REVIEW: ‘Tougen Anki’ Episode 8 — “The Unreliable Hero”

Tougen Anki Episode 8, “The Unreliable Hero,” explores Rokuro Kiriyama’s (Kaito Miura) past as he struggles to come to the aid of his would-be protector, Kuina Sazanami (Aimi Terakawa, Suzume). Elsewhere in the underground Oni facility, two major confrontations are preparing to ignite. 

This episode centers on a moment that was obviously coming, and lands as poorly as one might expect: Rokuro’s sudden triumph over his pathological fear of everything. As Kuina gets knocked around by a new variant of monster that counters her fist-first approach to combat, the panicked Rokuro must confront his fears so that he may aid her. This takes the form of a trip to the young man’s past.

Tougen Anki Episode 8’s explanation of why Rokuro is the way he is feels a bit hollow. Sure, he lost someone who served as emotional support, but that doesn’t feel like enough. Many of us lose supportive people, but overwhelming emotional paralysis doesn’t tend to be the outcome. It feels like there is an additional element missing to explain the result of the flashback’s effects. 

Rokuro’s blood powers are visually stunning in Tougen Anki Episode 8.

Once Rokuro processes everything and realizes he is the only one who can save Kuina, he steps forth and does what he must. The presentation of his blood powers is wonderfully delivered. However, while his moment of confidence is visually well-executed, much like his earlier sorrow, it rings hollow. For someone who was previously too scared even to throw a punch, he’s become a master far too fast. 

How Rokuro casts aside his doubts feels disingenuous to the situation. Rather than simply overcoming the problem instantly, it would be far better for him to continue to struggle. Let him show hesitancy. Let him be scared, but moving anyway. Fear doesn’t have to be absent for a person to be heroic. 

As the dust settles on Rokuro’s fight, Tougen Anki Episode 8 jumps back to Shiki Ichinose (Kazuki Ura, Zenshu) as he tries to lift Mei’s (Kotori Koiwai, Plus-Sized Elf) spirits in the face of the overwhelming brutality the girl has been forced to endure. Seeing her parents die twice is proving difficult for the child, as she questions whether she should even still be alive. 

As opposed to the previous attempt at inspirational storytelling, Shiki’s moment hits better than Rokuro’s. His desire to lift Mei’s spirit feels genuine, and the shaky results seem sincere. The young girl is not wholly convinced by the boy’s declarations of strength, but she shouldn’t be. Continuing to doubt makes her problem feel real and grants it weight. 

Tougen Anki Episode 8 tries to do a lot but only partially succeeds.

Despite Mei’s questionable resolve to continue, Shiki is forced to leave her so he can help the others. This choice puts him face-to-face with the massacre’s architect, Tsubakiri (Daisuke Kishio, Tower of God). Only the opening clash is seen here, but what we get hints at a severe flaw in Shiki’s approach. One that points to likely shortcomings for the ensuing battle. 

The closing moments of Tougen Anki Episode 8 also set up a confrontation between Jin Kougasaki (Koutarou Nishiyama, My New Boss is Goffy) and Yomigi (Mariya Ise, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX). As Jin rushes to learn the fate of his teacher, Naito Mudano, he runs headlong into the Momotaro, setting up their clash. How the overly aggressive melee fighter will deal with Yomigi’s unbreakable walls could prove interesting if handled well. 

Tougen Anki Episode 8 tries to do a lot but only partially succeeds. Its rush to move characters forward undercuts some of what it attempts, as it sets up potentially exciting elements for the future. 

Tougen Anki Episode 8 is streaming now on Netflix.