Episode 35 - The Shining Darkness

## The Shining Darkness

The Shining Darkness is the thirty-fifth episode of Yu-Gi-Oh! Progression Playoff, and the eighth episode of Season 3, the 5D's arc. It debuted on MBT Yu-Gi-Oh's YouTube channel on August 28, 2021. Leah's streak of eleven consecutive finals appearances ends, as she falls to Gavin in the semis. MBT returns to the finals for the third episode in a row, while Gavin makes his first finals appearance since the first episode of Season 3. In the end, Gavin steamrolls the competition to his second Season 3 win.

## Background

The Shining Darkness was released in the TCG on May 6, 2010. This set introduced the "Watt" archetype, as well as new support for the "X-Saber", "Blackwing", "Infernity", "Koa'ki Meiru", and "Genex" archetypes. The set also includes notable cards such as Spore, Ronintoadin, Herald of Perfection, Into the Void, and Chaos Trap Hole.

MBT is the two-time defending champion and is hoping to become the first character to win three consecutive episodes. Leah looks to continue her record eleven-episode finals streak. Danny has yet to win a game in four consecutive episodes. Gavin and Brent are looking for their second episode wins of the season.

## Matches

### Play-in: Brent vs. Danny

Brent is playing X-Sabers, Danny is playing Frogs. Brent Summons a bunch of X-Sabers, then later tries to make Iron Chain Dragon but runs into Fish Depth Charge. Brent gets the ball rolling again with XX-Saber Fulhelmknight's effect, then Danny walls up with some WATER monsters. Danny uses the effect of Flip Flop Frog to bounce 3 of Brent's monsters to turn the tables. Danny Summons 3 Ronintoadin and OTKs with Inverse Universe.

Winner: Danny

### Semifinal 1: Leah vs. Gavin

Gavin is playing Frog "Monarch", Leah is playing Frogs. Gavin Tribute Summons Fortune Lady Earth first turn. Gavin then follows up with Armored Axon Kicker, but hits into a Snowman Eater. Gavin is still ahead though, and uses Psychic Tuning to get back Axon Kicker, then Summons stuff from the GY to Tribute Summon Master Gig, and kills Leah.

Winner: Gavin

### Semifinal 2: MBT vs. Danny

MBT is playing Reptilianne Frogs. Both players set up Fishborg Blasters first turn. MBT uses Crevice into the Different Dimension to banish Danny's Ronintoadin and Fishborg Blaster to set him back. MBT uses Flip Flop Frog to bounce Danny's monster, and gets in for damage, winning the game.

Winner: MBT

### Finals: MBT vs. Gavin

Gavin Summons Fortune Lady Earth. MBT uses double Flip Flop Frog to slow Gavin down, but Gavin gets right back with Armored Axon Kicker. MBT stalls the Kicker with Changing Destiny twice. Gavin gets double Ronintoadin and Snowman Eater, and activates Inverse Universe to push for game. MBT uses Aegis of the Ocean Dragon Lord to survive, but Gavin, in control the whole game, pushes in next turn and wins the game.

Winner: Gavin

## Banned Cards

* Leah bans One for One
* Brent bans Ronintoadin

## Full Banlist

### Extra Deck

* Black Rose Dragon
* Goyo Guardian
* Stardust Dragon

### Monsters

* Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North
* Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow
* Mind Master
* Psychic Commander
* Ronintoadin

### Spells

* Black Garden
* Black Whirlwind
* Morphtronic Accelerator
* Morphtronic Map
* One for One
* The World Tree

### Traps

* Prideful Roar
* Trap Stun

## Stats to date

### Season 3

Character win rate
 MBT
 Gavin
 Danny
 Brent

### Overall

Character win rate
 Leah
 Danny
 MBT
 Brent

### Synchro Summons

Summons this Episode
 Danny
 Gavin
 Leah
 MBT

Total Synchro Summons
 Danny
 MBT
 Leah
 Gavin

## Notable bits

* Danny's Naruto sleeves
* MBT tries to make a pun off a completely incorrect pronunciation of Vaskii's name, and thus no one gets it
* "Every trans woman wants to be Genex Undine, and every cis woman wants to be Dupe Frog"
* MBT gaslights Leah into believing there are XXX-Sabers
* The "placing counters" bit
* The "we're not funny" bit
* Who need they levelussy ate

## Video Links

PROGRESSION PLAYOFF #35 - The Shining Darkness

Progression Playoffs Bad End Episode 8 The Shining Ronintoadin

## Other Pages

Episodes