REVIEW: ‘TRIGUN STARGAZE’ Episode 3 — “Memento Mori”

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3, “Memento Mori,” sees Vash  (Yoshitsugo Matsuoka, See you Tomorrow at the Food Court) and Jessica (Eri Suzuki, Kotaro Lives Alone) return to Home to save it from the currently unidentified attacker. But as their echoing footsteps herald their arrival down empty hallways, it seems Home may already be a tomb. 

The star of much of this episode isn’t Vash. It’s the atmosphere that permeates Home throughout the story, encompassing the confrontation. The silence that deafens every moment between clashes with the intruder within it creates a strongly unsettling vibe for the story. No place should be as quiet as Home is. 

This aura of unease works perfectly into TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3‘s main event as Leonof the Puppetmaster’s minions scitter across surfaces to reach Vash. The swarms of mindless automatons move in nightmarish fashions as they seek to overwhelm the Humanoid Typhoon. 

The true horror lies not in action but in the atmosphere shown in TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3.

Increasing the impact of this unliving legion is the way the camera pushes the viewer in among them. As the puppets charge, crawl, and throw themselves at Vash, the camera does an excellent job of keeping the perspective amid the horde, adding to the nightmare fuel they are intended to be. 

This all-encompassing darkness not only creates a suffocating situation to challenge our hero, but also allows Vash to shine twice as bright. As the protagonist skillfully overcomes every challenge, aided by Jessica and the timely arrival of other friends, the visual presentation does just as much to elevate Vash as it does to darken the situation. 

Vash becomes a beacon of hope and heroism against the horde closing in.

Studio Orange once again showcases what it can do with its signature animation style. The combat is smooth and exciting, as Vash’s rapid responses are showcased with fluid proficiency. The camera work shines for the hero as well, as the pans and zooms help accentuate Vash’s speed and dexterity throughout the nearly episode-long encounter. 

But while the confrontation with Leonof is the main focus of TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3, it’s not all there is. As the battle draws to a close, Vash is joined by Meryl (Sakura Ando), Milly (Chika Ayamori, Zenshu), and Wolfwood (Yoshimasa Hosoya, Attack on Titan). This leads to a poignant moment when the eternally self-doubting hero is reminded that he is not alone.

Seeing Vash’s fragile emotional state on display moments after his heroics is the perfect way to complete his full return to the series. While his legendary gunplay may be what catches the eye the most, it is his heart and kindness that have always made him great. Seeing his reaction to everyone again and closing the episode with Vash’s “I’m home” pulls at the heartstrings. 

The aftermath offers just as much impact as everything leading up to the episode’s battle.

The only thing that hits as hard as this closing line is Meryl’s reaction to finally seeing Vash again. Not only are her feelings on full display through both the animation and Ando’s voice work, but the choice to use her POV as she runs towards Vash pushes the viewer even more into her shoes. 

Before the curtain is fully drawn on TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3, we get a final cutaway to an undisclosed location. Here, we get a glimpse at a recovering Knives, fully confirming that the big bad is indeed still in one piece. Even if that piece is missing a lot of the usual elements. 

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3 continues to excel. Action, horror, and heart all shine through, showing the versatility and skill that is being poured into this production. It’s shaping up to be an incredible season of anime for Vash and company.

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

Previous Episode | Next Episode