REVIEW: ‘Insomniacs After School,’ Episode 13 — “Methuselah”

Sometimes, in order to heal, all someone needs is a new lens through which to view the world. Insomniacs After School Episode 13, the season finale, allows Nakami to grow past some of his long-held fears and anxieties through both his interest in photography as well as his relationship with the endlessly bright Magari. He’s still sleepless, plagued by the insomnia that set the two protagonists on their journey to meeting one another, but for now, he’s able to admit that, with Magari by his side, even a sleepless night doesn’t seem so bad. Aside from the last few moments which rush through buttoning up some plot points, the finale encompasses all that made the series such a thoughtful, wholesome viewing.

The main drama is mentioned and wrapped up in the opening moments. Magari’s parents have found out she’s been staying with Nakami unsupervised and are coming to get her. Forgoing his usual reservations, Nakami declares that he and Magari are going to finish their journey together, determining the two travel to the Mawaki Site for their last night of the training camp.

It’s a move that means a lot to Magari, who is overcome with joy once they reach the site, hurling herself at Nakami while thanking him. It’s sweet in and of itself, a touching moment of her being grateful that he’d chosen to overcome his own stress and take her with him rather than go solo. It means more when we remember that, due to her health struggles as a kid, she’s grown up with a perpetual fear of being left behind. His staunch refusal to do so and the belief that she is a key component to why they were even able to travel at all play into her affections for him.

Similarly, her infectious exuberance and ability to view life with optimism despite her hardships have helped shape Nakami into a more mature version of himself. Their relationship, once defined by their shared inability to sleep at night, transformed into a give-and-take that allowed them to both see the parts of one another they hid from others. He may make his grand declaration of love only in the finale, but the two of them have been making small confessions for most of the season.

His declaration of love exemplifies one of the show’s greatest strengths. Nakami is awkward, and Insomniacs After School Episode 13 doesn’t just forget about that for the sake of a big romantic gesture. The writing never forgets that these are teenagers and they’re exhausted teenagers to boot. Their filters are threadbare. But still, his sincerity rings through as he tells her that he loves her, now and forever. He just needs a second to gather himself in order to say it in a way that he finds acceptable.

Magari’s response also fits the character. Overcome with the humiliation felt when sincerity is directed at you, she covers her face but she isn’t rejecting him. Instead, she asks him to take her photo, wanting to always remember a moment when she felt she was the happiest she’d ever been. It’s another moment where photography has been utilized to capture their true emotions, though usually, it’s a method reserved for Nakami.

The episode spends so much of its time under the night sky and it’s a strong reminder of the incredible artistry, the late night hours captured with a whole pallet of blues. The star’s vibrance stands out against the darker colors, illuminating Nakami and Magari’s faces as they stand in awe of them. However, the most stunning animation is found as the sun sets. The scene is largely still, yet the way the colors bleed and marry creates something gorgeous, the pinks, oranges, and reds combining in a manner that lights the world afire. The way these summer hues engulf Magari and Nakami’s faces demonstrates the animators’ immense skill.

If not for the rushed ending, “Methuselah” would’ve been the perfect conclusion. In just a few sequences we learn that Magari has been grounded for their stunt of running away and that Nakami’s photo won the national competition, meaning their club will receive more funding. Ending on Magari recording her radio show, for Nakami’s ears only, is a nice touch and call back. Due to how it ends it makes you wonder if there’s any plans for a season two. The story is all but wrapped up. Nakami can’t sleep, he loves Magari who returns his feelings, and the two are going to continue to work on themselves as they face hardships and triumphs together.

Insomniacs After School Episode 13 is a strong episode that nearly misses sticking the landing due to rushing the last few moments. Regardless, Nakami and Magari’s shared and individual journeys reach natural and welcome destinations, and the start of their romance, though inevitable, is charmingly written and sweetly depicted. With strong background animation and stronger character work, “Methuselah” encapsulates the show’s warmth and its greatest assets.

Insomniacs After School Season 1 is available now on HIDIVE.