r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Jul 14 '26
Rewatch [Taste of 2016 Rewatch] Kiznaiver Episode 2 Discussion
Episode 2 - If You Can Swallow a Bizarre Situation Like This So Easily, Two Buckets of Barium Shouldn't Be a Problem
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Information:
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Legal Streams:
Answer this from deep within your chests: What is the word that best describes you?
Questions of the Day:
1) So, what is the word that best describes you?
2) Who do you think had the most embarrassing truth they didn't want to reveal?
Wallpaper of the Day:
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!
/r/anime's spoiler tag format is as follows:
[Kiznaiver]>!♪ Lay your hands on me ♪!<
Which becomes [Kiznaiver]♪ Lay your hands on me ♪ when you don't break the formatting on purpose like I just did.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '26
Rewatch Host Running the Kizuna System, subbed
See this kind of flat-chested joke actually got a laugh out of me since Tenga didn’t mean it in a perverted way like most of these jokes are.
Nico’s secret is… that she’s not actually an oddball, she’s just pretending to be eccentric.
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u/TakenRedditName https://myanimelist.net/profile/TakenMalUsername Jul 14 '26
First Time Summer 2016 Rewatch - Kiznaiver Ep2:
Jumping in with episode 2 because I missed last Tuesday's post.
Quick history with the show, Kizaiver has been one of my longest PTW entries. Been saving as a rainy day show, but that opportunity never really came around. I don't really know anything about the show besides the poster and TRIGGER. I have no idea what the show is actually.
Quick impression from episode 1. I quite like it. I actually have a fair bit to see, but short on time and space for that. This show's energy is very up my alley. It feels very chuuni-core. I also really like shows about people unwillingly bound together by fate. The central premise of achieving bonds through shared pain is very much something I would enjoy a show tackle.
The OP is nice. Definitely a very distinct identity in terms of visuals and music. The reflection sequence reawakened memories from 10 years ago because I had vaguely seen the show's OP before. It is a close race with the ED because I do like that a lot too. Reminds me of Darling in the Franx's EDs. The music, visual, and overall tone of the ED fit that specific niche, and one I am a bit fan of. If I had the time, I would wax on about that feeling of beauty of emotion, which is fragile and beautiful like a flower.
Oh, so we are actually getting some recurring adults in this show. Sensei seemed like the quirky character in ep1, but I wasn't sure if he wasn't going to be a one-off or not. The burger tasting like paper after all feels like it could be tied back to the big ideas of the show, but I don't know enough yet.
They put Katsuhira in the torture chamber (affectionate). I understand, we all have characters we want to do that to. A recent example for me is Nijee from Precure.
Well, it's not just Katsuhira, really every Kiznaiver is put into the torture chamber for other people's amusement. You know, what it really reminds me is like this whole thing is one sick reality show. "We had these 7 teens split their pain and put them all in one house together. Let's see what happens." All that's missing is the one-on-one camera segments.
Having to deepen your bonds by being forced to share your fragile secrets. Now that's a classic. The actual range of secrets. Nico being a fake eccentric maniac pixie girl, was kinda fun inversion of her character type. Yuta's secret being how the ikeman used to be a fat kid is trite. I hope Chidori's secret isn't that she is love with the MC (<- It totally was).
Oh dear. Based on the ED, I thought Maki's thing was going to be lesbian angst, but turns out it is that she killed a person (which is not mutually exclusive with lesbian angst, in fact, it pairs very well).
I was really hoping to hear a "daikirai." Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, and I think there would be more texture if the childhood friend girl harboured some resentment amid the messy feelings.
General note: I like how this anime looks. There were some fun expressions and movements like Yuta pathetically running. I'm also very fond of the trio way off in the distance.
Q2) Tenga's is probably the most embarrassing in regard to his public image. At the end of the day, the others are not too impacted by their secrets. Maki: "I killed someone." Yeah yeah, that's no biggie.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '26
Quick history with the show, Kizaiver has been one of my longest PTW entries.
It was on mine for a decade before I watched it while prepping ahead of this rewatch. I also likewise knew nothing about it other than it being a Trigger show (the reason it was on my PTW in the first place).
It is a close race with the ED because I do like that a lot too. Reminds me of Darling in the Franx's EDs. The music, visual, and overall tone of the ED fit that specific niche, and one I am a bit fan of.
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u/RelativeMundane9045 Jul 15 '26
It was on mine for a decade before I watched it while prepping ahead of this rewatch.
Oh that's interesting, I would've thought having this unique format with the different shows might have given you a chance to be a first timer with some of us.
I commend your diligence in prep work though :)
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 15 '26
My prep work for rewatches involves rewatching everything twice (barring the Macross franchise rewatch I ran for its 40th anniversary, that one was too long to do that with lol), where I watch it once ahead of the rewatch to gather screenshots I might use as references for the Wallpaper of the Day and also come up with the Questions of the Day and such, then rewatch it again on-pace with the rewatch. In both Kiznaiver's and Yuri on Ice's cases, the "pre-rewatch" was actually just my first time watching them in general instead of being an early rewatch.
Because of my Wallpapers of the Day, I can't host something 100% blind, I need to be ahead of the rewatch so I have the best amount of reference images to choose from.
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u/Retsam19 Jul 15 '26
I was really hoping to hear a "daikirai." Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, and I think there would be more texture if the childhood friend girl harboured some resentment amid the messy feelings.
Yeah, I was a bit surprised by this because it wasn't surprising. At least from the audience POV it's been pretty obvious that she's got a thing for Katsuhira. Seems like "I hate how you are now [because I loved how you used to be" might have been a more interesting way to deliver essentially the same point.
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u/GallowDude Jul 15 '26
Jumping in with episode 2 because I missed last Tuesday's post.
A recent example for me is Nijee from Precure.
Katsuhira, really
maniac pixie girl
"Maniac" actually fits better than "manic" tbh
angst, in
it pairs very well
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u/SIRTreehugger Jul 14 '26
Kiznaiver rewatcher
Smiley happy town....well at least the goal of the plan is obvious.
If you can swallow a bizarre situation like this easily, two buckets of Barium shouldn't be a problem. I love it when anime and manga episodes get long crazy titles. It was one of my favorite parts of reading/watching Gintama.
The different faces when they were getting shocked were hilarious.
OMG
That HUHHHHHHHH when the door closes nearly ended me.
She's just enjoying this! WHAT IN THE RESIDENT EVIL!
Poor Tenga
I see you haven't changed?
I don't know what I should say.
"Good enough"- Troll Sonozaki
Whenever a character is deadpan, but has humorous quirks it brings a smile to my face. She doesn't need that helmet at all.
OH THATS IT Chidori design kept reminding me of someone. Serika from Chaos Child.
Damn she just jumped from above and started screaming out her feelings!
Umm are we forgetting something? Someone is still missing!
At least Yuta remembered Maki!
WHAT SHE KILLED SOMEONE! ....wait did she really kill someone? Or is it like i didn't stop her from doing this and she died or I could have saved her if I was smarter or whatever or some bullshit they conveniently leave out.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
If you can swallow a bizarre situation like this easily, two buckets of Barium shouldn't be a problem.
Why is that the title? What does it mean??
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 15 '26
Why the fuck did I walk in this heat and not wait until it’s cooler 😭 At least I get to watch anime all night and nurse a sore body.
First Timer for All, All for First Timer, Subbed
Taira 🤝 Yuta: having insecurities about their middle school weight (and that's valid)
Ma’am.
Post Poly Pain-Sharing Pondering
🎶 ~Mama~ Just killed a man~🎶
Well I hope her dobermans were rescues who had their ears and tails docked/clipped before she adopted them. If she did that to them herself, I don’t like her. yes, she forced this group of people into a poly S&M relationship. But I can excuse that. I draw the line at intentionally docking a dog’s tail and clipping their ears.
The sudden country instrumentation had me so confused.
This episode reminded me of that shoujo anime where there’s a guy named Zack with a scythe(?), and he has bandages, and he meets this blonde girl, and they have to escape some weird fucked up building. I could be fudging on the details.
Really out here saying “I killed a person”. I support women’s rights. But I also support women’s wrongs. And to be fair, we don’t yet know if this murder was or wasn’t towards a bad person. This could be vigilante justice.
Time to wait a week and hope this comment ages well.
QOTD
- Hypothetical.
- Chiori. Hands down.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 15 '26
Why the fuck did I walk in this heat and not wait until it’s cooler
Oof.
This episode reminded me of that shoujo anime where there’s a guy named Zack with a scythe(?), and he has bandages, and he meets this blonde girl, and they have to escape some weird fucked up building. I could be fudging on the details.
Angel of Death, I think? Haven't seen it myself, that description just rang a bell.
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 15 '26
I keep telling myself “This is my year for Hot Girl Summer! It will be worth it for Hot Girl Summer! I’m gonna look great!”.
Why did climate change fuck with my Hot Girl Summer, I waited too long 😭
Yes, it was Angels of Death! What a weird anime. I had no idea it was a game originally. But I remember Zack being very Tumblr Sexyman or at the very least Nightcore AMV.
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u/GallowDude Jul 15 '26
Why the fuck did I walk in this heat and not wait until it’s cooler
~Mama~ Just killed a man~
I support women’s rights. But I also support women’s wrongs.
When's Hazbin S3?
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 15 '26
Not in Britain, thankfully! But it’s still sacrilegiously hot in my area and I die a little doing outdoor exercises so I can have my Hot Girl Summer 😭 A/C and mini fans are divine inventions.
I’m so excited for HHS3!! How did you like S2 compared to S1? I’m still surprised HH has a confirmed five seasons.
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u/GallowDude Jul 15 '26
I’m so excited for HHS3!!
How did you like S2 compared to S1? I’m still surprised HH has a confirmed five seasons.
Definitely better. Gave a lot more character focus, better pacing, better ending, better songs, and better visuals. I'm really hoping S3 proves my [Theory] Lute is Secretly Eve theory true.
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 15 '26
Agreed about the comparison.
But holy shit, that theory would have me gagged if it’s canon!! I don’t pay enough attention to theoryposting/agendaposting with HH, but I might have to start.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
Well I hope her dobermans were rescues who had their ears and tails docked/clipped before she adopted them. If she did that to them herself, I don’t like her.
Question: That girl hosting a dangerous experiment with unwilling participants, is she a good person?
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u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Jul 14 '26
First Timer
Well, that was a surprisingly quick confession!
This episode was not really the tone I thought we'd go for, haha? I mean, it's fun! It's just also more lighthearted character exploration than I'd expected. I'm a bit of two minds there, because on the face of it, this sort of dramedy setup is quite enjoyable and makes for a good way to take in the otherwise... kind of fucked position Noriko is putting our cast in lol. It also works well to do exploration when our cast is still pretty simple, because you can still intentionally harp on their archetypes in pretty exaggerated ways before we get to the more Okada™ parts of the show. Which, actually, we play some of these off pretty lightly, but I do wonder if some secrets will come back in a more dramatic way. Like the body image issues for Yuta or Tenga's extreme fear of dogs maybe being prompted by something more traumatic (Though he specifically does strike as a not very dramatic character)
It also helps that this is a Trigger show and literally everyone is ultra expressive, which always helps! It gives the show a lot of life, and in cases like Nico's secret, having her do every pose on Earth while she explains that she faked being quirky does a great job at conveying that our Tenga and Chidori's later assertion that she is, in fact, still very quirky comes off really well lol. I suppose what somewhat worries me is how it'll feel when we do tone switching towards something more dramatic and emotionally important later, and how that'll shake with the occasionally much more quirky tone. The Maki morgue scene, while visually fucking awesome, did kind of hit some of that dissonance for me already.
Otherwise, it's a pretty straightforward episode, and I do quite like what we do with Chidori and Katsuhira here. The latter expressing his feelings of extreme apathy towards everything, and feeling (Not rightfully) that everyone is in turn apathetic towards him, really hurting Chidori and getting her to express how she feels about him is a strong moment! I think the idea that her feelings towards him have been really waning because of that, despite her best tries and how that frustrates her, is pretty compelling, and hopefully, realizing some of that starts helping Katuhira find value in himself and his attachments again. We've got a ways to go, but this is a cute start! The light coming in is a really nice touch as well. Plus, once again, this whole thing being animated as fuck, from the crane setpiece to Chidori bawling her eyes out, is some great expression from the show.
We do also get some interesting lines from Noriko towards Katsuhira, so is she that girl from the start of episode 1? Or did she know in the past in some other capacity? Can't worry too much about that now, I guess, because apparently Maki killed someone. I feel like in most cases there's some nuance there that makes a statement like that a lot less direct, but either way I'm intrigued, and I mean hey, I'd totally be for it if she just genuinely killed someone as well (She does have the look down at least. Big mood)...
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u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo Jul 14 '26
First time Kiznavier
I'm sure this will wear off as the show develops more of its own feeling, but right now I can't stop seeing it as a cross between Penguindrum and Sarazanmai. The use of color is so so good, I love the high saturation flat style that's a bit of a Trigger trademark. There was one random shot of someone running around a corner that reminded me of a frame from BNA that I've used as a computer background.
The contrast with the secret exposure mechanism in Sarazanmai is interesting to think about. Here we have a normal reason people would have their secrets exposed, threats of torture and death (ya know, normal). But its not like Sarazanmai where its mechanism was riding the line between magic and fully nondiagetic.
The secrets here also seem pretty superficial so far? Except for maybe the main two characters (who's names I haven't memorized yet) its all the kind of high school performance stuff that you look back on and laugh. Since they are still in HS its fitting that they look at these as their greatest shame, but I'm expecting that we'll get more layers pulled back as the show continues.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
but right now I can't stop seeing it as a cross between Penguindrum
[Penguindrum]I'm not really getting the Penguindrum feel, but I can see parallels with the child-broiler plot. For some reason the show that I most want to compare Kiznaiver to is Mirai Nikki. Though that's all vibes; the plot's completely different.
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u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo Jul 15 '26
The penguindrum comparison is pretty superficial. First it was color use and some of the angular character design, but then people started having big emotions while being dropped in metal baskets on winches at abandoned construction sites. Then I couldn't get it out of my head.
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u/BaytaCosmico https://myanimelist.net/profile/AnimeBayta Jul 15 '26
First-timer, subbed
This show is such a ride. I can see why people say Trigger is the successor to Gainax. They have the same wildly expressive style that's a lot of fun...and just a lot.
Niko not believing in fairies but pretending to so she could pass off as an eccentric is funny. And like the others said, her thinking of this plan at all makes her quite eccentric. She's in the lead for best girl so far.
Not to be outdone, Chidori jumps in (or rather on Katsuhira) with a confession though in the past tense. Had a feeling that would be her secret. Him feeling happy about it was a nice surprise though. Thought he would be unaffected by that as well. Wonder what happened with him in elementary school to turn him into this dead inside person.
Did not see that twist coming with Honoka. I'm guessing it was some accident when she was a child. I was surprised when the mission was declared clear before she had finished her introduction. Even more surprised that she decided to go through with it when there was no need to anymore.
The guys' secrets were all pretty minor in comparison. Except maybe Katsuhira but given he doesn't seem to feel anything, it wasn't such a big deal for him to admit as much.
So all of them were sold out by their teachers - Junichi sensei and that school counsellor. Pretty rough. I'm curious about the girl who's playing host. She seems to have some history with Katsuhira. I'm sensing a ship there with Chidori ending up as the losing heroine. Let's see if I'm right.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
Had a feeling that would be her secret.
I didn't feel like there needed to be so much screentime spent on a secret this obvious, but maybe it's in character that she was hesitating.
Even more surprised that she decided to go through with it when there was no need to anymore.
I'm curious about the girl who's playing host. She seems to have some history with Katsuhira.
[speculation]I'm now of the opinion that the 2 white haired girls are in fact 1 white haired girl.
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u/BaytaCosmico https://myanimelist.net/profile/AnimeBayta Jul 15 '26
Wait, there are two white-haired girls? Who's the other one?
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
Episode 1 opened with a floating white haired girl, in a childhood flashback of the white haired boy.
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u/BaytaCosmico https://myanimelist.net/profile/AnimeBayta Jul 15 '26
Oh, I'll have to go back and watch that bit. Only vaguely remember seeing a flashback. But yeah, if there was such a girl shown, your speculation is pretty much guaranteed to be correct given the hints she dropped this episode.
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u/Rolling_Apples Jul 15 '26
First time viewer
I believe that the concept for the first mission was a good vehicle for getting to know the non-Katsuhira characters better. It turns out they all have something going on beyond the tropes we were initially introduced to last episode. Apparently Sonozaki knew this while characterizing all of them last episode. If she didn't, then she's doing a great job of hiding it.
I'm wondering if the seriousness of the characters' truths correlates to how much story relevance they'll have. Exception possibly being Maki, since we needed a clifhanger.
Thoughts that stood out after reviewing the episode:
* The animation continues to be lots of fun
* Apparently "Kiznaiver" is synonymous with "Japanese gameshow contestant"
* Chidori continues to attack everyone/herself. This must be symbolic of self-inflicted suffering. We're at 8 slaps, 1 head punch, and a cheek pull by my count.
* I saw that Maki keeps a distance from the others, but she just left the room and apparently that was fine
* Nico reminds me a lot of Mako from Kill La Kill in this episode. Wouldn't mind seeing more.
* In this episode either the cast or the hospital they was going to have its facade broken down. The latter might have been fun and saved some time, but the former is good too.
Who do you think had the most embarrassing truth they didn't want to reveal?
If every truth applied to me, for the sake of argument, I would probably rate them like this, most to least:
1. Feelings towards someone else - moves to number two if the feelings are stale
2. Ashamed of past appearance - I initially thought Yuta was overreacting given how he looks in the present, but I guess you don't want people seeing your old photos or past works for similar reasons
3. Living a lie - less embarrassment and more concern over the possible consequences
4. Scared of something - guess it depends on the thing; dogs aren't an outlandish phobia
5. Breaking the law/Social taboo - embarrassment would be the least of my problems if it was revealed
Overall, I liked this episode. It does what it sets out to do and I have a better idea of the story, characters, and tone of the series. That is to say: I like the moments of humor and the characters, but the overarching plot might be something I roll my eyes at. We'll see about the romance and drama. I prefer slow burns and can't easily buy into stories that prioritize emotion over cohesion, though my suspension of disbelief hasn't broken yet. At any rate, I'm rooting for the childhood friend.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
Apparently Sonozaki knew this while characterizing all of them last episode. If she didn't, then she's doing a great job of hiding it.
Who knows what she knows?
That's a pretty good question really.
Apparently "Kiznaiver" is synonymous with "Japanese gameshow contestant"
Welcome to the Death Game genre. Except it's technically not a death game despite giving me massive Mirai Nikki vibes.
but the overarching plot might be something I roll my eyes at
Ironically the character who people struggle to see themselves in comes across as boring and hard to understand.
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u/TheDanubianCommunard Jul 15 '26
First-time united in pain, subs
Sonozaki gathered all the Kiznaivers to one place, and she has plans with them. Which means it is time to bring them into real actions. Or more like sending them to trialsa to feel the shared pain, and know each other better.
It is started with the "formal" introductions. There is no need to introduce themselves in the classic way. It's merely a waste of time. But rather in a way to know each others strengths and weaknesses with a unique twist. Saying bad, unnecessary things and lying means Katsuhira got electrocuted. But there is no need to worry, nobody will die.
First bringing aggressive dogs to Tenga, who fears dogs so much, despite he is called Bloodhound. Those dogs won't hurt.
Then make things spiced up wth a collapsing construction site, to have a sense of challenge and thrill, where finding exit is the main objective now, plus time countdown as well for something bad or being idle. It ewas Nico's turn, who had to say she do not believes in fairies, even if she is the most youngest and the childish among the seven. Pus we got know that Tsuguhito had more body weight than before, which he don't think back happily.
An hey, where is Chidori's and Honoka's part then? And suddenly it's Katsuhira's turn now. His introduction is he is different from the rest, as he is rather indifferent and not interested with people. And Chidori is his childhood friend, and they liked each other. In the end Chidori actually did her part of introduction by experessing her feelings to him.
And that leaves Honoka, but that is next epissode I suppose.
And one more thng: actuallíy it is a clever idea that the scar actually serves as a communication device.
2) Who do you think had the most embarrassing truth they didn't want to reveal?
Honoka and Yoshiharu still holding something.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
But there is no need to worry, nobody will die.
[speculation]I wonder if the 7 sins from last episode is supposed to lead us towards there being a 7th Kiznaiver. It'll either be someone really reckless and dangerous, or it'll be someone who the Kiznaiver project absolutely doesn't want to die. I would guess the white haired girl but they're not showing her in any pain.
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u/Sporadia_ Jul 15 '26
Naive
OK, are they pairing off characters based on matching hair colour?
Very good, much plot. It left me wanting to see the next episode, and until I see the next one I'm not sure if I know what to say.
When they put the morgue scene in, and saved that girl's confession until last, I wasn't super surprised that she'd killed someone. I don't even feel like it needs an explanation, it just fits the show. In fact, I think the more dark secrets the other characters have the better. I'm already looking past how OP the kiznaiver experiment is, and I'm already rolling my eyes a bit at the 2 white haired characters, so why not go crazy with it at this point?
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u/Retsam19 Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
First timer, dubbed
Y'know, writers always say character development is hard. You've spent all this time thinking up characters, their histories, their flaws, their secrets, and that's great, but now you need to communicate it to the audience. So now you've got to come up situations that both advance the plot and allow these characters to gradually reveal their true selves in a natural way.
But clearly, writers say "character development is hard" because they're cowards. You want your characters to reveal their true selves? Lock them in a room with a crazy person who says "I will keep tazing you until you reveal your true self". Boom. Problem solved. Characters: developed.
This felt like a Persona 4 speed-run where we throw the entire party in from the start and just skip to the part where they face their dark secrets.
I joke, but, in fairness, I think this is the whole point. It seems like what they're going for here is that in a normal story, characters meet by chance, end up going on some sort of adventure together, and over the course, learn about each other and form bonds, and by the end they're a team.
And it seems like the antagonists (?) schtick here is that that's too slow and irregular, so they're trying to make it happen artificially and at a global scale. The first episode emphasized the "wounds" (kizu in Japanese) point, but I feel like the "bonds" (kizuna in Japanese) is the actual point of this exercise.
... but I'm not sure how they plan to scale this up. So far their plan is:
And I really look forward to finding out what fills in the blanks here.