An (extensive) review of âSound the Turnabout Melodyâ and Phoenix and Edgeworthâs relationship
Phoenixâs reminiscence starts when the defense attorney hears the Signal Samuraiâs theme on radio.
There are plenty of memories Phoenix could recall from the trio, but he chose exactly the one which thereâs only his side of the story. At first sight, that story could sound like a failure for him as a person, since he did his best to reach Edgeworth and there was no reply. But Phoenix doesnât care to sound like a loser to Maya because she knows how much Edgeworth is important to him.
Now, why is this important? Because, in the end of episode, Maya wonders if Edgeworth has ever heard his message on the radio. Phoenix canât tell, but this doesnât make him sad. He smiles as he recalls the days looking at the sky and remembering Edgeworth even though he was ignored for years until the day theyâve met at the courtroom.
Phoenix is proud. He knows deep down their bond was meant to be stronger than any other. The fact that Edgeworth never replied didnât bother him because their connection could be felt within his heart. In addition, at this point, thereâs even proof.
The ratification that his persistence was worth it is how Edgeworth reacts to Phoenixâs Signal Blue keychain. The prosecutor never claims whether he keeps his Red Signal keychain or not, but Phoenix can read his reaction and thatâs a confirmation for him. As viewers, we know Edgeworth does but Phoenix doesnât, yet the defense attorney is pleased at his own attempts to reach him. Of course, a little drama happened after Turnabout Goodbyes since Phoenix feels his effort was in vain. Later, everything is settled between them and Phoenixâs heart is finally at peace as he smiles to his dear memories remembering Edgeworth in school days.
Now, why are these memories so dear to him?
First, letâs take a look at Phoenixâs school days. He wasnât alone since Larry was his friend. Also, itâs been three years since the DL-6 incident and probably another year has passed since theyâve consolidated their friendship (if you consider the official arts, they were through Vallentineâs Day, for instance). Which means his classmates probably forgot the trial in the classroom, considering it an event of the past, not to mention he was declared not guilty through Edgeworthâs defense. It is also said that Phoenix has a lot of friends as we play through Turnabout Memories and get to know his college days. These facts lead us to conclude that Phoenix wasnât alone at all. Ergo, there was no reason at all for him to keep trying to reach someone whom is not interested in his friendship. But we all know his reasons to do it so.Â
Phoenix canât just forget about Edgeworth. And he keeps a memento (or evidence, if you will) in order to make sure of it.
Speaking of which, this memento is a beautiful extra the anime gave us, but itâs only one part of it. Itâs not little coincidence that the only two fillers - more like almost canon original new content - are precisely based on the trio. But I dare to say theyâre mostly based on Edgeworth and Phoenixâs bond. Yet, Sound the Turnabout Melody is dearer for us since it gives us a hint of Phoenixâs perseverance across the years. And the utmost evidence is the Blue Signal keychain. However, the keychain is not only a memento for Phoenix to remember the tender days by Edgeworthâs side. Itâs a reminder for his feelings. And Larry knows about it, in a less deep level because he would never have a single clue about what is truly happening between these two, yet he knows. And the proof the keychain represents all these feelings? Phoenixâs reaction.
As Larry finds out the keychain, Phoenix feels embarrassed. Itâs not only the reminiscence of those days as a trio. Itâs about the boy who saved him and changed his life forever. The keychain is the proof that Phoenix feels something else. If Edgeworth were only a friend, it would be so easy for him to put an end to this bond. But itâs been three years. Phoenix canonically thinks of Edgeworth daily, yet until this day, he hasnât told Larry about it. But now that he knows, itâs kind of a relief because Phoenix can finally get it off his chest.
Now, I could certainly analyze this as a metaphor for Larry learning about Phoenixâs sexuality, but letâs not take this ride. Not for now, at least. But we can definitely assume that Phoenix is certainly more relieved after this discovering. Because now he can talk to Larry freely about the matter, as he does later.
Though Larry is uncertain about this, Phoenix is clearly glad about his idea. Heâs not ashamed of giving his best in order to reach Edgeworth and heâs certainly not ashamed of what Larry might think of his actions, even if the idea is to dedicate a special song to Edgeworth on the radio.
Now Iâd like to analyze Edgeworthâs side. Before even hearing the dedication, the first element that triggers his memories was the Signal Samurai theme. Obviously, Edgeworthâs mind is full of terror and doubts, so itâs not surprising that he doesnât recall his school days along with Phoenix everyday. But this theme is very dear to him.
Take a closer look at what Edgeworth first thought of when he heard the theme. It was not the trio itself. It was his Signal Red keychain. Why is this image so subtle? Because, if you recall, this is also a precious memento for Edgeworth, not only during the good days, but also the rainy days.
Edgeworth did try to undo that precious bond, but Phoenix proved him it is unbreakable. And, due to this remarkable moment that bonded their destinies for good, Edgeworth also remembered a day that may not look special for some people, but it is definitely dear to him.
This is beyond special. Theyâve shared a beautiful dawn, theyâve shared dreams, theyâve shared smiles. (*brief pause here because I just canât*)
Edgeworth remembered this special day only with the theme. Now this is him after he heard the dedication:
Franziska says Edgeworth never smiles. Not true. He smiled at Phoenixâs proof of âfriendshipâ. Not only that, his eyes shines as he hears these words: âSignal Red, are you doing well? I hope your dogâs okay, too. I miss the three of us playing Signal Samurai together. You moved away so suddenly, but no matter where you are, Iâll always root for you and your dream. Letâs meet again someday. Iâll be waiting to hear from you.â
Sadly, Edgeworth grew bitter under Manfredâs tutelage, driving him to a dubious path as a prosecutor. Maybe the reason they didnât reach each other was due to Edgeworthâs admiration towards von Karma (which is also a headcanon of mine). But of course Phoenix wouldnât give up on his beloved friend.
Their bond, as I once put, is certainly unbreakable.
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