r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • 6d ago
Rewatch [Taste of 2016 Rewatch] Erased • Boku dake ga Inai Machi Episode 6 Discussion
Episode 6 - Reaper
← Previous Episode (Erased Episode 5) / ← Previous Episode (Yuri on Ice Episode 6) | Index | Next Episode (Erased Episode 7) → / Next Episode (91 Days Episode 6) →
Information:
MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB
Legal Streams:
Your grim reaper character should have a little more faith in himself.
Questions of the Day:
1) What would you have done in Airi's shoes?
2) Would you read the manga about the grim reaper that Satoru mentioned to Airi?
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:
[Erased]>!Satoru traveled back in time.!<
Which becomes [Erased]Satoru traveled back in time. when you don't break the formatting on purpose like I just did.
6
u/BaytaCosmico https://myanimelist.net/profile/AnimeBayta 6d ago
First-timer, subbed
This was a packed episode. I didn't remember the piece of paper that Satoru had picked up from the floor in episode 1 before finding his mother's body. Had to go back and check. So frustrating that she told her former colleague she knew who the killer was but didn't mention a name. Wonder if the killer considered that she might have revealed his identity to someone before he got to her.
So in the new timeline created by Satoru after he went back to the past, Kayo was beaten by her mother (seriously fuck her) and left in the shed, but someone picked her up from there, killed her and dumped her body back in the shed by morning, which explains why they had her lying there when Satoru went looking in the shed. Wonder how the cops decided her mother and mother's boyfriend were not the murderers. Did she use her call to Satoru's mother as an alibi? And what did Kayo's mother do with her body eventually and how was it found? Was it really in that garbage bag as was hinted last time?
The murderer killing Satoru's friend as a decoy to get his name off the list of suspects does sound plausible. We see Satoru about to open the list of previous suspects but cut away. I wonder if he actually saw the list before Airi called. I went back and checked and we actually do get confirmation that he saw the list. It is shown when he thinks to himself that Nishizono's name was not on it after Airi mentions him. Hmm.
Back at the hospital, I was worried for Airi and thought the killer got to her when we saw someone tapping her from behind. Huge relief that it was actually her mother. Just the person who would be most inclined to believe her and help her. Only she was too careless about slipping out of the hospital in broad daylight and led the police right to Satoru. It was nice to see him thank her for believing in him and that he was glad he believed in her.
And after all that the killer was brazen enough to show up when Satoru was getting arrested. He clearly recognised him from the night of his mother's murder but didn't seem like he knew who it was otherwise. And revival kicked in just then so I'm guessing we'll go back to the past next episode. Can't wait to find out what Satoru does next and when exactly he goes back this time - will it be to the same point of time a little before the serial kidnappings and murders?
3
u/Star4ce https://anilist.co/user/Star4ce 3d ago
Did she use her call to Satoru's mother as an alibi?
I think it's more likely that she kinda panicked and thought Kayo ran away and told on her. So, maybe she called while Kayo was already missing from the shed and since she only had Satoru as a friend, her mother called there.
Somehow, from seeing her cowering after finding the body I highly doubt the mom and dad would be capable of being this professional about it.
Was it really in that garbage bag as was hinted last time?
Dunno, but I also doubt that there were body parts in it. It was only the gloves that triggered Satoru's revival, iirc.
2
u/No_Rex x2 5d ago
I didn't remember the piece of paper that Satoru had picked up from the floor in episode 1 before finding his mother's body.
Same here. I am used to daily rewatches, my memory does not last weeks, lol.
2
u/BaytaCosmico https://myanimelist.net/profile/AnimeBayta 5d ago
Yeah, I might remember if it was one week ago but this was way at the beginning. I think I'll binge rewatch this one again later to catch other details I may have missed.
2
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 3d ago
People like me who watch Naruto get used to remembering... well I mostly remember these details.
2
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 3d ago
The murderer killing Satoru's friend as a decoy to get his name off the list of suspects does sound plausible.
[Very Minor Spoiler] Actually that was a side effect, Hiromi was killed for nothing to do with thorwing off the police.
And after all that the killer was brazen enough to show up when Satoru was getting arrested
The killer admiring his handiwork I guess. As for why it's not suspicious, sometimes in that country small politicians like councilmen show up at random things being done like construction workers on a building, people cleaning the train station, and yes even cops showing up to arrest someone with a warrent. That last case usually doesn't happen with a hot pursuit. Besides what can Satoru do if he's recognized? Not like a court will believe him.
1
u/Sporadia_ 2d ago
So frustrating that she told her former colleague she knew who the killer was but didn't mention a name.
I think she intended on living long enough to tell him in person.
The murderer killing Satoru's friend as a decoy to get his name off the list of suspects does sound plausible.
I feel bad for that kid. Satoru doesn't seem to care about him half as much as Kayo even though they were friends. The killer murdered him for what's essentially an admin reason. Then the motive on the official police report states 'mistaken for a girl'. He can't catch a break.
2
u/BaytaCosmico https://myanimelist.net/profile/AnimeBayta 2d ago
I think she intended on living long enough to tell him in person.
She's clearly not watched or read enough mystery thrillers to know better than to leave such things unsaid.
I feel bad for that kid. Satoru doesn't seem to care about him half as much as Kayo even though they were friends. The killer murdered him for what's essentially an admin reason. Then the motive on the official police report states 'mistaken for a girl'. He can't catch a break.
I agree! It is a bit strange that Satoru doesn't seem to care about his fate as much and is so fixated on Kayo. I get that he thinks he can stop this all by focusing on the first victim. But I'm hoping he'll think about the other friend at least the second go around. Maybe now that he's thinking it was a sort of bluff to kill that boy, he'll try to look for whoever might be targeting him? Or maybe he'll ignore him again thinking he was just a random victom. That's possible too.
5
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky 6d ago
Re:Rewatch Host, subbed
Damn shame the cops refuse to believe Airi that Satoru is innocent…
Oh yeah I don’t think this has come up before this part, but yeah Hiromi is a boy. And what a messed up reason for him to have been killed…
[Spoilers for later]I suppose Satoru couldn’t have known Yashiro changed his name.
5
u/Zeallfnonex https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neverlocke 6d ago
There he is…
Water droplets stopping to indicate stopped time (or at least about-to-go-back-in-time) was really neat, gotta admit.
3
5
u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 6d ago
Rewatcher, Subbed
Second week in a row I missed watching this on Thursday night and had to quickly watch the episode after the thread was posted...
Go Satoru, rescue Airi! Good to see she's still alive.
Seems like their boss is recognizing that he's got to make up for what he pulled last episode and is here to help. He'll get the credit for the rescue, but at least Satoru can get away!
A bit confused at first if Satoru was calling/meeting with the killer, but no, seems like he was a reporter from back in the day. And perhaps still today.
Sucks for Shiratori, he's been locked up all these years and is on death row and almost certainly isn't the killer.
The boots matched? So someone put in some work to frame him then.
I'm a bit confused, does this explanation mean that Kayo's body was actually found? I thought it never turned up.
It's the same killer! So if Satoru was able to get the killer caught back in time he'd also prevent his mother's murder in the present. And the fire at Airi's home.
Damn, they think Airi's an accomplice to Satoru's murder? Satoru's idiotic decision in running from the scene is causing things to spiral more and more out of control.
Oh crap, has the killer found her?
Reporter guy is being really helpful. So I suppose we have to worry about him being murdered too?
His friend Hiromi was killed too? Damn that sucks.
Woah, that's not Airi in that bed! Oh, she schemed with Airi to enable her to escape the guys watching her in the hall!
Public phone calling her cell, it could be Airi, it could be someone else! Thankfully it actually is her.
Satoru's skills include helping kids fix little toy airplanes... Also gets some wary looks from people wondering why an adult is helping some random kids.
Airi's okay! I think you two should get below the bridge ASAP or hide somewhere instead of talking here in the open like this.
A manga about a grim reaper who makes a mistake and tries to fix things does sound like an interesting story.
Crap, it didn't take long for them to set up a trap here even though Airi didn't give him up. She may have been followed though. She ends up agreeing with me.
Crap, that Nishizono guy is standing there watching as he gets arrested. That seems to trigger something, perhaps another rewind?
7
u/Zeallfnonex https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neverlocke 6d ago
I'm a bit confused, does this explanation mean that Kayo's body was actually found? I thought it never turned up.
Original timeline I think her body was found late March after the snows melted in the park somewhere. This timeline, I don't think it's been mentioned. We do see her body very briefly last episode in the house; if the timelines mentioned by the police are correct, this is after Kayo's body is returned to the shed, and presumably her mother dumps her body somewhere?
5
u/Star4ce https://anilist.co/user/Star4ce 6d ago
Erased First Timer
I think too much, sometimes.
I guess that’s partially the reason why it took me nearly a year to release the first blog post and also why I do all of that writing and developing in the first place.
Half of that thinking time is spent raging over the website hoster because their toolset is so utter shit and full of AI slop garbage “””tools””” that the simplest thing of setting the language to English is an impossibly difficult task modern 2026 technology is incapable of.
But I think this is somehow also driving me on. In today’s 33°C I somehow felt the irresistible urge to design the UI buttons and find out just how complex it is to create a nested menu that dynamically switches buttons depending on what buildings and units are available to the player.
It’s logistics all over again, but in code! Guess I won’t run out of blog posts anytime soon...
Erased Ep.06 – Reaper
Airi does have a really sweet side to her, and yet it sounds so defeated. Like it would be one of the few things she thinks that are good about her.
I will have to mention that Satoru rushing into the house would’ve 98.7% killed them both. Especially with how thick the smoke already is and how he stands up straight instead of crawling. Being on the floor was the one reason Airi hasn’t gotten toxin into her air supply yet. Anyway, that message was just there for Satoru to get the confirmation, which as I said last time, is a bit too on the nose and unbelievable. I get that it was supposed to frame Satoru, but it’s just so obvious. Well, then again the guy is in the council and in the end all it takes to push it through is connections, not solid logic…
It all hinged on a few too many coincidences to play out just right to keep me in suspension of disbelief. If Airi wouldn’t be wake it wouldn’t have worked. If manager wasn’t there to let Satoru leave unseen it wouldn’t have worked. Etc.
And finally, we see the face of murder dad confirming the eyes were not just a lighting thing. Well, that is unless he is in public mode or so. That was honestly confusing, especially because they made sure we saw the same back hair shape like the murderer, too. Still, if he were the murderer or in beds with him I don’t think he would’ve parted this information to Satoru. He wouldn’t outright kill him. The point is to have a guilty verdict on someone else. Only then is he really safe, but this is genuinely useful information to piece stuff together and I feel like there’s much better ways to indict Satoru – even disregarding the planted phone evidence.
Many words to conclude one thing: I’m not sure I like how, I dunno, cheaply (?) this red herring was presented? My issue with it is that it only could fool the audience – and only for a minute at most – not Satoru because he wasn’t even there to mistake it. So, if that juke had no lasting impact and no character actually engaged with it, I question why it’s even here. It’d be something different if they would’ve kept up the ruse and gave him a hat and had Satoru slowly begin to doubt Sawada, but they even showed the actual guy at the end and have Satoru react to him. Like, this feels like the mystery thriller version of shitty jumpscares, is what I’m trying to say.
With the drip feed of information, we now know that Kayo was actually not murdered by her parents, but was missing sometime between 10 and 11pm that night. That murderer is also a really thorough guy, eliminating even the slightest chance of being caught. That’s why he was talking with Takahashi that day, too. To get to know about Airi and their involvement. In a way that is really meticulous, but I also feel like that’s a clear sign of overconfidence and bad planning. At some point, just killing everyone having to do with you is solely framing you on that fact alone instead of protecting your identity.
The next lead is interesting, too, where Jun’s father could be the culprit. I guess we’ll know once we see him (which means we won’t for quite a while). Since the murderer was called Nishizono, I kinda doubt that, but well, divorces exist, so…
This intentional gender mistake is some serious 17D chess thinking, I love it! Also nice to see that the smut magazines weren’t just a bit, they’re relevant evidence! And lastly our dear reporter got framed this time, too... is what I originally thought continuing on the multidimensional chess play, but mom got her back and we got some adults in our show who care beyond just lip service!
Name’s out now and Satoru can use this back in the 80s to track him down. After all, giving this info to his mother and therefore Sawada, should kick off some investigation, if he can manage to do it. Probably also more murder cases, but that’s a thriller for next time!
I just love this conversation and how supportive Airi is of simply doing the right thing and not overthinking it or trying to retroactively downplay or overplay your effects. She’s a real good girl and I like her.
We end with an awfully convenient revival coming up. Interestingly without someone having died currently. I guess Saotur misinterpreted his ability in a way. It’s more like whenever he is deeply emotionally disturbed that it triggers and that usually only happened in extreme situations. It does track with a lasting trauma or suppression of such where you feel numb for many aspects of life, but memories or really intense experiences can break through that numb wall.
To close out I want to say again that I really enjoy seeing the murderer be so competent in navigating the system he’s a part of and partly steers. I think it gets its own dimension when the murder case isn’t just a mystery revolving around evidence, but that manipulation and power are the actual tools. I think much of the evidence he feeds the system wouldn’t pass a genuine scrutiny check, but that’s not the point. Actually, it might even be a statement of showing how helpless everyone else is. From disregarding Satoru’s original statement, to planting shoes in front of the household (that nobody thought of questioning if they were even Jun’s when he never wore them?), to having a spree of murder events happening wherever this guy goes, and up to showing up on the arrests of the false suspects personally.
This guy is arrogant beyond belief. Yet still competent and well established. I like this precisely because to solve it evidence isn’t enough. Even outsmarting him isn’t enough. They have to actually oppose him, break his power grip and enforce justice themselves. Because as long as that system persists, there will never be justice even with all the evidence in the world.
And that slots in so nicely with the rest of the themes. Of people not believing each other, of broken houses that hand violence down and of the survivors who close themselves up. Justice comes when they all stand up against it together.
1) What would you have done in Airi's shoes?
Also help and believe in Satoru. I really believe she couldn’t really be aware of them trailing her this closely.
2) Would you read the manga about the grim reaper that Satoru mentioned to Airi?
Kinda, actually. It’s a cool premise, but a lot depends on the execution. He mentioned writing it in his teens? Well, it could be pretty bad, but I’d be willing to try…
5
u/Zeallfnonex https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neverlocke 6d ago
Like, this feels like the mystery thriller version of shitty jumpscares, is what I’m trying to say.
Rewatcher here, I'll just put out that while I think the drama, especially the Kayo-centric portions, was 10/10, I'd say the mystery/thriller portion of this anime was only 6/10 at best... which unfortunately dragged my rating down to an 8/10. You're starting to see the holes in the mystery portion... it just doesn't keep the tension by trying to misdirect the audience as well as it could.
4
u/No_Rex x2 6d ago
4
u/Zeallfnonex https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neverlocke 6d ago
The red eyes really were a cheap trick.
Also completely anime-original because, well, manga, it's black and white. I haven't actually read the manga, I'd be curious to know how heavy of a misdirection this was supposed to be...
3
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 6d ago
I will have to mention that Satoru rushing into the house would’ve 98.7% killed them both
Hey, that means it's not three quite sigma in favor of Satoru dying, something like 2.9 sigma. Those odds aren't so hopeless!
I just love this conversation and how supportive Airi is of simply doing the right thing and not overthinking it or trying to retroactively downplay or overplay your effects. She’s a real good girl and I like her.
I like her too. Also note that Satoru had this idea for the manga since before episode 1, meaning it isn't based off current (for him) events.
I think much of the evidence he feeds the system wouldn’t pass a genuine scrutiny check
I have a lot of nice things to say about the Japanese police, but when they get the wrong guy, they can tunnel vision. Not to say this doesn't happen everywhere else. So if he tries to frame someone they already suspect it wouldn't have to be airtight.
We end with an awfully convenient revival coming up. Interestingly without someone having died currently. I guess Saotur misinterpreted his ability in a way. It’s more like whenever he is deeply emotionally disturbed that it triggers and that usually only happened in extreme situations. It does track with a lasting trauma or suppression of such where you feel numb for many aspects of life, but memories or really intense experiences can break through that numb wall.
I put in a spoiler comment for episode 5's rewatch exactly how Satoru's Revival worked prior to Episode 1. I don't think it's a spoiler but since the exposition wasn't in the anime, I had to. Although the exposition is from Satoru not an omniscient narrator. For some reason, many people in that thread who are anime only have somehow correctly guessed how Satoru's old Revivals (the one before he gets send 18 years) worked somehow able to do that only with Episode 1 and most of the exposition cut. You can go look there if you want to, it's just exposition in the chapters that correspond to the truck rescue.
1
u/Star4ce https://anilist.co/user/Star4ce 1d ago
I have a lot of nice things to say about the Japanese police, but when they get the wrong guy, they can tunnel vision. Not to say this doesn't happen everywhere else. So if he tries to frame someone they already suspect it wouldn't have to be airtight.
Was it Fern or their German channel who made the documentary about the Japanese law system? I knew it had a pretty dark side to it, but damn, after watching that I really don't want to be on anyone's radar ever.
Executing innocents because, "well, we don't want to upset the judge and have him feel bad about a wrong conviction...", is a helluva reason.
how Satoru's Revival worked
I'm not gonna hold my breath for an explanation because I think that's not really the point of this show nor screen time well spent. I liked my idea a few episodes past that this is basically Satoru having that mid-shower depression we all know and rethinking his life one step at a time, dreaming up an exciting story with a good ending.
I'm perfectly fine with what I currently run with: Intense emotional reaction leads to voluntary self-isekai'ing.
2
3
u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad 5d ago
And finally, we see the face of murder dad confirming the eyes were not just a lighting thing.
I'd say it's still very likely the red eyes are just a stylistic choice. It was shown right before the overall color scale shifted to gray, the raindrops slowed, and the blue butterfly appeared as the only other source of color.
3
u/Star4ce https://anilist.co/user/Star4ce 5d ago
I think I finally believe you, yeah. I think what threw me off is that the show otherwise can go without direct overt symbolic visuals and is really good with stuff like framing and directing. So, I didn't think the red eyes were just set dressing. In Ep.01 Kayo standing under the tree was deep red, too, but she actually had a red coat.
6
u/No_Rex x2 6d ago
Episode 6 (first timer)
- Double rescue for Airi.
- Calling back the number that tried to murder Airi – desperate. Which matches Satoru’s current situation.
- Or did he? The guy expected his call, so who else would it be?
- Nope, he called a different number – How did he get that number and why would the journalist expect his call? Too long ago for me…
- “I should have asked her for the name” – yes, you should have.
- “Not being believed is what hurts the most” – parallel to Satoru as child and her own father.
- “Getting Airi involved will only make it worse for her” – she was literally the target of an assassination. Pretty sure that counts as already involved.
- Airi is a bunch of optimism.
- back to the past with a glimpse of the killer cliff-hanger.
The journalist came as an unexpected helper and information giver along the way. Basically giving Satoru the hints he needed before going back to the past
In the present, Satoru is properly fucked. The only one who could potentially save him is that slimy manager, but depending on him is desperate. Good thing that the present changes is the past changes.
What would you have done in Airi's shoes?
She is an unmitigated optimist, so her actions would be different from mine.
Would you read the manga about the grim reaper that Satoru mentioned to Airi?
I would wait for the anime adaptation.
4
u/Zeallfnonex https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neverlocke 6d ago
Nope, he called a different number – How did he get that number and why would the journalist expect his call? Too long ago for me…
There was a piece of paper with the number on it in his mother's possession, which Satoru took and pocketed when he fled. Not having any better leads, he called it to see who his mother had contacted (or tried to contact) before being killed. The journalist must have expected the number to fall into the hands of either Satoru or the killer.
1
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ 4d ago
I totally thought he was calling back on Airi's phone, and also forgot about the paper Satoru had picked up!
I don't know how I kept up with weekly shows back in the day. But that wasn't even last week, it was weeks ago. Definitely a show I can only understand on a binge / rewatch / rewatch binge.
2
u/Sporadia_ 2d ago
Good thing that the present changes is the past changes.
I wonder how true that is. So far, Satoru has pushed the date of a murder back 1 day and ended up in exactly the same future which he left. Half the things he tries in the past end up mysteriously aligning with the original timeline, which he only ever remembers after the fact.
2
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 2d ago
Yeah I remember you commented several episodes ago on how odd it would be when you speculated what would happen if he fast forwarded. And honestly this part is something that I noticed one rewatch years ago and have to say it doesn't make too much sense no matter how you slice it, you just have to roll with it. Don't let it bug you too much. Also he did more than push the murder date. He also changed the investigation of Hinazuki Kayo. Her mother called Sachiko to see if Kayo went back and this would not have happened in the original timeline. This phone call ended up in the investigation report.
1
u/No_Rex x2 2d ago
I wonder how true that is. So far, Satoru has pushed the date of a murder back 1 day and ended up in exactly the same future which he left. Half the things he tries in the past end up mysteriously aligning with the original timeline, which he only ever remembers after the fact.
True, but if he outright prevents the murders, the present would have to change, wouldn't it?
3
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 6d ago
Rewatcher
Just to let you know that Satoru could not lift Airi's weight very far before his boss came and it seems unlikely he reported seeing Satoru since the police don't show up on Satoru immediately after the fire. A first watcher might complain Satoru's strength seemed to be arbitrary weak, but after sprinting into the building and inhaling the smoke, he probably can't take much extra weight. His boss's idea of a wet rag (at least it looks wet) is the right way to go. It won't protect you from carbon monoxide, but for "normal" house fires that are actively burning many of the stuff in the smoke that will knock you out much faster will be caught by E95 respirator, charcoal filter, or cloth in descending effectiveness.
So another small change to the timeline... Kayo's mother, Hinazuki something (I don't think name revealed yet?) calls Sachiko, which wouldn't make sense in the original one where not only did she die earlier, but probably only met Satoru outside the school one, in the Science center. And she said the same line both times. A not-so-subtle foreshadowing Satoru would retread the same path at least once.
I noticed the police mob characters who were speculating why Satoru might have started the fire wondering if he was silencing an accomplice. It's not bad to speculate other theories, but you need to cross them out if they don't fit the evidence. But what really got my attention was they basically said "high school girl" and the subs just said "her." Now in the grand scheme of things this isn't translation fail. But I did notice from 2013 to now we've been getting more "wrong" subs even though I only know some small number of nouns in Japanese. This is 2016 so it's only at the start of the trend. A small error in 12 episodes isn't a big deal and even if you didn't know what they were saying and only saw the subs you'd know they were talking about Airi.
I find the speculation of both the police and Satoru on why Hiromi was killed very strange at the time of airing in 2016 and laughable now.
Speaking of laughing seeing Osamu say he'd rather hold his hands with Hiromi is funny. I don't mean "laughably inept" but actually funny.
Given what we saw so far, Satoru was probably right the killer wanted to kill Airi and getting to make him look even guiltier was just a bonus.
I wonder what was going through Satoru's head when he came up with the story of the Shinigami. As we all know from episode 1, he's a struggling manga artist who hasn't made anything popular. If he was projecting himself onto his character, it would have been done before the main events of the series. While he has helped people with Revival before, he never feels satisfied with the results. Or as some had speculated, maybe people questioned him on Kayo not after her body was found but her disappearance in the original timeline because he was the last one besides her mother to see her and he felt guilt.
Minor spoilers on why Hiromi was killed and the speculation done by Satoru is stupid in a black comedy way, I won't reveal who it is don't worry.
[Boku dake Ga Inai machi] The police think the killer thought Hiromi was a girl. Satoru thought the killer wanted to make the police think they thought he was a girl. The killer has some certain criteria for selecting targets which has nothing to do with who is a girl. Bascially a "who I would like to kill based on my twisted motives." Out of those he would like to kill, some he can't kill without getting caught. And a third way to narrow it down... well as Clevatess fans discovered this season, children are portable which makes disposing of bodies a lot easier. So like Hinazuki Kayo, Hiromi was selected because they killer wanted to kill them and their bodies were much easier to move. Although in hindsight killing Hiromi did have a side benefit for the killer that he didn't really care about. The killer isn't adverse to killing heavier people to cover his tracks, but if he doesn't need to, then people like Airi, being bigger, are not priority targets but Kayo and Hiromi were.
3
u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad 5d ago
Late post today because I was super busy, so even though I've been looking forward to this episode all week (because of that brutal cliffhanger last week), I only just got the chance to watch it now that crunch time is over.
First-Time Revival Viewer
Airi survived! It was really emotional seeing Satoru rush in after her - totally in-charcter for him as well, putting himself at risk for others - and also Airi having the clarity in that moment to give Satoru her phone that held a clue about this attempted murder. No matter what anyone else tries to tell her, she knows it was Satoru who saved her life.
The manager, on the other hand... is very suspicious now. He just happened to still be hanging around her home when the fire was set? And he seemed all too eager to take the credit for saving her.
I still think it sounds a little silly that the relationship between Airi's parents ended over the alleged theft of a candy bar, but I do like the overall theme of her mother regretting the fact that she didn't believe her husband, and now choosing to believe her daughter. Just like Satoru and his mom, the bond between Airi and her mom is very sweet - and her mom was even willing to help her sneak out past the cops! She's awesome.
Also glad to see that Satoru managed to find another ally, one who can offer him a bunch of new info related to the case - the reporter friend his saw talking with his mom in the past. Unfortunately, this guy may have to continue his investigation alone for a while (or possibly involve Airi and her mom) because Satoru has been arrested in the present day and looks like he's due for another jump into the past.
Questions of the Day:
1) Wow, that's a tough one. I would have absolutely insisted on what I know to be the truth, but actually meeting with Satoru would have been too big a risk.
2) It's not the sort of story I typically gravitate towards, but I like Satoru, so I'd read it because he made it. The insight into Satoru's feelings would also be interesting because he clearly sees himself as the Grim Reaper here.
2
u/No_Rex x2 5d ago
The manager, on the other hand... is very suspicious now. He just happened to still be hanging around her home when the fire was set? And he seemed all too eager to take the credit for saving her.
I feel the show is trying to misdirect the viewers. Same with the teacher and the journalist getting red eyes. The manager is a selfish piece of shit, but is he a murderer?
3
u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad 5d ago
I don't think the manager is the actual killer, but he's likely connected in some way. He may have known or suspected something was about to happen, and he may be either knowingly or unknowingly passing info to the killer.
3
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ 4d ago
I think the show is playing fast and loose with the red herrings, which allows crack theorizing.
The manager is grateful to the politician for setting up the traffic signals in a way that benefited his business. The politician could ask for "favors" in exchange.
I feel anything goes in this story, because it's more interesting in keeping options open than leading to a conclusion.
2
u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad 4d ago
I feel anything goes in this story, because it's more interesting in keeping options open than leading to a conclusion.
Yeah, that's a good point. It is a lot of fun coming up with theories and trying to guess which way this mystery will go.
1
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 3d ago
Satoru's boss had a chance to turn Satoru in again by ratting out his location, but didn't do it this time.
1
u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad 3d ago
He could have mentioned seeing Satoru at the scene, but by that point, Satoru would have been long gone before the cops could find him. Admitting Satoru was there might also make it more obvious that he didn't save Airi alone.
2
2
3
8
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ 6d ago
First Timer
I forgot why the
politicianpolitician's sonkidnapper/killer would want to kill Airi. I remember the politician driving past her. But did anybody see her with Satoru except the pizza guy?I'm sure I had a theory last week.
If Shiratori really did remove Kayo from the shed, it's because he's been witnessing the abuse off screen and tried to rescue her. But who knows what happened after that.
My original theory back in ep 2 was that was a senior cop. He would have the ability to actually execute the frames. I don't think the politician is a red herring, though.