REVIEW: ‘Otherside Picnic,’ Episode 6 – “The Meat Train”

Otherside Picnic is one of many novel series coming to digital big spring in Winter 2021. A blend of Yuri, science fiction, and horror, Otherside Picnic angles to tantalize viewers with gals being pals in a world full of creepypasta monsters. Previous episodes of Otherside Picnic have successfully kept the ball rolling, building a fascinating story backset by the Otherside’s unreality. Let’s dive into Otherside Picnic Episode 6!

In Otherside Picnic Episode 5, Sorawo and Toriko found themselves yanked into the Otherside by force. Only this time, it’s not to their familiar, sunlit location. It’s into the Otherside’s nighttime, which is teeming with creepy crawlies. It’s also home to the mysterious, unsettling Kisaragi Station, known as February Station, to the American troops staying there. Far from Tokyo, it’s up to Sorawo and Toriko to figure out how to get back… before it’s too late.

Otherside Picnic Episode 6, “The Meat Train,” picks up at February Station, a haunted train station in the still-mysterious Otherside. It looks like viewers are in for a treat as we’ll continue to spend time with the Okinawan troops who found themselves lost in another world. It’s clear that this isn’t a jaunty romp through a glitch-filled realm. For the troops, it’s just a living nightmare.

Right off the bat, the setting hits a bit differently, even when compared to the previous episode. February Station is inherently creepy, cast in desaturated earth tones. This isn’t your typical Tokyo train stop: this is railways done Otherside-style. That means teeming with all manner of nightmarish horrors, though what those might be haven’t been revealed quite yet. Perhaps Otherside Picnic Episode 6 will dive into the “meat” mentioned in the episode title.

Still, it’s clear that all of the troops are facing severe mental trauma. This stands in stark relief to Sorawo and Toriko. While the Otherside has physically changed the girls, they still routinely return to the “normal world” after every trip. Toriko and Sorawo even get to indulge in a few hard-won prizes from their trips into this uncanny land. Heck, they even have regular feasts at izakayas after their missions.

The American troops, on the other hand, have been stuck here for who knows how long. They’ve even had to put down their own comrades, especially when the Otherside sinks its horrific claws into them. Yet, even amidst all of the uncanny, unusual horror of the realm, the troops have maintained their humanity. The troops are running on fumes and barely running at that. Viewers can only wonder if there will be an end to their suffering.

Sorawo, Toriko, and the troops continue to soldier on, no pun intended. After all, that’s all one can do when stuck in the Otherside, especially at night. Thankfully, the soldiers have a few rations and bottles of the sports drink Pocari Sweat for the girls. They even offer them a tent. All they do after is recommend that the girls don’t use their cell phones. Viewers aren’t given much more than that.

I found myself really invested in this episode. Otherside Picnic Episode 6 serves two purposes. First, it continues this new arc at Kisaragi Station. Secondly, it brings a whole lot of creepy, supernatural beasties to the station platform. The is par for the course for viewers. However, I feel that Otherside Picnic Episode 6 upped the ante by making a really tense episode, especially towards the end.

Additionally, Otherside Picnic Episode 6 tests Toriko and Sorawo’s bond once more, forcing them into the fray as they defend the station. Thankfully, they’ve got loads of experience behind them. The girls also have Sorawo’s blue eye, which, thankfully, perceives the true nature of the creatures that threaten the station. As always, it’s nice to see the girls working in tandem to tackle the Otherside.

Otherside Picnic Episode 6 is yet another excellent episode. The animation bump the action scenes get is nice, as are the supernatural beasties viewers encounter. The writing and directing work together in tandem to build a satisfying conclusion to the events at Kisaragi Station. However, I think that I speak for all viewers by hoping that this isn’t the last time we’ll see the troops.

Moreso, the scenario the girls find themselves in is truly engaging, showcasing the Otherside at its most horrific yet. If you’re like me, you’ll feel a bit of frustration being left on a cliffhanger. Still, that frustration isn’t bad. It’s just eagerness at seeing Otherside Picnic Episode 7!

In the end, it seems that Otherside Picnic will continue to be an enjoyable entry to the Winter 2021 season. I look forward to the back half of the series. I have a good feeling it’ll be just as dynamic as Otherside Picnic Episode 6. In fact, I find myself chomping at the proverbial bit for the next episode!

Otherside Picnic is streaming now on Funimation.