The Case Study of Vanitas episode 24 wraps up with quite an emotional and action-packed finale! If it’s one thing we’ve come to learn throughout the season, it’s that Vanitas is a difficult and complicated character to understand. At the same time though, he is also just as compelling. These last developments in the story have made him more human than ever, making this finale very momentous.
It’s not just Vanitas – the friendship he’s grown to have with Noé is also finally acknowledged and appreciated. All in all, the finale achieves in delivering a perfectly constructed episode and an even more powerful conclusion to the show. I personally think it was awesome, and it hit right in the feels.
“Why..? Why can’t I kill you?”
The past season has been an emotional roller coaster ride, right? This arc has particularly highlighted Noé and Vanitas’ friendship, which is why the cliffhanger last week was super frustrating! To summarize, freedom for Vanitas meant that he’d be alone in his anguish. He is always guarded and distant so he wouldn’t have friends “to lose.” The situation Mikhail had them in was really difficult. However, I think we can all agree at this point that Noé is not a stranger — they’ve already grown together as companions and friends. So as complicated and as simple as it is, that is why Vanitas couldn’t kill Noé.
“In the name of protection, let us take up our swords together.”
In the end, it wasn’t Noé who saved Dominique — it was the other way around, she saved them! Domi breaks free from her grayscale mental prison and creates a beautiful rain of ice attacks which stops Mikhail’s rampage over the carnival. It was badass, but the one I really love is how she survived her internal struggle. Louis, or at least the version of her as Louis, is the one that tells her — “Mikhail just used that book to hit you where are most fragile and vulnerable. He didn’t even put a scratch on our true name.”
She realizes that she’s stronger than she thinks and that she has to confront and accept her inner “selves”. It was a true moment of courage, one that shows Domi’s true character and strength. She deserves happiness, and with the company of good friends ( like Jeanne in the cafe), she can finally grieve and move forward. My heart is full for her.
Whenever a finale comes around, the absence of the opening theme really adds that excitement! The Case Study of Vanitas episode 24 did an absolutely amazing job in making those first minutes an emotional and epic one. From the aftermath of Vanitas and Noé’s fight, their silent breakdowns, Mikhail’s violent outburst, Domi’s ice creations, – and the most twisted and shocking of all – the reveal of the involvement of Noé’s teacher, the former Marquis de Sade.
“The World of Dreams has crumbled to ruins. Whether they be the sweet dreams that soothe us in the cradle or the nightmares that eat away at our hearts, dreams are still dreams in the end. There will always come a time when we must open our eyes and face reality. That is when we shall meet again, my darling kitten. “
The Shapeless One, just like his name, is super creepy and chilling. (Voiced by Akira Ishida). His sudden appearance here makes things shadier, even with Charlatan and Ruthven’s separate movements. There are so many questions, but the most off-putting thing here is the fact that his eyes — a unique pair of pink and blue — are similar to a certain cat we know of. The transition with that blue cat couldn’t be any more obvious. It might even be possible that a part of his plan was to have Noé seek out the Book of Vanitas in the first place.
Personally, I think the rooftop scene is the best part of the episode. It is melancholic, but it makes me feel both happy and sad at the same time. You see, The Case Study of Vanitas episode 24 is titled, “Apres la pluie – His Wish.” At first, I thought it was in homage to Luna, the Vampire of the Blue Moon. Turns out it’s not — it’s also about Vanitas’ request of Noé. We already know most of Vanitas’ mysterious past from Mikhail and it’s true — the Book will rewrite them sooner or later. Noé actually mentioned this back in the first episode, and given the trust, understanding, and respect they’ve developed in these recent events — it makes it all the more bittersweet. When Noé started tearing up, I definitely felt that.
The Case Study of Vanitas episode 24 resolves a lot of things, including Luna’s fate and the full meaning behind Vanitas’ mission to cure vampires. He calls it vengeance, but it does come from a good place in his heart. That’s why it breaks me to see what has become of Mikhail, and I’m not gonna lie — the sudden change from his weeping to his emotionless face was so creepy. Oh the poor boy, at least he shows some kindness towards Domi in the end.
I love that the rooftop scene also has this calm and hopeful air in the end. Now, Vanitas can move on forward with a less heavy heart. The finale is reminiscent of episode 19 when Luna tells Vanitas “not to shut your heart away.” The fact that the hourglass earring is constantly focused on and that Vanitas in the ending theme doesn’t look back makes me all the more emotional.
I absolutely loved this show, from start to finish. Even though the last arc has been a terrifying, heart-wrenching, and emotionally-damaging watching experience! The writing is wonderful — the way the stories and personalities unravel has a lot of depth in it. It is very moving, especially because I always love a good character development. It is very profound, and I couldn’t ask for a better finale.
The Case Study of Vanitas shines best with its steam-punk aesthetics, amazing lore, stunning visuals and animation, and my personal favorite, the beautiful soundtrack. Vanitas and Noé, including their voice actors, have been quite the interesting pair to watch on their adventures, which is also one of the best appeals of the show! Aside from the comedy, the touch of drama (and erotic energies) is what makes this show stand out from the others. I personally had a lot of fun watching it, and I guess we have Studio Bones to thank for this wonderful adaptation.
If you didn’t know, the anime has already caught up with the original material. This means that there is nothing to dive into right now or for quite a time soon. (Which honestly, makes me very sad.) Nevertheless, it has been a great ride and I am eagerly looking forward to what they have in store next. You can also check out Jun Mochizuki’s special illustration of her celebration of the last episode. See the tweet below:
The Case Study of Vanitas is available to watch on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Bilibil in select regions. Make sure to visit their official website and Twitter for merchandise updates! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite characters and voice actors in our polls. Ciao!
Images via Bilibili
©Jun Mochizuki/SQUARE ENIX, “Vanitas no Carte” Production Committee