REVIEW: ‘Buddy Daddies’ Episode 3 — “Spice of Life”

Buddy Daddies is back this week with Episode 3 and offering more domestic life and backstories for its characters. The series’ premise is simple, two hitmen wind up taking in a child when her dad is killed during a hit. Now her Papas, the two adjust to life with a child with a wholesome and joyful effect. But of course, they’re still hitmen with quite a bit of action making its way into the series as well.

Last episode, Kazuki and Rei decided to attempt to find Miri’s mother. Half of that is about not wanting to raise a child, and the other is an understanding that maybe a blood relative is better for Miri in the long run. In Buddy Daddies Episode 3, “Spice of Life,” pulls the little family into focus with Miri’s joy and love for her papas holding everything together. Set in their home, the park, and Miri’s mom’s club, every moment of the story is about choosing the next step in their life. Where does the story go next? And who does Miri belong with?

While similarities have been drawn between Buddy Daddies and Spy x Family, I think it’s extremely clear the sharp tonal difference between the two. This found family story has the wholesome moments of bonding between a child and her new-found fathers, but that’s where it ends. Instead, the story deals with the seedy underbelly of the world and starkly showcases how Buddy Daddies investigates the dark sides of family, and not necessarily from a humorous point of view.

When Kazuki attempts to reunite Miri with her mother, the reality of Miri’s childhood comes into focus. She’s not a happy child because she had a good mother, she is happy despite having one who hated her. It’s a poignant moment that shows true child-raising as a choice. Miri’s mom wanted to hit the small child every time she laughed. She blamed Miri for her life going wrong and that she was in love with leaving her. She saw her motherhood as something forced on her. Alternatively, Kazuki and Rei are actively choosing to raise her, at least now. While Kazuki has this moment without a lot of circumstances, for Rei, allowing Miri to call him papa is a step towards healing from his past and a father who harmed him.

Buddy Daddies Episode 3 has some elements of action in it, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is how Kazuki and Rei have accepted her love for them and chose to take care of her as their own. Right down to all sharing a bed in the post-credits scene. This is why Buddy Daddies is a great series because it’s trying hard to tell a story of choosing your family as much as it is showcasing a hitman action series. “Papa is the person who saves you when you’re in trouble” is the theme of this episode, and that line said by Miri encapsulates the importance of choosing your family.

Buddy Daddies Episode 3 is available now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes airing every Friday.