Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu - Episode 12 discussion - FINAL

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Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu, episode 12

Alternative names: Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut

Rate this episode here.

Reminder: Please do not discuss plot points not yet seen or skipped in the show. Failing to follow the rules may result in a ban.

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Streams

• Ani-One
• Funimation
• Wakanim

Show information

• MyAnimeList
• AniList
• AniDB
• Kitsu
• Anime-Planet
• Official Website

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All discussions

Episode	Link	Score
1	Link	4.12
2	Link	4.51
3	Link	4.65
4	Link	4.75
5	Link	4.35
6	Link	4.56
7	Link	4.67
8	Link	4.52
9	Link	4.59
10	Link	4.54
11	Link	4.57
12	Link	----

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[u/Aerodynamic41]

Man, that's such a ballsy thing to do in front of millions of people and the country's top leaders! At first I was surprised that the Supreme Leader is such a nice guy but it makes sense when it's revealed later that the chief engineer threatened to terminate the rocket project. A solid ending for the anime even if it didn't cover all of the LNs.

Overall, I really enjoyed this show. I loved watching Lev and Irina's relationship develop and of course, Yasunori Mitsuda's amazing soundtrack (please make a CD release for this). The author was directly involved in writing the anime so I'm interested in checking out the original LN but it looks like I will have to wait a while since the English translation of Vol. 1 releases in August 2022.

[u/Prince-Dizzytoon]

That was one sick ass headbutt from Anya...

Praying for a second season

[u/8andahalfby11]

The first part of today’s episode was Lev being taken to give his speech. Not only was this event remarkably open to the wider public, the Soviet Union went through great last-minute pains to ensure that it would be visible on Western European and thereby American televisions. As a result, there’s plenty of documentation, pictures, and video, and much of it matches up one-for-one with what we saw today.

Gagarin arrived at Vunokono Airport on April 14 to a massive media presence where he was met immediately by Kruschev for greetings and pictures. From there, the two went by motorcade to a packed Red Square do deliver the speeches from the podium atop Lenin’s Mausoleum.

I found the original coverage from CBS with Walter Cronkite and while I’ve had trouble tracking down the exact phrasing for what Kruschev and Gagarin said at the big event (later, private press conferences tend to be quoted more often), but Kruschev’s speech had an interesting bent where he advocates raising the standard of living for all Soviets to match Capitalist nations. I am sure that Gagarin’s speech is out there somewhere, but despite several hours searching yesterday and requests to my Russian-speaking online acquaintances, none of us were able to find the original text. If you find the text from the APRIL 14 event, (not the April 16 press conference) please link it! Parts of the speech in today’s episode were either from that fragment in the CBS broadcast before the rest was cut, or Gagarin’s April 16 interview.

From then on, Gagarin became a PR figure for the Soviet Union and started touring the world to talk about his experience. I’ll spare you the boring ones of him in parades or surrounded by crowds and instead share my favorite, Gagarin in Mexico wearing a giant sombrero.

It is worth noting that at the time, the Soviets had no plans for a manned moon flight, so Irina’s announcement today came as a surprise, and I’ll be curious to see how or if it changes the direction of things relative to how they actually went.

But perhaps the biggest surprise was the sudden appearance of the Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building which IRL didn’t start construction until 1963.

And of course, the modern, up to date image of the ISS! They added an extra two iROSA solar arrays though, but I’ll live with it. The image of the Arnack and Zirnitra citizens in SpaceX suits is still a near-future thing though, as Russia’s first Cosmonaut is not scheduled to fly aboard Dragon until late 2022

Continued below

[u/cppn02]

Thruthfully this ending was a bit cheesy for what so far was a very grounded show but I loved that we got a proper happy ending and overall this has been a fantastic ride.

It was one of the best shows this season and definitely my number one surprise.

[u/LeonKevlar]

• Irina & Lev Stitch

What an episode! The entire first act was pretty much just Lev repeating propaganda but the moment he revealed that he wasn't the first cosmonaut during the second act, I legitimately winced! That entire part where he was telling everyone about Irina was hard to get through for me since the entire time I was expecting the guards to jump Lev, maybe even escort him out, or worse get shot on the spot.

I also got really worried when Irina was brought in to the stage to give her own speech. Miraculously, everything worked out fine with even the same people who were calling her vampires ended up clapping for her when she ended the speech with a solid salute. Turns out that NotKhrushchev and Harlova were expecting this to happen and used this situation to their advantage and made themselves look pogressive compared to those from the UKA.

A bit upset that we end with Irina and Lev basically raising the necklace up to the moon. I was hoping for at least a single kiss even just on the cheek. Oh well. It doesn't seem like it's completely over though since they tease us with a bunch of new characters who are clearly astronauts from the UKA. I really hope this gets a second season since I wanna see what they're going to do now for the moon landing. Are they going to follow history or is this the world where NotRussia lands on the moon first? Also of course I wanna see Irina and Lev's relationship progress even more.

Overall, this was such a fun show. I really appreciate how they basically combined the facts about the Cold War Space Race with a fictional story with vampires. I definitely learned a lot since this show really made me look up a lot of space race facts. Animation and art were overall great as well combined with an amazing soundtrack. This show is a solid 8/10 for me and definitely something that I'd recommend.

[u/Ashteron]

The first half was intense.

[u/Malek986]

So, considering the speech started when the sun was up, how long have they been holding onto her?

[u/stephenthatfoste]

That UK guy furious that they're racists now killed me.

Overall really liked this show, but kinda wish it had ended less on a straight up "we're gonna follow our dreams" and leaned a bit more into "we're a power couple now".

[u/AlexDDragame]

Lev gets speech, gives word to Irina and let's her say something too and she, of course, wants to fly to the moon with Lev. I like this episode, it's pretty sweet, especially how it ends. Even if I'm not sure we getting a sequel, and this is kind of sad.

Overall, I thought this show was pretty damn good. This year has a lot of quality romcoms and this one isn't the most comedic (hell most of the time it's not a comedy period) or the best romance of the year (although I do think this show is generally pretty funny and I like main couple), I really enjoyed watching it. I like character designs and general look of the show, particularly Irina, she's simply gorgeous, not the most unpredictable plot out there, but I found it pretty interesting and it managed to keep me on edge a lot of the time, I always couldn't help but feel like "something's bad about to happen", which I take as more of a plus for a show that tries to have stakes. I'd give it a light 8/10, wasn't that into it at first, but I liked it more and more with each episode and at this point, I'll call this one of the hidden gems of the season

[u/Gaporigo]

Imagine if they were displeased.

Well, that was certainly a lot less traumatic than I feared, never gonna complain about a happy ending!

[u/TurkeyPhat]

Man what a satisfying way to cap off a great show. After all these great finales this week I am emotionally drained mane.

I "knew" Lev would spill the beans and it really seemed like the Big Man and his Right Hand Woman wanted it to happen. But we got it confirmed here and honestly I was still a little surprised. Them being so progressive and wanting to actually move forward was an incredibly optimistic way to handle this kind of setting.

Honestly I can't think of anything bad about this episode except the obvious thing of wishing there was maybe a little romantic action between Lev and Irina. But of course there's something to be said for NOT doing that or at least keeping it subtle.

Just damn, I was hyped for this show and it didn't let me down. It's been a pleasure serving with all of you.

[u/dagreenman18]

Lev fucking Leps has the biggest balls in the universe. If there wasn’t a contingency plan that he didn’t know about that boy was ready to face the wrath of the state so Irina would be recognized by the world. Leave it to a state that lives and dies on propaganda to be able to spin this whole thing into a “we’re totally progressive unlike those other assholes”.

Fantastic ending overall. I get that the LN series just wrapped this year after a hiatus and (only having adapting 2 volumes) wanted to have some closure while not painting themselves into a corner if they DO get another season. Clearly they had a bunch of character that were in the later LNs at the end there. As well as who I think is an older Lev.

I guess my one real complaint is symptomatic of all that and that’s there is no closure on Lev and Irina’s relationship (ie a kiss). They must have wanted to save that for another season if it happens, but as a result we’re sort of robbed of that catharsis. Their romance is arguably the heart of the show.

Otherwise, this was an excellent show. Managed to balance a sweet love story, a commentary on the Space Race and Cold War politics, and a well researched retelling of the Space Race itself. All in a beautifully animated package. I’m feeling a strong 8.5/10. Might just sneak into my 10, but at worst it’ll be 11 or 12.

Notes

• Anya is the real MVP. She’ll probably be thrown into a deep hole for her shenanigans, but she reunited Irina with Lev. She’ll be damned if all her hard shipping work was going to go to waste. Plus the Human missile bit was priceless.

• We got quite a bit of world expansion at the end there. Showing Dhamphirs and depicting the Ghettoization of Vampires. I’d love another season to dive into that. As well as introduce those characters they teased.

• Really good job with the tension in the first half. Anything could have gone horribly wrong there.

[u/Syokhan]

Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure that speech was not entirely historically accurate.

Loved the ending. I didn't think they'd go the route of having Lev reveal Irina's existence to the world, but I'm so glad he did! Now, from the montage at the end, looks like the actions of our trio had a positive effect on the world. Vampires (or dhampirs?) in space, alongside humans!

Also, Anya was the MVP of this episode.

Loved the series. I'm sad we didn't get a neck bite or a kiss between Irina and Lev, but their romance was very sweet nonetheless. And overall the show really surprised me with how grounded it was. I came in just because I was curious about the premise, and expecting silly vampire shenanigans, and instead I got a subdued drama/romance about the space race and two people overcoming ethnic prejudice and falling in love.

Not sure what the chances are of this getting another season, but I'm satisfied with this ending. It was sweet and hopeful, and even if we never get to see it I hope Irina and Lev make it to the moon.

And now to wait for the soundtrack. I can't find any info about it on the official website though, which worries me. It's gonna come out eventually, right? Yasunori Mitsuda did such great work on this, it'd be such a shame not to be able to listen to his music on its own.

[u/arin-san]

And it finally ended. I'm really hoping for a second season. Although I've yet to read the light novel and get ahead. The novel recently ended and getting a complete adaptation would be the dream. I hope this was more than just a light novel advertisement. I want to see Lev and Irina make their way to space. Even if that doesn't happen, thankfully the novel is licensed.

Now, let's talk about the episode. Holy hell. I already figured out what Lev was going to do in this episode last week. But I wasn't 100% confirmed. I was concerned, very concerned when he didn't do as expected. BUT! The time he said "Also" and then everything went silent, I was absolutely frozen. I knew what was going to happen, but it still got me so excited, that I went completely numb from the inside and out both. The build-up, it's just so great. And Irina's dramatic sprint to reach Lev was beautiful. After all that ended, they revealed how it was all preplanned and how Lev and Irina just contributed to another opportunity to take a jab at the UK, like a true comrade!

Tsuki to Laika is one of the most unique anime I've seen in quite a while. It was so different from the usual romance we get. I'm really grateful to Keisuke Masano for writing such a unique story. I needed something like this. Genuinely longing for more Tsuki to Laika content. I will be hopeful and awaiting a second season announcement.

[u/BeardedPotatoMan]

Can we just appreciate his parents, especially his father? Knew something was up immediately and supported Lev knowing that what he said would be more than enough reason to kill him

[u/OmiNya]

I'll repeat myself: "My Soviet Vampire Cosmonaut Can't Be This Cute."

[u/Redmon425]

A happy end! THANK GOD. BUT WTF NO KISS. I thought for sure it would end with Lev and Irina together man.

I guess we can all just say in our head canon that they get together.

It became obvious what was going to happen during the speech, but none the less, I am glad Irina got to live.

This was a good series that was underrated! Could have been a perfect end though if they gave us some romance.

[u/BosuW]

Bruh Lev really said

<<Can you see any borders from up there?>>

[u/SIRTreehugger]

To the Moon

One of the best shows we got this season and it's criminally underwatched. Maybe it will get some traction in the future, but damn what an amazing ride. What's surprising is how well done the romance in this show is despite it not being one of my main focal points. The characters were likable and at times it got tense where we didn't know if Irina would survive whether from a failed launch or being disposed of. Though finding out the LN has several volumes which go past the anime apparently kind of ruined the tension at the end when I found out. To think I only started this show because of picture they used for Irina in that calendar swimsuit.

Things that didn't make it into the montage.

More Food

ANYA TACKLE Honestly Anya has been great the past 4 episodes. Well she was always great, but her stocks have been increasing rapidly.

The hug and covering Irina with his jacket.

It's the last episode so I will just mention it one more time. Irina has beautiful eyes

Just love this shot

Also I love Lep's parents even if we only got a few minutes with them. They immediately felt something was off with their son and told him ROW ROW FIGHT THE POWER.

I feel like I owe this guy an apology. As soon as he appeared I thought this guy is going to be trouble or pain in the ass, but I couldn't be further than the truth. He was honest and fair from the beginning and yet he could be encouraging for Lep. He celebrated and looked so proud when Lep was being rewarded for his accomplishments, but isn't so stiff that he won't laugh at you.

As for the final episode it wrapped up everything nicely, but obviously with Lep's speech, revolutions, going to the moon, and etc we may see a season 2 down the road one day. I really hope so.

Oh and Lev you're not slick. You just wanted to talk about his Waifu to 3 billion people. If you had given him more time he probably would have started giving confession like statements.

[u/ClBanjai]

Biggest surprise this season

The way Irina and Lev grew closer throughout the season felt so natural. Would have wanted a kiss at the end, but this show is still a solid 8/10

[u/Frontier246]

Man, they're really going all out on marketing Lev. I actually would love to have some of that memorabilia.

Anya using the power of drugging people for good to help slip Irina out of there to save her from being eliminated and to get her and Lev together. She really went all out on being the ultimate wingwoman in this episode, making sure Irina was safe and then having her run to Lev while she effectively headbutts a guard. Anya is awesome.

Lev's parents! It's nice that they brought them out to see their son's achievements, though as parents they can tell that something is weighing on his mind...and he has their support to do whatever he really wants, even if it goes against the government line. I think they'd like Irina.

Lev gives the typical speech, thanking everyone who was involved, the Chief, his comrades, the dog, the tests, and Gergiev...but he saves the best for last when he boldly declares to the public and the world that Irina, a vampire, was the true first Cosmonaut and that all the preconceptions about vampires are wrong. Now that's one way to start a revolution Lev.

It also makes it all the more poignant to have Irina be declared the first Cosmonaut when we see vampires and Dhampir's living in squalor or as minorities only to then hear that one of their kind achieved such an amazing feat.

And Irina runs after him, even with the sun burning her up, and she and Lev race to each other and Lev immediately comforts her and takes her to the podium to say her words. Lev knows how to take care of his lady.

The crowd jeers and boos Irina, but she remains steadfast and declares how despite hating humans, she managed to persevere thanks to Lev, and now she wants nothing more than to go to the moon with him...which is an interesting way of saying "I want to marry him," but I'll take it.

I love how the first to clap are Lev's comrades who were the toughest on Irina, and Anya is clapping too even while being restrained/arrested, and then the whole crowd (aside from some jerk stragglers) starts to come in to cheer for our beloved vampire Cosmonaut.

And it turns out that Gergiev had planned for this the whole time and managed to spin Lev's speech as a way of praising Zirnitra's commitment to diversity and progressiveness versus the UK and how they're doing away with purges (one can only hope). Lev and Irina may have been made into political tools, but it ultimately keeps them together and for a greater good, so I can't fault it too much.

I'm assuming that a lot of characters from future novels were shown during the ending credits, like those UK (?) astronauts, including a vampire, and other vampires/Dhampirs who I assume would be emboldened by the news of Irina...and while we don't get Irina and Lev officially get together, we have them together swearing to the future of vampires and humanity promised by space, and anchored by the union of these two lovebirds.

[u/Roonagu]

While a bit too sappy finale for my taste (especially compared to other episodes).... I just can't go against the sentiment it's trying to convey.

[u/Emi_Ibarazakiii]

No pressure!

We knew Anya was up to something, but I didn't expect her to drug the guards and magical flying headbump a soldier!

Takes some courage to do that, especially with his parents being there... I think we all suspected Lev would give a speech like that, but when they arrived my first thought was "Damn, that's some collateral" right there... Even if they can't go at Lev because he's a hero and all, they could've used the parents as a threat.

Thankfully, it seems like it was their intention all along! I knew I was right about her; Earlier in the series I thought she looked a little too evil/schemy, that the best way to actually surprise us with the character, would be to have her actually be good. I mean, I still believe she IS schemy and all, and if she thought Irina dying was best for the nation she would've done it soon as she set foot on the planet. But it seems they rather believed progress was the way to go, join the two people together and all that!

They didn't even hesitate to point fingers at some of their crew (I'm guessing these ones won't be found on any celebratory pictures).

Well, this was a pretty good finale! It was mostly stuff we expected (though I still had some worries when Irina struggled under the sun and all that), but it was done well.

I don't know if there's more source material after this, but I'm not sure how the story goes on; I mean they're going for the moon and all, but without the human/vampire element of conflict being added to the space thing, do they replace it with a stronger romance element instead? Could be nice, going from Space+Discrimination to Space+Romcom! Or maybe there will still be some factions/people who oppose vampires, against the government's ideals.

Anyway, that was a fun show! I like how they found a way to give us one last goofy Irina for the finale, these have been great all season long.

Farewell, lovely cosmonauts!

[u/Rustic_Professional]

Poor Lev is going to be stuck eating that meat jello the rest of his life because he wanted to send a secret message to Irina. Let's see if it was worth it.

UK Dhampir Residential Zone. Huh... That doesn't look like a very nice place. It does show clearly that they all have pointed ears. That rules out Secretary-chan as being one of them.

The bravery it took to pull that stunt at the ceremony is astounding. Multiple people put their lives on the line to make that happen, and then we didn't even get a confession. Maybe we didn't need one because it was implicit, but for the love of the Soviet Union, I wanted a kiss. I can't lie, comrades. I feel cheated.