Recap

Mysteries around the existence of Sawada Heiji make Hazama question his own sanity. Too bad we’re not left to dwell on that notion for very long, he is very much real.

Episode 20

That exploded apartment has to be a Fight Club reference, right? I can’t imagine they would go for that kind of plot line without a gas explosion being some sort of reference. The idea that it’s all in Hazama’s head still doesn’t explain how things are happening to other people. I suppose it would make sense given Hazama’s world altering powers that his bored subconscious could create a final villain to fight. While short, his fight with Goto was the highlight of the episode. Both characters obviously have issues, and to see both of them bring everything to the forefront was interesting. It’s that kind of fight that real friends get to when problems need to be resolved. I loved the final scene too, with Hazama madly dashing trying to prove that he isn’t insane only to make him doubt more.

Episode 21

I’m a bit disappointed in how this week’s Samurai Flamenco went about. From the way last episode ended I felt they would delve way more into the possibility of Hazama just being straight up crazy, but it seems like they don’t even ponder upon that as soon as the episode starts. One minute he’s questioning his very sanity, the next Red Axe comes in and is like “NOPE, YOU’RE PERFECTLY FINE!” It takes a lot of punch out of what could have been an interesting angle on the whole Samurai Flamenco legacy.

What happens next is one of the most hilariously groan inducing things I’ve ever seen. Joji’s proclamation that love is the ultimate weapon is the kind of heroic silliness I expect from Red Axe, but to see Hazama take it so seriously was just surreal. It made me wanna go back on my original theory that Hazama is really just a robot, as you could replace his character with one and the scene would have the same effect. I suppose this show has a better explanation than most, but having your character go “WHAT IS LOVE?” is just the height of ridiculous. I am glad the show made a specific point to show that Ishihara isn’t into him, as that kind of “well she’s the only real option” kind of thinking would have been really lazy.

That said, at least it seems like the drama is taking itself a bit more seriously. This show has never been one to shy away from grisly images, but the sheer visceral reaction to seeing Moe and Mizuki foaming at the mouth was a particularly powerful one. I don’t believe for a second that Goto is in any real danger, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did get shot at the end here. It might be a race against the clock as Samurai Flamenco has to fight Heiji before he bleeds out. Samurai Flamenco has one more episode left to deliver another crazy twist. Knowing this show, I would be very disappointed if we don’t get at least one more before they ride off into the sunset.