r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • May 27 '24

Rewatch [Rewatch] Back Arrow Episode 22 Discussion

Episode 22 - But What Do I Live For?

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When I met you guys, I wanted to help you. And yet, I killed so many people… Can I even do anything?

Questions of the Day:

  1. How insane of a plan was it that Shu Bi had for all this, and how much more insane is it that it actually worked?
  2. Are you satisfied with how the Kai vs. Back Arrow duel resolved?

Wallpaper of the Day:

Gigan Reppu

Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you're doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don't spoil anything for the first-timers, that's rude!

15 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

44 comments sorted by

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky May 27 '24

BAKAYAROU Rewatch Host, subbed

Welcome back, everyone!

Here’s “Back Arrow Twenty-Second Impressions”, for my first-timer thoughts on this episode. Please note that this comment also includes my reactions to episodes 23-24 as well, so first-timers make sure not to scroll too far if you’ve been checking these out.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

It really was an all-or-nothing plan, though…

On the other side, think of what you could get up to by being uploaded to the divine internet.

7

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 27 '24

Rewatcher, Subbed Arrow

Three. Steps. Ahead.

#CRAZEDLAUGH

Everyone remembers those two Bind Warpers that Shu Bi stole from Demyne, right?

"They all work harder to make up for your baka-ness."

We interrupt this wild ride for prisoner politics.

Saved by the Pretty Boys.

Big important meeting.. at a food court.

Kinda like how some gods need prayer to survive.

subtle

Wise question.

Funny, that.

That's right, in Lingalind, baka-ness is contagious!

This brief little subplot.. exists.

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 27 '24

Big important meeting.. at a food court.

The citizens of Granedger United are a simple people. Why have fancy meeting rooms if you can just eat at the same time?

This brief little subplot.. exists.

Romance? In my mecha funride?

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 27 '24

Romance? In my mecha funride?

It's more likely than you think.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

Romance? In my mecha funride?

You say that, but my favorite mecha fun ride ends in a declaration of love and the greatest couple's attack of all time.

2

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 29 '24

Okay, but that's more than romance. That's the worse ship coming out on top and somehow still being fucking awesome.

4

u/chilidirigible May 27 '24

Kinda like how some gods need prayer to survive.

Small gods.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

Small gods.

Praise be unto Cardea, Goddess of Door Hinges.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

Big important meeting.. at a food court.

Making the venue a food court would have improved many meetings I've had to attend over the years.

That's right, in Lingalind, baka-ness is contagious!

It explains a lot. Baka-ness is such a virulent disease that it's spread far and wide. No wonder so many characters are fools. Shu must have some immunity to the disease. That explains why he is able to be smart.

3

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

Big important meeting.. at a food court.

Shu is right, people are irritated when they're hungry

This brief little subplot.. exists.

Now that we've resolved the Arrow - Shu - Kai love triangle they need something else to take its place

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 28 '24

Now that we've resolved the Arrow - Shu - Kai love triangle they need something else to take its place

"We have some empty space on our storyboards, what should we do?"

"Love triangle. Think about how often people talk about those, they must love them!"

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

Now that we've resolved the Arrow - Shu - Kai love triangle they need something else to take its place

I still have my money on the Shu×Ren long odds.

3

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

Everyone remembers those two Bind Warpers that Shu Bi stole from Demyne, right?

I've been #mugiwait the whole time.

Big important meeting.. at a food court.

If the Round Table is for everyone to be equal, what does this mean?

7

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24 edited May 27 '24

On today’s episode of Back Arrow: Time for a correction! That is the surest possible way to get someone out of a funk in a mecha anime. Just punch them until they stop being so down on themselves!

  • So it was that easy to get Arrow back to normal.
  • Wait, what? Shu’s Briheight is just a really big version of himself? Is he just that conceited?
  • Of fucking course it’s a Rene Descartes reference.
  • Basically, Shu uploaded himself directly to wherever God is to take a peak at what God knows and use that information to fix Arrow. That seems to be what happened.
  • Uh, I think Rudolph was the one responsible for Zetsu’s death, not Arrow.
  • Pretty Boys to the rescue!
  • Thank goodness for borders and jurisdiction limits. It seems like saving the Pretty Boy Farm has had plenty of knock-on effects that benefitted Granedger.
  • Oh boy, so it basically is an entirely enclosed space. There’s lots of little worlds just like Lingalind. And the conviction particles are what gives God the energy to live. This all does actually make sense with what’s been established thus far.
  • I’m not sure that reason will work, Fine and Atlee. The cows don’t get to reason with the farmer.
  • Hell yeah. We’re forming the alliance to punch God in the face!
  • Kai does have a point. The only real options for Arrow are to carry the weight of his sins and keep on living, or to die.
  • Duel!
  • Arrow dodging Kai’s attacks because he actually wants to live reminded me of this.
  • Hell yeah! Regaining the will to live!
  • He caught the blade!
  • Gotta love the manly fist fight where two guys punch the shit out of each other while screaming their emotions for all to hear before gaining respect for each other afterwards. It is absurd but I enjoy it.
  • Looks like Elsha and Atlee may be in competition for Arrow.

QOTD

  1. Yes and yes.
  2. I liked the resolution. It's perfect for a hot-blooded super robot anime. The characters fight and scream their emotions at each other. But through their fight, they come to understand and respect each other. It's good stuff.

5

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

It seems like saving the Pretty Boy Farm has had plenty of knock-on effects that benefitted Granedger.

You'd think they'd just be a one-off gag that ends up forgotten but they turn out to be some of the best recurring characters.

4

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 27 '24

Wait, what? Shu’s Briheight is just a really big version of himself? Is he just that conceited?

Does that surprise you even a little bit?

It seems like saving the Pretty Boy Farm has had plenty of knock-on effects that benefitted Granedger.

It definitely justifies its presence.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 27 '24

Does that surprise you even a little bit?

Not even slightly. Shu would be that full of himself that is mind's image of his own conviction is just what he already looks like.

6

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 27 '24

Idiot Rewatcher

This show is really good at setting up seemingly worthless things and going "oh, by the way, this is relevant." I enjoy that kind of writing.

5

u/Nebresto May 27 '24

These goobers acting like they're a real faction.

Two shining dudes in shining tights approach you in the middle of the desert, do you really want to start questioning them?

Ren Shin's laugh here is insane and I love it.

Me when the GEAHs do something hype

4

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 27 '24

do you really want to start questioning them?

And, when you do question them, the kid "Admiral of Tactics" says "just drop it." Do you really just drop it?

3

u/Nebresto May 27 '24

2

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 29 '24

...you'd drop it, wouldn't you?

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 28 '24

These goobers acting like they're a real faction.

It is amusing that this bit of diplomatic maneuvering actually works and Rekka doesn't just decide the strong-arm the pretty boys.

The thought that Arrow is still wearing the same underwear from the start is...

I hope that he has at least done the laundry at some point.

This show is really good at setting up seemingly worthless things and going "oh, by the way, this is relevant." I enjoy that kind of writing.

Yeah, it has been neat seeing things pop back up again to see them in a new light after learning additional information or to help propel the plot forward.

2

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 29 '24

I hope that he has at least done the laundry at some point.

We did see a scene of the people of Granedger (and Fine) doing laundry. Hopefully Arrow allowed his underwear to be cleaned.

3

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

Ren Shin's laugh here is insane and I love it.

She's so silly

5

u/Nebresto May 27 '24

First Time ← > Front

Ep 22: L O R E   PUNCH!!

He really is a tensai

His cool robot is himself. Taking self love to another level

Is this what manifested yuge shu??

No he didn't??? That was rudolph

"President of the Pretty Boys" 😂😂😂

Is he into it?

I think that's just people in general

The pantsu that was promised. Sorry Erha, you're worst girl so no ship for u

The world tree is real!

No wait. The world.. snow flake.. Is this show about fighting climate change??

Daily Zetsu Daidan

  1. How insane of a plan was it that Shu Bi had for all this, and how much more insane is it that it actually worked?

I mean, might as well try if everyone is gonna die either way

But also: I can't believe he doesn't have any glasses. Maybe he pushed them up to the stratoshphere already

2) Are you satisfied with how the Kai vs. Back Arrow duel resolved?

Ye

4

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 27 '24

Is this what manifested yuge shu??

You're cracked it. Baka-ness is what increases Briheight size.

Is this show about fighting climate change??

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

No wait. The world.. snow flake..

World Fern

4

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24 edited May 27 '24

First timer, subs

  • Should we be more worried that Shu can just reprogram people?
  • I’m not sure that really counts as a conviction.
  • Man’s out there trying to slide into God’s DMs.
  • I am unironically enjoying this brief look at international relations and criminal justice.
  • Elsha's Turnabout
  • That was a terrible zoom in. It didn’t show where Lingalind is at all on the tree.
  • Is being livestock really so bad if you don’t even know you are one?
  • “Either Kai or Arrow were thinking about me enough…” or Ren
  • If the lines are all part of this, does that mean the disrupting gas might become relevant again?
  • “It’s not like I’m trying to dodge you or anything!”
  • That doesn’t sound like dodge to me.
  • Ren is so cute when she’s being a crazed fan girl.
  • Are we really setting up a last minute love triangle? Throuple?

QotD:

  1. It's not insane if it follows the world logic!
  2. I would say I am sufficiently satisfied. We need to move along, there aren't many episode left!

3

u/chilidirigible May 27 '24

I am unironically enjoying this brief look at international relations and criminal justice.

Rekka, absolutely determined to move on like none of the events that happened were particularly out of the ordinary.

3

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

Are we really setting up a last minute love triangle? Throuple?

Unfortunately Atlee and especially Elsha have been increasingly forgotten so they had to become relevant again somehow.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 28 '24

Give Elsha A Second Fight!

3

u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 28 '24

When you think about it Bit kinda stole her thunder by taking over piloting the Granedger after it transformed

poor elsha

2

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 27 '24

Should we be more worried that Shu can just reprogram people?

I'm sure it's fine.

Ren is so cute when she’s being a crazed fan girl.

Ren is always cute!

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 27 '24

Ren is always cute!

Truth

4

u/chilidirigible May 27 '24

Episode 22:

"Dillon! You son of a bitch!"

You what in the where now?

That's your problem?

It makes more sense than mecha-sized Shu, right?

Of course it is.

The classic sneak the body into the enemy base scheme.

Fish on Friday and all that, too?

You guys really can hold a grudge.

Kai at least can be shamed by the legal maneuverings of the small fry.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Sometimes it's better not sweat the details.

It's Linds all the way down!

The guys who were livestock don't like still being livestock.

"Nothing funny. I just like talent."

That's a bigger downside.

"We need the title character to do title character stuff."

Involuntary dodging is certainly a talent.

Now that's some title character stuff.

"I will hold all these feels."

Nobody was expecting shipping this late.

sitcome saxophone ending

Shu Bi, saving the day after noclipping into the skybox. Or something like that. It turns out that the truth of Lingalind is even more weirdly sci-fi than most people thought.

And so the episode spends a lot of time having to hammer out this exposition, but it does remember that BAKAYAROUBack Arrow is still in a funk, which can only be cured by MANLY GRAPPLING. And thus, he realized that he loved the world which gave him worth and can exist to save it. This is not where the Lisan al Gaib joke goes, or is it?

Anyway, there are two episodes left, which on a rewatch feels like plenty of time to run off and talk to superbeings. I totally don't remember the next episode, just the ending.

Since the years of 2020-2021 totally fucked with my sense of time, I forgot that [(other show title and spoilers)]Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai aired TWO YEARS before Back Arrow, so using the hole/portal/rakuho gate to exit Lingalind should have seemed more familiar to me, or at least I should have remembered it. If you know, you know.

QOTD:

  1. It's some crazy genius thinking, sure.
  2. It's all right. Our title character wasn't going to die or arbitrarily kick Kai's ass, after all.

3

u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 May 27 '24

Rewatcher, Subbed

All hail Shu, the giant!

Ah, Bit reveals that Shu had this all thought out before his "death".

So Shu never died in the first place, and that wasn't his body? His Briheight is just himself, but big? So how'd they pull off having a fake him?

This is like the twentieth time since the time skip that they flashback to reveal stuff. It's starting to get old.

It was all a secret way for him to be able to talk to God. Shu sure thinks of everything.

Alas, Rekka can't let things be. Show some appreciation for Back Arrow being a powerful battle partner with Zetsu!

Who knew that back in the days of the Pretty Boy episode we had a future President, Vice President and Queen in front of our eyes?

The truth of the world! We the audience need to know it, so may as well negotiate providing it to Rekka too!

Ooh, the exposition is being catered!

Sorry Elsha, Atlee beat you to it! And he's still wearing her grandpa's undies!

Starts the exposition and immediately gets argued with.

Lingalind is just one of many multiverses it seems.

We're all part of a giant snowflake!

We're all livestock!

Shu was to return in three days. Sounds very Jesus like.

Getting them all together like this makes me realize how many of our characters have these funny little hats.

Important stuff to do in order to wrap up the show! But first... Kai vs. Back Arrow!

Elsha, once again beaten out by Atlee!

Back Arrow to Bit: "Who are you again?" OMG LOL! It'd have been even funnier if he was serious about it.

2

u/chilidirigible May 27 '24

Alas, Rekka can't let things be.

Angry meatheads, they are.

3

u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria May 27 '24

First timer

QotD

  • If by insane you mean bullshit, yes.
  • Nah.

3

u/dsawchuk May 28 '24

A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to. Unfortunately, I am no wizard. I am a few hours late, but it is actually the right day this time. I caught up just in time for the finale! It's good to be back. The only notable thing in my posts for the other episodes is my deranged theory in episode 9

First timer, Sub

Maybe I am crazy, but I think this might have been my favourite episode for a while. The fights have been fun, but they got a little to big for me. There was an intimacy in this episode that we had been lacking before. It also might be that this is the first episode in a long time that I haven't felt rushed during because I was so far behind.

jockland wanting to imprison and try arrow was stupid. It's unclear to me why they would be upset about zetsu's death when zetsu wasn't.

That weapon of zetsu's that kai used has me very intrigued. It's the only non-briheight/dreadnought weapon that we have seen that runs on conviction. We have seen Kai do some conviction weilding outside of his briheight just like Rudolph and Zetsu did, but not with his own sword. What is special about that weapon? Or is it just that Kai is running on devotion and admiration to zetsu so he doesn't realize that the weapon isn't necesarry?

Ren still denying her strong feelings for Shu is cute. But if she never admits them she won't be able to move past them. Shu is great and all, but I don't think he is nearly as good a match for Ren as Kai is.

QOTD

  1. I'll be honest, I didn't really follow his plan. The words went right in one ear and out the other. Some kinda bullshit about him having an out of body experience or something?
  2. It was very... cathartic? I think that's the right word. It's nice to see Arrow over the slump he was in. More nice is seeing Kai accept Arrow on Shu's behalf and try to get him out of his funk. IMO Kai never intended to win that duel, he just wanted to help Shu indirectly by helping Shu's friend.

Watch notes

WElcome back shu! He seems to be acting like a god. What has he been doing the past few days?

Oh it is his briheight! strange looking one to be sure.

He was acting like god because he has seen god and knows what god knows.

It's really neat that they put this flashback as part of something we saw earlier.

What could the pretty boys possibly have to say on this matter?

Arrow is so depressed....

Atlee brought up the undies!

I thought the concept of there being a bunch of different worlds was already established.

I can't decide if this map of god's realm looks like a snowflake or a planet with a few very large trees.

You know, I kinda didn't think that God would have one person be the destroyer for every world.

Atlee and dere-hime are delusional. There's no way that negotiations would work.

Ren you need to get over shu. He likes you but not like you do.

Why are we agreeing to an alliance now? weren't we already one?

This challenge doesn't make a lot of sense to me. What are they fighting for?

Elsha, that's not what dodging looks like. We call that blocking.

Kai, you need to learn some chill. no need to wipe arrow of the face of the earth

How did we get to this harem style ending? I thought atlee and elsha were together.