Fate/Apocrypha: Season 1, Episode 1 - Apocrypha: The Great Holy Grail War (2017)

The episode opens with a prologue set in the year 1939, where a group of mages, known as the Einzbern family, is seen conducting a ritual to summon the Holy Grail. The ritual is interrupted by a sudden explosion, and the scene shifts to a young girl named Illyasviel von Einzbern, who is shown in a flashback, witnessing the destruction of her home. This moment establishes the stakes of the Holy Grail War and the significance of the Grail itself.

The narrative then transitions to the present day, where we are introduced to the two factions involved in the Great Holy Grail War: the Red Faction and the Black Faction. The Red Faction is led by the Mage Association, while the Black Faction is composed of the remnants of the Einzbern family. The two factions are competing for the Holy Grail, which is said to grant any wish to its possessor.

We meet the character of Shirou Kotomine, a priest who is affiliated with the Red Faction. He is shown in a church, where he reflects on the nature of the Holy Grail and the conflict that is about to unfold. His internal struggle is evident as he grapples with the morality of the war and the consequences of the wishes that the Grail can fulfill.

The scene shifts to the Red Faction's headquarters, where the leaders discuss their strategy for the upcoming battle. They reveal that they have summoned seven Servants, legendary heroes from history, to fight on their behalf. Each Servant is introduced with a brief glimpse of their abilities and personalities, setting the stage for the conflicts to come.

Meanwhile, the Black Faction is also preparing for battle. We are introduced to their leader, Ruler, who is a unique Servant with the ability to control the flow of the war. Ruler is shown to be determined and resolute, understanding the weight of her responsibilities as she prepares to guide her faction.

As the episode progresses, we witness the summoning of the Servants by both factions. The Red Faction successfully summons their first Servant, Saber of Red, who is revealed to be a powerful warrior with a strong sense of justice. Her arrival is marked by a dramatic display of energy, and her determination to win the war is palpable.

In contrast, the Black Faction summons their own Servants, including Berserker, who is depicted as a monstrous figure with immense strength. The tension between the two factions begins to build as both sides prepare for their first confrontation.

The episode culminates in a dramatic battle between the Red and Black Factions. The two sides clash in a fierce skirmish, showcasing the unique abilities of each Servant. Saber of Red engages in combat with Berserker, and their fight is intense, filled with powerful strikes and strategic maneuvers. The animation captures the fluidity of their movements, emphasizing the stakes of the battle.

As the fight rages on, Shirou Kotomine intervenes, attempting to assert control over the situation. His motivations become clearer as he seeks to manipulate the outcome of the war for his own purposes. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with both factions realizing the true scale of the conflict they are embroiled in, setting the stage for the battles and alliances that will follow in the series.

In the ending of "Fate/Apocrypha" Episode 1, the scene culminates in a dramatic confrontation between the two factions of the Great Holy Grail War. The episode concludes with the summoning of the Servants, leading to a chaotic battle as the Red and Black factions prepare for conflict. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience eager to see how the war will unfold.

As the episode progresses, we are introduced to the setting of the Great Holy Grail War, a conflict that has been reignited in a world where the Holy Grail has been split into two factions: the Red and the Black. The scene opens with a dark, foreboding atmosphere, as the camera pans over a desolate battlefield, hinting at the violence to come.

The narrative shifts to the Red faction, where we meet the Master, Shirou Kotomine, who is determined to claim the Holy Grail for himself. He is portrayed as a conflicted character, grappling with his motivations and the weight of his responsibilities. His internal struggle is palpable as he reflects on the power he seeks and the consequences it may bring.

Simultaneously, we are introduced to the Black faction, led by the enigmatic Ruler, who embodies a sense of authority and purpose. Her presence commands respect, and she is determined to maintain order in the chaos of the war. The tension between the two factions is evident, as both sides prepare for the inevitable clash.

As the episode progresses, the summoning of the Servants takes center stage. Each Master calls forth their respective Servants, showcasing a diverse array of legendary figures from history. The visual spectacle of the summoning is accompanied by a sense of awe and anticipation, as the characters grapple with the reality of their new allies and the weight of their choices.

The climax of the episode occurs when the two factions finally come face to face. The atmosphere is charged with tension as the characters prepare for battle, each driven by their own motivations and desires. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of the conflict is palpable as the characters confront their fears and aspirations.

As the episode draws to a close, the screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a sense of urgency and anticipation for the battles to come. The fate of each character remains uncertain, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of the Great Holy Grail War. The episode ends with a powerful reminder of the complexities of ambition, power, and the consequences of the choices made in pursuit of one's desires.

In the first episode of Fate/Apocrypha, titled "Apocrypha: The Great Holy Grail War," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the introduction of the characters and the setup for the Great Holy Grail War, establishing the stakes and the factions involved. The narrative centers around the conflict between the Red and Black factions, highlighting the motivations of key characters such as Shirou Kotomine and the various Servants summoned for the war. The episode effectively sets the tone for the series without any additional scenes following the main story.

In the first episode, we are introduced to several key characters, including Shirou Kotomine, who is a priest and a pivotal figure in the Holy Grail War. We also meet Ruler, a mysterious servant who plays a significant role in the events to come. Additionally, we see the introduction of the various factions involved in the war, including the Red Faction and the Black Faction.

The Great Holy Grail War is central to the plot of the episode, as it sets the stage for the conflict between the Red and Black factions. The episode explains that this war is a battle for the Holy Grail, which is said to grant any wish to the victor. The stakes are high, and the motivations of the characters are deeply tied to their desires for the Grail.

The episode showcases the dramatic summoning of the Servants, where each Master calls forth their respective heroic spirit. This process is visually striking, filled with magical energy and intense emotions as the Masters express their hopes and fears. The summoning scenes highlight the unique personalities and abilities of the Servants, setting the tone for their relationships with their Masters.

Ruler serves as a unique figure in the Great Holy Grail War, acting as a mediator and overseer of the conflict. In the first episode, her presence is shrouded in mystery, and she is depicted as a powerful and authoritative character who is determined to maintain order amidst the chaos of the war. Her motivations and the implications of her role are hinted at, creating intrigue for the audience.

The episode establishes a tense atmosphere between the Red and Black factions, highlighting their differing ideologies and goals. The Red faction, led by the enigmatic Caster, is shown to be aggressive and ambitious, while the Black faction, under the leadership of the ruthless Lord El-Melloi II, is portrayed as strategic and calculating. This initial conflict sets the stage for the battles and alliances that will unfold throughout the series.

"Fate/Apocrypha" is not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and content. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that may occur in the first episode:

1. Violence and Combat: The episode features intense battles between summoned heroic spirits and their masters, showcasing graphic violence and bloodshed.

2. Death and Destruction: Characters face life-threatening situations, and there are scenes depicting death and the aftermath of violent confrontations.

3. Dark Themes: The narrative explores themes of betrayal, ambition, and the moral complexities of war, which may be unsettling for younger viewers.

4. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, including fear, anger, and despair, which may be intense for sensitive viewers.

5. Supernatural Elements: The presence of magic, curses, and other supernatural phenomena may be frightening for some children.

These elements contribute to a mature atmosphere that may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger children or those sensitive to violence and dark themes.