REVIEW: ‘Blade Runner: Black Lotus,’ Episode 7 – “Reality”

Blade Runner: Black Lotus is a sci-fi/action joint Crunchyroll-Adult Swim exclusive from Sola Digital Arts. Having killed Police Chief Grant and his wife for their part in the doll hunt, Elle returns to J’s to recoup and plan her next move. But J has a secret, and Elle might not be ready to learn what it is in Blade Runner: Black Lotus Episode 7.

After returning to J’s apartment and receiving some timely first aid, Elle and J are interrupted by the arrival of Officer Davis. While Elle is stashed away, Davis begins to confront J about his possible involvement with Elle and wonders why a former blade runner would help her. Learning of J’s past causes Elle to sneak away from the apartment to search out Dr. M. But J’s past won’t be the only secret she learns.

Following last week’s action-filled episode, Blade Runner: Black Lotus Episode 7 dials it back a bit as it focuses more on questions and truths than Elle’s flying fists. While most of what Elle learns is focused on pushing the narrative forward with both answers and new questions, the show also takes a moment to impart to Elle a truth about memories. This moment is perhaps the most poignant in this episode. So much of Elle’s story has revolved around what is true or not in her past, and the truths in this episode concerning the nature of memories reframe many of the things she has chased.

While this episode holds several key moments for the show’s developing narrative, it always manages to give each the necessary time to be impactful. They each get a chance to breathe as the importance of the revelations sink in for both the characters and viewers alike. This measured pacing also allows the characters the screen time necessary to respond to the unfolding story adequately. This helps maintain the weight of these critical moments.

The other aspect of Blade Runner: Black Lotus Episode 7‘s narrative I appreciate is how Elle continues to grow through the series. While it is subtle, her character gradually becomes more decisive as the story progresses. This feels like a natural progression for her. As she discovers just how much she is truly capable of, she has every reason to gain confidence in her abilities. The most impressive aspect of this is how smoothly the story imparts this growth. It’s one of those things you can completely miss due to how naturally it develops.

The visual side of this episode continues to deliver the show’s emotions wonderfully. Combined with this episode’s brief but excellent combat moments, the visuals once again manage to deliver the heart of the story so well that the generic look of the world itself is almost completely forgotten.

By bringing all of these elements together, Blade Runner: Black Lotus Episode 7 delivers another strong episode that continues to form the developing narrative. Punctuated by the series’ excellent combat, I am once more left eagerly awaiting the next installment in Elle’s story.

Blade Runner: Black Lotus Episode 7 is streaming on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim.