REVIEW: ‘Insomniacs After School,’ Episode 10 — “The Elder Sister Star -Spica of Virgo”

Despite the patient pacing of the series, Insomniacs After School Episode 10 reminds viewers of the layers in continuous stages of unpacking. Light on its feet, the storytelling is deceptive in how much it offers, using elements of slice-of-life framing to tell a deep, character-driven story with real, personal pain that keeps its grip on our lead characters. Isaki and Nakami are kindred spirits, despite their apparent differences, which can be seen in their personality but also in how the character expressions are drawn, the voice performances, to even how the show has depicted their styles. “The Elder Sister Star -Spica of Virgo” further develops their relationship by allowing outsiders to peak into their bond while offering greater insight into what makes them who they are.

The main objective of the episode is for Isaki and Nakami to make it out to Mitsukejima for a training camp where they can practice getting better pictures of the night sky. Accompanied by Isaki’s older sister, Haya, her addition creates new dynamics between the core duo, yet another new character whose presence adds layers of maturity to their youthful naivety. While we only get brief interactions with Kurashiki as she accompanies the two to their parents to get confirmation that they’re okay with the trip they’re taking, she’s a breath of fresh air. Given one of the episode’s funniest lines with her crumpled declaration of needing a cold beer after enduring walking in the heat, she’s also allowed to engage with Nakami’s father, who helps her fill out some of the missing pieces for her student.

It returns to the story of a younger Nakami who’d run around in shoes with the heels flattened down. Rather than being an odd character quirk, it’s a minor devastation. He’d long outgrown the shoes and had failed to tell his dad, his mom having up and left in the middle of the night when Nakami was young. His father, who Nakami prepares meals for and leaves them marked in the fridge as he leaves for his trip, believes it’s an odd but lighthearted anecdote. Still, it speaks to a childhood tragedy where a kid learns their parents aren’t dependable and need to look after themselves instead. Whether he did it because he didn’t want to bother his dad or because he wanted his dad to be paying enough attention, he noticed himself, either option bruises.

It’s part of why it’s so nice to see him engage in something of a community. The scenes between Nakami and Shiromaru are also short, but even here, as she gives him advice, we see the development of their friendship. Her embarrassment at her fondness is a sweet moment and a reminder that her character deserves more time in the spotlight. The line “Do your best, my little protege” shows a positive shift in their growing dynamic.

It’s once they’ve gotten to Isaki’s grandmother’s house, however, that the plot deepens. The animation can expand into new territory, the oceanview and the shrine giving greater depth than some of the show’s more frequented scenery. The shrine sequence, in particular, gives way to sunset colors which bleed from the sky to the ground Nakami and Haya stand out, as the latter spells out some of Isaki’s struggles she’s endured over the years and Haya’s frustration over her younger sister’s seeming special treatment as a kid.

They couldn’t travel far as children due to Isaki’s health. At first, Haya uses her sister’s struggles to put Nakami off, hoping to discourage him from pursuing her by telling him Isaki would never be able to handle pity. The flashback accompanying this moment is startling in how human it is, a young Isaki spilling tears of frustration and shame over being pitied at a school race where her opponents helped her and allowed the three to share first place.

Haya’s opinion changes, though, when he admits that even if he can’t begin to understand all that she went through, he doesn’t feel sorry for her. Instead, he thinks she “shines brightly.” It’s a catalyst moment for Haya, even if Nakami and Isaki don’t fully understand her intent, as she leaves the next day to allow them time to themselves, having grown to understand their bond by witnessing how the two act around one another and seeing first hand Nakami’s treatment of her sister.

Insomniacs After School Episode 10 demonstrates the characters’ growth through relationships outside the main duo. Doing so further anchors the world in reality and makes for an engaging ensemble of reasonable, kind-hearted characters we enjoy following and rooting for. While it might just be the start of the next big step in Nakami and Isaki’s dynamic — platonic or otherwise — it’s a strong setup for the remaining episodes.

Insomniacs After School Season 1 is available now on HIDIVE.