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Finally, the arc we've all been waiting for since episode 13!
This episode is based off of events that happened in chapters 34 and 35 of the manga. This begins a three-part season finale for the first season of the television series, and this is one story which I wanted to have major edits. Basically, I thought the manga didn't handle it too well, because at the time Mr. Fujishima was still immature as a storyteller and couldn't handle telling such a dramatic and dark story to its potential. However, after that, he grew, so I hope this story is given justice.
This episode opens up with a new segment involving Marller traveling through the mountain caves (in which appear to be mainland Asia, although I'm probably wrong). Originally in the manga (probably due to space constraints), the chapter just opened up with Marller already praying to the urn. This segment includes the Booster Demons and Sudaru from chapter 31.
The part about all of the traditional signs of bad luck are new. Most of you will be familiar with black cats crossing Hijiri-chan's path, but most would probably be unfamiliar with the other signs... in Japan, a flat tire, snapping shoelaces, and broken heels are all bad luck.
In the manga, they originally had rain falling down and Urd gambling with Skuld as to who would pick up the phone. This is when the license suspension began, so the anime shows the aftermath. The licensing discussion is more or less kept, although Urd isn't completely out of it and mumbling about license suspensions in the anime.
Right now, it is unsure whether or not lying for a second class goddess is as severe, since in the First Class License Exam arc in volume 28 stated that the prohobition on lying only becomes enforced when one becomes a first class goddess. In the manga, Belldandy mentioned it because Urd told her that it was because of her lies that she's a second class goddess.
The part about Urd about to lose her temper is kept, and so is the license suspension duration... although it was originally Urd who shouted out "fifty years!" and said that she'd quit being a goddess and would become human instead, "like some stupid doll" (since she was watching Pinnochio).
Originally, Urd left so she could buy some new clothes. She left for Megumi's apartment to borrow her motorcycle. Most of this is new material, since Urd originally just rode the motorcycle, was chased down by police, and got dumped back into the garbage back home due to emergency teleportation. That's when Urd get tempted and led astray by the whisperings of the pot.
The part about Keiichi and Belldandy thinking they would be caught is kept, though.
The restaurant scene is new, but I believe it to be a good addition... especially the whole "I'm just an unwanted existance!" deal. It really made me sympathize with Urd.
I wish they animated the scene with Urd's emblem splitting into two...
The conversation concerning the Valkyries is new (since they weren't introduced until the Lind arc), but I sincerely hope they won't be given a major part in this retelling of the Lord of Terror arc, due to Belldandy's negligence in telling Kami-sama about Urd and the Supertsring crash...
The story Belldandy tells about them not sharing the same mother and being told about the Lord of Terror on her commission is the same... they even kept in the manga's Nausicaa reference about "seven days of fire"!
On the Valkyrie part, I can't agree with the whole "eliminate all" duty that Belldandy mentions... people who've read the Welsper arc know that the gods and demos are prohibited from killing each other, and to enforce that they put into effect the Doublet System. This prevents killing off an enemy for the fear of killing off one of your own.
The talk about a catalyst is new, as well as the proposal for sealing away Urd.
Marller's comment about "someone dressed up like that shouldn't be calling me a servant!" is new, and funny (for those of you who don't get it, it's because Urd's outfit could be considered to be one of a dominatrix). Also, the comment about Urd "having a demon-like personality to begin with" is new, and also funny.
Originally, the manga had a short sequence about Urd giving Marller her first command... which was "get me a big-screen television!" That's when Urd gets the idea to use a giant robot, not getting it from Marller.
Skuld originally eavesdropped to find out that Urd was really a half-sister, but apparently Belldandy came up and told her instead in the anime.
Skuld mentioning a vaccine is new, and foreshadowing to the Midgard Serpent.
Originally, there was a short segment in the manga between Keiichi and Belldandy, where Belldandy states that she might not be able to defeat Urd as she is now, and Keiichi telling her that he won't abandon Belldandy.
I don't recall Banpei even being in this scene in the manga.
Let me take the time to say that the chorus-y music in this segment is bloody awesome!
The part where Keiichi throws a tanuki was made even funnier since in the manga, he didn't throw it.
Urd originally doesn't hesitate during this scene.
The parts about the exoskeleton made from Keiichi's BMW (I feel for him since I have a beemer also, albiet it's a car...) and the screws is kept.
The part about Keiichi diving in the path between Marller and Belldandy wasn't conveyed very well in the manga in my opinion, and was animated quite well.
Originally, Marller didn't realize she trapped Keiichi instead until she got back to her base.
The conversation between Belldandy and Skuld is new, although the seal breaking is moved up forward a little bit.
I have to reserve judgement until the entire story arc is animated, but so far I think it's being done quite well.