Zankyou no Terror – 03
Forgive my shoddy ensemble of haughty stick-figure because I’m without photoshop right now. Anyways, we are up to the third episode and action has definitely taken a backseat in favour of explanation but it’s all good because I do enjoy foreshadowing rather than events occurring without any head or tail. This series has been loading us with many questions so it’s about time some of them got answered.
New Challenger
It seemed in the previous episode that our young terrorists felt a bit let down with the law-enforcers’ performance; however, not anymore because finally a new challenger has appeared to butt heads with them. It comes as no surprise because the oldman hiding in the Archive department seemed quite brilliant with his theories on Sphinx to-date. Ignore his shaggy look, it’s more an ode to his defiance against the system as his mind always doesn’t work the usual patterns. Haven’t you heard, brilliant people are a bit crazy. So, I was all for Kurahashi’s decision on including Shibasaki in the Sphinx case. I can’t blame Hamura for throwing a hissy-fit on his inclusion because he didn’t even know of his existence until recently. He’s still a bit green around the ears after all. I see acceptance from other members of the investigation team so I’m glad internal strife/drama was not escalated out of proportions. We have better things to concentrate on like our characters’ pasts and their current motives.
Kurahashi’s decision of including Shibazaki in the investigation team pays off quite quickly when he solves Sphinx’s third riddle about the house besides Shirahige shrine with successful dismantling of the bomb. If our young masterminds hadn’t given enough clues, finding the relevant shrine would have been like finding a needle in haystack because Tokyo is filled with shrines. But props to them for being good sportsmen for lack of a better term. Props to nikuman-kun as well, who is slow in the brain department but his presence around Shibazaki provides nice eureka moments and that was the ticket this time. However, this sharp-cookie has enough of his own charisma to subdue a defiant witness of the crane incident by conversation alone. Though, the personal best out of the whole clue gathering was Shibazaki’s video response done in his own drawl with a piercing glare. Anyone would be overwhelmed by it but our young terrorists seemed mildly amused. However things go, I’m really looking forward to these exchanges between them.
Sphinx’s Meanderings
Time and time again, it is being proven that Sphinx is too intelligent for their own good. They have many classical criminal pair traits but the most entertaining part is their confidence in themselves. They don’t take things too seriously, but their level of seriousness is above par of your regular criminal. They still wear gloves while working on custom bombs and during deliveries. They take precautions in hiding their movement trail by deleting identity data and use secure links to hide their internet activity. Even with all this, they decides important events on rock-paper-scissors wi! Who does that? Well, besides Gon. It’s as if they are ready to die for their cause and the meantime is just some time passing for them. From the foreboding way these two have been operating, Twelve more so than Nine in terms of Lisa, it’s like they are just moving towards their death wish.
I have to appreciate the amount of details added to Sphinx riddles. Their genius reflects from the way they are exploiting Oedipus history and connecting the dots. The symbolism is quite ironic because both Nine and Twelve were given up by their parents and them being part of that weird institution we finally had more than a glimpse of. They never knew parental affection rather a harsh regimen set by their captors to exercise their brains to maximum. The only solidarity they possess is with each other by sharing of roots and their final goal to send a message/ reveal an untold truth. They are pretty calm about things except for when their past catches up to them in nightmares and old memories. I’m not sure what Twelve’s plans are with Lisa but her running from home is not surprising on how events have been setup with her mother and continuous bullying. She is looking for the silver lining and even when Twelve is not it, they will connect in some dysfunctional way of support. At least there’s more of Lisa in preview and her being the outlier of group, we’ll have to see how things roll.
Foreshadowing
Some of my theories on Shibazaki turned true with his personal and professional life on the line for his demotion to Archives department. It must be very hard for him, being second generation after Hiroshima’s nuclear bombing in world war II, to face his worst fears in present day. As they have already connected the Aomori nuclear theft to Sphinx, keeping their fingers crossed for them not using it on the populace is out of the question. Sphinx poses a dangerous threat and Shibazaki knows it more than anyone because of his experience and past stories shared by his grand parents on the after-effects of Hiroshima bombing. Not to mention, being obsessed by a case, which was dubbed as suicide by everyone else. I have read that the governmental setting of Kokkai is very well-placed and highly political. House Representatives get a lot of perks but they also have to uphold honour of their designated house and there are a lot of complicated duties and responsibilities laden into these positions. It’s not an easy life and suicide pretty much means a huge scandal. I’m sure the leader of the ruling party responsible for demotion of Shibazaki used all his connections in Metro Police to shut his mouth and burying the scandal. But I do think that there’s more that meets the eye here because this oyaji means business and if he had a hunch, there must be something around it. If the same people are tied back to the VON incident and/or institution housing the brilliant kids, who were killed to hush things up by the end, it will be a very sweet justice.
An institution to train super soldiers is no laughing matter either. There has to be some governmental involvement for such an institution to exist with funding, identity management of these lost children and military links for the training regimen. It’s already established that the institution contained lost but brilliant children (solving milk puzzles is srs bsns yo!), and Lisa definitely has the similar dead eyes. But one thing that really bothered me was Nine’s childhood resembling Lisa. I know character designs sometimes mashup but the staff should have taken this into consideration and given Nine some identifying look rather than looking like a loli. I know some people sure enjoyed that but eh. These are just images of a gone past for now but they will definitely play a very important role in the plot resolution.
On the count sake, the score stands at 2-1 between Sphinx and First Division. Next episode will show towards whom the scales will tip but from Hamura’s reaction towards Shibazaki in preview, things will not go hunky-dory. Hamura really needs to lighten up on the blame-game but I’ll keep my bitching on him for later. We will be seeing more officials joining the hunt and some more of Lisa. Besides this, any information on the institution where Nine and Twelve were captive is welcome because it was definitely an inside job and the governmental trail has to be long enough to reveal some very harsh truths.
Extra Terror
Oldman’s got swag
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I enjoyed this episode as well. Things are coming together nicely and all that foreshadowing is definitely hinting towards our fourth character introduction. I am already very curious about her because from the flashback, she was sitting away from the group and almost in a torpor, from sheer boredom or sorrow, we still don’t know. Out of all the characters, Lisa remains to be separate and almost detached. Whatever life is still in her, is pushing her towards Twelve because he was the only one who bothered to notice her. Does her past contain some connection to the institution? What skill does she have? How will she play into all this is still up for grabs. I really hope, we get a handle on her because she sure is sticking out like a sore thumb from the plot.
The bomb theme is rampant in this series and Shibazaki being from Hiroshima is no coincidence either. Having being a second generation victim of such a large scale disaster, he identifies with victims more and of the dangerous future that Sphinx poses to Tokyo. There is a lot of emotion in the powerful words he ends his video with: “I don’t know if this is a game or a joke to you, but don’t get carried away with your child’s play. The joker you guys are waving around isn’t a toy. If you use that, I will never forgive you!” Though, it’s interesting to note that till now death toll is still zero with maximum of injuries sustained in the first bombing. Will the streak continue? How Sphinx will face Shibazaki’s intellect? What surprises the next riddle bring? Will we find out the purpose behind this meticulously designed scheme of Sphinx? Well, hopefully all in good time.
Preview
About Kyokai
The Boss lady of Metanorn, who makes it all happen. An animanga enthusiast, who watches/reads almost anything that strikes her fancy. Just beware of her Death Perception and always keep her happy. Regularly found at @KyokaiTM & #[email protected].
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
There has to be some governmental involvement for such an institution to exist with funding, identity management of these lost children and military links for the training regimen.
Just to note that in today’s modern fiction, the involvement can be by shady rich megacorporations, and training by private army contractors tied to said companies. 😉
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Sounds completely Hollywood 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
@ zztop, I’m sticking with this theory due to the Diet involvement with Shibazaki and Sphinx specifically targeting governmental buildings. You can easily surmise that they have beef with the authorities. 😉
@ Namika, Hell yeah!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
It’s as if that institution is trying to make an army of Jason Bournes.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Unfortunately, they got their wish… 😐
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Another great episode. It definitely looks like Nine and Twelve are looking for something in particular. They are trying to get the police to understand and discover something and are glad when the detective is actually able to figure them out.
It’s like they don’t really want to hurt anyone. They really want to solve a large riddle and they want the authorities to help them. They’ve gone through a lot to do it too. We get another look into their childhood and see that they were in some weird child experimentation program. (Really, you have a bunch of little kids put together a 1000 piece puzzle with no picture on it? How special were these kids? )
Interestingly, it looks like Five is the little girl that Nine and Twelve thought died in their flashback nightmares. I wonder how that will figure in later on when she shows up again.
As for Lisa, she continues to basically be useless, though we see that she has decided to runaway from home, from a disturbed mother. I have to say, that while I think running away is a drastic thing to do when you don’t have a plan. Her mother is a little unhinged, and I think she might just accidentally harm or kill Lisa if this keeps up.
And now the detective’s backstory is being told and he has some politician conspiracy that he’s been working on? Who want’s to bet that these kids and that conspiracy are connected? This show is too short for them to have completely separate sub-plots, so I have to say the Diet politician suicide is related in some way.
Well, we’ll have to see next week to see what happens next. I’m still loving this and cannot wait.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
The fact that Lisa’s a useless mess right now somehow gives me strong hopes that she will rise dramatically and play an important role in something.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Some people are speculating that Lisa is Shibazaki’s daughter. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true. It would put her between both parties of this drama and that would be great conflict going forward.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
She’s sticking out for a reason is all I can say and if Lisa is Shibazaki’s daughter… well, that would be quite sad to watch. :/
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
There is definitely a connection to how they are targeting governmental buildings only. They definitely have a reason behind it and hopefully, we’ll find out soon enough.
Btw, those white puzzles are called milk puzzles and they are very hard. The institution was definitely up to no good by involving kids under such hard regimen. The destruction of facility seemed planned rather than an accident.
Btw, like a theorized, there has to be a connection with Diet involvement and the skeletons about the institution. Currently, Shibazaki is playing against Sphinx but if we have something similar to him getting some traits of Gordon (Batman-verse), I’ll be so very pleased. It would be great if the VON/institution mystery is solved with cooperation of Sphinx and Shibazaki for a huge governmental change.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
I’m definitely enjoying this the most out of everything that I picked up this season. It’s so well-written(so far) and the graphics are gorgeous.
Lisa sure is looking out of place, but I think she has a big purpose, because considering the quality of the writing, it’s kind of impossible for me to imagine that Lisa’s existence doesn’t have a purpose. I’m sure she will play a big role in something. And not just a coincidental role.
Considering the plot, we’re still pretty much in the dark. But I don’t mind that the information is handed out in small doses. Though it would be nice, if ZnT didn’t go down a path a-la “it’s art, it’s supposed to be complicated”.
The OST album came out recently. I love it! The atmosphere is so unusual for anime, and I just can’t get enough. My favorite track is “Walt”. It’s incredibly beautiful and emotional.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Animation is sooo good that after first episode, I felt not to talk about it at all because it’s like a fixed thing for this anime. Props to MAPPA for doing an amazing production job on it. Definitely my top pick of the season as well – keeps me glued to the screen throughout the run of the episode.
I hope your theories are right on Lisa, I really want her character to flesh out. Though, I don’t think the plot is deliberately making itself complicated (unlike Mekakucity Actors), rather that’s the intrigue of the story and things will be explained in good time. They are handing out clues so hopefully it will work out in the end.
Loved the OST as well. In a while, this was the first time that the OST album was released before the anime even began airing. You should check out my previous ramblings on ZnT because I focus on OSTs as well. Though, this episode didn’t have any particular tracks that I could identify. Love all the tracks but lolol gives me heebeejeebees, while love walt, lava, veat and von. You have any other favourites besides walt?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
If loving this series is a crime, then I’m guilty as charged because it’s addictive. Action can take a back seat to intelligence if written correctly. Personally (If I haven’t missed anything), I haven’t had anything with a decent and mouse element since the movie “Inside Man”
It’s a thin line between brilliance and insanity.
Nine and Twelve’s evident sighs of relief on their riddle getting figured out is really pressing on my theory of them using bombings to make society aware of something. And it took some old school methods to get the job done. If anything, I’m betting it’s about connections to the institution they were sent to as children.
Some are already weary of Lisa but I remain interested in her enough to wonder where fate is leading her now that she’s on her own. A given she couldn’t stay with her insane mother and after what she’s been through in life, she probably has a low opinion of people. I’m also on the idea she may be Shibazaki’s daughter. Her mother did mention worrying about her running away like her father did.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
It’s not a crime because we all love it and love talking about it! Though, I’ll be happy if Office Rin arrests me for it. 😉
And I like the grey crazy more than the evil crazy any day.
Usually, when tricks are figured out, people throw fits and lots of displeasure but our young boys were nowhere near it. They are definitely not winging this whole thing on a whim rather have a well thought out plan, which we’ll find int good time.
I’m dubious on Lisa being Shibazaki’s daughter because why would he leave the house if they were living in the same city? And to where, even after knowing the affect of it on his wife? He seems lazy and what not but would he just up and leave his family? I see it the other way around with his wife leaving him because of him being up to no good and overall dishonour after the Diet Secretary suicide scandal. The societal norms are tighter in Asian countries compared to west so I don’t think this one cuts it. The only way I see it, if there was some threat to his family due to which he cut all his ties with them – again quite dubious but we’ll see.
POWUH: 800-899 and Flying Sage with 856 comments
Like many here, I think Sphynx is trying to prompt an investigation into the Facility. I also am guessing there is a connection to Shibazaki’s investigation into the Diet secretary’s suicide, although it is possible that that was just to explain to us the kind of guy he is.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
It’s interesting how the clues are making us think harder on possibilities but like you, I do expect there has to be a reason for all this. I’d love it if sub-plots come together in a nice cohesion.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I’m almost ready to dismiss this as a version of V for Vendetta that isn’t hitting any new ground. But then I think of Lisa, and how I want to follow her situation. And then I think that that is just like V for Vendetta…
I think more on this come episode four.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Aww don’t do that. There are some elements but I don’t think Lisa’s role is going to be as pronounced as the heroine of Vendetta.