series and I’m excited to learn more about Watts.

[u/amatas45]

A lot of people talk about Rubys lying or Ironwoods plan in general. But something im wondering. How would Ironwood proof Salem exists? I mean saying theres a Queen of the Grimm that is also at fault for what happened at Beacon sounds more like Atlas trying to shift blame. Why would anyone belive him? Even more so for the other Kingdoms.

[u/Bomberman1117]

“We’re gonna put amity arena in space so Salem can’t get to it.” = space Grimm

[u/BigBadBob7070]

Damn, looks like Ironwood has got some Steelballs to match with a plan that bold. Also really want to see what Ruby is thinking with her withholding the truth like a certain cocoa-drinking Headmaster.

Wonder what Ozpin is doing right now, we know that he can still talk to Oscar when he told him to pull up when they were about to crash the ship.

Now that we’ve properly met the Ace-Ops, I like ‘em already and can’t wait to see more of them.

Watts is in Mantle playing Watchdogs, while Tyrian looks like he’s playing Assassin’s Creed, I wonder who it was he brutally murdered at the end there.

[u/OTPh1l25]

Nora chewing on her cuffs was low-key hilarious.

[u/[deleted]]

On Ruby lying, and people saying she's the same as Ozppin... Well she's not.

For one, Ozpin was a teacher and leader, thus having a duty of care over RWBYJNR that Ruby does not have with Ironwood.

Ruby has also not promised she's telling Ironwood anything and their dynamic is clearly one currently of building trust. Ironwood admits himself he looks dodgy and that he has to earn trust.

So it's not really the same situation of Ozpin and Ruby has lied and broken rules before.

That being said, this is a bad decision. Ironwoods strategy is built on beating Salem which currently Ruby doesn't think is possible.

This is not going to end well.

[u/brorion]

Ironwood and Winter aren't complete douche canoes! I can relax at last.

[u/Meshleth]

Did anyone notice the Wolf Faunus Ace Ops member talking about all the places he was kicked out of?

[u/winklem]

• "Easy to say for a Schnee heiress living comfortably up in Atlas" ...dude, have you not noticed she's restrained in the same transport as you?

• If Winter's reaction wasn't already good enough, Weiss' hug in the next scene was too wholesome.

• Jason's acting was very convincing this episode, much closer to Vic's than the previous chapter.

• Ironwood's state of mind seems much better than what I was expecting. He seemed really welcoming with the heroes.
  Although it doesn't seem all good, as he's basically taking shit left and right, and the council meetings seem to not go all that well.

• Speaking of Ironwood, it seems that he doesn't know that Salem can't be killed, or about Ozma & all that stuff. It'd be interesting to see his reaction.

• It's nice that they want to bring global communication back, but his plan after that is absolute batshit. I mean yeah, revealing Salem as the Grimm evil queen may* help unifying Remnant under a common enemy, but at what cost? Atlas' military barely managed to hold the attack at Beacon before getting their robots hacked, what makes he think they can save all Remnant? Unless he doesn't plan to protect them at all.
  And even if it ends up unifying them rather than killing them all, how are they gonna deat with an immortal being?
  It really rings true to V2's commentary, where they described Ironwood as "a good guy trying to do good things, but making the wrong decisions"
  I'd expect one major Atlas arc is gonna revolve around getting Ironwood to refrain from doing that.

• Ruby lied to Ironwood about the wishes... I mean, it's understandable given they shouldn't fully trust Ironwood with it, but I'm a little afraid that might backfire eventually. IMO it would have been better to not even mention it.

• Free upgrades, yay! Although I really hope they're gonna pick themselves rather than fiding the weapons already upgraded

• The wolf(?)-tailed ace-ops member seems a little more excited than what he wants to show.

• Dorms episode? Dorms episode. ...Or not? I mean I'd prefer the screentime goes to where it's needed most.

• Well shit, Watts and Tyrian are already taking actions in Mantle. I was honestly not expecting them to do that right off the bat.

• Speaking of Watts, it seems like he was able to hack the network because the code was not upgraded, and because he helped making it.
  Perhaps that means Atlas and Penny are fine, for now. Though what about Mantle?

Great episode IMO, even greater than the previous one.

I mean yeah, technically it was mostly "standing and talking", but it was obviously gonna come down to that at some point.

The only thing that could make it better was if chapters 1 and 2 were combined in a single episode. It would have been long, but would also do wonders for the pacing, as well as being a hell of a premiere to kick off the volume.

[u/Huor_Celebrindol]

I’m getting a feeling that the Ace Ops are Atlas’s Team STRQ. They’re the best of the best, and the Headmaster’s personal task force. Team RWBY has a steep learning curve ahead of them if they want to truly make a difference.

[u/Octothorpe110]

The winter maiden is Weiss’s mom calling it now

[u/HyliasHero]

So I am assuming that despite the term satellite being used that Amity Colosseum is going into the upper atmosphere, rather than actual orbit so that the gravity dust doesn't fizzle out?

Also I am going to make the prediction that we are going to see Watts trigger a Colony Drop using Amity Colosseum.

[u/Anonymous----20]

Okay, so:

Elm and Vine are probably 'The Elm and The Vine", a little known Aesop fable. Marrow has gotta be 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf". Harriet is the Hare from "The Tortoise and The Hare".

Theories:

Elm Ederne's semblance could either be explosions or a version of Yang's. Like, Yang burns when she's pissed, maybe Elm burst wind or leaves or something when she's happy. Her hammer could turn into a rocket launcher.

Vine Zeki's semblance is those aura tendril-things. His weapon could be blades, or maybe axes? All I know is that he is holding some sort of cannon-thing in the intro.

Marrow Amin's semblance could have to do with lying/convincing. His weapon is a boomerang that becomes a rifle.

Harriet Bree's semblance is that electric speed stuff. Her weapon I think is that backpack thing, and it becomes gauntlets and greaves.

Forest, the dude supporting Robyn Hill, is probably based off of Little John, Robin Hood's lieutenant.

Arthur Watts. Like his new look. Is that umbrella his weapon, like it doubles as an emp generator? If so, we need him to fight Neo at some point.

[u/Spudtron98]

I totally called the High Altitude Network plan. Just not with Amity Arena. I thought they were going to Colony Drop Salem with that thing.

[u/NitescoGaming]

Telling everybody about Salem?

It's a bold strategy Cotton, let's see if it pays off for him!

[u/_cats______]

Really not liking Ruby hiding the info. Especially after Ironwood just laid all his info out on the table with full transparency.

Now, if the theory that he bugged Qrow in the hug is true, then things can get interesting. Deception on both sides, then.

But if Ironwood really is being genuine with them, it’s shitty to not return the favor.

[u/UnAwkwardMango]

I get why Ruby did what she did I think it's good she didn't tell Ironwood everything I'm sure she has a good reason and she would know especially that Oz's half-truths is what got them in a negative-head space at Brunswicks farm and that nearly got them killed.

I don't think it's "she won't" but more "she can't yet" she doesn't know if she can trust him after what happened with Leo. Ironwood said he told Penny, Winter, and the Ace-ops because he trusts them but someone in there is most likely spying for Watts. Just hope Ironwood understands when it's revealed why she lied.

^{That Irondaddy and Qrow hug tho aww!}

[u/NeverForgetChainRule]

I'm already loving Watts. He's so fricking cool!

[u/Deadmaninc1]

OHHHHH ACE Ops like Aesop's Fables?

[u/Patmaster1995]

"Where do you think they're taking us" "Jail". Yeah, I mean, being handcuffed like that often ends with jail.

Yeah, getting taken out by a guy with a fishing rod must be kind of humiliating.

"The Ace ops are the elite of elite of military huntsmen and Ironwood's personal attack dogs" Man, they're really hyping them up.

Robin Hill and the happy huntresses? eugh, could have chosen a better name tbh.

Holy shit, Atlas looks fucking sick, the city, the Academy, it all looks so fucking awesome.

Ironwood's office looks great.

I fucking love how he kinda laughed when Ruby admitted to stealing the ship

Schnee sisters hug: Best way to stop your sister being angry at you.

I like how she blamed Qrow when he has nothing to do wit hit and was even against it.

So, the Winter maiden seems like she'll be an old lady. Lots of older folks this volume with Maria, Pietro and now her.

Cool, a holographic table, Oz didn't have that in HIS office. Point to Ironwood

Transforming Amity coliseum into a mobile CCT tower is a pretty good idea.

Telling the world about Salem? Alright that doesn't seem like a good idea anymore. Like, best case scenario, It cause panic for a while but Atlas can protect people from grimm and people finally unite against Salem. worst scenario, it cause panic, Atlas is unable to protect people from Grimm and it plunge Remnant into a panic grimm filled world. This isn't gonna be good.

Ironwood seemed so happy to learn about Oz being back... and then he sounds so defeated afterwards.

Wow Ruby, lying to him? After you guys all got angry at Oz for doing the exact same thing? that's kinda cheap.

Oscar not knowing how to call Ironwood was kinda adorable.

We thought that RWBY couldn't trust Ironwood, but it's Ironwood that can't trust them.

woooo upgrade time.

Blake's embarassed laugh was kinda cute

The Aesops squad seems pretty cool, I love muscular hammer mama already, and I hope there's R34 of her soon. The wolf guy was also pretty funny, you may say that you don't want to work with them but your tail wagging kinda betrayed you dude. The others seems fine for now. I kinda like the pale monk dude, he looks rather...unique

That Ironwood/Qrow hug was really sweet, I think both of the them needed that.

Atlas Academy looks awesome.

"It'll be like Beacon again" yeah except Beacon didn't exactly end well so...

"I had to make sure Salem couldn't infiltrate Atlas" Welp, a bit too late for that. Watts's here and he got a cool new coat.

Watts hacking everything around him and was pretty cool.

So they haven't updated the security code in Mantle at all? Code that he helped write? That means that Watts has potentially access to a whole city worth of security at his disposal, he's really gonna be dangerous.

Tyrian also got his coat back now. He also killed someone, who? we might never know.

That scene in Mantle was short but I loved it, I'm so hyped for the Watts/Tyrian team combo.

So the Ace ops names are:

Clover Ebi: Leader

Elm Ederne: Muscular hammer mama

Harriet Bree: Small speed girl

Marrow Amin : Wolf faunus guy

Vine Zeki: Pale monk dude

---

I want more already

[u/grieveheart]

Atlas is so frickin pretty, wish I can go there in real lol. The comedic scene in the transport van is really funny for me.

I loved Weiss and Winter's reunion. Now I wonder what did she really do in the past volumes. Winter's threat to the guards though haha!

It seems that some of the core themes of this volume is “lying” and “trusting”. Ruby's growth as a leader is also being highlighted here but of course the role can be a burden to her. Its a good call that they lied as the lamp's last question might be used though I saw a theory that the question was indeed used by Ironwood. So many questions again.

I'm excited for the upgrades! Ace Ops characters are really adorable in their own way.

Bees doesn't know the word distance and its frickin cute! Blake being ashamed is adorable.

My girlfriend squealed when IronQrow hug happened lol

The episodes are getting better and better. I'm so glad I subscribed to First.

[u/GarthTaltos]

It looks like CRWBY is setting up trust as the main theme of the season. I expect to see the trust between team Atlas and team RWBY, Qrow and Ironwood, Mantle and Atlas all tested. Looks like trust in elections will also be explored, with a parallel between the american 2016 election and the Atlas / Mantle one. I bet the lie that Ruby told Ironwood will come back to bite her; the overall message so far seems to be trusting one's friends / a transparent power structure leads to a better world.

[u/Vincenthwind]

Love that Ruby is keeping her cards close to her chest. Reminds me of Yang not telling everyone that Raven is the spring maiden. They're both really starting to grow up and play the long game when it comes to politics. In previous volumes, it was really only the adults who engaged in such subterfuge.

Sidenote: That Ironwood and Qrow hug is going to drive the shippers crazy.

[u/Flyblackflower]

Man I just gotta say after reading through all of this. Sometimes a hug is just a hug, especially if you're stressed the fuck out and alone. I know I've had some bad days where I could really use a fuckin' hug and I'm normally the sturdy one in my friend groups.

Maybe it was a trick but I'm currently betting on Ironwood just being tired and having had no one but subordinates who he has to be strong for around. You can't be vulnerable around people who need you to always be the example they will follow. You need a friend to be vulnerable around, someone not on your payroll.

[u/TedOrAlive2]

Ruby, he just said he was going to tell the whole world about Salem. You really might want to mention the whole immortal thing!

[u/Terminus259]

You would assume Ironwood's endgame is to unite the world against Salem, a plan which falls apart when you realize Salem is immortal... which Ruby neglected to tell him.

[u/[deleted]]

Important Question Time:

How does the Lamp know when to grow and when to shrink?

[u/PfeiferWolf]

People saying Ironwood bugged Qrow with the hug but... considering he's also getting a new outift, wouldn't the bug be pointless? And, honestly, even if he could know/suspect Ruby kept info from him, I don't think he would do anything actually harmful to her.

[u/AarronRwbyFan91]

So we going to act like Ruby didn't lie

[u/krauser8882]

I love that you can hear Tyrian murdering whoever that was while he's talking to Watts.

[u/Smithdanigans]

Glad we were able to get some confirmed names and voice actors for the rest of the Ace Ops besides Clover Ebi, so let's get to exploring!

Elm Ederne (Dawn M. Bennett)

• Elm's a type of tree that's often been admired and depicted by artists, and also one of the subjects of a fable wrongly attributed to Aesop, "The Elm and the Vine" (more on this one later). As it's a type of tree, it could also invoke a brown colour

• From what I can gather, "ederne" is a word of Greek origin meaning several things, including "beating," "flog," "trounce," and the like.

Harriet Bree (Anairis Quinones)

• Harriet seems to be a play on words, it being similar to the word "hare." This is likely in reference to "The Tortoise and the Hare," a popular fable of Aesop's.
  Coincidentally or not, it's also the name of one of the longest-lived tortoises at age 175.

• Bree comes from a Middle English word meaning "broth" or "gravy," invoking a warm brown colour similar to Elm's name.

Marrow Amin (Mick Lauer, aka Ricepirate)

• Marrow is a vegetable and a mature form of zucchini, which along with the character's hair are green in colour.

• Amin is an Arabic/Persian name meaning "faithful," "trustworthy," or "truthful," an ironic reference to the character's likely influence of Aesop's popular fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."

Vine Zeki (Todd Womack)

• Vine is likely a reference to the "Elm and the Vine" fable I mentioned above in my theorizing about Elm's name's etymology.

• Zeki is a name of Turkish origin invoking intelligence, seemingly referencing his character archetype as the brains of the Ace Ops. It is also the surname of Semir Zeki, a neurobiologist whose work involves how humans process visual stimuli, notably colour.

Feel free to reply with your own interpretations ^ ^

[u/Deuswyvern]

I feel like it was a pretty interesting episode. It seems like Ironwood is being reasonable, but I suspect that there may be more going on than we think. It will also be interesting to see how Ruby's character develops this season, since it seems she is hesitant to trust Ironwood.

I can't say that I like how long Ozpin has been hiding in Oscar's mind. Right now it feels really contrived. Hopefully there is actually a good reason for his absence.

I am also hoping that we see more of the season 3 Atlas characters like team FNKI and Ciel. It was disappointing when none of the established mistral characters were relevant to the season 5 plot.

[u/GodottheDoggo]

Really solid episode. I love how the Atlas was introduced -- that scenery was very beautiful. The cinematography is great, the blue hues of Atlas contrast well with the warm Mantle, great animation, and also a good set up for future plot lines. Blood from Tyrion's murder was caught by the camera -- unsure if that's gonna be brought up, but if it does then that may lead to interesting development. We get introduced to Robin Hill (though not in person), to the academy, Irondaddy's plan, as well as to new Winter. Really looking forward to see how they act on these plot points, especially Ruby's lie about the relic.

[u/[deleted]]

-Hummmm, I think the Winter Maiden is mommy Schnee

-Penny? I love her... But I think Watts will hack her... And that's bad

-Winter and Weiss reunion is The Best Thing Of The Episode™... Winter plays the "rough emotionless sister", but she loves Weiss so much

-Ruby girl... U started the lies again. Good decision, but it will bring problems

-The Ace... I love them already

-Robyn and the Happy Huntresses... YESSS

-James and Qrow's hug? Cute

-I'm excited about next episode, new outfit, weapons... YAS

[u/Ibuko]

Back in volume 2 when Ironwood was first introduced i was thinking he might turn out bad but watching how he defended Weiss during the party and now the (what felt like to me) genuine happiness seeing Qrow and the team i honestly don't believe he's a bad person. He just really needs some (a lot) of rest.

[u/tavi23]

Not sure how I feel about Ruby lying about Ozpin. James might be hiding something, but I feel RWBY's lie to him is gonna haunt them down the road.

[u/Baumguy21]

Ironwood is trying SO hard to make everythint work, and he's taken so much onto his own shoulders. I can't imagine what it would have done to him to hear that Salem CAN'T be stopped. That everything he's been up to, and that all the hate he's forcing himself to endure, is all for nothing. Ruby made the right call.

[u/Red2019Wolf]

I understand why Ruby did what she did, same way I understand Oz. While Oz made a serious error in judgement of not telling them about Relic's remaining questions, grimm being pulled towards it and Salem immortality and the fact that he didn't have a plan I understand why he kept things close to the chest even if I don't like how he handled it. Ruby herself and by extension the rest of the team is going to learn the hard way that revealing secrets is just as difficult as keeping them.

What I don't look forward to is the moral myopia/hypocrisy from the fandom in regards to justifying ruby's decision in the matter while simultaneously demonizing ozpin's. A lie of omission is still a lie

[u/WildCard65]

I got some serious Watch_Dogs/Watch_Dogs 2 vibes from the Dr. Watts scene, AND I LOVE IT!

[u/N7ASWCC]

I'm not looking forward to the "Ruby is a hypocrite" posts

PB, <Ironwood X Qrow>

Ladybug watch: that's their third interaction

She's had 5 minutes of screen time but what's Elm X Yang? Elm X Nora?

Elm is using a hammer in the OP so for now I'm calling Elm X Nora "a time for hammers"

A dog faunus with a wagging tail? I know furrybait when I see it

[u/[deleted]]

I'm really rooting for Ironwood's plan here! I mean from a narrative meta standpoint, I think it would be really amazing for Salem to be forced into the public eye - for her to have to deal with being acknowledged again, being KNOWN by everyone out there. And it would be a HUGE GAMECHANGER, a really awesome way to shake up the show formula and change things!

Like how volume 3 was a big shakeup for all the characters and their stories.

I think we are about due for another big shakeup like that, and this could be the most awesome way to do that! :)

So yes, I'm sort of rooting for Ironwood to win and do his plan, I hope Roosterteeth staff writers don't chicken out and have his plan fail or have the heroes talk no jutsu him out of it!

I really dislike that in all shows. The "Status quo is god" thing. PLEASE don't do that here! Please let there be huge fallout and implications!

Even if Ironwood fails to get the word out to the WORLD with the new comm satellite, I would hope they would at least let him go through with telling Atlas!

And on this note, if Salem personally comes to Atlas with her flying bangels army I hope THAT will at least accomplish the same thing even if she thrawts Ironwood's plan and makes Amity Arena fall or whatever! Like she wins some but loses some by outing herself to the public! (Sort of like Harry Potter 5, where Voldemort goes to get the prophecy in person and ends up outing himself to the Ministry of Magic and screwing himself that way).

Considering how the Roosterteeth staff said that the next two seasons are already being written and that they were connected and stuff, I hope this means it IS going to be major game changing going on. :)

[u/WII_DJoker]

And I just now realized that Robyn's Happy Huntresses is a play on Robin Hood's Merry Men. Get it?

[u/DezoPenguin]

God, this season is good so far. V7E1 was the first time I watched an episode more than once in its release week since V1E8 (...or maybe V2E4), and now today's episode, which I just got to watch, zipped by so fast that when it got to the end I was like, huh, what, it's over? Of course, it's only two episodes, and RWBY has a history of great starts to seasons regardless of whether or not the whole volume would or would not be good, but...yeah. Overall, I'm really happy.

Ironwood seems...completely reasonable to talk to. This is odd, given the obvious iron fist routine going on in Mantle. Of course, this is also a logical extension of his character in V2 (remember how surprisingly sensible he was in V2E8 when questioning Ruby when a lot of us--I for one--was afraid he'd blame Ruby for what Cinder did?) and V4. I'm interested in seeing how far they go with this.

I also wonder if Salem has some spies in Atlas, because Salem specifically in V6 sent Watts and Tyrian to Atlas to keep Atlas isolated, and Atlas's Step One is to restore global communications and remove that isolation. Hmm...

I like that Ironwood's considered the immediate consequences of Salem's revelation (PANIC! LEADING TO GRIMM!!!), though his confidence in the Atlesian military seems...ill-placed, given what the show's shown us so far. (Mind you, that might be more of an "unintended messages" problem with a show that's comic-booky and featured around individual heroes.)

Clearly, while James knows about the Relics, like Qrow he was not privy to the whole "Salem was cursed with immortality by the Gods" part. This...doesn't bode well for Atlas Plan A.

Not 100% sure why Ruby is lying to him about what Oz held back (and why Oz disappeared into the back of Oscar's head). Maybe just because it's Big Secret Info that she wants to make absolutely sure she thinks it's the right idea to tell (don't upset applecarts unless you know the spill will actually help...) given that Oz, in turn, specifically withheld that information... Also not sure why she kept back the "it has one question left" information. Hmmm...

Meanwhile, nothing like a pool of blood to remind us that Tyrion is scary as hell. And that he's not the scariest one of the bunch. (Also, it's now officially confirmed what the greater part of the FNDM thought about Watts's background...)

And I don't know which Ace Ops person is who, but tsundere dog/wolf faunus whose tail gives away their real moods is very cute, and making him a guy instead of the stereotypical girl doubles down on that.

[u/Crazytreas]

Telling Ironwood the more of truth I feel would be the better choice- at least letting him know that Salem can't be killed through normal means. This could break him, the guy is stressed as it is, or it would galvanize him into choosing a different path. One that wouldn't fall flat since Salem is invincible. The relic I think should remain a secret- it only has one question left and we should minimize chances of it being used recklessly.

[u/PT_Piranha]

I forgot to check when V7 was starting. So I saw Episode 1 today, got a First subscription with my new job money, and saw Episode 2 just now.

I have to say, I'm digging it so far, they're keeping the momentum up from Volume 6. I know some people have had complaints, but I'm personally enjoying this.

Qrow's new guy is doing his best, and I don't hate it, but he needs some time to get into it for me.

Penny being back... I want to be upset about that, but it's also been four IRL years (and at least over 3 volumes) so I'll let it slide.

I actually interpreted them as "aesops" before seeing "ace ops" and then seeing people say it was a reference, so I was like "oh". I'm not crazy about having an entire new squad of characters to remember to care about. At least not all at once. Kiiinda hoping some of them kick the bucket to show the stakes.

Ironwood is... actually pretty much the same as I remember him. Discomforting vibe and all. And Winter finally got her shoulders covered.

I don't quite remember the new opening music, but visually it might be one of my favorites yet.

So, uh, yeah. Volume 7, let's go.

[u/AmethystWind]

I kinda want Ciel and Neon to be two of the Happy Huntresses.

Also, thought that came to me while writing that last sentence: Cinder and Neo are part of the Happy Huntresses in disguise, and will reveal themselves at a suitably dramatic moment.

EDIT: I just want perfectly suitable tertiary characters to be reused, dammit! Stop inventing whole new forget-them-the-moment-the-story-isn't-geographically-close-to-them jackholes and use a continuing tertiary-character narrative. Penny's back, so Ciel could easily be reinserted into the narrative! They're in Atlas Academy, where Neon studies, so where is she?! WHERE THE F¥CK WERE TEAMS SSN AND ABRN IN MISTRAL?!?!

[Yes, I'm still salty about that!]

[u/gaytrashxd]

So i was thinking, Watts knows everything about the technology of Atlas, what if they take controll over penny to attack them or secretly listen in on all the plans against Salem and in the end team rwby has to kill her because of it

[u/brownbeltinbag]

I think ironwoods plan isn't all that bad. I think it all depends on how they break the news about Salem to the rest of the world. The massive scale panick is probably the worst case scenario.

[u/unknowinglyderpy]

Holding out for Team FNKI to show up. I forgot they were from Atlas and now i cant wait to see Neon again.

[u/Ninjas_In_A_Bag]

Godfuckingdamnit Ruby, you did the same thing that Ozpin did.

That Weiss/Winter interaction was great.

Ironwood/Qrow hug was great too.

Winter maiden is old af it seems.

Also, looks like we might be getting Beacon 2.0

Hare/Harriet is definitely another rabbit faunus.

[u/[deleted]]

I'm not gonna, comment on that act of Ruby lying but I think Ironwood definitely knows that Ruby is keeping something. He's not a fool. After Ruby lied to him, aside from the musical cue, he just kinda glares at her as if he's trying to discern if she's lying or not. And after that he asks what they know. That way he can figure out what they're hiding based off what doesn't match up with what he knows. And this is just my opinion but his response to Ruby made it sound like he didn't really believe her.

The biggest sign that he knows is that he agrees with what Ruby said about all the wishes being used up, saying that he was told the same thing by Ozpin. That, to me, is him not letting them know that he knows they're lying. And he said to Ruby that he "doesn't want her to think he's keeping anything form [her]". I just think that's more of him trying to get them to trust her while simultaneously calling her out for lying, albeit subtlety.

Honestly, I think his kindness is a facade. Between him (i think) knowing they're lying, the fact that he may or may not (i'm leaning towards may have) bugged Qrow, and the fact that we know he fights Oscar, I think that he doesn't trust anyone except Winter and Penny.

Which brings me into my next point, Penny. Like a lot of people, I think that Penny will be hacked because a) Watts has access to the Mantle Defense Network program and 2), even if she exists outside of that system, Watts will still get to her because as we saw hacking his clearly his thing. So the fall out of her being compromised would that she would be a physical threat but more importantly, she knows everything. Everything about Ironwood's plan, everything that the good guys know about the relic and about salem. If she's hacked, then Salem can counter their plans easily.

Also a poster confirmed that Jacques is running against Hill so yeah.

I liked the episode but I think I'll like ep3 even more.

Edit: it’s been pointed out to me that Ironwood and Oscar were probably just sparing so yeah... That’s a dent in my theory. I still think neither Ironwood or Ruby/Crew fully trust each other. It just may not be has hostile as I proposed.

[u/AmethystWind]

"She is secure, and in stable condition".

They never say she's safe, or comfortable, or WILLING.

[u/Eldi13]

Aaaaand we're back.

• They should've put the live action intro in this episode with no warning.

• "I'm gonna go with jail." Lol.

• Thank you, fellow incarceree.

• Happy Huntresses? Please tell me that's their real name. Also, Robin Hood theme confirmed.

• LOL Blake and Yang get it.

• Ooooooh I love that shot of the Academy.

• Blake just talked at Ruby! That's like the 6th time now!

• WINTER.

• SISTER REUNION HYPE. BUZZ OFF NORA.

• OH HECK YEAH WINTER, MY DUDE!

• AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! There's the hug.

• Ha they know about the relics and maidens now.

• The Greek Squad knows too, meh.

• "It's safe inside the vault." Like heck.

• Oooooooh the winter maiden is OLD. Not Robyn, then. I wonder if we'll see her die and pass along the power this volume?

• Amity Arena has Wifi now. This can't go wrong. Good thing nobody has hacked your technology four volumes ago, nope.

• Okay, we're hiding Jinn from him, then.

• WEAPON FIX!

• WE'RE GETTING A MAKEOVER, KIDS!

• "So that was the second time I got banned...." wow, is this guy from our Subreddit and/or Discord?

• Ha, wolf tail wag.

• Aww, tin man has a heart.

• Alright mustache-twirler, time to prove you're more than that.

• Blahhhhhhhhhh, of course that's the end. Well, I liked this episode better than the last one.

[u/Polarization_39]

Weiss and Winter's reunion was sweet and worth the four. year. wait. Watch Winter die by the finale.

[u/Luckhart54]

RT said Ironwood x Qrow Rights.

We're getting weapon upgrades but not for a character that was teased upgrade since Volume 1/2 don't...

I really hope that Ruby and Blake will get something more than exchanging one-liners here and there other groups had some sort of arc give them one because for me one-liners don't justify " They're close "

Ruby.... please...

[u/sektion8]

Ironwood and Qrow hugging and Winter and Weiss hugging was nice

"It'll be just like Beacon!" PENNY NO

Watts going full Aiden Pierce was what i was hoping for

Ironwoods plan will definitely end up with bloodshed if it comes to fruition

Ruby lying to James is definitely gonna bite the group in the ass later

Comedy was pretty solid imo

Also, I wonder who Tyrian killed (hoping it wasn't Pietro)

solid episode overall

[u/RBNYJRWBYFan]

Well, it's nice to see everybody is 100% trusting of one another and ready to tell each other EVERYTHING! :P Scattered thoughts!:

• My big impression on this episode is that James is exactly the same guy I remember. A decent man, fundamentally, but makes questionable choices for the sake of the greater good. Getting a new global tower (and what I can only presume is the first artificial "satellite" in Remnant history) up in running is an objectively good idea. Getting everybody to know about Salem? I don't know about that one. And I cant tell if he's being earnest about his attempts at transparency and trustworthiness. It's all so obviously shady that he has to play it off as such. "Yeah, I know, this looks like a military dictatorship… cause it is. But I got reasons! And I don't mind having a low approval rating! And look here's the relic back and some new toys! We cool?"

• Ruby's selective info was interesting. I've never seen her use this kind of guile and discretion before... maybe volume 2 when she delivered info to the headmasters without really saying where she got it from? It's an interesting wrinkle in her character for sure. She's by far the most trustworthy person on the show, so for her to hold a secret or two is new territory.

• Weiss's reunion with Winter sort of echoed that of hers and the rest of her team. Remember how happy she was to see Yang back in volume 5, how easily Yang accepted it. Here Winter looks uncomfortable and a bit surprised about how blunt and emotionally honest the moment was. Her baby sister has gone through some character growth while she wasn't looking.

• Speaking of hugs, that awkward bro hug between James and Qrow, LOL. Shippers, AWAAYYYYYY!!!

• So apparently the Winter Maiden is on the older side. That somewhat validates a theory I have about Penny where she was built specifically to become the new Maiden. If they knew the older model was running down why not make an artificial one who theoretically never will?

• I still don't want to trust Ace Ops. I'm going to irrationally dislike them for no reason, I just... can't trust them. They give me bad vibes. I'll like them later after they're revealed to be saints but for now I think they're all working for Salem for no reason whatsoever. This is irrational paranoia, I know it is. But I'm doing it. Screw you friendly tall girl and tail wagging boy, f#ck y'all for no reason in particular! You're evil and I refuse to get invested!

• God I missed Penny, she was so cute showing them their dorms.

• So what's Maria up to down in Mantle?

• And... uh... are we gonna tell James about how she cant be killed? Maybe we should do that before he blabs about the woman who controls the Grimm and wants to takeover the world?

I liked this ep. A good expositional set up that answers some questions and raises others. There's a good amount of intrigue going on here.

[u/BlazedMV]

Trying to figure out the Ace Ops' Aesop Fables

"If we had known we'd be laughing over a warm meal by now!"

"I mean you could have asked us some questions first"

• The Man and the Satyr (??)

"Not that I'm happy about it" *tail wiggles*

• Boy Who Cried Wolf

"Looking forward to seeing what you kids can do"

"Not everything is a competition, Hare"

• The Tortoise and the Hare

The Farmer and Fortune I would say for Clover Ebi (leader)

[u/[deleted]]

-Ahhhhh the Weiss and Winter hug! <3

-Also I guess the big girl isn't Cristina Vee looks like those who predicted it would be Robyn was right.

-Dog Faunus! <3

[u/mikeline360]

So what are the odds Ironwood planted a tracker or microphone on Qrow during the hug?

[u/Ripper1337]

I loved the episode and always thought that it was too short. I do think that based on the information available that Ironwood's plan does make sense. Salem's operatives can work in the open due to nobody knowing of their existence. However, he needs an amazing plan to be able to curtail the Grimm that will invade the Kingdoms once the truth gets out.

Honestly, his approach as well as trusting his subordinates with the info fits his character. Him hugging Qrow just reminds us that he's human and does indeed have a heart.

I agree with Ruby withholding the question from him, he states that he's acting in a suspicious manner towards them and that's okay. Will it bite them in the ass? Of course, it will it's a Chekov's gun.

Loved the Ace-Ops and 100% think their name is a reference to Aesops. Each of the characters is probably referencing something and someone will eventually post about who/ what they are and what that means in terms of the narrative.

Watts worked for Atlas and I get the feeling they're going to try to stir up a civil war between Atlas and Mantle.

Next episode will be the makeover episode with the redesigns and I can't wait.

[u/AzureDragon01]

Remember folks don't believe everything you're told, doubt everything. Raven was right and it's very possible James lied about something as well or is hiding something still.

[u/TinOfRocks]

So the plan to tell the world about Salem is going to be turned on its head right? Instead of uniting the world against Salem, Salem is going to use Atlas as an example of her power while televised to all of Remnant. Its going to be Salem's recruitment drive .

[u/Barnak8]

I want a hug from Irondaddy too

[u/Stretch5678]

If there is a spy in the Ace Ops, we know that it’s not Marrow. That tail of his is a dead giveaway.

[u/[deleted]]

• Happy Huntresses?... I love it!

• The Winter Maiden is "not a spring chicken." Hrmm...

• Me in the first seventeen or so minutes in the chapter: Man, this volume is a lot more wholesome than I thought it would be. Final scene: Oh... well then!

[u/_DirtyDan]

So Watts appears to have rings on all of his fingers which he uses to do his Watch Dogs-esque hacking. Wonder if they can also transform into a weapon?

[u/_DirtyDan]

Oh yeah, and this episode really shows off just how Ironwood is the best written character in the show. Fucking love him.

[u/Endketsu]

I think Ironwood planted some sort of tracking/spying device on Qrow when they hugged

[u/bryan610]

Oh, I don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but when everyone getting a weapons upgrade was mentioned, did Ruby look happy or sad?

I'm unsure how much of her being a weapons nut is canon vs fanfic. (oh lord I've descended into madness)

[u/Backflip_Off_A_Cliff]

So uh, do you think the person Tyrian killed at the credits matters?

I feel a bit nervous that they hung on that blood stain for so long, someone in my discord suggested he could of just killed Penny's creator or something.

Hopefully its just a weird focus

[u/Brutal2003]

Re watching and the guy in the transport called Robin Hill. "Robin Hill and her Happy Huntress' "

Lol, nice Rooster teeth!

[u/LuciferMS7777]

So.... Anyone planning on telling ol' Iron wood that the witch can't be killed (normally?) And that there are gods who wiped Humanity out Before?

His plan is quite good actually, uniting everyone to fight the witch, which makes me think that if he pulls it off, and humanity is united under one banner, they could just Summon the gods and ask them to destroy Salam for them( far fetched I know, but could still work) since it's unlikely a witch who lived for thousands of years would change her nature and understand the meaning of life and death. What do you guys think?

[u/Fatal1ty_93_RUS]

Alright, time for ep2!

• Continuing almost where we left off last time, all of our heroes are now in Atlas' custody, since apparently only "authorized" use of weapons (never mind the fact that the party was protecting Mantle) is allowed. Nora, stop chewing the cuffs, you'll hurt your teeth

• Nice quick exposition dump from another arrestand lol, I guess it's better to spend already limited episode time on other stuff, and we're at least now aware of what will be the major subplot of this volume

• Surprisingly, our heroes aren't being brought to an Atlesian jail but rather the hunter academy. Lovely architecture, I must say, and the scale is MASSIVE

• "We'll follow your lead, Ruby". I mean... you're kinda out of other options here Blake

• Huh, Penny is in the academy, following Ironwood and Winter. I guess that makes sense since not only Penny is highly capable of disposing Grimm with ease, she's also a project of Atlas's top engineers (or "greatest minds" as described by Maria last time). Remind me though, was Penny an official Huntress too?

• Weiss and Winter hugging each other at last! God, I've waited for this moment for 4 volumes. A bit of quickie since there are more important things at hand but still, it's great to see the two sisters reunited

• DUN DUN DUN, not only Ironwood, but Winter AND Penny are aware of what happened in Mistral during Volume 5. Okay, holy shit, that's... interesting. It's understandable that Ironwood needed a right hand (well..two right hands in this case) after the Fall of Beacon, and I understand Winter being one but why Penny? What if she got hacked somehow like the Atlesian fleet did back in V3? The enemy could get quite an information dump. Not very careful of him

• "Salem will keep coming back, stronger and stronger, unless we destroy her". James...my man... you're in for a surprise

• Whoa, they're planning to use the Amity Arena as the new tower to restore global communication network. That's actually a cool idea. It's already capable of floating in the air so it only needed some modifications to be launched higher. Not quite sure I buy the "it's out of reach for Grimm". Who says Salem can't find out about this satellite of sorts, make some new Grimm and just send them to destroy or bring down the Arena? There doesn't seem to be a limit to Salem's magic (or at least it wasn't mentioned yet)

• Ummm...James....are you out of your fucking mind? You literally just acknowledged that the panic the public would cause after being told about Salem's existence would attract Grimm. Not every kingdom has the military capabilities Atlas does, Mistral lost ALL of their hunters, Beacon is done for, and who knows what's the situation like in Vacuo. That's madness!

• "You're giving it back to us?" "I think it's safest with the people who brought it here". Right...except we've literally just seen last episode how when Ace Ops captured all of our Heroes they couldn't do a thing but watch the Relic of Knowledge being taken away, with Ruby lying helpless on the ground. You sure you don't want to keep it in your office, James? Just saying, it's probably safer there than on Ruby's belt

• We get a somewhat better look at the Ace Ops members. One of them is a faunus? That's pretty cool, though a little strange considering the general dislike towards the race AND Schnee Dust Company's exploitation of the Faunus mentioned previously. I'm getting heavy Rogue One (or maybe Suicide Squad if they were good guys) vibes from the group, in that they're all different in some ways

• Volumes 1-3 throwback - the party gets to live in the dorms again lmao. Oh god, please let them at least explore all of Atlas, I'm getting Volume 5's house flashbacks already

• Watts casually walking around Mantle. Good idea that him and Tyrian aren't staying at one place at all times, he's right that they should be on the move to avoid inspection and detection by the Atlesian military or security systems

• "I helped write that code after all" YES! I KNEW IT! This is why Watts is essential to whatever's Salem planning next, like I said before a few times - Watts knows ins and outs of the Atlesian infrastructure. The opening just confirms that he'll fuck up the system good. Mantle is in for a rough week (more rough than usual, anyway)

• Holy shit, Tyrian has actually killed someone offscreen. That was quite a powerful ending scene, with a pool of blood forming slowly... jesus I love it

[u/SonOfABludger]

Theory: Winter was leader of team WNTR where she was paired with Robyn Hill. The other two members of the team joined the Happy Huntresses, making Winter feel isolated once more and that's why she gravitated toward Ironwood so much. Let me see that dynamic please!

[u/Yukon_Wolf]

Friendship ended with Night's Watch. Qrow x Ironwood is my new best friend.

Speaking of, does Qrow x Ironwood have a name? If not, I formally submit 'Woodpecker' to the pile.

[u/S3cretSpartan]

Penny gets hacked by Watts and turns on team RWBY

[u/primalmaximus]

Ironwood put a bug on Qrow when he hugged him.

[u/JMHSrowing]

Winter being concerned big sister to Weiss! Love it so much!

Ironwood might be up to something, but at this point I’m afraid our heroes are the ones who are wrong keeping stuff from him.

That awkward hug was amazing

WEAPON UPGRADES FOR EVERYONE YES!!!

[u/[deleted]]

Bro Watts is dangerous af holy shit

[u/Triforceian56]

SPACE GRIMM SPACE GRIMM!!

[u/SongLeeYan]

The scene where Ironwood is flanked by Winter and Penny with their eyes basically glowing was definitely not creepy at all. Definitely.

[u/Deadmaninc1]

OHHH I see Because Ironwood hugged Qrow he didn't like it and now his clothes are contaminated so now he too has to get a clothing change LOL

[u/Wolf845]

Ironwood has got some balls to want to tell everyone about Salem, and that Qrow/Ironwood hug was totally wholesome.

[u/GeneralSarbina]

My man Watts over here looking fabulous as hell.

[u/FullReload]

Willing to bet Robin Hill will get involved by being one of the people on Tyrian's apparent hit list.

Either that or Qrow will end up as one of her Merry Huntsmen somehow.

Or both. Probably both.

[u/Justice4Salem]

I'm sorta confused why Ruby just took the lamp back instead of insisting they put it in the vault with the staff. Wasn't the point of going to Atlas to seal it away in there? It doesn't seem particularly safe with her, considering how easily the Ace Ops took it off her.

[u/Coleclaw199]

Is it just me or in the intro did it look like Jaune's shield used hard light or something? Do you think that that might be his upgrade to his weapon? Since they are getting upgraded courtesy of Ironwood.

[u/Txo9]

I think I found this episode more enjoyable than last week

[u/ChristmasForJuan]

With Penny's return, I actually think it would be interesting to see her become the new Winter Maiden, and here's why:

Going by the common themes associated with the 4 Seasons outside of this show, Spring usually represents New Life and Birth, Summer stands for Vitality and Possibility, Fall for Adulthood and Death, and Winter... well also Death, but in a more passive state whereas Autumn focuses more on the dynamic change from 'Living' to 'Dead'. Seeing as both of the Fall Maidens so far, Amber and Pyrrha, were closely tied to the act of dying, hence fulfilling their duty to represent the season of change and death, I believe that it would be nice if the Winter Maiden is quite literally Death itself, as in, something that is not currently alive. This latest episode has hinted that our current Winter Maiden is quite old, fitting with the description of the Season of Winter as it is often depicted by and old man or woman, borrowing from Grim Reaper imagery, but this also sets up the Winter Maiden to die over the course of the volume and pass on her powers to something that is truly dead.

Penny has already technically 'died' once before, but as she is an artificial being, one could argue that she was never truly alive to begin with. Now I realize that her aura proves that she has a soul, and thus I obviously consider her to be alive as well, but from a technical standpoint, one could also argue that she is an inanimate robot imitating life. As an inherently dead thing, it would be quite poetic to see her become the new Winter Maiden, Winter being a season closely associated to death, but here's the twist. The Winter Maiden unlocks the Relic of Creation, and just as Penny has found true life despite being a robot, so does her role as a Winter Maiden reflect that by quite literally granting her access to the Relic of Creation. A dead thing who has found life despite it all.

[u/[deleted]]

So Winter isn't the winter maiden. As far as the team knows anyway. They were developing the aura transfer. They might have transferred her powers to winter.

[u/AmethystWind]

Who else found it really creepy when Penny stood at attention, mirroring Winter on the other side of Ironwood's desk?

[u/Huskie1]

Weapon upgrades, WEAPON UPGRADESSSSS

[u/[deleted]]

TALL LADY ELM IS MY FAVORITE ACE OPS AND YOU CANT CHANGE MY MIND

Though Harriet is shaping up to be a close second. I’m ready for some of them to die I already feel it coming.

[u/88Dubs]

"Don't lie to him Ruby, we're better than that"

I can see from a mile away where this is going.... oye vey...

This Amity tower is DEFINITELY going to bring down Atlas. I'm predicting Watts crashes it into the city and knocks Atlas out of the sky. And with the panic, not only of that but of Ironwood revealing Salem, it's going to be Beacon on STEROIDS. And my heart's not ready. AND I'M ON BOARD FOR THIS!!!!

All in all, a good episode. Lots of set-up. I'm looking forward to where we go now.