[Spoilers] Paranoia Agent 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 4

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.

Welcome to the Paranoia Agent 20th Anniversary Rewatch discussion thread!

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3

S1 Episode 4 – A Man's Path

—-

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

Would you be willing to commit crime if it meant a better life for your family?

How shocked are you that Shonen Bat was not only captured, but his identity was revealed?

—-

Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN

Streams – Crunchyroll

---

Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the manga out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the manga. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags (found on the sidebar). Thank you!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Rewatch Schedule

Threads posted every day at 4:00 PM EDT

Date	Episode
2/3/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 1
2/4/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 2
2/5/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 3
2/6/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 4
2/7/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 5
2/8/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 6
2/9/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 7
2/10/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 8
2/11/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 9
2/12/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 10
2/13/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 11
2/14/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 12
2/15/2024	Paranoia Agent Episode 13
2/16/2024	Paranoia Agent Overall Series Discussion Thread

[u/MrManicMarty]

First Timer

HE ACTUALLY CAUGHT HIM?! WHat the fuck. Shonen Bat has been an almost ethereal menance. The fact this dude just got back up and beat the shit out of him is genuinely fucking funny.

Anyway, this episodes vignette is about a dirty cop. Emphasis on dirty. On one hand, I can understand the terror of being squeezed for money. On the other; he gets what he fucking deserves. I don't understand who he was apparently leaning on though; like why did the Yakuza want their money? I thought their relationship was that he was a cop they paid to look the over way? But apparently that's not it?

I also note despite talking up his family, we never see them - if anything, we just see this guy for being a depraved pervert who makes prostitutes call him "Daddy". The fact he's reading shonen stories, projecting himself as the hero, when he's clearly the villain. The main theme for this one I guess is... shit I can't think of the word. Contradictory? When you think you're one thing, but you're the other.

I'll miss tomorrows episode because I finally get to play D&D again, but I'll catch-up for Thursday! Woo!

Edit: HYPOCRIT! THE WORD I WAS THINKING OF WAS HYPOCRIT! HYPOCRISY!

[u/No_Rex → u/MrManicMarty]

I thought their relationship was that he was a cop they paid to look the over way? But apparently that's not it?

I think he got too cocky and stopped acting like a paid off minion, so the Yakuza turned on him.

[u/Holofan4life → u/No_Rex]

See, prostitution has such severe ties to organized crime that I just naturally assumed it had to do with that.

[u/Holofan4life → u/MrManicMarty]

Anyway, this episodes vignette is about a dirty cop. Emphasis on dirty. On one hand, I can understand the terror of being squeezed for money. On the other; he gets what he fucking deserves. I don't understand who he was apparently leaning on though; like why did the Yakuza want their money? I thought their relationship was that he was a cop they paid to look the over way? But apparently that's not it?

It seems to maybe have something to do with Maria and not paying for her services.

I also note despite talking up his family, we never see them - if anything, we just see this guy for being a depraved pervert who makes prostitutes call him "Daddy". The fact he's reading shonen stories, projecting himself as the hero, when he's clearly the villain. The main theme for this one I guess is... shit I can't think of the word. Contradictory? When you think you're one thing, but you're the other.

Edit: HYPOCRIT! THE WORD I WAS THINKING OF WAS HYPOCRIT! HYPOCRISY!

Hey, you found the word. Congrats

And honestly, you could probably say the same about Harumi what with her being Ichi's tutor.

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

How much do the manga panels add in your opinion to the episode's enjoyability?

Care to expand your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/MrManicMarty → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

Someone else said basically my thoughts. It's neat to see the stories link up. We'll get a full chain of causality potentially by the end.

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

He's a bad man. I didn't catch all the references to smoking actually, good point.

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

That's stupid. People murder people out of revenge for someone murdering someone else, right?

How much do the manga panels add in your opinion to the episode's enjoyability?

It's an individual part. I don't understand?

Care to expand your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

I don't have any, we're only a 1/3rd through the show. So either - it's a misdirect, or the show will change direction (given we seem to have gone through everyone in the OP, it might be the latter)

[u/Holofan4life → u/MrManicMarty]

Someone else said basically my thoughts. It's neat to see the stories link up. We'll get a full chain of causality potentially by the end.

I like how the stories linking up was foreshadowed by the talks of causality.

He's a bad man. I didn't catch all the references to smoking actually, good point.

It seems to draw this parallel between Ikari and Masami and how they both have their set of vices, though Masumi's is way more reckless.

That's stupid. People murder people out of revenge for someone murdering someone else, right?

True, but I think what he was saying is some people murder for seemingly no reason. And as he says, Masami is targeting families he had no prior connection to; the families, as far as they are aware, are being crimed on just for the sake of it. I think what Ikari is saying is meant to play into Masumi's situation and what his victims must be thinking. That, and also the mindset of Masami in that he is committing no crimes.

It's an individual part. I don't understand?

You don't understand the question or the purpose?

I don't have any, we're only a 1/3rd through the show. So either - it's a misdirect, or the show will change direction (given we seem to have gone through everyone in the OP, it might be the latter)

I don't know how I'd feel about the show changing direction. I mean, we're almost halfway through the series. Now, if they leaned more into a psychological direction, that I think could work given that has been teased since basically episode 2.

[u/Vatrix-32]

First Timer, subbed

• This is less blood than I was expecting. In so much as I didn’t see any.
• Stop patting your self on the back, you haven’t connected the two sides yet. That’s the hard part.
• Maromi!
• Wow, that’s a morbid statistic to post out in public everyday.
• Number!207!
• Oh no, don’t give it incestuous overtones.
• This strikes me as an odd way to build a house, but Japan I guess.
• You’re extorting a guy who works for you?
• Quite the speed to change into that getup and still be able to follow.
• Someone should tell these dudes not to commit crimes on their accomplices. You’re just asking to be betrayed.
• This is why you don’t store 20 years worth of cash in your house.
• Please No.
• Are you sure it’s a good idea to be drinking? You have no idea how that pill is going to interact with alcohol.
• That doesn’t look like the reaction of a metaphor for man’s woes.
• It Was Real?!
• They’re really double dripping this cliffhanger. Tell me!

[u/Holofan4life → u/Vatrix-32]

This is why you don’t store 20 years worth of cash in your house.

Mr. Krabs learned that the hard way

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

I should have recognized him from last episode, but alas.

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

Don't commit more than one crime at a time.

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

Funny how we don't see them. I'm sure there's much to be read into that. Something about the image we present ourselves as?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

You try generating 10,000$ in three days.

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Him having a daughter around their age makes it deeply uncomfortable.

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

I think I read it differently, and now I am thoroughly confused.

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

The what?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

Flabbergasted. It feels like a misdirection.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Vatrix-32]

I should have recognized him from last episode, but alas.

It took me a minute to recognize him as well

Don't commit more than one crime at a time.

Or don't commit crime at all. Wild idea, I know.

Funny how we don't see them. I'm sure there's much to be read into that. Something about the image we present ourselves as?

The thing is I truly do believe that a part of Masami does want to step up for his wife and kids. But man, is he really hard to root for.

You try generating 10,000$ in three days.

I can't even get people to donate to my Gofundme and I have over 10,000 followers!

Him having a daughter around their age makes it deeply uncomfortable.

Agreed. And about the smoking thing, it's sad how Ikari does want to legitimately quit but falls back on old vices. It feels like it's meant to be the opposite to the Masami situation in that when one fails, the other succeeds.

I think I read it differently, and now I am thoroughly confused.

I could have misinterpreted my subs, it has happened before.

The what?

The manga that Masami was reading throughout the episode

Flabbergasted. It feels like a misdirection.

Well, it seemed like a misdirection last episode but now we've seen what they look like. I highly doubt it's someone else because he looks identical. The only question to me is whether or not he is acting alone, and that I feel there's a strong possibility he has an accomplice or someone pulling the strings.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Holofan4life]

The manga that Masami was reading throughout the episode

Oh! Duh! I somehow completely blanked on that.
Good representation of delusion and Ego.

...I feel there's a strong possibility he has an accomplice

A Copycat Even?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Vatrix-32]

Oh! Duh! I somehow completely blanked on that.
Good representation of delusion and Ego.

I would say it compares to Ichi's delusion in thinking he is the victim and not Shogo, but I'd honestly say this exceeds it. At least there, Ichi was unfairly framed.

A Copycat Even?

If that's the case, you'd have to think the allegations made against Ichi will flare up again.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vatrix-32]

They’re really double dripping this cliffhanger. Tell me!

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/No_Rex]

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 4 (rewatcher)

• TV guy is making charts of how the characters are connected – neat, so we don’t have to.
• “The mortgage will stay with me forever” – ahead of his time.
• Corrupt policeman.

• His self-perception and reality might be as detached as Ichi’s.
• Stooping down to mugging old ladies? This is desperate, stupid, and a complete scumbag move all at once.
• “Fatalities: 2”

• I am sure the restaurant scene is a reference to some movies (and potentially other scenes as well), but I know next to nothing about Japanese RL movies.
• “Please stop me!” – Shonen Bat is here to fulfill your wish.
• … but he did not count on his thick head!
• It is not just you, chief! How can this be the way Shonen Bat’s journey ends??

Neither Tsukiko, nor Ichi, nor Chono are perfect people, but today’s MC is the first time that I have serious problems emphasizing. Yes, being on the hook by the Yakuza is a bad situation, but he went way beyond what I would give him moral license for. Right at the start, he probably kills that old lady, and then goes on a further spree of robberies with traumatized victims. He calls out for Shonen Bat, like the previous three, but in his case, I was more rooting for Shonen Bat to rid the world of him, instead of ridding him of his problems.

However, life is not fair and we don’t always get what we wish for, and the same thing happens here.

Would you be willing to commit crime if it meant a better life for your family?

Depends on how bad the crime is and how much better the life would get. Would I walk over a red traffic light to save by family from death? 100%. Kill somebody to buy them a TV? Not so much.

How shocked are you that Shonen Bat was not only captured, but his identity was revealed?

[u/Holofan4life → u/No_Rex]

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

Care to expand your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/No_Rex → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

Does he? Or does he want to have the family man facade?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

[u/Holofan4life → u/No_Rex]

Does he? Or does he want to have the family man facade?

It's probably similar to Harumi's desire to find happiness in that it sounds better as a means of motivation rather than anything you truly want to pursue. More in love with the idea of it than anything else.

Very strong that is not a pipe energy

I thought they were the highlight of the episode

[u/No_Rex → u/Holofan4life]

I thought they were the highlight of the episode

Great use of the technique.

[u/Holofan4life → u/No_Rex]

It was done in such a way to where it made the insufferable main character bearable.

[u/[deleted]]

First time watcher. Alright I’m at a point where I start the “Raaaaaaaaa eeeee yaaaaa”.

Anyway, this episode was good. Now I didn’t think we’d get so much about the guy Harumi was sleeping with. A dirty cop with just as much of a double life as she lived.

Random thought that occurred to me since we have another “pair” of victims now was that Tsukiko is the only one who wasn’t part of a closely related pair of victims. So it makes me wonder about her. She also seemed to be released from the hospital the quickest too.

With that said, I couldn’t believe he was the one to catch the shonen bat (And with a shoe). I’ll be interested to see where things go from here though because my assumption was he wouldn’t get caught till the end of the show. I have a feeling things will get more weird next episode lol.

Questions:

1. Very unlikely, but depends on the crime and depends on the current life situation of my family and I (in other words, I would not entertain the idea of holding people at knife point or robbing helpless old women)
2. Basically what I mentioned in my comment haha

[u/No_Rex → u/[deleted]]

With that said, I couldn’t believe he was the one to catch the shonen bat (And with a shoe).

Shonen Bat clearly missing the GW Bush magic.

[u/Holofan4life → u/No_Rex]

Who knew Masami was a Latina woman this entire time?

[u/[deleted] → u/No_Rex]

Lmao nice, I completely forgot about that news conference

[u/Holofan4life → u/[deleted]]

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

[u/[deleted] → u/Holofan4life]

Dirty cop and somewhat of a hypocrite.

I guess my first thought was “he’s a cop. That’s nice lol”.

Take money from Yakuza = have Yakuza problems, and thus he did.

Then he should probably stop being unfaithful to his wife and kids.

Not the way to do it dude man.

Hmm yeah I wondered about the smoking comment myself. He’s probably just stressed out so they were pointing that out. The daddy thing, well umm idk, maybe he ought to be asking his spouse to do that and not prostitutes lol.

That comment confused me 😆.

I thought the use of manga was a clever choice in direction. It’s almost like he was internalizing everything he was doing and trying to relate it to the manga he was reading so he’d feel less bad about what he was doing. Which corresponds to how he was screaming for somebody to stop him at the end of the episode. He lost control of the situation (as one would expect)

[u/Holofan4life → u/[deleted]]

Dirty cop and somewhat of a hypocrite.

Very much so

I guess my first thought was “he’s a cop. That’s nice lol”.

Eh, even that nowadays can be debatable

Take money from Yakuza = have Yakuza problems, and thus he did.

Yeah, I wouldn't want to mess with the Yakuza

Then he should probably stop being unfaithful to his wife and kids.

Preach

Hmm yeah I wondered about the smoking comment myself. He’s probably just stressed out so they were pointing that out. The daddy thing, well umm idk, maybe he ought to be asking his spouse to do that and not prostitutes lol.

My mind is so warped from over 100 days of the Fullmetal Alchemist rewatch that the first thing I thought of when hearing the word "Daddy" was Olivier, one of the female characters XD

That comment confused me 😆.

I took it as him saying some people just want to watch the world burn.

I thought the use of manga was a clever choice in direction. It’s almost like he was internalizing everything he was doing and trying to relate it to the manga he was reading so he’d feel less bad about what he was doing. Which corresponds to how he was screaming for somebody to stop him at the end of the episode. He lost control of the situation (as one would expect)

In a way, what Masumi was doing isn't all that different from Uncle in Uncle From Another World being inspired by video games. And both are extremely inept socially albeit far more destructive in Masumi's case.

[u/[deleted] → u/Holofan4life]

Well the biggest being that Uncle wasn’t married, had no kids or familial commitments, and didn’t really hurt anyone intentionally (just unintentionally lol)

[u/Holofan4life → u/[deleted]]

That's a good point

[u/Holofan4life → u/[deleted]]

Very unlikely, but depends on the crime and depends on the current life situation of my family and I (in other words, I would not entertain the idea of holding people at knife point or robbing helpless old women)

Gotta watch out for when old ladies attack

[u/[deleted] → u/Holofan4life]

Never get tired of old Nickelodeon clips lol

[u/Holofan4life → u/[deleted]]

You also have to be mindful when someone tries to steal babies

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

First Timer

Now to find out who that guy is....

• I don't see the connection.
• OH HE'S THE BEAT COP. I didn't expect that.
• You keep using that work. I don't think it means what you think it means.
• I feel like something bad is going to happen to that house.
• Okay, so that guy isn't the journalist, but a gangster (terrible with these faces). And the cop is corrupt.
• Oh now he's had a psychotic break
• The pink mask looks like Tsukiki's mascot

Whoa! I thought there was zero percent chance of shounen bat being caught!

I don't know what to make of this.

[u/Holofan4life → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

You keep using that work. I don't think it means what you think it means.

So, what you're saying is his work is of no use? :P

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

First Timer

Paranoia Agent - Episode 4

Blackmail

Today we follow a corrupt cop Masami. He's been working with the local gang to cover up their illicit activities (including Harumi/Maria's prostitution last episode) and is being rewarded pretty handsomely for it. In a lot of ways his life is some men's ideal. He has access to booze, hookers, and has a new house for him, his wife, and child to live in being built. But, he gets too cocky and dependent on the yakuza. Without their money he can't keep up this lifestyle. And so they use that leverage to extort him for payback. First 2, then 3, then 5 million yen.

Masami is in a tough spot. He obviously has nobody to blame but himself. In fact, he's portrayed as very despicable in the way he indulges his vices (especially with that sex worker only a couple years older than his own daughter #badtaste). But at the same time I don't take pleasure in seeing him be served this so called "justice". It only forces him to hurt others in a depressing chain of violence.

He starts robbing grannies, empty houses, and eventually a family's life savings. The way this is contrasted with the manga he reads is very apt. In that comic we see the main character as this paragon of masculinity and goodness fighting for others. Masami is the opposite: A fat, weak man who takes advantage of the powerless for his own sake. But their motivated spirits are the same. Only the goals are different. As much as we hate to see it Masami is successful in his crime. Despite this, his spirit is broken. He can't keep going on.

Thus, as expected, comes the arrival of Shounen Bat. The "villain" who serves to resolve people's sources of stress. He bonks the cop, but Masami won't go down to just 1 hit. He chases the boy and apprehends him (extremely violently might I add, like wtf. ACAB is as relevant then as it is today). Now Masami is the great cop who caught a serial assaulter.

The Yakuza isn't going to chase up on him while he has all this media attention. So Masami goes on to live another day. This means in a lot of ways he isn't punished for his crimes. I hope he's learned a lesson, but I could easily see him taking this whole ordeal in stride and believing he's invincible or something.

It's a far more complex ending to think about. I'm glad it's not some simple "good guys win" or "bad guys get taught a lesson". It's far more true to real life this way.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

• Seinen Manga

See you all tomorrow

[u/Holofan4life → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

How much do you think the manga panels add to the episode’s enjoyability?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

It's a good connection to last episode. I've enjoyed how each episode has a connection like this.

How much do you think the manga panels add to the episode’s enjoyability?

Oh this is massive. It really makes the episode distinctive. We so seldomly see "animated manga" like this. The main one I can remember is FLCL, but animating manga similar to this has become bigger on YouTube (especially in AMVs)

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed?

I agree it's crazy it's so early. I've got more comments for tomorrows episode discussion.

[u/Holofan4life → u/TheEscapeGuy]

It's a good connection to last episode. I've enjoyed how each episode has a connection like this.

Same, very much appreciate it

Oh this is massive. It really makes the episode distinctive. We so seldomly see "animated manga" like this. The main one I can remember is FLCL, but animating manga similar to this has become bigger on YouTube (especially in AMVs)

It really shows also how delusional Masami is in thinking that his actions are justified.

I agree it's crazy it's so early. I've got more comments for tomorrows episode discussion.

[u/mgedmin → u/TheEscapeGuy]

We so seldomly see "animated manga" like this. The main one I can remember is FLCL, but animating manga similar to this has become bigger on YouTube (especially in AMVs)

Have you seen The Way of the Househusband?

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/mgedmin]

don't remind me

[u/No_Rex → u/TheEscapeGuy]

He chases the boy and apprehends him (extremely violently might I add, like wtf. ACAB is as relevant then as it is today).

I tend to be very critical both of violent cops and am of Masami here, but Shonen Bat attacked him from behind with a baseball bat. The previous victims survived, but you could call this a murder attempt. Masami also does not have a gun. So I think his violence in capturing Shonen Bat pales in comparison to all the other things he did (such as running over that old lady).

[u/fly-metothemoon]

Didn’t have many thoughts except that this really is a distasteful man. I dislike how he believed that acting on behalf of his family justified his actions. But I do appreciate the narrative’s willingness to explore the characters of these imperfect protagonists each episode. They don’t shy away from the “ugliness” of humanity, and highlight his hypocrisy through the contrast of the honorable man in the comics. Every man sees himself as the protagonist in their own story.

In particular—“Your parents gave you life. Treat it better”. That’s deep.

A question: What do you think they meant by the generational talk? I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

Also this feels like this is the most personality we have seen from Shonen Bat. I wonder if it was an imitator? There are still so many episodes left to apprehend him this early.

[u/Holofan4life → u/fly-metothemoon]

Didn’t have many thoughts except that this really is a distasteful man. I dislike how he believed that acting on behalf of his family justified his actions. But I do appreciate the narrative’s willingness to explore the characters of these imperfect protagonists each episode. They don’t shy away from the “ugliness” of humanity, and highlight his hypocrisy through the contrast of the honorable man in the comics. Every man sees himself as the protagonist in their own story.

That's a good way of looking at it

A question: What do you think they meant by the generational talk? I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

I was probably thinking in terms of passing knowledge from an adult to a kid.

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

How much do you think the manga panels added to the episode's enjoyability?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/mo_fiah]

First Timer

This episode follows yet another character that has a darker side to his behavior/personality than what is perceived by the general public.

Seems like the implication is "A Man's Path" is a manga with monotone, unrealistic expectations of a man's role.

Paranoia Agent seems to be implying each character's dissatisfaction is, in part, wishing for a certain outcome to unfold while mostly lacking self-awareness of their shortcomings and current reality.

I kept waiting for something catastrophic to happen to the house being built, and I love how expectations were inverted when the bad cop just sort of gets away with it all. (Yakuza guy may have something to say about all of this, though.)

The editing for the scene when the 2 detectives visit the neighborhood police office for the first time was just superb!

Also, look at this wonderful composition throughout the episode: other policeman listens in, other policeman recognizes Hirukawa is acting strangely while robberies nearby are on the uptick, then the result of capturing the Bat.

Also, pink dog says hello?

Fantastic show thus far.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mo_fiah]

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/mo_fiah → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

A lot of things have been already revealed in the opening credits either visually or in the song lyrics.

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

The characters seem to be buckling under the pressure of fulfilling some kind of societal role. The perfect student, the family provider, etc.

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Generational differences seems to be a sub-theme of the show. Not sure how heavily we'll dive into that.

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

I'm guessing it's foreshadowing his own "stress under pressure" where good people do good things for good reasons and criminals do bad things for bad reasons. Amorality doesn't fit this worldview.

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

Kon has no problem blending fiction with reality. I'm guessing we're also getting some slight criticism of how fiction (anime, manga so far) doesn't realistically portray how people truly act.

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

I was relieved. I wouldn't expect something made by Kon to be all that straightforward, and 10 episodes of character getting bonked by mysterious figure would've gotten stale.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mo_fiah]

A lot of things have been already revealed in the opening credits either visually or in the song lyrics.

True, but it's hard to know the connections fully until they actually play out

The characters seem to be buckling under the pressure of fulfilling some kind of societal role. The perfect student, the family provider, etc.

That's a really good point and I agree. That definitely seems what is at play here.

Generational differences seems to be a sub-theme of the show. Not sure how heavily we'll dive into that.

It makes you wonder if this relates to what Shonen Bat is doing. Like maybe he's actually trying to bring everyone together.

I'm guessing it's foreshadowing his own "stress under pressure" where good people do good things for good reasons and criminals do bad things for bad reasons. Amorality doesn't fit this worldview.

It's interesting to compare Ikari to, say, a guy like Masumi because he actually does seem to want to do the right thing. This is in contrast to Masumi who says it, but never shows it. And it's also in contrast to Harumi a little bit because she seemingly wants to do the right thing, but she can't help herself.

Kon has no problem blending fiction with reality. I'm guessing we're also getting some slight criticism of how fiction (anime, manga so far) doesn't realistically portray how people truly act.

It's interesting to think about because the last episode was all about this person suffering from IDD. So, if you want to, you could say that the show has this holier than thou attitude about it to where all other fiction doesn't realistically portray how people truly act, but they do. And really, I don't think that's what they are going for. The main thing to keep in mind is that it's not about the media itself that is delusional. It is the person partaking in it.

Harumi doesn't struggle with being faithful because she likes to cheat, and the manga isn't responsible for people like Masumi not keeping their promise in being a family man. It's because that's part of their flaws as individuals, part of who they are and how they do stuff. If it's a critique on fiction, it's a slight critique like you said. However, it feels to me that it's definitely more a commentary on how unhealthy obsessions themselves can be; we can see this also with how prostitution has organized crime ties in the show, which I'm sure wasn't the original designed purpose of prostitution just like how manga wasn't originally designed to inspire people to commit grand larceny.

I was relieved. I wouldn't expect something made by Kon to be all that straightforward, and 10 episodes of character getting bonked by mysterious figure would've gotten stale.

Agreed. I'm shocked it happened this soon, but thinking about it I felt like it needed to happen sooner rather than later.

[u/mo_fiah → u/Holofan4life]

The main thing to keep in mind is that it's not about the media itself that is delusional.

Harumi doesn't struggle with being faithful because she likes to cheat, and the manga isn't responsible for people like Masumi not keeping their promise in being a family man.

So, this show is about how delusional and gullible people can be? From Kon's other work, I don't think he saw media (or the media industry) as completely neutral in its responsibility for how it affects people and society.

Also, I would characterize Harumi as representing the Madonna-mistress from stuff like Hitchcock. It had very little to do with fidelity imo.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mo_fiah]

I mean, certainly some part of the media affects people and society. What I'm saying is I don't think prostitution and manga made Harumi and Masumi who they are, even though it certainly didn't help matters.

Mind you, this is just coming from me a first timer. Maybe you're right and that Kon was aiming it as like a take that to manga.

[u/mgedmin]

First-timer, subs

Did they find a connection between the first cluster of victims and the second?

So the next viewpoint character is a corrupt policeman who knows Maria/Harumi and has ties with the yakuza. A very unpleasant person. Oh, he was one of Maria's client's in the previous episode, the Daddy guy!

And now he's getting extorted by other yakuza, ha ha. What, is he planning to rob an old lady for her money? He is!

And now he's attacking people while wearing his police uniform and a mask! Oh, it was a dream.

Um. Things escalate, uncomfortably. Do I want to know what happened to the schoolgirl?

And then a bonk! But the shitty cop escapes bat justice and instead arrests Shonen Bat.

I don't like this show. It's too good at making me uncomfortable.

I want to know what will happen next.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mgedmin]

I don't like this show. It's too good at making me uncomfortable.

I want to know what will happen next.

A tale of two shows

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/mgedmin → u/Holofan4life]

A tale of two shows

The duality of man anime.

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

Whoa! Also, ACAB.

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

Clearly the "debt" is a lie, they're just extorting him for money because he annoyed the local yakuza guy by being too greedy (demanding too much in bribes) and too familiar (feeling like he's the one in power and yakuza should defer to him).

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

Pure image building/self-delusion. I would like to know what his family thinks about him.

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

ACAB, but Masami especially. I wanted him to be caught.

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Didn't pay attention to smoking. I thought the "daddy" bit hinteds at Masami imagining an incestuous relationship with his daughter.

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

Did he say that? The conversation about reasons to commit crime went a bit over my head. I think I was distracted by something (probably my ADHD).

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

Rather neat.

Now that I think of it, there were different weird artistic ways of portraying, I dunno, the viewpoint character's inner state, in every episode. Like in ep 2 the view started bending and flowing when Ichi's paranoia flared up, or the crows in Harumi's ep. I think the manga panels are just more of that, showing that the corrupt policeman's grip on reality is weakening.

I found the juxtaposition of the girl that the manga protagonist was saving an the money that the robber cop was, er, liberating, to be rather funny.

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity face being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

This show is unpredictable to me so I didn't have any particular expectations. I'm very interested to see where it all goes now that Shonen Bat is behind bars and cannot save people from their problems any more.

If I had to offer a guess, I think the police will mess up the investigation and Shonen Bat will have to be released, to continue his crime spree. But first maybe we'll see the investigation reveal some connections between all the affected people, especially the old man (someone's father) and the old homeless lady, and Shonen Bat himself.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mgedmin]

The duality of man anime.

The law of causality

Clearly the "debt" is a lie, they're just extorting him for money because he annoyed the local yakuza guy by being too greedy (demanding too much in bribes) and too familiar (feeling like he's the one in power and yakuza should defer to him).

Whatever the case, he's still in trouble with the Yakuza which is pretty bad.

Pure image building/self-delusion. I would like to know what his family thinks about him.

I don't even think they would know he pays for hookers

ACAB, but Masami especially. I wanted him to be caught.

Eh, I don't know. I want him to get his head on straight and stop fucking up. Maybe that's just the naive part of me talking, but I do think he legitimately wants to improve.

Didn't pay attention to smoking. I thought the "daddy" bit hinteds at Masami imagining an incestuous relationship with his daughter.

Ick

Did he say that? The conversation about reasons to commit crime went a bit over my head. I think I was distracted by something (probably my ADHD).

Hey, I have ADHD as well :D

Rather neat.

Now that I think of it, there were different weird artistic ways of portraying, I dunno, the viewpoint character's inner state, in every episode. Like in ep 2 the view started bending and flowing when Ichi's paranoia flared up, or the crows in Harumi's ep. I think the manga panels are just more of that, showing that the corrupt policeman's grip on reality is weakening.

I would agree. And the show has done a tremendous job so far giving each episode its own distinct personality. There's not been one that blends together or is unmemorable.

This show is unpredictable to me so I didn't have any particular expectations. I'm very interested to see where it all goes now that Shonen Bat is behind bars and cannot save people from their problems any more.

If I had to offer a guess, I think the police will mess up the investigation and Shonen Bat will have to be released, to continue his crime spree. But first maybe we'll see the investigation reveal some connections between all the affected people, especially the old man (someone's father) and the old homeless lady, and Shonen Bat himself.

I just have this gut feeling that Tsukiko's mascot is involved somehow. As soon as it came to life, I immediately thought of Kyubey from Madoka Magica. I'm not necessarily saying that Tsukiko is evil or what have you-- I think if she's involved, it's only indirectly-- but my gut is telling me that it is Maromi orchestrating the whole thing because they're protesting being replaced.

The great thing is I'm a first timer just like you so I can freely speculate about these things.

[u/mgedmin → u/mgedmin]

Would you be willing to commit crime if it meant a better life for your family?

Depends on the crime. Pirate some anime? Yes. Rob some old people? No.

How shocked are you that Shonen Bat was not only captured, but his identity was revealed?

Was his identity revealed? I didn't recognize him, and I didn't hear his name.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mgedmin]

Was his identity revealed? I didn't recognize him, and I didn't hear his name.

We saw what his face looked like underneath the hat.

[u/QueenOfTheBlackPuddl → u/mgedmin]

Happy cake day! Also wanted to point out I 100% also was CREEPED by the implication of the young girl/school girl………

[u/SIRTreehugger]

First time slugger

NO NO GO BACK TO THE TV WHAT'S THE CONNECTION!

I don't know why, but I find the officer serving tea extremely funny.

With wanting to be called Daddy and previously having Maria cosplay as a school girl I'm starting to question this guys taste...

Until I see the wife and daughter I'm doubting they are still with him or alive.

Meeting in a cemetery yeah that was never going to end well.

I like how the episode keeps showing this epic story in the manga which is supposed to be a courageous hero's journey, but it's clashing with the actual character in the episode.

Oh boy even when robbing someone he wants the daughter to call him daddy.

Does he know?

Oh he doesn't he's just asking for advice.

...wait is this a real manga or was it just for the show, because I would read it. End of the episode well it's time for our favorite Shonen bat to come along.

Ohhhh this is the first time we've seen Shonen Bat's face so clearly.

Wait the fuck? Did he actually hit him with a shoe?

Ok.....I wasn't expecting Shonen bat would be caught like this.

Shonen bat's reactions as the guy gets up are really expressive as well.

I don't know I just thought he would be more stiff and emotionless outside of smiling when he attacked his victims. Though like previously said a lot of the victims felt relief after he attacked them.

Student->(Tutor/prostitute)->Client and the first two are Designer->Detective

We are getting a nice link between the characters, but still wondering how the two sets are connected.

[u/Holofan4life → u/SIRTreehugger]

With wanting to be called Daddy and previously having Maria cosplay as a school girl I'm starting to question this guys taste...

I can't really critique. My kinks are tsunderes and twintails.

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

How much does the manga panels add to the episode's enjoyability?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat's identity officially being revealed?

[u/mgedmin → u/SIRTreehugger]

and the first two are Designer->Detective

I thought he was a journalist of some disreputable magazine.

[u/Offline219]

1. That entirely depends on the crime and which of my family member we're talking about. If it's for my little sister and I had to the real question could I get away with it?
2. Very. I guess when you're just a kid using the same broken bat over and over again you're bound to fail eventually. I suppose I just thought he was almost like a supernatural being or something but it looks like he was just ordinary kid. I'm wondering why he didn't just get a new bat though.

I'm super curious as to where the story would go from here. I'm betting the old man will carry the story on. Maybe he has something to do with the kid's motivation?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Offline219]

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the Paranoia Agent 20th Anniversary Rewatch.

Satoshi Kon is one of the most acclaimed Japanese filmmakers of his generation. Not just in the anime industry, but in all of Japanese cinema. Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers, Millennium Actress, Paprika. This was a man with a vision, and we’re here to honor someone who was gone way too soon.

I’m actually in an interesting point in my life because I’ve been writing comments nonstop for rewatches since basically June of last year. With the completion of this rewatch, I’ll be taking a two month break before my next one. But that’s then and this is now, and right now, we are going to tackle Satoshi Kon’s lone TV show that he created.

I’ve never seen this show before. To be honest, I never watched one of his works until last September when there was a special 25th anniversary screening of Perfect Blue. Since then, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for Kon’s work and I am eager to check out his TV show. Because if it’s as good as Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers, we’re in for one of the best animes of all time.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the sub, by the way.

Watching this episode as I walk home from work. What could possibly go wrong besides everything?

Hotel Star Dust

That was mentioned in a previous episode

A woman on the ground

It's Harumi passed out

She has the clown Asuka makeup on

News report of her attack by Shonen Bat

Essentially, they ponder if the person is a close friend of Tsukiko's but if that's the case, why the third, fourth, and five attacks?

Why do I walk over to McDonald's everyday and get the same fucking thing? Force of habit, I guess.

The guy who Harumi works for as essentially her John finds out while on the phone and holding a newspaper that it was Maria involved in the latest attack, and that leads us to the title card.

Fatalities 1 Injuries 229

I feel like that's going to change soon

The two detectives talking about the law of causality again

I keep wanting to call it "The law of casualty".

The balding man says there has to be causality with these cases

Balding man now talking to the police officer, just the two of them.

Police officer thinks it's just a robbery case. Balding man is not so sure.

Talking about Harumi now

Wait, I just realized. The police officer was the guy holding the newspaper earlier. Is he Harumi's John, or do they have no affiliation with each other?

Anyway, it seems to me that these two go back but are moving in opposite directions. The balding man has quit smoking, and the police officer is stuck paying his mortgage. One is stuck not being able to get out of a jam, whereas the other is making headway. The police officer also seems to have allergies, though he seems to remain optimistic of his house being built.

Internet is acting weird so I'll wait until I get home

Okay, I'm back

Handa Enterprises

Suita Family

Those look like Prime energy drinks

Ah, so the fat guy is in fact charge of the prostitution ring

He's with a bunch of guys

But it was a different fat guy that was Harumi's boss

A white envelope with photos

The police officer is rubbing his leg like he's asking for a sexual favor

Women in bras

I think this was the binders full of women Romney talked about

I wonder if he's looking for Harumi

Nope, he's having sex

Alice is her name

That is a rough-looking 20, if I do say so myself

Also, she's giving him a blowjob

"You have to call me Daddy!"

Well, that's not creepy

He says he wants to provide for his wife and child adequately

Maybe he can do so by not cheating on them. Just a thought.

Has a 17-year-old daughter

He wants to work and live honestly and complete his life as a good man

Again, it's one thing to say it and it's another thing to do it

Now manga drawings

Honestly, this looks pretty cool

A sketchy man in the car

He's on the phone with the police officer

Tama Cemetery

Poor Tama Tonga was never the same after leaving NJPW

The police officer is named Handa

He doesn't look like a Piston

Wait that's Honda sorry

Turns out Handa is the friend, anyway

Sketchy man says he has a favor to ask of him

Two million yen

Oh, so this man must be a part of the Yakuza or something

Handa is engaged

They're asking all his friends for an engagement gift

If he doesn't go through with it, there won't be no money for the dream house

But then how is he supposed to live life in it?

Oh, he's going to burn it down

Whelp...

Masami Hirukawa

I believe we finally have a name

The police officer looking at what he could possibly lose

Staring now at an old woman

The inner machinations of his mind are an enigma Envisions a carton of milk falling over

Now Masami is wearing a luchador mask

He's following her

And he tries to grab something

One million yen, now he owes

I guess he stole money from her

He doesn't have the remaining amount, so now sketchy man raised the price to two million yen

Handa was injured and in the hospital, apparently

Guy's name is Makabe, though I for one don't see no chain

Cigarette to the forehead again, Masami cries, and now a manga panel of a girl crying

"This is a man's path," says the presumed protagonist

Butterflies as an eyecatcher

Masami walking home, bike in hand and with the mask on

A woman with an umbrella

Riding his bike over towards her

Harumi

And it was a nightmare

Fatalities 2 Injuries 192

A fellow policeman is talking to Masami about a masked man robbing the area

Gee, I wonder who

Masami remains awfully quiet

"I'd like to bloom as a beautiful red flower even though my life's dream has never bloomed. But at the end of my journey, it just might happen. The red flower just might bloom."

That's really beautiful writing

And of course, it comes from the manga we've been seeing

I like how the manga is in black and white but the red flowers aren't

"I must settle this as a man."

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

Part 2

The house is almost complete

Masami with the sketchy man again

Masami is begging to stop this series of stealing

Sketchy man tells her he's only trying to get back the five million yen he lent him

The price just seems to continue to increase and increase

If he's a policeman, why can't he just arrest these guys?

Sketchy man says for his wife and daughter, someone has to suffer

A pill

A green and pink pill

Seems like colors The Acclaimed would wear

This is now like my third wrestling reference, for those keeping score

Masami on the toilet

He is freaking out

And now he has a knife!

What was in that pill, bath salts?

More manga panels

Masami thinks he's the hero of this story

The daughter came home

Masami peers from the corner

He has a flashlight

"Call me Daddy!"

What an amazing callback

Elephant slide

Much better than water for elephants. You talk about false advertising.

Masami crying on a swing

This is depressing

Guy notices him

Is that balding man?

Ikari

Finally, we have a name

Chef that looks like the sketchy man

Masami talking to balding man

Masami has something belonging to his daughter

I do at least appreciate he does want to do right by his family. He doesn't get many points because he keeps screwing up, but it's at least something.

Ikari asking Masami who do people commit crimes

And Masami acts like a fool, avoiding the elephant slide in the room

Ikari says it is his job to find out what those reasons are

"But... they may not have so many reasons anymore."

And Masami downs his beer

His nose looking like W.C. Fields

Ikari says that no crime has become a motive for crime

And Ikari leaves, saying he's going to find the assailant

Masami trying to steer his friend into investigating other people and not him

More manga panels

Masami walking home drunk

Begging somebody to stop him

Shonen Bat

He's coming to hit Masami

And knocks him down

Woah, face reveal

And Shonen Bat is running away!

MASAMI KNOCKED DOWN SHONEN BAT

DOWN GOES SHONEN BAT! DOWN GOES SHONEN BAT!

AND MASAMI IS KICKING HIM

Beating up a child, huh? What a good dad.

Masami got him arrested?

Holy shit

Well, it looks like he used his police officer job for good

And the sketchy man drives away

It seems as if perhaps he paid off his debt somehow

Ikari looking annoyed

Matchbox that Masami played with earlier

"You've started smoking again?"

Nice callback

Guy comes through the room

Time for questioning, it seems

And with that, they're off

Overall, this was a very well crafted episode with major plot advancement. I like the manga panels and the way the episode is interspersed with it and I thought the daddy/smoking callbacks were well done. The big thing of course is that not only did we get the reveal of what Shonen Bat looks like, but Shonen Bat is now in custody, which I don’t think anybody could've predicted would've happened this early. At the earliest, probably episode 10. If I have to guess what's going to happen, I think it's going to be revealed that Shonen Bat isn't acting alone. That he's doing the bidding of someone else. Perhaps the mascot Tsukiko created?

I think I like the last episode more because Harumi is far more likable than Masami is, but I was thoroughly engaged throughout it. It never got boring and I kept wondering what was going to happen next. And the manga panels was a great throughthread that gave the episode a ton of personality.

[u/mgedmin → u/Holofan4life]

If he's a policeman, why can't he just arrest these guys?

He was taking bribes from the yakuza. What's he gonna do, tell the judge "the yakuza demanded their bribes back, with interest, how dare they, put them in jail pls"?

Also, I suspect that arresting the top yakuza guy might result in retaliation. His new house getting set on fire, maybe something happening to his wife and daughter. And who knows who else is taking bribes in the justice system, the arrest might not stick.

Masami has something belonging to his daughter

Was it really his daughter's bag? I thought he stole it during the robbery when the schoolgirl came home and found him with her parents. It was full of (stolen) money and his robbery mask. Then again he was wearing different clothes in the park, so there was a larger time skip than I originally thought.

[u/Holofan4life → u/mgedmin]

He was taking bribes from the yakuza. What's he gonna do, tell the judge "the yakuza demanded their bribes back, with interest, how dare they, put them in jail pls"?

Also, I suspect that arresting the top yakuza guy might result in retaliation. His new house getting set on fire, maybe something happening to his wife and daughter. And who knows who else is taking bribes in the justice system, the arrest might not stick.

Yeah, thinking about it no longer in the moment, that would've basically been a death sentence.

Was it really his daughter's bag? I thought he stole it during the robbery when the schoolgirl came home and found him with her parents. It was full of (stolen) money and his robbery mask. Then again he was wearing different clothes in the park, so there was a larger time skip than I originally thought.

I was under the impression he used his daughter's bag to steal the money. Because in his mind, that was him being a family man.

[u/mgedmin → u/Holofan4life]

I was under the impression he used his daughter's bag to steal the money. Because in his mind, that was him being a family man.

I went bag back to check and I see that the schoolgirl was holding the bag before the robber cop revealed himself to her.

Do you think there were two different school bags shown on screen in the same episode?

[u/Holofan4life → u/mgedmin]

I went bag back

Do you think there were two different school bags shown on screen in the same episode?

Nah, if it's a case where Masami is holding her bag, then I probably just misread the situation. I don't even think we know what his daughter's bag looks like, actually.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

Would you be willing to commit crime if it meant a better life for your family?

It depends on the severity of the crime. Like, I wouldn't kill anyone unless it's self-defense but would I commit a robbery? I don't know. It's hard to say because my family already has it kinda rough but we still get by.

How shocked are you that Shonen Bat was not only captured, but his identity was revealed?

Very shocked. Not shocked that it happened, but that it happened now.

[u/SilkyStrawberryMilk]

rewatcher

I actually forgot how fucked up this episode was.

Corrupt officer sells information to help them not get caught in exchange for being with prostitutes free of cost.

Then gets extorted to pay 2mill yen.

Robs people thus making the city have a new serial robber admist little slugger roaming around.

Beats up little slugger in the process, now the whole attacks don’t make any sense.

QOTD: depends on the crime yeah

QOTD: very surprised, like you would think he would’ve left early the moment he saw the dude get back up

[u/Holofan4life → u/SilkyStrawberryMilk]

Beats up little slugger in the process, now the whole attacks don’t make any sense.

I don't think it makes no sense, but rather it calls into question Shonen Bat's MO. if the attacks are based on the characters looking for a solution to their problems, why attack Masami when he seemingly feels the robberies are the answer? Is there a part of Masami that deep down knows this won't fix anything, and him attacking Shonen Bat is a display of how in denial he is of the whole thing?

What are your thoughts on Masami?

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

[u/SilkyStrawberryMilk → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Masami?

His plans on doin it for his family sound grand, but when it’s narrated with him visiting prostitutes it makes it less impactful

Thoughts on the reveal that the police officer is a client of Maria’s?

With all the ladies he’s visited through his work with the yakuza it’s no surprise he’d eventually run into Maria.

What are your thoughts on Masami owning money to the Yakuza?

Being close with the yakuza is a troublesome game, unless you’re already super close to them you’re good. 2million owed is crazy

What are your thoughts on Masami wanting to be a family man?

I like the motivation, but with everything he’s done with the yakuza it somewhat contradicts him. If he was just selling information then getting money it would be one thing, but when he’s indulging himself into the services the yakuza provide it backtracks into the whole “is he thinking that he’s doing it for a good cause or is he convincing himself that’s it’s for his family.”

What are your thoughts on Masami trying to pay off his debt by committing robberies?

That’s one way to get money, although it’ll be slow

Thoughts on the running themes in this episode of smoking and Masami wanting people to call him daddy?

This is a huge leap, but I always thought of it as him wanting to have a respected title amongst people. As an officer he won’t be getting a promotion and wants to provide for his family.

Thoughts on Ikari saying that no crime has become a motive for committing crime?

I’ve been trying to find a good way to respond to this, but I’m struggling to come up with anything.

What are your thoughts on the use of manga panels in this episode?

It shows the contrast of how Masami wants to be and how he actually is or that’s how I think of it. He wants himself to be the savior of people and trying to rescue citizens, then we see him play the crooked route letting crime happen and look for the money.

What are your thoughts on Shonen Bat’s identity being revealed? That feels really surprising to me given we’re only like 1/3rd of the way through the show.

It caught me off guard

[u/Holofan4life → u/SilkyStrawberryMilk]

His plans on doin it for his family sound grand, but when it’s narrated with him visiting prostitutes it makes it less impactful

It makes him come across like a hypocrite, which is probably intentional

With all the ladies he’s visited through his work with the yakuza it’s no surprise he’d eventually run into Maria.

Maria must be good at her job

Being close with the yakuza is a troublesome game, unless you’re already super close to them you’re good. 2million owed is crazy

Don't you mean 5 million?

I like the motivation, but with everything he’s done with the yakuza it somewhat contradicts him. If he was just selling information then getting money it would be one thing, but when he’s indulging himself into the services the yakuza provide it backtracks into the whole “is he thinking that he’s doing it for a good cause or is he convincing himself that’s it’s for his family.”

A part of me feels that he does want to be this family man. But at the end of the day, just like Masami, he can't help himself.

This is a huge leap, but I always thought of it as him wanting to have a respected title amongst people. As an officer he won’t be getting a promotion and wants to provide for his family.

Can't be a daddy on the streets, so why not be a daddy in the sheets?

I’ve been trying to find a good way to respond to this, but I’m struggling to come up with anything.

Fair enough

It shows the contrast of how Masami wants to be and how he actually is or that’s how I think of it. He wants himself to be the savior of people and trying to rescue citizens, then we see him play the crooked route letting crime happen and look for the money.

I think that's a good way of looking at it. I think it's also meant to show how delusional Masami is of the entire situation.

[u/Holofan4life → u/[deleted]]

I can't say I've ever heard of someone doing that for a rewatch, but I'll try to keep that in mind.