REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family’ Season 3 Episode 7 — “The Red Circus”

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7, “The Red Circus,” sees the busjacking continue to play out as the children of Eden College struggle to adapt to their desperate situation. As word spreads about the event, various organizations begin responding to the unfolding nightmare. 

One of the long-standing strengths of this series has been its approach to the numerous children who populate much of its narrative. Respecting childlike viewpoints and approaches while maintaining a cohesive narrative is not easy. It’s why children are often written as if they were tiny adults. Here, though, the narrative has always found a way to balance childhood misconceptions of the world with having its diminutive characters function in a larger narrative. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 takes the successful formula with its kids to a whole new level. As the looming peril sets in, the children panic. However, as individuals learn things or respond to the actions of others, the highly suggestive nature of children takes hold and guides the group down some fairly chaotic and entertaining paths. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 waffles between heroic and terrifying.

As one would expect, this all begins with Anya (Atsumi Tanezaki, Fire Force). Emboldened by her telepathy, Anya comes to terms with the crisis faster than her peers. Once she starts moving, other students like Damian (Natsumi Fujiwara, Witch Watch) and Becky (Emiri Kato, Granblue Fantasy: Relink) quickly get caught up in her focus, even if they are unsure of where it comes from. Although, they can be brought back down to earth just as quickly.

This waffling between heroic and terrified highlights the power and fragility of childhood resilience. When they see a promising solution, they instantly reach for it without thinking. Whisked away in the promise of salvation, they move boldly. Until the scary man at the front of the bus takes notice. Then they all instantly wilt. 

Despite the inherent tension in the scenario, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 does a great job of keeping the energy light. Anya’s confidence and some of the ridiculous “plans” the kids come up with help diffuse the situation so the audience can enjoy the series without undo stress. This is coupled with the assurance that the lead kidnapper is unlikely to actually hurt any of the children, save as an absolute last resort.

Hander brings some unexpected positivity to Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7.

While the kids struggle to undermine their captors within the bus, outside, various organizations are doing what they can to help resolve the crisis. Local police act on intel smuggled out by the kids, and even Handler (Yûko Kaida, The Grimm Variations) gets WISE’s assets working on the situation, hoping to leak information to the police anonymously. Only State Security acts in a manner that is unconcerned with the lives of the children.

Seeing Handler risk WISE’s assets for the sake of the kids, as well as the local police’s rejection of State Security’s cold-hearted plans for the hostages, brings a strong sense of positivity to the episode. Both parties are taking risks they don’t have to, but when children are in danger, one always wants to believe that most would band together to help protect the innocent.

The only other adult whose initial response to the unfolding crisis disappoints is Yuri (Kenshô Ono, Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective). When he first learns about the situation, he shows no concern whatsoever. In fact, he even thinks that having Anya out of the picture would be helpful to him, as it would once again monopolize his sister’s attention. Only once he realizes how upset Yor would be to lose her daughter does he attempt to spring into action. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 blends hopeful storytelling, humor, and a bit of tension.

As with most of Yuri’s less-than-likeable actions, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 tries to play off his deplorable response as comedy. Much like his creepy levels of obsession with his sister, it doesn’t land. It just creates another awkward moment that leaves one wishing the series could just quietly pretend the character never existed.

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 blends hopeful storytelling, humor, and a bit of tension into a largely successful experience. As the busjacking continues to play out, it will be interesting to see how the series brings it all together. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 7 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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