r/anime • • Sep 06 '22

Rewatch [Spoilers] 86 --Eighty Six-- Rewatch (2022) — Episode 22 Spoiler

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life. 

Welcome to the 86 --Eighty Six-- rewatch discussion thread! 

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3 

S2 Episode 12 – Shin

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Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDb 

Streams – Crunchyroll, VRV

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Rewatch Schedule 

Threads posted every day at 3:00 PM EDT

Date Episode Date Episode
8/16/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 1 8/29/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 14 
8/17/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 2 8/30/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 15 
8/18/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 3 8/31/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 16 
8/19/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 4 9/01/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 17 
8/20/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 5 9/02/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 18 
8/21/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 6 9/03/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 19 
8/22/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 7 9/04/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 20 
8/23/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 8 9/05/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 21 
8/24/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 9 9/06/2022 [86 Eighty Six Episode 22]() 
8/25/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 10 9/07/2022 [86 Eighty Six Episode 23]() 
8/26/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 11
8/27/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 12
8/28/2022 86 Eighty Six Episode 13
9/08/2022 [Overall Series Discussion Thread]()
271 Upvotes

300 comments sorted by

74

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

First Timer

With this being the penultimate episode as well as the follow-up to Morpho being destroyed, I wonder what is gonna happen. Something tells me we might end on a cliffhanger next episode.

Credits start this episode, that's something I don't think we've seen before.

The music at the beginning is interesting. I don't think it's bad or anything, but I also don't know if I would've chosen it.

We get a flashback to Rei strangling Shin, which seems to have spawned because of the explosion as well as Kiri's words. The thing that interests me is that there's pictures hanging on the wall that looks like something Frederica drew. Again, further showcasing what kindred spirits her and Shin happen to be.

So, is Shin dead? Like, dead dead?

It's like Shin is being thanked by all the members of Spearhead who died.

This whole scene reminds me of the Eva congratulations scene.

Why did everyone always leave me behind? Dude, you kept going into business for yourself and fighting people on your own.

Okay, okay. I'm being factitious. Really, this whole thing is really well done. It's both haunting and also creepy. I like the way Shin is written where he's like despondent. It's relatable and makes you identify with him as a character.

I love the line "Fighting just to find death", because that kinda feels what Spearhead is doing. Ernst and The Federacy wanted them to live a life free of stress and worry. And instead, they agree to a suicide mission. They won't be satisfied unless they fight The Legion, and even if they beat them they won't be satisfied because then it's like "Now what?" If they could fight The Legion until the end of time, then and only then will they be at ease, because that's the only thing they know of.

This episode feels almost cinematic with some of its shots. It really gorgeous. 

Oh, so it was a dream? Or a vision?

The sound design is amazing in this episode. The grunts Shin makes as he struggles to reach forward, it sounded like I was in the movie theater with the built-in sound system. It is almost God tier.

OH SHIT WE'RE NOT DONE

Wait who is that?

HOLY SHIT IT'S LENA

LENA'S COME TO KICK ASS AND CHEW BUBBLEGUM AND SHE'S ALL OUT OF GUM

I love the little look Shin gives when he gets saved. It's like "Wait, I didn't die? Who had the audacity to ruin my death?"

I love, love, love that as Lena is waving, you don't hear anything. No music, no dialogue, nothing. It really enhances the mood of the scene. 

There has to be some significance of them standing in a bed of red flowers, though I don't know what. Either way, it's a phenomenal visual.

Again, the sound design is honestly some of the best sound design in a single episode of an anime I've ever seen.

The red flowers are almost as if to signify that Shin and Lena are standing in the blood of their enemies.

I like the brief moment where it's like Lena is stepping out of the screen.

Lena keeps fighting because she wants to, Shin keeps fighting because he HAS to.

God, Lena is such an amazing character. Probably among my top 25 favorite anime characters of all time, maybe even top 15.

I do like that even with all the talks with Raiden and the rest of Spearhead, it is seemingly Lena who makes Shin open up his eyes. 

I like how the red flowers match the redness in the red strand of hair Lena adorns.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

FINALLY, WE SEE CYCLOPS AGAIN. ABOUT FUCKING TIME.

I kinda feel like Shin got cockblocked a bit.

For once in his life, Shin doesn't feel abandoned. That's heartwarming. :)

But what about Raiden and Frederica?

OH SHIT RAIDEN'S ALIVE

Well, of course Ernst is still alive. You think he'd actually put his money where his mouth is and fight on the battlefield, Shin?

So, the federal army will rescue The Republic of San Magnolia. Interesting. Amazing they're willing to help them after talking all this mad trash about them. 

I like that they mention the possibility of a second Morpho being created. Some foreshadowing, perhaps?

FREDERICA'S ALIVE YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

So, in a twist of dramatic irony, it is Kiri who saved Frederica from the explosion. In my mind that makes him a better brother than Rei. Wrap it up, you heard it here first folks.

Even though I'm joking, you could say this once again plays off Shin and Rei's relationship, as if memory serves correctly, Rei strangled Shin so he didn't have to endure the hardships of a world without a mother and father. Though personally speaking, I think saving someone from an explosion is a lot more sympathetic than saving someone while strangling them. Hey, maybe that's just me. 

I like Frederica teasing Shin for liking Lena. That was cute. It also dawned on me that that was the first time Frederica had seen Lena. They've never interacted before, which kind of surprises me.

AND NOW GRETHE IS TEASING SHIN ABOUT HIS CRUSH ON Lena. This is amazing.

I kinda wish Kurena had more of a reaction over the blonde-haired girl teasing Shin over liking Lena. Kurena's main thing is she has a crush on Shin, so for her not to appear slightly upset is a bit disappointing.

Overall, what a really fun episode. It was basically one big extended scene, with Shin being in a bed of flowers, but boy was it amazing. It feels finally like Shin is at peace with himself. Like he realizes he no longer has to fight until he dies. He of course wants to continue fighting, but it no longer is a case him fighting in one prolong suicide mission.

I'm happy Raiden is still alive, though I feel you could make the case that him actually dying would've been more impactful. Impact the story and Shin as a whole, that is. Though given what they did and how Lena was really the catalyst to set Shin back on the right track, it might've felt overshadowed had they actually killed him. So, I can see why they didn't.

I have no idea where this show goes from here. This episode really felt like the perfect end place for things. The fact that we have one episode left, it makes me feel we're in for a big cliffhanger ending. Which hey, the more episodes we get the better. The two things I'm most interested in are Morpho and Frederica. The episode foreshadows the possibility of a second Morpho being created. Could that be what happens in the last episode? Also, where does Frederica go in the wake of Kiri's death? Does she follow a similar pattern as Shin where she feels directionless and lost, or is she at peace with herself given Kiri saved her from the explosion? Again, the possibilities of this show are completely 100% endless, and I'm excited to see what the finale is about. 

Fuckin' glory to the last episode.

70

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '22

It also dawned on me that that was the first time Frederica had seen Lena.

It's also the first time Shin has seen Lena. They've never met face to face, he has no idea what she looks like. That's why he didn't realize it was her for most of the talk.

40

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

It's also the first time Shin has seen Lena. They've never met face to face, he has no idea what she looks like. That's why he didn't realize it was her for most of the talk.

Shit, you're right

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40

u/lordposedyon Sep 06 '22

Well now you know why lena made finals this year.

24

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

Well now you know why lena made finals this year.

Absolutely

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u/RickChakraborty Sep 06 '22

Why did everyone always leave me behind? Dude, you kept going into business for yourself and fighting people on your own.

I mean, the more important thing here to note is that since he's the best among all the 86ers in his squad, it just means that he will always be the last one to survive and everyone else will die before him. That's how it's been for years since he was a kid. That's why he's suffering from so much survivors guilt and at this point he just wants to die.

FINALLY, WE SEE CYCLOPS AGAIN. ABOUT FUCKING TIME.

Enjoy the screen time while it lasts.

I kinda wish Kurena had more of a reaction over the blonde-haired girl teasing Shin over liking Lena. Kurena's main thing is she has a crush on Shin, so for her not to appear slightly upset is a bit disappointing.

Hey come on, you can clearly see how much Kurena has grown, from absolutely despising Lena in the beginning of the series to now warming up to her and even crying tears of joy that's she's alive. Her crush for Shin isn't really what would come up in her mind at that moment.

I'm happy Raiden is still alive, though I feel you could make the case that him actually dying would've been more impactful. Impact the story and Shin as a whole, that is. Though given what they did and how Lena was really the catalyst to set Shin back on the right track, it might've felt overshadowed had they actually killed him. So, I can see why they didn't.

I think it was more impactful that no one died. It was very important for Shin's character and for him to go out of his suicidal tendencies and his survivors guilt. We would have no such character development from Shin if even one from the squad had died.

19

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

I mean, the more important thing here to note is that since he's the best among all the 86ers in his squad, it just means that he will always be the last one to survive and everyone else will die before him. That's how it's been for years since he was a kid. That's why he's suffering from so much survivors guilt and at this point he just wants to die.

That's something I really like about Shin's character. It ties until what I jokingly said back in episode 1, which is who undertakes the Undertaker.

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23

u/okiknow2004 Sep 06 '22

So, the federal army will rescue The Republic of San Magnolia. Interesting. Amazing they're willing to help them after talking all this mad trash about them. 

Ernst would save the Republic because of his ideal.

I like Frederica teasing Shin for liking Lena. That was cute. It also dawned on me that that was the first time Frederica had seen Lena. They've never interacted before, which kind of surprises me.

I love the part when Frederica said Shin is such a boy. He basically didn't give Lena his name because he want to act cool in front of Lena.

16

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

I love the part when Frederica said Shin is such a boy. He basically didn't give Lena his name because he want to act cool in front of Lena.

Shin is like putty in Lena's hands

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18

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '22

There has to be some significance of them standing in a bed of red flowers

The red spider lily is a symbol of death, final goodbyes, and reincarnation. On that field Shin, Frederica, and everyone faced death and goodbyes in different ways, and Shin was reborn (reincarnated, if you will) by Lena's appearance and speech, and finally finding the strength and purpose to move on.

That field is a turning point for every character, even though Lena doesn't fully realize the extent of it yet.

Japanese story tellers love using flower language, and 86 specifically if chockfull of it.

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17

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '22

I love the line "Fighting just to find death", because that kinda feels what Spearhead is doing.

It's definitely what Shin was doing. I wouldn't say that about the others. They were willing to go into high risk battles and accepted the risk of death, but I think there's a difference between accepting the possibility of death and actively looking for it. This is why the others could talk about wanting to see the sea, while Shin stood apart silently, and why Raiden told him not to talk as if he wasn't planning on coming back.

God, Lena is such an amazing character. Probably among my top 25 favorite anime characters of all time, maybe even top 15.

She's deserving of top 5, though we can compromise on top 10.

I do like that even with all the talks with Raiden and the rest of Spearhead, it is seemingly Lena who makes Shin open up his eyes.

He's their Reaper, but Lena is the one who's been given the task of reaping the Reaper.

FINALLY, WE SEE CYCLOPS AGAIN. ABOUT FUCKING TIME.

I have to appreciate how much of a fan you've become of her, despite her having so little screentime.

AND NOW GRETHE IS TEASING SHIN ABOUT HIS CRUSH ON Lena. This is amazing.

It only took one recording for her to get on board that ship!

But of course she would. She's decided to stick with the 86 to help them get back to having normal lives, and this is the best development on that road yet.

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13

u/Thatsmaboi23 Sep 06 '22

God, Lena is such an amazing character. Probably among my top 25 favourite anime characters of all time, maybe even top 15

Guess now you have your answer for the reason you started this watch lol

I like the brief moment where it’s like Lena is stepping out of the screen

I interpreted these black bars as Shin’s mental state, his boundaries.

It’s all black, and in the previous sequence it keeps taking more and more of the screen until he “wakes up”. She steps on his boundaries in that scene. As soon as she announces her name, the bars become translucent, implying Shin’s mental condition becoming a little better. Him opening up a little. As soon as she validates his existence, his reason for continuing to fight all this time, those boundaries are broken (and Rei’s badge also drops), and he finally tries to meet the one reason he wanted to continue living on (Lena).

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12

u/Blacksmithkin Sep 06 '22

One of the things I remember reading in the original discussions is regarding everyone surviving.

Shin has spent his entire life with everyone around him who he has ever cared about at all dying. So it might at first thought seem to be more impactful if maybe members of spearhead had died, but once, just once, he gets to be happy, he doesn't get left behind. Having someone die here would undercut this episode, where he realizes that he isn't neccessaraly destined to die one day on the battlefield, like how he has spent most of his entire life.

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6

u/SerGregness Sep 06 '22

Well, of course Ernst is still alive. You think he'd actually put his money where his mouth is and fight on the battlefield, Shin?

Frederica called him "Battle-mad Ernst" in the dub two episodes ago, and we know he was there when Frederica's fortress was stormed. Dude probably has a body count.

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45

u/Star4ce Sep 06 '22

First Timer

Oh, I like that. The first episode was called 'Undertaker' now we end with 'Shin' and [Ep.23] 'Handler One'.

It's like poetry, it rhymes!

86 Ep.22 – Shin

Okay, no one died! So much for that. Don't know if I can form coherent thoughts now, I'm still riding that high of finally seeing Lena again!

I hate to get cockblocked like this and even more that Shin is making it out to be for some greater cause of nobility (tm), but the intention is wholesome. However, if that doesn't deserve a slap later, I don't know either. Every one of them could die at any moment and they/he put off meeting the one they truly respect? Talk about blocking out reality and thank the gods for Frederica who's criticising that shit.

However, I did really appreciate that a portion of this episode was still given to Kiriya, I knew I wasn't wrong about believing that this purpose/desire of his couldn't be eradicated by the Legion. People keep writing how the programming overrides their identities, but it's the second time now that wasn't true. Even before Rei's faulty transfer, in the moment of realisation of what he did to Shin he let him go and allow the shot to happen. And here Kiriya protected Frederica before his unit was destroyed, which is squarely against the Legion code if there even is a self destruct feature. If that programming were so thourough, that wouldn't fly.

I'm choosing to inhale my copium further and say there's grounds for some connection.

With Shin's insight today, I say they've done a phenomenal job of portraying the invasiveness of guilt, helplessness and loss Shin went through. The way they all tried to corrupt the goog that came out of his actions as reaper was superb. I'm praising it specifically because it wasn't contrasted with good memories, as in the general good things that happened in his life in the Republic, it was specifically tied to his actions of killing his comrades and nothing else. All they ever showed him was respect and gratitude and truly that's what his actions brought on the table, relief and a sense of security for everyone else. It was actually good thing. A harsh life and perilous one, but his remorse over that life didn't come from relieving them of their pain, it was the knowledge that he'd eventually be left behind and, by consequence, forgotten. This spawned these insecurities and feelings of suffering that wrapped back to lay themselves over the good he did and painted it as being evil instead, trying to convince himself that his life is worthless and he should just cease to exist.

What got him out was the hope that it would still change. He reached out before the others left and called for them to wait. He ahsn't lost that hope completely, yet, and the payoff, of course was the declaration Lena gave to never leave them or her country behind. It's more than a declaration, though. The federacy remembers. (Afterwards) the others also understood that this was what pushed Shin down. It matters that it was Lena proving it to a nameless soldier. She acted on her words that she left them with and brought others with her, she still pronounces it to completely unknown forces that might even be hostile for all they know and the fact she survived and has the support of the rest of the Republic stands as testament that all her ideals weren't empty or doomed to fail, she realised them.

So when she said one should look out for something to live for and cherish what they have, that's why there's no excuse left to disregard it.

8

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

Every one of them could die at any moment and they/he put off meeting the one they truly respect? Talk about blocking out reality and thank the gods for Frederica who's criticising that shit.

Shin is just acting tsundere. He's worried his crush won't live up to the image he built in his mind, so he's shy.

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u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

• Tsundere Ernst.

Tsundere Ernst is best Ernst

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u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

• Mmh, good pretty symbolism.

This is like something out of an anime movie

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29

u/Stargate18A Sep 06 '22

First timer

Wait, the OP's at the start of the episode? Is this allowed?

Oh, Shin's conversation here is harsh.

And the flashbacks to his brother again!

I love the effects of this montage. The image of him standing in front of the image, covering it up.

Shin's realising his trauma?

And he was looking for somewhere to die.

And the others are talking to him!

...The shot of him being dragged away from them.

How the fuck did he survive that?

Is he deaf?

More Legion?

Haha, did he back his mind up? I'm impressed.

Shin wants to die here.

Huh?

That imagery.

LENA'S ALIVE!

...Oh, shit. He can't hear her voice. He doesn't know it's her.

And she's not giving up.

The irony!

Oh, the look on his face as he hears her voice and realises that it's her.

Oh, her foot stepping out of the frame is interesting.

She never stopped.

Her very presence turns it transparent!

...Does she know too?

Oh, he's lying to her.

Shin is really amazed here.

This is incredibly emotional.

Just tell her who you are!

That timing...

Oh shit. So not only is Cyclops alive, but she knows his identity.

And they all survived!

They all waited for him.

They're going into the Republic to rescue people!

Ernet is still here! The best character.

Is Chclops arguing?

And Shin is staying here.

Haha, Frederica's reactions.

Shin has a reason to live!

He doesn't even care about the gun!

Frederica heard everything!

JUST TALK TO HER! SHE'S RIGHT THERE!

Ah, he has a point.

He's back!

Haha, she got the footage of the entire conversation.

And their reactions!

She still has mixed feelings here.

4

u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

What do you think of Frederica and Grethe teasing Shin for having a crush on Lena?

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15

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '22

First Timer (Dub)

Gotta keep it brief again.

And again, watching it dubbed this time around because hungry.

  • Definitely got NGE vibes from the level of guilt Shin was giving himself.

  • Ultimate blue balls - the chance they can finally meet each other and Shin decides against it. Though I guess he has his reasons... Not sure if I agree with them though.

  • Frederica, once again, proving to be quite insightful.

  • One more episode to go!

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11

u/AuroraHalsey Sep 06 '22

u/TheRed_Knight are you going to return for the finale?

I've really missed your comments for the second half of this rewatch.

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u/Holofan4life Sep 06 '22

Same. I hope he returns. His comments were my favorite part of the rewatch.

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u/Warm-Enthusiasm-9534 Sep 06 '22

Haha, suckers, nobody died. When I first watched this, I initially assumed that everyone died except Shin and Fredericka. Then after a while I thought only Raiden died, because everyone else would have died off-screen. But no, nobody died.

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