© Nishio Isin/Kodansha/Anipu
Final week I complained that the episode suffered from what felt like a little bit of a catch-up. For us, the viewers who had simply watched a couple of episodes of Shinobu and Suicide Grasp’s backstory, it was clear who the perpetrator was (Suicide Grasp) and what her final aim was (to get Shinobu’s consideration).
At first, this episode looks like extra of the identical. Araragi is tasked with protecting Shinobu busy all evening so she doesn’t get in the best way of Gaen’s vampire hunt. In spite of everything, Shinobu wouldn’t harm Araragi, however that doesn’t essentially imply she wouldn’t facet with Suicide Grasp towards Gaen. Araragi is of course curious and might’t assist however ask about Suicide Grasp and Shinobu’s previous whereas they wait. He’s quickly all caught up. Then we get the twist.
Once they go to Mayoi at her shrine, the 2 uncover the almost lifeless Suicide Grasp who appears to have been fully drained himself. All of a sudden, every little thing is known as into query. Certain, we noticed the Suicide Grasp feeding on one of many basketball ladies, but it surely’s clear that issues didn’t go as deliberate. Now, all of the rejected leads tackle new which means. Who’s attempting to lure Suicide Grasp and what does all this need to do with Kanbaru and the basketball membership?
Then now we have Mayoi’s function in all this. As we’ve been warned, Mayoi is a god—a supernatural being—and thus sides with supernatural beings reasonably than people. Whereas Araragi is the bridge between worlds, Mayoi could possibly be an confederate to Suicide Grasp or another supernatural menace—it’s simply her nature.
And never content material with throwing every little thing we thought we knew into chaos, the episode ends with one other twist. Not like the final time Araragi was killed, this time he leads to heaven as an alternative of hell. That is stunning, as a result of it is not like his cursed sin of saving Shinobu in Kizumonogatari is someway undone. Much more stunning is who he meets there: Shinobu—or reasonably, the fairytale princess she as soon as was, Acerola. How that is potential and what it means for each Shinobu and the thriller that lies forward, I assume we’ll have to attend till subsequent week. Man, what a cliffhanger.
Judgement:
Random ideas:
• Did Acerola technically die when she grew to become a vampire? Is that why she’s in heaven?
• I actually just like the post-Owarimonogatari Shinobu and Araragi’s relationship. The 2 have bared their souls to one another. There is no such thing as a want for bravado or delight: they don’t seem to be afraid to point out how a lot they get pleasure from being collectively.
• I believe Shinobu is not a lot being deceived on this episode as being misled.
• What might presumably inspire Tsukihi to review severely? I am afraid of the potential solutions.
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Crispy bread.
