Understanding the Longest Running Joke: It Was Just a Gas Leak

Highlights of Fate/strange Fake

The inaugural episode of Fate/strange Fake launched ahead of schedule to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the beloved Fate Series, cleverly tying back to one of its long-standing jokes.
This series’ supernatural elements humorously challenge the idea of secrecy, adding a light-hearted twist to the narrative.
Fate/strange Fake reinterprets the iconic gas leak excuse, injecting an unpredictable vibe into the ongoing Holy Grail War.

Title	Fate/strange Fake
Directors	Shun Enokido, Takahito Sakazume
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Release Date	November 23, 2024 (Preview)

Fate/strange Fake recently made its debut, much to the delight of fans celebrating the Fate Series‘ 20th anniversary. The early release surprised few, given its history of high expectations. This premiere revitalizes one of the series’ longest-running comedic elements, leaving audiences entertained and intrigued.

The Dual Nature of Fate’s Spectacle

Fate/stay Night Unlimited Blade Works Poster

Since the original Fate/Stay Night visual novel was launched in 2004, the series has showcased a blend of fantasy and supernatural spectacle that is anything but subtle. The central premise involves a competition among mages, known as Masters, who summon Heroic Spirits, or Servants, to fight for their wishes via the Holy Grail.

As the series evolved through various adaptations, especially with the animation wizardry of studios like Ufotable, it developed a distinct style. However, this same stylistic brilliance makes the secrecy surrounding the supernatural elements appear almost comical. The visually stunning battles from Unlimited Blade Works are a testament to this, delivering mesmerizing chaos and beauty.

Secrecy in the Fate Universe: How Is It Maintained?

The action in Fate typically unfolds under the cover of darkness, where mages use barriers to redirect bystanders’ focus. While effective for minor skirmishes, these distractions become increasingly implausible against the backdrop of explosive conflicts that can rival a missile strike.

This narrative conceit hinges on the chaotic structure of the Holy Grail War, which is subtly controlled by the Mage families and the Holy Church. These groups work together to manage events surrounding the War, mitigating public awareness of the dramatic happenings.

The Evolution of a Running Joke

Fate/Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works Explosion

The Church plays a crucial role by using magecraft to alter memories while the Mage’s Association manages media representations, often attributing bizarre occurrences to a mundane cause—typically, a gas leak. This absurd excuse has become a running gag, illustrating the lengths to which the organizers will go to maintain secrecy, even amidst chaos, as this premise hilariously persists throughout the series.

The joy of this running joke lies in its self-awareness. It humorously signals to audiences that those governing the Grail War possess the means to manage public relations effectively. As spectacles of devastation grow, so does the inherent humor, and the latest installment wittily enhances this trope.

How Fate/strange Fake Elevates the Joke

The narrative of Fate/strange Fake unveils a new Holy Grail War, orchestrated by a rebellious faction of mages diverging from the Mage’s Association. Central to this story is a quick descent into chaos, marking it as one of the most unpredictable entries to date.

As early as the first episode, a newscaster attributes the aftermath of the climactic battle—dubbed Whispers of Dawn—to a gas leak, a direct nod to veteran fans that the essence of Fate has returned. However, this iteration acknowledges the difficulties faced by those managing the Grail War, as control becomes a contested challenge.

The Gas Leak Excuse: An Ineffective Cover?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOLyhNeLi0U

Fate/strange Fake | OFFICIAL EPISODE #1 TRAILER (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOLyhNeLi0U)

Throughout the premiere, the ambiance surrounding the Grail War feels significantly more chaotic. Notably, a Servant’s arrest by law enforcement mirrors originality, hinting that previous Grail Wars never experienced such outcomes. This deviation reflects a shift in the strategic approaches of the Masters and the organizers’ handling of information, showcasing a more dynamic narrative environment.

While the gas leak excuse has become a staple for the Fate Series, its humorous repetition speaks volumes about the franchise’s creativity and worldbuilding. The intricate narrative fabric, alongside its delivery, allows for ever-refreshing storytelling avenues even two decades after its inception. In many ways, it exemplifies the foundational allure of Fate.

Watch Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn streaming on
Crunchyroll.
Episode 1, titled “The Heroic Spirit Incident” , is set to release on December 31, 2024.

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