REVIEW: ‘To Your Eternity’ Season 3 Episode 10 – “Become as Human”

To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10, “Become as Human,” sees more of the Nokkers’ plan revealed as Fushi (Reiji Kawashima, Honey Lemon Soda) comes face-to-face with the one pulling the strings. But as the odds continue to stack against him, he finds himself becoming lost for what to do next. And some of his closest friends are beginning to notice his struggles. 

In light of the events surrounding Mimori, Fushi’s search for the Nokkers and the discovery of their endgame becomes his sole focus in To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10. He soon discovers that the Nokkers aren’t just claiming the bodies of those recently deceased, but also cohabitating with living consciousnesses, assuming control of their host’s body at will. This allows them to do terrible things, while the primary personality does not know what’s transpired. 

While the Nokkers try to justify these takeovers in the same way they’ve done in the past, claiming they only usurp those who wish to die, this pattern of action contradicts their claims of wanting to release those who are suffering. Rather, they are using their prey’s mental and emotional instability as an excuse to undermine their autonomy and use them for their own gains. 

What we know of the Nokkers completely changes in To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10.

This revelation in To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10 is further compounded by the return of the Nokker, who worked with Hayase and her children in the past. It seems to be leading the Nokkers in their current aims, and is still obsessed with living alongside Fushi. 

This return feels uninspired. It’s not surprising, but it still creates a treadmill-like feeling that was already present from the Nokkers’ return. While I can see the conceptual inclination to have a story that skips centuries to feel cyclical, it doesn’t make it an interesting premise. Something new for an antagonist would be nice. 

Much like previous episodes, this portion of To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10‘s strongest elements are the horrifying visuals. The scene where Fushi gets his answers is bathed in blood and filled with the unsettling, twisted smiles of Nokker-possessed humans. Studio Massket and Drive continue to outdo themselves when it comes to creating impactful horror elements for the series’ animation.

The horror elements of To Your Eternity continue to shine, creating maximum impact.

Further lending credence to the fact that the Nokkers have no interest in peace is the brutal killing of a student who displeases Mizuha. The tangled mess of a corpse that is left for his mother to find drives home just how twisted and cruel the Nokkers still are, and puts a lie to the claim that Mimori’s was an aberration. 

Also getting some time in this entry is Tonari (Eri Inagawa, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven). Once more concerned about what is transpiring with Fushi, her part sees little progress for her character, but a chance encounter with Fushi gives her the chance to impact the moment powerfully. 

When the pair run into each other, Tonari takes a moment to explain herself concerning the way she talked to him the last time they met, as well as apologize. She opens up in a deeply vulnerable way, allowing her feelings to show—her affirmations about caring for Fushi and appreciating what he tries to do hit the protagonist hard. 

Tonari’s arrival comes at the right time in To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10.

The timing for Tonari’s arrival within To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10 narrative couldn’t be better. Just after experiencing his latest run-in with the Nokkers and their twisted claims to care for humans, this moment exposes Fushi to a true example of love and compassion.

Fearing she has hurt her friend, Tonari exposes her heart, showing him she cares, and attempting to make his situation better. A stark contrast to the Nokkers’ “kindness,” which centers on eliminating those who suffer, rather than aiding them. 

To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10 delivers some great visuals and important revelations. Even if some aren’t as surprising as may be wished, they are still conveyed effectively, setting up what will likely be an escalation of the conflict between Fushi and the Nokkers. Combine this with Tonari’s powerful moment of heartfelt openness, and this episode easily lands as the best the season has delivered thus far.

To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 10 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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