The Case Study of Vanitas episode 19 is hands down, the best and most exceptional episode yet. It was beautifully executed, drawn, and all in all, a wonderful conclusion to this story arc. Honestly, the suspense that has been building up the past weeks was definitely worth the wait. Topping it all off is another lovely moment between Vanitas and Jeanne!
As always, the characterization and mysteries of this story always keep one interested. Despite this arc featuring a lot of characters, it did rather well in giving each of them a spotlight moment. It’s something I personally like in a series — giving justice to the story and the character themselves. It’s why for me, this episode hits right in the feels.
It’s funny to think that the Book of Vanitas was mostly gone throughout the season, right? I guess I’m alright with it because we also got to see glimpses of Vanitas of the Blue Moon. Her mysterious and otherworldly voice is one of my favorite things about her. (Which is Romi Park, by the way.) A flashback shows us a malnomen lesson, revealing to us the unique terms for Chloé d’Apchier’s cure.
Back in the present, Vanitas demands Chloé to choose her fate. When Jeanne and Jean-Jacques reach for her, she finally steps out of her prison and jumps towards them — to the two people who truly care for her. It’s an admittedly emotional scene, especially when Chloé confesses to just wanting to be simply loved for who she is. Adding to the goosebumps is Vanitas calling on “Luna” for more power.
The scenes that follow with the Asteriscus flowers are very heartwarming and beautiful. At this point in The Case Study of Vanitas episode 19, I was already a blob of emotions. Chloé’s tsundere moment (by Rie Kugimiya) lightens the mood a bit but it also immediately shifts back. The open sky, flower fields, and music draw out unexplainable emotions of pure happiness and love. Chloé breaks down into tears and makes a new wish — a wish to live on.
It’s a lot of weight off her chest and she can finally be free not only with Jeanne and Jean-Jacques but with herself too. It was at this moment that I came to appreciate Vanitas because he was able to provide this outcome. Without him, it would have been a road of despair. Everyone’s character showcase and development is something I appreciate a lot in The Case Study of Vanitas. While most got their happy endings, the one character who does not is Astolfo.
The main reason why Noé and Astolfo’s fight is so interesting to watch is that they’re total opposites. Noé, a vampire, is kind and morally upright. Meanwhile, Astolfo, a human chasseur, is impulsive and violent. It’s why they clash and trigger each other. It’s also why it’s a good thing that Roland and Vanitas said what they said to Noé.
It wasn’t as flashy but the episode still delivered an intense scene. It was a satisfying development and an awesome finishing blow. While it makes me have great respect for Noé’s dedication and sacrifice, it also makes me quite sad for Astolfo. He has a lot of painful trauma and issues that are eating him alive. When he breaks down and reverts back to his helpless childhood, it was heartbreaking to watch. Last week, I wondered about who could help Astolfo, and this week I got the answer — Roland.
One thing I really loved in The Case Study of Vanitas episode 19 is the aesthetically pleasing flowers! Another one is when an overjoyed Jeanne ambushes Vanitas on the flower field. Just when we were about to move on from Chloé’s heartfelt scene, we are immediately hit with this one. I think this won the best moment for me — the bear hug, erotic blood-sucking, the adorable kiss on the cheek, and lastly, Jeanne running away with the biggest, most precious smile. What’s more, Vanitas’ reaction just makes it all better.
This is no doubt my favorite moment because it feels as if the entire series has been building up to this. Vanitas has always been distant and closed. However, we see a flashback again of Luna/Vanitas of the Blue Moon where she warmly wishes that Vanitas will someday have people close to him.
For the first time in the series, it seems that Vanitas is finally opening his heart! Except that when he realizes it, he becomes overwhelmed by the warm emotions. It’s not only the romance with Jeanne but also Noé’s friendship as well. All of this comes crashing down, and Vanitas lets out a short cry.
To be honest, I found it really cute – an absolute “aww” moment. I also find myself overwhelmed with all of these heartwarming and wholesome scenes, and even though the past and future of this series may be bittersweet, this moment in The Case Study of Vanitas episode 19 was no doubt a lovely moment to remember.
In the end, Jean-Jacques also becomes free of his curse and chooses to protect Chloé with his own strength. The true name reveal is wonderful — Chloé as Canorus, “she who makes music with snow flowers,” and Jean-Jacques as Aprix, “he who nestles up to the last snows.”
Ahh, what a roller coaster ride this has been! I absolutely love how The Case Study of Vanitas episode 19 was done. The pretty color palette, the aesthetic frames, the subtle elements in the background (sparkles and crystals), the epic animation, chibi drawings, the amazing voice acting, and most of all – that music! The beautiful melodies were really what turned me into an emotional and tearful blob. How is it possible that it made me cry and fangirl at the same time?
Of course, the episode doesn’t leave us without any mysteries. It seems that whenever Vanitas uses his grimoire, the mark on his hand spreads. This doesn’t sound like anything good. In addition, while we got to see more of Luna in the flashbacks, there is always another boy present. Just as it so happens, a new visual reveals his identity and it teases the next story arc.
The next episode will air on Friday, March 4, at 24:00 JST. The English subtitled versions will also be available later on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Bilibili in select regions. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to vote in our weekly polls!
Images via Bilibili
©Jun Mochizuki/SQUARE ENIX, “Vanitas no Carte” Production Committee