Lycoris Recoil episode 9 proved to be the most emotional episode of the season so far as it constantly highlighted Chisato’s impending death. With the use of desaturated colors around the LycoReco cafe, characters wearing black as a sign of mourning, and Takina trying to keep her emotions together, this past week’s episode was one of heartbreak and the stages of grief.
Takina’s Grief
The way episode 9 portrayed just how much Chisato means to Takina was probably the foundation of the episode that made it so emotional in the first place. Up until now, Chisato has been the older sister to Takina. Joking with her, acting like the immature one, yet also leading Takina down a path Chisato believes to be the righteous one. The emotional build-up to learning Chisato has a couple of months to live at best was exemplified through Takina’s actions throughout the episode in a phenomenal way.
The stages of grief are more present in Takina than in anyone else and that’s how it should be. Her denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance stages were all covered in just this one episode without feeling like it was forced. That’s the best part, it felt natural and it’s coming from a character that was as straight-laced as anyone could be when the series started. As I said, this moment was built up from the very beginning and none of us realized it until episode 8. It just goes to show the directing and writing for Lycoris Recoil deserves the praise it’s getting. It’s exemplary work by Shingo Adachi and the rest of the staff.
Having no source material and being able to come up with an entirely creative story and characters that fans can become so attached to in just the span of 9 episodes is work that deserves to be put in the spotlight. I mentioned all the way back after the first episode that Takina is character progression exemplified and this episode proved that to be true as well.
Even in the lighthearted moments when Takina is trying to do everything fun that she can possibly think of with Chisato in the small time she has, it was exceptionally difficult to hold back tears because we all knew what she was trying to do—create as many memories with her best friend in only a way she knew how. When viewing this from an outsider’s perspective, it created a more emotional bond with the characters that only we can grow attached to.
But the one thing above all else that proves Takina is such a phenomenal character is how she first began this series as a character that always had intended to eliminate her targets. And now that her best friend is on the brink of death, she wants to do everything possible to try and save her. It’s just that wonderful type of writing that creates a stellar internal conflict which ends up making Takina a more well-rounded character.
Chisato’s Unwavering Resolve
On the opposite end of Takina going through the stages of grief, Chisato remained unphased as usual. But it was in an unphased way almost as if she was the warm blanket for the fans by saying “everything will be okay.” While Takina continued to try and spend quality time with her, we could all tell Chisato knew exactly what she was doing. Only at the end when the two parted ways did that “I’m going to miss you” feeling really began to settle in.
Chisato continues to remain herself until the very end of the line. Despite what I may have believed about her past earlier in the season, the truth of the matter is that Chisato never changed who she was from when she was a kid until now. And I think that unwavering resolve in the main character for an original anime series is something that is hard to come by.
The Best Has Yet to Come?
The after-credits scene between Yoshi and Majima was a rather interesting one for a few reasons. One, Lycoris Recoil rarely has after-credits scenes. Secondly, it felt as if a shift of power finally began between the two—puppet meet master. However, Yoshi being unphased at the end with close-ups of his face, and Majima’s, just leaves us with an exciting cliffhanger. And three, it could end up leading to some unexpected alliances. Majima’s reaction to knowing he was a puppet of Yoshi wasn’t one of friendship and mutual desire. So it’s going to be interesting to see how the rest of the series unfolds on that side of the story.
Episode 9 of Lycoris Recoil proved to be one to remember from this Summer 2022 season.
Episode 10 of Lycoris Recoil will air on Saturday, September 3, on Crunchyroll.
Screenshots: Crunchyroll
© Spider Lily / Aniplex / ABC Animation / BS11
