REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family,’ Episode 21 – “Nightfall/First Fit Of Jealousy”

With Anya’s presentation about what Loid does at work behind them, The Forger Family continues with their daily lives. But behind the scenes, Handler is assigning another agent to help Loid with an upcoming mission. However, Agent Nightfall (Fiona) has loftier ambitions than just being side kick for Loid in Spy x Family Episode 21.

Recently, my only real complaint with this series has been how the show feels like it has been in a bit of a rut over the last few episodes. The clearest example of this has been how the series has dealt with Yor. With no easy way to incorporate her into the main plot thus far, Yor has found herself getting into the same style of misadventures as she strives to be the best mom and wife she can be. While each of these sequences has been fun, they feel like they have held this seemingly wonderful character back from being all she can be. With Spy x Family Episode 21, the series may be angling to give Yor something more to do.

As this episode opens, we see Handler giving Agent Nightfall her assignment to aid Loid in an upcoming operation. The show does a great job of instantly establishing Fiona’s general personality and her thoughts on how Operation Strix is playing out. Then, with her mission in hand, Fiona sets out to accomplish her assigned duties and reach her own goals.

From here, Spy x Family Episode 21 sees Fiona arrive at the Forger’s home. When she arrives, she finds only Yor home, as Loid is out walking Bond with Anya. Under the auspices of returning Anya’s forgotten magnifying glass, Fiona begins to take stalk of Yor and the state of Strix as a whole.

Fiona’s cold and judgemental demeanor contrasts starkly with Yor’s ever-present warmth. Why Fiona is there and how poorly she judges the situation is both understandable from her point of view and comical. As she interacts with Yor, Fiona sees only a useless person who can’t possibly support Loid in his mission. But that is because her view of life is only in tangible gains. Since Yor isn’t driving Anya to succeed at her studies or actively helping Loid in the field, she doesn’t provide a net “gain.” However, the support Yor gives to both Loid and Anya is the type that can’t be quantified but is nevertheless vital. Whatever the outcome of Fiona’s presence in the series, her attitude towards Yor and her decisions regarding how she can best serve both Loid and Operation Strix hopefully means Yor will have more to do in the coming weeks.

Following the credits this week, Spy x Family Episode 21 delivers a quaint, slice-of-life story starring Anya and Bond. Thanks to Anya’s telepathy, the mini-story takes a simple situation and adds some extra layers to it. It’s a fun little tale to wrap up the episode.

As always, the animation throughout the story brings the world of the Forgers to life with all the warmth and fun one expects. This general warmth is even more apparent here due to Fiona’s presence. The art design does a great job of delivering just how cold she is, making her stand out in her time in this episode.

So, while Spy x Family Episode 21 doesn’t progress any of its major narratives significantly, it does set up future plots and hopefully is the beginning of a more active presence in the show for Yor.

Spy x Family Episode 21 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.