Negative Positive Angler Episode 10 – Breakdown

It took us ten episodes to get here, but a major development finally unraveled in Negative Positive Angler episode 10. But with only two episodes left, where does the show go from here? More importantly, will it come to any meaningful conclusion without feeling rushed?

Trigger Warning: This review discusses themes of terminal illness and suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a trusted individual or contact a local helpline.

Negative Positive Angler Episode 10 Summary

When Machida decides to try some sick moves on a skateboard, the only thing he accomplishes is a visit to the hospital. When the Everymart crew visits him to offer their support, Hiro realizes this would put him in the same hospital in which he received his diagnosis, so he bolts. Yet, his hopes of avoiding an uncomfortable subject backfire. Later that night he eats a spoiled fish, and the next day diarrhea flows like the waters of the Congo.

That unfortunate situation causes everything that was simmering in the background to explode into the open as it leads to Takaaki stumbling upon Hiro researching his illness. The next day Ice tells Takaaki about Hiro, asking what she’d do if she knew her time was limited. This causes Takaaki to realize that, like an iceberg, Hiro’s issues are way larger than they appear.

As Negative Positive Angler Episode 10, after some pressing from Takaaki, Hiro fesses up to his illness, and it appears he’ll get the support he needs. This only further endears Hiro to Takaaki, but that feeling doesn’t last long. Through chance, Hiro discovers a rather unsavory part of Takaaki’s backstory. A discovery that ultimately leads to the pair’s first argument and a long-needed breakdown on Hiro’s part.

Episode Thoughts

One can speculate how they’d deal with terminal illness, but until they’re at that moment, nothing really prepares you for it. The closest I’ve ever come to terminal diseases were dengue and malaria, both of which don’t give you much in terms of prolonged warnings. I can’t even imagine how it must be on one’s mind to be diagnosed with something like cancer or organ failure. While I took the time to read up on that after Negative Positive Angler Episode 10, it’s something I can’t adequately articulate.

However, what did strike me from that little research jaunt was how suicidal thoughts and actions often accompany a terminal illness diagnosis. People with terminal illnesses are more likely to attempt suicide. This is due to a various range of issues, from wanting to go out with dignity on one’s own terms to not wanting to burden caregivers or wanting to avoid pain. And in people who are already facing depression, a terminal diagnosis often compounds their issues. Where exactly Hiro stands on this scale is unknown.

Overall Thoughts

It’s usually the people who have gone through traumatic events that do their best to help others. With the revelation of Takaaki’s family situation in Negative Positive Angler Episode 10, his willingness to care for Hiro suddenly makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately, his situation still appears to be a source of anguish. When he and Hiro argue, his tendency to avoid his issues comes to the forefront, and he ends up fleeing from the argument. Hiro, on the other hand, has started to confront the severity of his situation. Still, I’m quite concerned about how the show will tie everything up given its remaining time.

I know nothing about the production side of making an anime a success. So, I can only judge this through the eyes of an angler. And in that capacity, I can say this episode needed to happen earlier. Had that been the case, it would have really highlighted how angling helps one maneuver through uncomfortable and life-altering situations. That would have made for a more robust story. Because right now, it feels like angling doesn’t add any merit by itself. If it were switched with any other hobby, the result would be the same. But one can’t judge a story without reading it all, so I’ll finish up the last two episodes before I really rant.

Screenshots: Crunchyroll
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