REVIEW: ‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ Episode 8 — “Sushi and Hot Springs of the Dead”

Having parted ways with his old boss at the truck stop, Akira Tendo (Shūichirō Umeda) set out with Shizuka Mikazuki (Tomori Kusunoki) and Kenchirō Ryūzaki (Makoto Furukawa) to visit his parents place and ascertain if they are ok. But while en route, they come across a stranded truck that is being swarmed by the undead in Zom 100 Episode 8, “Sushi and Hot Springs of the Dead.”

Within the crashed truck our protagonists discover Beatrix Amerhauser, a German-born tourist who had the ill-timing of making a long-awaited visit to Japan just as the outbreak occurred. Decked out in full, classical samurai garb and wielding a naginata, Beatrix is quickly revealed to be a huge lover of Japanese culture and history. The trio teams up with her to assist in her mission: delivering frozen fish to a nearby sushi place so they can dine on all-you-can-eat sushi.

The lengths the team ultimately goes to in order to have their fine dining experience would feel ridiculous in any other setting. But Akira will use any excuse to don his shark-proof superhero outfit. And besides, dining at a fine sushi place is on his bucket list. Between his and Beatrix’s muscles, Shizuka’s brains, and Kencho’s willingness to bear it all, the team is able to overcome every obstacle to make their delivery and enjoy their well-earned meal.

Before they get to this moment though the opening see’s the series’ most violent moments yet. While Beatrix’s naginata cleaves enemies in two, the graphic nature of the moments continues to be toned down thanks to the multi-colored blood sprays. The tone is further lightened due to the presence of goofy lettering during Beatrix’s brutal frenzy. Visual declarations like “slash” and “kill” are displayed in a fun homage to the onomatopoeia comics effects work.

Once they finish their meal, the group’s plans to reach Akira’s parents are once again waylaid by the presence of a nearby hot spring. With days having passed since anyone had gotten a proper bath, the team of four decide they can’t pass up on the opportunity for a refreshing dip.

This second sequence in Zom 100 Episode 8 indulges in all the antics one would expect of the show, including an unfortunate problem prohibiting hot water in the ladies’ spa forcing the group to face sharing a bath. The episode allows for more than comedy in the moment as it delivers some emotional beats as well while the group tries to enjoy the springs.

These more serious moments center around Akira and Shizuka. When the group first arrives at the spa, Akira mentions to Shizuka how the spring would be a wonderful spot for a date, clearly trying to insinuate his interest in her. In classic Shizuka fashion, she responds to his advances with all the reasons why young love is a statically bad idea and why people in their 20s should focus on establishing their careers rather than look for love.

It is only near the end of the episode after a close call with some unexpected undead bathers have flushed the group into the mountains that Shizuka gets a chance to apologize to Akira for her coldness. She explains to him how her opinions were always trampled on by her father, so seeing Akira so easily expressing himself put her on the defensive. This moment of rare vulnerability brings the duo one step closer to what feels like their inevitable hook-up.

While the series often emphasizes the wackier, comedy prone side of its story, Zom 100 Episode 8 delivers this softer moment with skill. Its contrast to the violent battle and goofy implied nudity in the rest of the episode makes it stand out. Having already seen glimpses of what Shizuka went through as a child, this latest revelation only serves to deepen the viewer’s emotional connection to her.

Zom 100 Episode 8 continues to deliver everything the series has excelled at in the past. It’s off-beat take on the end of the world, coupled with some genuine emotional depth, once again comes together to craft a fantastic slice of anime.

Zom 100 Episode 8 is streaming now on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.