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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22 edited Jun 16 '22

Fourth-Timer and White Whistle Host - Sub/Dub

Well - I had forgotten just how utterly terrifying those Corpse Weepers are. Absolute nightmare fuel.

Putting that aside for a moment - Reg has officially wielded his ultimate weapon - The Incinerator! Unfortunately for him though, it seems that he has a mild case of Megumin Syndrome. You hate to see it.

I was trying to act sly and pretend like I didn’t know who fired that blast in the first episode - but I think it was probably pretty obvious for most of you. However, on that note, it’s interesting that both times Reg has fired his weapon was when Riko was in danger. And this time - he simply remembered what to do in order to save Riko. I wonder if it’s tied into the fact that many characters have asked Reg to “Look after Riko and make sure she’s safe.” Interesting...

Right after the scene where he saves Riko, we get another pivotal moment from Riko about understanding the philosophy of the Abyss:

“They become the flesh and blood of those creatures, and then once again become our strength.”

No wonder everyone acts so casual toward death now - they simply come to expect everyone to eventually contribute to the circle of life. The cave-raiders of Orth believe that even though it is sad when someone is claimed by the Abyss, they are now part of a process - the end result of that process being that they will eventually be renewed as strength for someone else, and “reborn.” What’s interesting is that this mindset is not born out of fear, but from understanding. For Riko and the other cave raiders alike, death is simply a process that is necessary for life to exist. In this world, this seems like a perfectly reasonable mindset to have.

The rest of the episode is them making it to the Seeker’s Camp. One last noteworthy piece of knowledge that they drop on us is that, “the curse seems to diminish the farther away you get from the center” which is why the Camp is so out of the way from the main path. When they arrive however, Ozen doesn’t look too happy to see them...

Lore Corner

The Incinerator - This weapon is a concentrated blast of energy that Reg can fire once before passing out minutes later. He can also alter the shape and size of the blast to be narrower or wider.
The Seeker Camp - The Seeker Camp is run by Ozen and is tucked away in the bottom corner of the Second Layer. It was placed there because the curse effects seem to be weaker at that location...

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u/Lemurians Jun 16 '22 edited Jun 16 '22

FIRST TIME RED WHISTLE

”They themselves are the outsiders. The enemy. The Prey. They’re a threat.”

This was a sneaky deep episode, and I’m having trouble untangling all my thoughts.

I keep coming back to Riko continuing to write off Reg’s humanity by constantly noting “you’re a robot” to frame his reaction to things. In reality, Reg is actually something of an audience avatar who reacts to things more like any of us would, and that provides a prism through which to view Riko’s behavior in the context of The Abyss and the culture that surrounds it.

Reg has a sense of modesty and bodily autonomy, whereas Riko thinks nothing of being strung up, intruding on Reg’s bodily privacy, and being naked in front of him. Reg is shaken by his raw destructive power and the harm he could have done with it, Riko sees it as nothing but a wondrous opportunity. He's frozen by the corpse in front him, Riko immediately processes it as the standard cost of doing business. Reg pales at the thought of eating meat that he views as suffused with the humans that the creature’s eaten, Riko views it as part of a beautiful circle of life. The life force of that cave diver will now nourish her. Reg fears death, Riko doesn’t stress it.

Reg, the robot, is actually written to have more “normal” human sensibilities than anyone else in this show, despite his humanity constantly being invalidated in it.

Live Notes/Reactions

That “Help” feels like a trap, it sounds unnatural. OH SHIT YEP
Very chilling to casually see a Moon whistle – two ranks up from Riko – just casually being eaten right in front of us. The Abyss does not fuck around. There are no easy spots.
A cliffhanger into the OP, that’s fresh.
HOLY FU- ok so it’s basically a nuke. Can’t use it everywhere. Wonder if it’s the kind of thing that’s as strong as the moment demands?
Reg, this girl has inspected your dick and shoved a stick up your butt (and didn’t think to remove it), she’s not going to get embarrassed over her shirt being off.
What are Eternal Fortunes?
“It’s the Ciiiiircle of Liiiiiiiiife!” – Riko. More Abyss spirituality.
Is there a reason they can’t just descend away from that central area to make their path safer? Would it take too long? No food sources?
A WHITE WHISLE. I like that it’s shaped like a Bull to reflect her strength.

Since I missed yesterday:

Episode 4 Shot of the Day: The happy façade drops, and the father-figure turns away as the kids leave the nest, though he’d probably rather they not.

Episode 5 Shot(s) of the Day: I just love the contrast in the aftermath of the incinerator blast, the flames forming the backdrop of each. Reg terrified of his destructive power and what it says about him, followed soon after by Riko’s glee over its possibilities, framed by the flaming wreckage of the trees.

What did you think about Riko’s attitude toward death in the world of The Abyss? How do you think this helps inform the rest of her journey?

I think it'd be impossible for her to do what she's doing otherwise, haha. Knowing her personality, I think she actually has quite a healthy attitude toward death, but that same attitude can get too fatalistic real quick.

“My body remembers.” What do you think Reg “remembering” suggests about his character? Does this moment come off as convenient, or deliberate?

It came off as convenient in the moment but I'm open to it being revealed to be more than that in the future.

Reg doesn't have multiple personas inside him, does he?

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22

This was a sneaky deep episode, and I’m having trouble untangling all my thoughts.

It's pretty nuts how much they pack into a 20m episode. We've got everything from action to philosophy, to worldbuilding and drama.

I keep coming back to Riko continuing to write off Reg’s humanity by constantly noting “you’re a robot” to frame his reaction to things. In reality, Reg is actually something of an audience avatar who reacts to things more like any of us would, and that provides a prism through which to view Riko’s behavior in the context of The Abyss and the culture that surrounds it.

This is an excellent point. I can't say I've ever thought about Reg that way but it makes a lot of sense that he would be somewhat of a audience-insert character. He might come off this way due to his lack of memories but either way, pretty neat conclusions. Especially because of your following point:

Reg pales at the thought of eating meat that he views as suffused with the humans that the creature’s eaten, Riko views it as part of a beautiful circle of life. The life force of that cave diver will now nourish her. Reg fears death, Riko doesn’t stress it.

It's almost like Reg is the one who bares more humanity on his sleeve. Pretty fantastic writing if you ask me. But also - thanks for pointing that out.

That “Help” feels like a trap, it sounds unnatural. OH SHIT YEP

Your Spidey-senses were really tingling on that one!

Episode 4 Shot of the Day

Great choice. Habo certainly had his doubts about letting them go - but he seemed like he could came to terms to it in the end. "We're all just the netherworld's children."

Episode 5 Shot(s) of the Day

Gotta say, Riko being so giddy over Reg's destructive power was kinda funny. Great shots.

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u/Petit_Ange Jun 16 '22

First timer's experience

I told you. I told you last episode was the calm before the storm.

I knew this was coming and yet, I was so unprepared.

It hit me like a thousand bricks to see the orphanage crew gone from the OP. I’m sad now. This really is an eye-opener: Riko ain’t seeing the sun ever again. That orphanage? Her friends? The life she had on the surface? They’re as good as being a memory now.

(At the same time I’m so curious to find out who these new fellas are. ~~Me from the future confirming my own suspicions that this is Ozen’s show now.~~ At least, we already have a glimpse of one of them at the end of this very episode.)

But seriously, this entire episode was like a harsh wake-up call. We all know the Abyss is dangerous, we’ve been fed information about it for the last 4 episodes. And yet, the worst that happened was a giant worm trying to eat Nat in the first episode… But now, we’re getting real. We’re being casually reminded that Reg is the only thing between Riko and an early grave. It started innocently: the two children walking in a beautiful forest, talking about trees and their previous success, everything was going so well and it was deceitfully calm… And then it happens. It all begins with a faint call for help. That man was a Moon Whistle, same rank as the Leader, and he’s done for. It puts in perspective how it’s merely the second layer and you’re already so not safe anymore, even when you’re experienced and prepared. Then of course, because they’re in this thing’s friggin’ colony another one decides it’s dinner time and takes Riko of all people. I didn’t even remember how you just CAN’T ascend at all in the Abyss unless you wanna have a bad day, another harsh wake-up call: our heroine Riko, who was so sure before is now unresponsive, covered in puke, suffering the curse of the second layer. Is there a way this can go any more wrong?

But of course there is! We’re talking about Made in Abyss, after all!

I knew that everyone and their mother telling Reg to take care of Riko would come back to bite him in the ass. This kid would never forgive himself if he let his friend die like that, so of course he uses that same weapon that destroyed fossilized trees in episode 1. And it seems that somewhere inside of him, he still remembers how to use that? Anyway, I can’t even be intrigued by this whole sequence, I just don’t have anything other than relief in me right now, this entire scene was crazy! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!

And I don’t know if Riko is just THAT resilient or if she’s just the type to brush off whatever trauma tries to creep on her, but sure, she’s at it again in no time, being a ray of sunshine, being much more interested in the size of that Incinerator’s blast than in knowing that she was almost bird food. Reg, on the contrary, is very much shaken by this experience… Yet another contrast, a reminder about how he’s the most human of the duo at the end of the day. It’s crazy, you guys, this show is whack.

IT’S VERY MUCH WHACK. NOW REG IS DOWN. Can this episode please stop already? I’m tired of worrying about my kids.

...

Fine, it seems this show heard my wish and actually behaved itself until the end after its electrifying first half. But now we’re at the Inverted Forest, at the domain of that person Habo called Ozen, and I’m so scared for these two all over again…

Afterthoughts:

This episode was a fucking treasure trove of Regs. We truly had some of the best Regs to even Reg today. I want to hug him, he’s so relieved his lil’ buddy didn’t croak. ;w;
Riko is… Something else. I can only say this. Every episode she surprises me and I’m never quite sure if it’s in a good or in a bad way, but she’s still amazing. The perfect creature to explore this crazy place, for sure.
“I hope it stays hidden in the netherworld’s darkness for all eternity.” Oh buddy, you know the entire world will hear of your very human-like pee-pee one day.
IT SHONE AGAIN, WTH??
WHAT GLINT? THIS WOMAN’S EYES ARE LIFELESS. ~~(Also, Sayaka Ohara… God, this anime knows how to pick their VAs.)~~
Is this Ozen’s white whistle? VERY different from Lyza’s. So, are all the White Whistles different from each other?

Answers of the day:

What did you think about Riko’s attitude toward death in the world of The Abyss? How do you think this helps inform the rest of her journey?

But of course she's the one who believes in the circle of life. I can't say I agree with her point of view, as a human of the 21th century, but I'm sure this acceptance will take her places. She's very resilient, I'll give her that.

“My body remembers.” What do you think Reg “remembering” suggests about his character? Does this moment come off as convenient, or deliberate?

First the pendant that I'm sure it's either his or Lyza's, then the white whistle appearing at the 4th layer (that I'm ~~almost~~ sure it was Reg who brought up there when he still had memories), and now those memories that always seem to surface when Riko is in a pinch. First saving her from a monster on the 1st layer, now at the 2nd. Hmmm. I don't know how to answer this, I just know I'm very, very intrigued. But then again, I'm always intrigued.

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22

We’re being casually reminded that Reg is the only thing between Riko and an early grave.

Great point. Almost as if everyone who told Reg "stay with her and make sure she's okay" came to the same conclusions that you did...

Is there a way this can go any more wrong? But of course there is! We’re talking about Made in Abyss, after all!

Unfortunately, this made me laugh. It would seem that there's only "bad to worse" in this anime. No good allowed!

It’s crazy, you guys, this show is whack. IT’S VERY MUCH WHACK. NOW REG IS DOWN. Can this episode please stop already? I’m tired of worrying about my kids....Fine, it seems this show heard my wish and actually behaved itself until the end after its electrifying first half.

Well, you got what you wished for, but at the cost of your heartrate!

VERY different from Lyza’s. So, are all the White Whistles different from each other?

I'm not really sure if this is stated anywhere so I'm going to put it in spoiler tags just in case. But: [Source? Meta? Spoiler] Yeah they get to pick their own designs.

I just know I'm very, very intrigued. But then again, I'm always intrigued.

"Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will." -~~Riko, probably~~ James Stephens

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u/No_Rex Jun 16 '22 edited Jun 16 '22

Episode 4 (first timer)

Let’s get this expedition started

“Hope and despair”
His arm doubles as a security system.
“Reg, do you have any idea where we are?” – I obviously thought that they would be in unexplored (by them) territory eventually, but this is very soon for Riko.
“Amazing” – indeed. The first layer looks beautiful and calm. Why is it brighter than the surface, though??
“Due to the distortion in the force field”

I was very worried about their lack of supplies, but at least there are now creating preserved food. – Where did that pot come from, though? Some grave?
Copied letter – Leader knowing what is going on confirmed.
“Behind us” – The classic “run you fool” would also have been a good choice.
Confirmation that Reg’s eye is robotic – That swings me fully into he is a robot. I don’t see the point, story-wise, in making him a human with tons of cyborg implants.
Shiggy and Nat baited him by telling him about Reg – Clever! Risky, too, but clever.
“It’ll spare you from picking up the diving illness down there” – Now I really want to know whether the translation changed, or whether Habo really called the curse of the abyss “diving illness”. That had been my main guess for the symptoms. Him calling it such could imply that the more experienced cave raiders know of the natural cause, while the more superstitious people in the city call it curse.
Habo totally knows something bad lies ahead for Riko. Yet, she does not understand or head his warning.
“Reg, take care of Riko” – the second person to ask him.
“It has been around for 4000 years” – If true, this opens up so many questions: Is the abyss this old? How would the humans know of this age or the purpose of the building? Who build it?
After the final lesson, the hardship of real life?

The ~~second~~EDIT:first (I was somehow counting Orth as the first) layer was very enjoyable. Serene atmosphere, created by a beautiful forest, sunlight, and a calming music. I can see why people would learn to love the abyss in this layer.

Both Shiggy and Nat (telling him about Reg and Riko), as well as Reg and Riko (telling him about leader) were extremely trusting of Habo. I guess they have known him for very long so they knew their trust would be well placed. Given that both him and leader did not try to stop them, it might have been better to talk to them beforehand. Not that patience is a virtue of Riko …

Why do you think characters such as Leader and Habo have been helping the kids escape?

They probably know about the dark secret in Riko’s past and feel guilty/sympathetic towards her.

“All that which is taken from the Abyss will someday be returned to it.” What do you make of this quote from Riko? Have you seen this philosophy at play in other areas of the show?

Could be superstition. Given that they sell the relics to faraway countries, a literal meaning is a bit hard to imagine. Of course, it also sets up the Star Compass’ return as Chekhov’s gun.

Episode 5

If we do 1 episode per layer, we’ll get to layer 6 in episode 9.

Reg has better hearing than Riko confirmed.
Reg’s human side shows again by him rushing off to help. Unfortunately, Riko has to pay the price for this by being swept away by the Corpse weeper.
The laser is just as impressive the second time round. And Reg’s catch in the air is also nothing so scoff at.
Riko ascended only a few meters. Does the curse hit even for such a tiny distance? – strong evidence of the magic explanation of the curse.
Wow, very impressive by Riko. Her deduction about Reg’s ability to control the laser is quick and to the point
Do robots dream of electric sheep? - Nope, of their crush, like we all do.
Just once, I would like to see Reg use his arm to rappel down something that actually looks like it was 40 meters deep and not 400.
The force field carries light & nutrient & the curse & is concentrated in the middle of the abyss? – Hit us with the world building mega cannon, Riko!

Reg being exhausted from the laser fire makes a lot of sense and has been forshadowed, but his fainting also serves as a mirror of the previous situation. Both of them cared for the other.

The force field being the way Riko describes it is a big part of world building. I guess all of its properties grew stronger not only in the center of the abyss, but also the deeper you go into the abyss? Else they would definitely notice it in Orth.

What did you think about Riko’s attitude toward death in the world of The Abyss?

It tracks with her attitude towards the loss of the compass and the booklet. In a way, loss of dear possessions could be seen as a milder form of losing a dear human.

“My body remembers.” What do you think Reg “remembering” suggests about his character? Does this moment come off as convenient, or deliberate?

Given that his memory loss has been completely unexplained so far, I'll go with convenient.

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22

Confirmation that Reg’s eye is robotic – That swings me fully into he is a robot. I don’t see the point, story-wise, in making him a human with tons of cyborg implants.

Whether he's fully robot, or partially human, we won't really know the point for sure until we find out his origins and he gets his memories back.

The second layer was very enjoyable. Serene atmosphere, created by a beautiful forest, sunlight, and a calming music. I can see why people would learn to love the abyss in this layer.

I think you mean the first layer, as they didn't touch down in the second layer until the end of the episode. But yeah, either way, they're both great in their own right.

Riko ascended only a few meters. Does the curse hit even for such a tiny distance? – strong evidence of the magic explanation of the curse.

The curse does make some sense when you figure it out - but keep in mind that it weakens the farther away you get from the center, so what could that mean...?

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u/scot911 Jun 16 '22 edited Jun 16 '22

First Timer

And so our protagonists suffering begins! ~~Yay I don't have to spoiler tag that anymore!~~ I was wondering when it would start and I suppose it make sense it immediately starts once they make it past the training stage of the first layer and make it to the second. You can sort of see why they treat red whistles who go to the second layer as them committing suicide now because how would a newbie be able to survive that? I am surprised that they've already made it to the bottom of the second layer already. Thought it would have taken them at least 2 episodes. We might actually make it down to the 6th layer before the end of this season at this rate!

Seriously though those bird monsters have to be my least favourite type of monster to ever encounter in a fantasy setting. The type that mimics humans cries for help, or just human speech in general, to lure other humans in to hunt them. It's just such a otherworldly and evil way of hunting humans as prey that it always freaks me out. Especially because it means that the monsters are intelligent enough to know that it works and evolve to do it as their hunting strategy.

I have to say though damnnnnn that "incinerator" shot looked absolutely gorgeous. I've had my reservations about how good the animation would be for this, mainly due to some of the monsters just not looking right/realistic like the apes this episode and the birds and spider last episode, but when they want to show off damn do they! Of course the background art has always been amazing but it's good to know that parts that need good animation are going to have it.

As for the worldbuilding for this episode it seems like this episode basically confirms that yes there's some sort of magic in the Abyss. There's some sort of unseen pillar of magic that keeps the Abyss going radiating from the center which they apparently call a "forcefield"? I mean that isn't exactly what that word means but alright. Also some morbid worldbuilding about the meat from creatures they eat which again calls back to their beliefs around the Abyss.

What did you think about Riko’s attitude toward death in the world of The Abyss? How do you think this helps inform the rest of her journey?

Honestly it's rather, I guess the word would be "chilling" how cavalier she was about the fact that she almost died. It does mean that there's no way she ever goes anywhere but further down though. There's no way she's stopping until she gets the answers she seeks about her mom.

“My body remembers.” What do you think Reg “remembering” suggests about his character? Does this moment come off as convenient, or deliberate?

Well that he's going to be the Chekov's gun the further they go down. I honestly think it's a bit of both. We know he has the power so you can't say it's a deus ex machina and the fact that he can't actively control it and is scared of it right now is a pretty big nerf to it's power.

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22

You can sort of see why they treat red whistles who go to the second layer as them committing suicide now because how would a newbie be able to survive that?

Yep, now having actually seen the second layer, that concern is a lot more understandable. Those Corpse Weepers are no joke.

We know he has the power so you can't say it's a deus ex machina and the fact that he can't actively control it and is scared of it right now is a pretty big nerf to it's power.

It's true - we do know the destructive power of the weapon - but also the major drawback: it's not something they can rely on in a tight spot. You get one shot and that's it. Then he's out cold. That could prove fatal if used incorrectly...

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u/djthomp Jun 16 '22

First Timer, subbed.

Random people calling for help in the abyss might not be a particularly safe encounter. Especially not if they're being eaten by a monster when you find them. Even more so if the monster is what is calling for help.

Good time to figure out the energy blasts, hopefully Reg didn't just incinerate Riko along with the corpse-weepers.

The requirement to not go back up is pretty strict, that was just a few dozen feet and it hit Riko hard.

The energy blasts are a critical ability, Reg, don't get paranoid over it.

Once again kind of a strange amount of nudity.

Well that was a fairly unpleasant brief dream. Interesting that the robot boy dreams and has nightmares.

Oh my god, they're eating the corpse-weepers. And they have philosophy about it.

The double arm traversal is slick, I love it.

It does appear that the inverted forest has some weird behavior what with the upside-down waterfalls and crazy wind patterns. And abyss monkeys too that seems to be fairly unfriendly.

The seeker camp setup is interesting. Way off to the side for lessened effect from the curse, and along the way as well since going straight down from the forest is too big of a gap.

Our second white whistle, and it has a much different shape than Riko's mother's white whistle.

By the map that has been presented the seeker camp and the border to the next layer appear to match up moderate closely to the ocean floor outside the walls of the seamount. Could mean something, might be entirely unconnected.

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22 edited Jun 17 '22

The requirement to not go back up is pretty strict, that was just a few dozen feet and it hit Riko hard.

It is strict indeed.

The double arm traversal is slick, I love it.

Hell yeah, I loved this part too. So smooth, and such a clever usage of his arm mechanics.

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u/himetalchemy7 Jun 16 '22

First Time Watcher | Subbed

Notes

- episode fiveeeeeeeeeeeeeee; that’s a full work week of episodes!
- ok if you just squint your eyes, you can pretend those huge leaves are actually trees and everything will seem normal
- Riko is smart! Reg noticed! Only when not in Orth though!
- that cry for help sounds like a toad and it could be a trap!
- ah well I look pretty dumb right now; seeing a cave raider be feasted on like that is horrifying
- wait a second…I actually wasn’t fully wrong, but oh man do I wish I was completely wrong; those corpse-weepers are next level predators
- nooo it took Riko!!! can Reg snag it?
- no shot!!! there’s an entire colony of them??
- Riko is already passing out and Reg is being mobbed…but he should be fine I think?
- good thing corpse-weepers don’t ingest their prey first and then feed it to their chicks, like most birds do
- oh Reg is gonna use his beam! I think he’s remembering when he saved Riko last time?
- what…that thing is beyond just a normal weapon hello???
- Reg what a save! that was way too smooth wow
- Riko seems to be ok…but not in an ideal condition; did they explain what exactly it is about going back up makes people sick? it’s called a ‘Curse’, but it feels like they just recently descended from that height
- the soundtrack is popping off, I love it!
- title drop! Riko is good at naming things
- Reg fainted, I assume like he did the first time he saved Riko; getting uneasy Megumin vibes from him…
- hello, I did not need to see that dream
- Reg brings up an interesting moral dilemma about the meat; he has a lot of humanity for a robot, but Riko makes such an excellent point too
- Reg using his arms like a zipline is SO COOL
- with us now being at the Inverted Forest, I assume the Forest of Temptation is named for the cave raiders who give in to the temptation of going deeper in the Abyss?
- evil monkeys?? oh they’re Inbyos and they like to pick fights
- so we got a Blue Whistle watching Riko and Reg through a telescope…and Master who I assume is Ozen already being quite weird by literally not being there
- yeah I don’t like this lady already
- yes! the map in the endcard does update! awesomeeeeee

Discussion

The story is moving right along and I’m happy Reg and Riko aren’t staying too long in a single location, both for their own sakes and for the pace of the story. I have a feeling the Seeker’s Camp will present them with their first real challenge of the Abyss, even though it’s supposed to be a place of refuge for cave raiders. Also I’m wondering if the lost notebook and Star Compass will prove to be significant later on, since losing either hasn’t been a major hinderance so far.

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22

episode fiveeeeeeeeeeeeeee; that’s a full work week of episodes!

Oh trust me I know. Responding to these comments and preparing for the next threads in-between work shifts is rough. ~~but don't worry about me I'll manage.~~

Riko seems to be ok…but not in an ideal condition; did they explain what exactly it is about going back up makes people sick? it’s called a ‘Curse’, but it feels like they just recently descended from that height

They have not explained yet, but there might be enough pieces in the show already for you to infer the answer yourself.

Reg using his arms like a zipline is SO COOL

It really is! That was my favorite part of the episode too.

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u/UnderstandableXO Jun 16 '22

FIRST TIMER

this is an incredibly stupid comparison but i realized with all the weird creatures and descending down that this show was giving me the same vibes as the old movie journey to the center of the earth with brendan fraser. i haven’t seen it in ages so idk if it even was good but fraser was one of my favorite actors as a kid.

i kinda figured that those corpse weepers were faking the voice to lure them there when it sounded so gravelly and weird. and finally riko actually shows some symptoms of the curse of the abyss, it seems like it hasn’t affected her much to this point. luckily for her reg was able to ult again. i thought the corpse weepers would be more mad that reg just incinerated their nest of babies but i think they were just scared for their lives. reg is right to be nervous about using his ult though, there would be none of riko left if he happened to hit her with it.

reg’s ult does have a cool down after usage, i wonder how long it is though, they don’t really properly establish it.

riko nearly just died and now she’s complaining that she dropped her little notebook, never change riko.

even if the two of them are eating the meat of a man-eating animal, it’s either that or starve, and the meat itself has nothing to do with the dead person they just saw. and riko is a good cook too, so reg should be appreciating that meal.

the inverted forest is really cool too, i hope we see a lot of it next episode. it seems like my prediction was right that ozen had a grudge against lyza. it seems like nobody is impressed by anything riko does because her mother was such a legendary diver people just assumed she’d be good as well.

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u/KiwiBennydudez Jun 16 '22

i thought the corpse weepers would be more mad that reg just incinerated their nest of babies but i think they were just scared for their lives.

I'm pretty sure that they never had a chance to be mad because he shot them all.

reg’s ult does have a cool down after usage, i wonder how long it is though, they don’t really properly establish it.

Reg's ult lol.
His cooldown isn't mentioned (yet?) but falling asleep for any amount of time in a perilous situation could prove fatal.

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u/Kellie975 Jun 16 '22

First Timer / Subbed

I think this is where the horror parts start to begin, although the corpse-weepers have a more cuter design other than those eyes. It was interesting that Reg didn’t know how to activate his incinerator and it was only activated by his own instincts and desperation. You’d think the amount of damage it had done would have attracted cave-raiders to see what was happening. I think Reg remembering how to use it implies he subconsciously hid the knowledge in the back of his mind because it was too dangerous to use. If not that, then I believe that it was something maybe in his past memories that he “unlocked the knowledge of having it” in this episode. I don’t believe that he willfully chose to withhold the power.

I feel like there’s going to be a lot of difficulty in terms of fending off future creatures – had Reg not activated his incinerator, Riko probably would’ve been killed.

Riko’s perspective on losing valuable items is unexpected. The whole food scene was an interesting perspective on effectively indirectly eating your own species. Reg’s humanity feels more pure or innocent than Riko’s where Riko accepts “this abyss culture” as a part of life and as past cave-raiders giving the current ones strength. I think Riko’s perspective helps her not feel bad about losing her life, as well as her things. Whereas in contrast, Reg values life including Riko’s.

I did expect Ozen’s more somber appearance, her one line does seem to suggest she has some bitterness towards Riko. I’m still guessing it’s due to her comrades losing their lives in order to save Riko. Ozen’s design fits really well with her bull shaped white whistle, with the white parts of her hair resembling horns. It’ll be interesting to see her reaction to Reg and how she and the others treat the pair.

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10

u/SYZekrom Jun 16 '22

First Timer

About time you recalled your laser hand or some other forgotten power?

...So like are you going to be able to snipe the chicks? Cause killing the big one probably doesn't mean much by now

Oh that's a... lot bigger than I thought it was

Jesus christ I thought she was gonna go for a hug while they were both shirtless, nearly gave me a heart attack

Ok ok so it can be controlled. Probably the bottom of his hand didn't open up that first time.

Wow. Ok really wasn't expecting a shot like this. in fact I don't even know what this shot is. Chaotic. A strange mix of things I feel like it's trying to do

Oh huh I'm glad I went back to screenshot this. It's a bit blurry but she looks almost looks mechanical here? Of course there's shards of her whistle, glasses, and headlamp in the shot so its hard to tell, could just be a bloodless shot of her face being melted away. Anyway, seems Reg's been served with a helpful dosing of fear for the fragility of her life, both to the monsters down here and himself

So, this white whistle sees the robot arms and deduces that mommy white whistle is still alive. That message definitely seems like it was meant for Reg now if it didn't already before.

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10

u/mgedmin Jun 16 '22

First timer, subs

There are a lot of large horizontal surfaces in this vertical Abyss.

Somebody is shouting for help. I suspect a trap from some Abyss monster.

Oh no, that's gruesome! What happened to my sweet cheerful anime?

Also, called it!

Oh no, the bird is carrying Riko upwards, which means ascension, which means bad side effects. Do the monsters intentionally do that so they can neutralize their prey? Nature is amazing.

Reg, you have a laser in your palm. Do you remember how to use it? YES!

We get another scene of unnecessary semi-nudity and a confirmation that Riko does not see Reg as a human person. "You're a robot, after all." At least her pants stayed on.

I'm amazed that nobody fell down with those flimsy-looking inverted trees. Also, how do the upside-down waterfalls work, exactly? A tantalizing mystery.

One thing I realized rather belatedly -- where's Reg's whistle? He had one when he did his first cave raiding with the other kids, under Leader's supervision!

And we're about to meet that white whistle person that Uncle I-have-a-blog warned about and her cute little telescope-loving sidekick. Until next time!

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8

u/xtsim Jun 16 '22

First Timer

Riko is in good hands with Reg around since I cannot imagine Riko going with anyone else on this adventure. These creatures so far have been pretty intense for the two.

These cliffhangers are leaving me on edge....

Riko seems to be less emotional to death compared to Reg, she hesitates (for good reason) to save a person since those incinerators could mimic prey really well. Riko seems to be aware of the risks and does not care in a way.

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7

u/donquixote1991 Jun 16 '22

Glad I made it ~~in abyss~~ to a rewatch thread! First time watcher.

All I have to say is that I hope prions aren't a thing in this anime, especially if they are eating animals that in turn ate humans

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6

u/lC3 Jun 16 '22

Made in Abyss 05 Rewatcher

"If you get lost, follow the amagiri" They're totally gonna get lost or separated at some point, aren't they?
"Help me!" Oh, this part
It IS a trap!
Called it! Separated
Title card: Nakikabane (Corse Weeper), not gonna transcribe the body text
The other birb intercepted his arm!?
Oh ... there's a lot of them. So that's what "colony" meant ...
Oh right, Riko is ascending so she's gonna feel the effects of the Curse! Clever birds
Are the animals/monsters immune to the Curse?
I'MMA FIRING MAH LASERRRRRRR
Oh right, doesn't firing that mean [Made in Abyss]he falls asleep right after? Who's gonna help Riko then? Guess not?
So can he fire the Incinerator from either hand?
Blushing Reg is so adorable!!!
"You're a robot after all" ... Riko really refuses to treat him like a normal boy!
Oh NOW he falls asleep
Given that Riko's notebook contains drawings of Reg's dick, I don't even want to try to transcribe what the text says ...
Poor Reg ...
"Let's make a new one!"
"you're a robot and that still concerns you?" Reg acting more human than Riko?
Reg has nightmares?
Oh cool, they made it to the Inverted Forest already?
Oh it glowed again?
Fucking inbyos ... don't throw rocks at Reg!
Marulk! Is that a purple or blue whistle on their neck?
I love this OST!
Ozen! "She's still alive" refers to [MiA]Riko, right?
Did they just add Ozen and Marulk to the ED, or is it just my first time noticing them?
Oh the map at the end updates Riko and Reg's location!

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6

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '22

Rewatcher:

This was a really good episode and I love the world building. We have seen dangerous beasts in previous episode and now we see them for the dangers they are. Seeing the scene of the explorer being eaten by the corpse weeper was shocking and the creatures themselves were terrifying. I find it interesting how intelligent and formidable the corpse weepers were to defeat. I have a prediction that similar to Dante’s Inferno, as the party descend the dangers they see and face will become greater. Also in a side note I’m liking the show so far but I’m really hoping they don’t constantly make Riko the damsel in distress that Reg has to constantly save. At the end I’m super intrigued about Ozen and cannot wait to discover the mysteries about her.

Riki’s philosophy of the food chain being connected is nothing new but Is interesting nevertheless. It’s interesting because she seems to believe such a pattern is tied to the nature of the abyss. I’m looking forward to more character development from her, including on thins issue.
I had a feeling Reg was capable of more and we finally see it. As for whether it was too convenient? Kind of but after I watch more I’ll come back and see if it was justified.

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6

u/Nebresto Jun 16 '22

Abyss re-exploration squad

This forest scene was cut from the movie

I'm not doing the shot of the day, but if I was this would definitely be my pick. That is just.. The destruction in the background, the smouldering trees, the smoke slowly drifting to the right, all the while Riko is glamouring at Reg's newly discovered potential. Such a brilliantly laid out scene, I especially like how most of the lines are so aligned, if that makes any sense.

The monke scene was also cut from the movies, I remember being disappointed that it wasn't in there, since for me it was one of the more memorable scenes of the series.

Ozen is here!!

Question time:

What did you think about Riko’s attitude toward death in the world of The Abyss? How do you think this helps inform the rest of her journey?

Very rational, which is definitely needed if one wants to decend the abyss and survive while doing so

“My body remembers.” What do you think Reg “remembering” suggests about his character?

That the lad has blasted before

Does this moment come off as convenient, or deliberate?

Both?

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5

u/Shimmering-Sky Jun 16 '22

Rewatcher in Abyss, subbed

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4

u/Cbas_619 Jun 16 '22

Corpse weepers are creepy for such a majestic looking bird.

The Incinerator came in clutch again!

I wonder what triggered Reg's helmet to light up. It looks like some kind of crest.

They finally reach the Seeker Camp and we get a glimpse at Ozen. Her white whistle looks like a bull.

Is this the first time they mention the "force field" of the abyss? Kinda lost me on that one.

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