REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family,’ Episode 24 – “The Role of a Wife/Shopping with Friends”

With the tennis tournament won, and Yor besting Fiona in their match, one would think things would be able to calm down in the Forger household. But Yor is still plagued with concerns that Loid will leave her and the neighbors are starting to talk. Worried about the success of Operation Stryx, Loid takes Yor out for drinks in the hopes of patching things up with his wife in Spy x Family Episode 24.

This week’s main plot serves as a highlight for both the show’s strengths and weaknesses. The primary focus of the sequence is the charming interplay between Loid and Yor. As the two fumble around for how to say what they think the other wants to hear, we get to see both of them at their most endearing. Of course, some wonderful comedic moments are sprinkled in, amply bringing to light the strength of that side of Spy x Family’s presentation to Episode 24.

As mentioned though, it also highlights what I continue to feel is the growing problem with the series: its glacial pacing. While there are some misunderstandings between Loid and Yor which get ironed out by the end of the story, this serves to simply return the duo to the status queue, as opposed to progressing them forward in their relationship. Spy x Family Episode 24 continues to drop enough hints that the forward momentum that is absent here will come—just how long till we see it remains a mystery.

Once Loid and Yor’s story is done, the back half of this episode sees Becky take Anya clothing shopping. Believing Anya’s spying on Damian is due to romantic interest, Becky insists the girls go so Anya can look her best and win Damian’s heart. The first takeaway from this secondary story most viewers will have is how insanely rich Becky is. To highlight this, Becky not only takes Anya to the most expensive department store in town, but she also reserves the entire facility for their personal use.

As the girls go through numerous outfits and accessories, the duo finds themselves exhausted by their search for the perfect outfit. But, while fashion seems to be an elusive query for Anya, it seems she and Becky manage to find something much more valuable on their adventure.

This backup story is nothing but pure charm. Not only does it confirm that Anya’s adorable design shines through literally any outfit, it further cements how wonderfully the series’ writing grasps the energy of childhood. Both girls managed to deliver the same pep that only youth has just shaded differently due to their extremely different life experiences.

The animation continues to deliver its unwavering excellence. Every sight gag, charming outfit, and relaxed moment feels lovingly crafted. The series simply doesn’t seem capable of failing in its visual presentation.

Spy x Family Episode 24 brings fun and charm in equal measure. If we could just see a little forward momentum for any of the show’s stories, this series would be flawless.

Spy x Family Episode 24 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.