Recap: Araragi and Shinobu discover survivors of the vampire zombie apocalypse. With a helpful note from an old friend, they find a possible means of returning to their proper timeline.

Jel’s Thoughts: This episode certainly started out cool. I would have thought Zombie Hunter Adult Mayoi deserved more than a few minutes of screen time, but I guess plot wise it made sense that Araragi didn’t want to get too close to her. It’s always good to hear from Oshino as well, who offered one of the better explanations of YOU CAN’T CHANGE TIME theory that I’ve heard in awhile. Seeing him make one last suicidal stand with his old college pals would have been fun to watch in its own right, but I suppose this is not their story.

It was the showdown with Kiss Shot that felt like a bit of a let down. There was all this build up to some massive confrontation, and then just like that it was over. I wasn’t surprised at the lack of physical confrontation – this is Monogatari after all and most the series’ battles have been won with words. I just felt like there needed to be more dialogue, more danger, more… something. Perhaps a big speech would have been too predictable, but even so I don’t think the scene or subsequent epilogue with Mayoi had as much impact as they were going for.

Perhaps more disappointing is where we are headed next. Chronologically we should be moving on to Kanbaru’s arc in Hanamonogatari, but apparently that is being pulled from the TV run to be aired later. I have no clue as to why, and I’m pretty disappointed since Kanbaru is my favorite character. Maybe her arc is too hot for TV? Regardless of the reason, it will be on to Otorimonogatari and the return of Nadeko. I’m looking forward to seeing her up the creep factor after her brief appearance in Nisemonogatari. Just what is in that locked closet of hers? Hopefully we will find out.