Let’s talk about Madoka’s latest UR card. To put it simply, this card is excellent.

It’s challenging to summarize without writing a lot. Not because the story is complicated, but because it’s deceptively simple. Madoka is at a pool photoshoot when a miscommunication with the photographer leads the Producer to think she’s drowning. He jumps into the pool and grabs her arm to save her.

What makes it hard to summarize is the number of lore and details you need to know to understand what the writer is trying to convey. This UR Madoka is very similar to TC Madoka, where the dialogue is packed with references to previous stories. Not only does this card serve as a sequel to nearly all of Madoka’s cards and WING/GRAD/LP, but it’s also a direct response to Parallel Madoka. If Parallel Madoka represents the “Bad End,” then UR Madoka is the “Good End.” Madoka once told the Producer she’d rather drown than take his hand. This time, she opens her hand and holds on tight. She finally stops being afraid to make decisions, stops lying to herself, and listens to her heart. She is rewarded by growing a little closer to the Producer.

This card reminds me why I love SC so much. Is the story pretentious? Absolutely. Is it fan service? Kind of. But that’s what makes it so addictive. It’s simply lovely to pick up on subtle details in the conversation and realize what they’re really talking about. My only criticism is that I wish they had elaborated on some topics further. Other than that, this card is truly a gift to MadokaPs. I’m looking forward to seeing how the writers tackle Madoka’s “Toru/Beauty” dilemma next.