REVIEW: ‘The Case Study of Vanitas,’ Episode 7 – “Love”

Welcome to The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 7, where everyone is in love with each other and cannot communicate it to save their lives. Studio Bones (My Hero Academia) brings audiences the adaptation of a steampunk vampire fantasy by mangaka Jun Mochizuki (Pandora Hearts). The manga is available in English from Yen Press. In Paris, vampires try to coexist among humans. However, an organization called Charlatan is stealing their true names, altering their “formulas,” and turning them into curse bearers. Noé and human doctor Vanitas, armed with the grimoire of the cursed Vampire of the Blue Moon, navigate politics and danger to discover the source of Charlatan.

After a lot of interpersonal relationship drama last week, this week leans more toward the light-hearted, or at the very least softer in its moments. The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 7 is the fun and melodrama of a bisexual rom-com, where everyone is a little clueless. Over a meal, Vanitas decides to taunt both Luca and Jeanne by revealing she had marked him while drinking his blood (let us not forget he is an absolute ass). While those to run off to have a private discussion, leaving the rest of the table stunned, Noé is thrown for a loop about his feelings on the whole situation. The framing of the entire sequence does a decently balanced job. It isn’t entirely clear whether he is jealous and has feelings for Vanitas or Jeanne (although, as per a lot of media, it tends to lean a little more towards the heterosexual option). To me, honestly, it could (and probably is) both. Noé is incredibly young of mind, likely due to his sheltered upbringing, it makes sense for his feelings to be just as unclear to the audience as himself, and it is handled tenderly while also leaving space for a good laugh.

Alas, poor Domi. She is so hung up on dear Noé when truly she and Jeanne should ditch the two men and run off together. The sight of them dancing and Domi’s flirting is enough to send that ship sailing in my book. Vampire boy Luca laments that he is too young and is hung up on an adorable crush on Jeanne, which is refreshing to see portrayed in a way that doesn’t feel uncomfortable or awkward. Sparkles, slo-mo, and close-ups, both sexy and cute, on blushing faces, make The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 7 quite the episode. For those who have fun shipping characters, prepare to ship everyone with everyone. The Venn Diagram is a big bisexual circle, and the show is a blast for it.

There are serious moments as well. Vanitas is an ass to Jeanne, that is certain, but his private conversation with her also opens up a greater mystery. Is Jeanne a curse bearer? Additionally, Vanitas’ request to be called by name, while masked by being manipulative, likely stems from his overall resentment towards how he was treated in the past by the Vampire of the Blue Moon and his feelings towards vampires. He has an identity beyond just “human.” Also, as large of a jerk he can be, it is difficult not to be intrigued and saddened by his conversation with Noé about love and his attraction to Jeanne.

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 7 is a fun episode for anyone who loves to ship characters. Additionally, it is sparkly, pretty to look at, and full of tender moments that lighten the mood after a rather serious arc.

The Case Study of Vanitas is streaming now on Funimation, with new episodes premiering Fridays.