REVIEW: ‘The Case Study of Vanitas,’ Episode 11 – “Promises”

Even in its lighthearted interim, The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 11, there is still plenty of juicy vampire intrigue and sensuality to go around. Adapted from the manga of the same name by Jun Mochizuki (Pandora Hearts), studio BONES (My Hero Academia) brings the stunning work and steampunk Paris to life. Vanitas, a human who claims to be a vampire doctor, carries around the cursed grimoire of the Vampire of the Blue Moon. Noé, whose childhood friend was a curse-bearer, seeks to learn more about the Vampire of the Blue Moon and follows Vanitas.

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 11 centers on Jeanne and Vanitas going on a date. Yes, you read that right. While Vanitas’s treatment of Jeanne (and being a general jerk to people) has been cringeworthy, this episode is a lot more lighthearted. Previously, Vanitas had divulged to Noé that he loved Jeanne because she would never love him back. Therefore, Jeanne comically decides to pretend to be enamored with him to scare him off. Straight out of a shojo manga, this doesn’t go according to plan, as Jeanne sees a softer side of Vanitas on their date and may be second-guessing her hatred of the man after all.

While it is a little frustrating to see Jeanne fall for Vanitas simply because he is now meeting the bare minimum of being a decent person, the date scenario is comical. There are plenty of good Jeanne, Domi, and Vanitas moments as they catch each other off guard throughout Paris. It also provides more insight into Jeanne’s character, as it is clear she hasn’t been treated well by her kin.

Speaking of kin, The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 11 may catch viewers off guard if they didn’t stick around until the end of the credits last week. A short scene revealed that Lord Ruthven may be working behind the scenes and causing much of the havoc that is being wrought upon Paris. This is relevant this week, as Ruthven asks Noé out for lunch to talk. Their portion of the episode is a great way to add tension and progress the plot while viewers still have fun. It smartly cuts back and forth between the two at key points, so viewers can see how the two separate occurrences intertwine.

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 11 has more good steamy vampires scenes as well. The voice actors as well as the camera angles don’t pretend that the act of sucking one’s blood isn’t a stand-in for sex. Everything from blushes, moans, and fingers curling fill the scenes where this happens. Major points to the show for committing fully to this fun element of vampirism. Contrastingly, in this episode, when a character has their blood sucked unwillingly, these reactions do not happen. The enjoyment comes from the characters’ mutual consent.

The Case Study of Vanitas Episode 11 is a fun outing and respite after last week feeling on the heavy side. It has more good sexy vampire scenes. If there had to be a downside, it would be Jeanne’s opinion of Vanitas changing only because he crosses the low bar of not being an ass this time around.

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