REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family’ Season 3 Episode 4 — “Behind The Scandal/Path To An Imperial Scholar”

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4, “Behind The Scandal/Path To An Imperial Scholar,” takes a peek into Handler’s (Yûko Kaida, The Grimm Variations) life as she gets to the bottom of the newest threat to East/West peace. Meanwhile, Anya (Atsumi Tanezaki, 100 Meters) learns about how to become an Imperial Scholar from Henderson (Kazuhiro Jamaji, Ghost in the Shell). 

In keeping with this season’s opening episode, much of Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 focuses on a supporting character. Following Handler, the narrative finds her and other WISE agents investigating the evolving situation surrounding a singer who plans to visit Westalia as part of a cultural exchange event. However, like the tactics of the spies themselves, this narrative setup is used as a smoke screen for a far deeper discussion.

Through Handler’s tutelage of a young agent, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 explores the media’s role in altering a person’s perception of an ongoing situation. As new events unfold, the young agent’s attitude towards the subject swings wildly. Handler uses these moments to stress the importance of objective approaches to information and of considering who is doing the talking. Skills that feel relevant in modern-day society. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 may focus on Handler, but also dives deeper into its themes.

This discussion about perception from a media standpoint alone would make the opening an interesting story. However, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 dives even deeper when WISE learns about a potential death threat against the artist. This threat is soon discovered to be the work of a former soldier in the war, one who perceives the concept of peace with Westalia as treasonous. 

While the discussion about the would-be assailant’s motives is brief, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 does an excellent job of highlighting another dangerous social element through it. When her subordinate questions how the man could think this way, Handler points out his military service. Her words bring up the fierce propaganda that was used during the war. The messaging painted the West out to be filled with monsters, creating a mental picture that could drive a person to see things as this rogue soldier does. 

The power of words that governments beat into their citizens is frequently understated. No matter how blatant a lie may be, if some individuals are bombarded by it long enough, they will eventually see it as real. Especially if the lie aligns with how they may be inclined to feel in the first place. 

Despite Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4‘s touching on some heavy and important topics, it manages to do so with due respect and seriousness, while still injecting a fair measure of the visual humor and charm the series has always held at its core. Handler’s knocking sense into her subordinate and her whipping the attempted assassin with her belt bring chuckles, keeping the overall energy of the story in line with what one expects without undercutting the important points. 

The balance between heavier topics and the show’s trademark humor keeps things veering too dark.

The second story in Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 steps away from world affairs and focuses on more personal struggles, such as Anya’s ongoing quest to become an Imperial Scholar. With extra time as she waits for the bus, and the promise of tea snacks, Anya finds herself helping her teacher, Henderson, carry books back to his office. As the duo walks, the teacher tries to impart some wisdom and guidance to his often struggling protege. As one might expect, it doesn’t go well. 

This entire sequence is equal parts charming and funny. As the pair walk and talk, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 does a great job of focusing on the ridiculousness of what Eden Hall —and, by extension, Henderson —expects of a child Anya’s age. Every line Anya utters feels so genuine for a child. Talking about self-reflection to an individual who barely understands TV isn’t real is a practice in futility on clear display here. The sequence screams, “Let children be children!” 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 delivers both of its narratives with skill. Its exploration of societal issues blends with the show’s charm and humor in a surprisingly smooth fashion. The way it combines fun and serious topics is a feat few shows could pull off. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 4 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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