REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family’ Season 3 Episode 8 — “Take Down The Busjacker”

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8, “Take Down The Busjacker,” sees the tense standoff play out as everyone makes their final moves to end the confrontation. As everything begins to fall apart, we see Anya (Atsumi Tanezaki, The Apothecary Diaries) step forward and reveal the true depth of her heart as she makes a desperate play to save her classmates’ lives. 

There are two major elements at the core of this episode: the busjacking itself and a deep dive into the motivations of the lead terrorist, Billy Squire (Takanori Hoshino, To Be Hero X). Billy’s motivations shed new light on the antagonist and explain some of his previous actions. 

Billy’s background is heartwrenching, to say the least.

What is revealed about Billy in Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 is heartwrenching to say the least. How his past drives him to take the actions that he has is completely understandable. On the one hand, trauma could excuse the endangering of innocent children.

However, on the other hand, this explanation makes his feelings understandable, even if not condonable. Billy’s loss is incredibly painful. That he would be driven to take drastic action is understandable. But beyond informing his core resolve, it also explains the “bombs” he gave previously to the children. 

The fact that he deploys fake bombs to tame the children feels contradictory to his other actions at first glance. He is clearly willing to endanger their lives, so why bluff when you are willing to take it all the way? The revelation of Billy’s past explains all of the conflict.

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 highlights humanity at its best and worst.

Billy is angry, but even now, he isn’t a true monster. His pain hasn’t warped him so much that he could callously murder children, even if he could endanger them. This creates the impression that, from his point of view at least, this mission is built on the threat of violence, but not actual violence. Though some on his team may see it differently. 

In the present, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 follows a shifting narrative, with clashes of personality and physical confrontations as the situation around the hostages unfolds. As is often the case, the narrative highlights the best and worst in people.

From Mr. Henderson’s (Kazuhiro Yamagi, Ghost in the Shell) willingness to endanger himself to look after his charges, to the security service’s willingness to risk the children’s lives to end the deadlock, the full range of humanity feels present here. 

Yuri finally has a significant moment on screen.

While there is plenty of tension, Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 continues to maintain a lighter touch to the serious situation. Henderson’s frequent, awe-struck reaction to his pupil’s bravery is always rendered with comical effect, and Anya herself breaks out more than one of her signature grins that never fail to lighten the mood. 

Another small but noteworthy element of the episode is Yuri. For possibly the first time in the series, Yor’s little brother has a significant moment on screen without making anything weird. His decisive action is instrumental in saving the other bus, and there is no uncomfortable commentary about his sister along the way. You love to see it. 

The only serious disappointment that comes with the resolution of this conflict is Yor (Saori Hayami, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles). It felt obvious that she would learn of the unfolding situation and take drastic action to save the day.

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 delivers that special blend of heart and humor.

While it is acknowledged that she inquires about Anya’s absence, she never learns about the terrorists. This deprives the character of what could’ve been a fantastic moment. Although one can’t complain too much, given how well the ending comes together as is. 

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 delivers that special blend of heart and humor that only it seems capable of. It manages to bring its ongoing conflict to a satisfying resolution that both gives it sufficient weight to feel serious, without feeling out of place in a series best known for its charm and humor.

Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 8 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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