Spy x Family Episode 9 - Trust and Mistrust

Spy x Family episode 9 is one of those fun episodes to remember as it concludes the whole story arc of Yuri visiting. We were only 30 seconds into the episode when Yor decidedly drinks and “shows off how in love she is”’ with Loid. I was having such a good time watching these three adults in this silly situation!  (Rose explosions included.) The comedy is fun and I love how the characters have these wholesome, if not relatable, moments here and there. I even love how underneath all these shenanigans, they are just good people at heart. This is just one of the thoughtful things I’ve grown to love about Spy x Family, which seems to be more obvious in this week’s episode. 

Spy x Family episode 9 begins with the continuation of Yuri’s dare for Yor and Loid to kiss. It’s funny how drunk Yor becomes more direct, and by that time, I was already squealing with excitement. After an intense slapping, the scene mellows down as a bleeding Yuri admits defeat and more or less accepts Loid as Yor’s husband. (The Briar siblings definitely have weird strengths.) Twilight suspects Yor of being with the secret police and goes through the trouble of proving her innocence. The episode closes as Anya becomes happy seeing her mom and dad getting along.

There are four things that I realize the episode shows us here. First, Twilight is bound to have little trust as his job requires him to suspect everyone, but even he feels envious of bonds sometimes. Second, Yuri is still looking to repay his sister’s kindness in raising him and he’s afraid that someone has taken his chance away. Third, Yor is doubting her ability to be a good wife because of her lack of knowledge of normal life outside assassination, even though she’s already raised a brother (somewhat) well. Lastly, Anya is also hurt and affected by the problems her parents endure. 

These are all valid feelings, and the fact that the episode can delicately place them is what makes it special to me. From having doubts, guilt, security, and gratitude, to trusting another  – it feels very human. 

I loved what Twilight said in the end. “ Perhaps many families throughout this world are somehow putting on an act thinking, “A wife should be like this,” or, ” You’re supposed to be the parent.” Of course, I believe that working hard to be your best self is admirable, but if you dwell on that so much that you lose yourself, things that should go well might fall apart. Many people suffering like that come to my hospital all the time. Putting on an act all the time can become tiring. And that’s why I want you to be as you are, Yor. The more confident you seem, the less people will suspect anything. And I’m sure Anya will be happier seeing you smile.

Be it fake or not, I also can’t help but feel like he was saying it to himself. He says he’s not guilty of suspecting Yor, but it’s also obvious that there’s a growing attachment between them. So when he throws the listening device away, it’s a subtle shift in his character, a change as he allows an opening for trusting Yor. Operation Strix seems to be asking a lot from him, it’s not just the physical or mental tasks, but the emotional ones too – from studying comic books for his child to empathizing with his wife. It’s very wholesome. 

Let’s also not forget Franky’s superb acting and his hot guy face. It shall forever be remembered. It also seems like Anya will be back in the spotlight! The next episode will air on Saturday, June 11, at 23:00 JST. Watch it on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Muse Asia, and Bilibili. Don’t forget to vote in our weekly polls!

Images via Crunchyroll
© Tatsuya Endo, Shueisha / Spy x Family Project