REVIEW: ‘Marriagetoxin’ Episode 2 — “What is “Charm,” Anyway?”

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 maintains the thrilling trajectory set by the previous episode. It introduces some interesting new characters while also providing captivating new narrative details. Marriagetoxin Episode 2 continues Hikaru’s (Haruki Ishiya) quest to find a partner with Kinosaki’s  (Shion Wakayama) help. This time, Kinosaki takes him out on a practice date, where the two head to an art museum as Kinosaki teaches Hikaru the ins and outs of basic dating etiquette.

The first few scenes of MarriageToxin Episode 2 show how incredibly inept, inexperienced, and awkward Hikaru is when it comes to dating, while also revealing their chemistry through their casual, seamless interactions and mutual understanding.

After their practice date, the two head to a nearby restaurant to discuss their strategy. Kinosaki decides that Hikaru’s best chance of finding someone is to play to his strengths and charm, which are best displayed when he rescues someone.

MarriageToxin Episode 2 highlights how Hikaru has no idea what to do when it comes to dating.

He proposes the best way to do this is to use an app that hosts several shady jobs to find and rescue ladies in need, who will then fall for him. Coincidentally, notorious art thief Kyoko Himkewa (Anna Nagase), who recently stole a painting from the same museum the duo just left, has been kidnapped. Her group puts out a job to rescue her, so Kinosaki and Hikaru decide to take it on.

The next few minutes do an excellent job of showcasing Himekawa’s character as a selfless Robin Hood-like thief who steals art from galleries and museums and returns them to their rightful owners. This time, her promise to return a famous painting to its family lands her in trouble with a creepy, dangerous art collector who wants her for his “collection.”

The flashback scene and monologue from Himekawa that reveal why she does what she does humanize her and provide some depth to another character in the series so far. On the other hand, the collector is the opposite. He’s incredibly one-note, overly goofy, and generic. As such, his presence only negatively impacts MarriageToxin Episode 2.

We get a much-needed backstory to Himekawa; other characters, however, are one-note.

Hikaru and Kinosaki make their way through the ship where Himekawa is being kept, with Hikaru easily taking down several enemies before finally getting to her. He knocks out the collector with his toxins, but encounters Shizuku Ushio (Mariya Ise), a fellow assassin who’s also the Master of Water. Ushio learns that Hikaru is the Master of Poison and tries to bribe him to avoid a battle between masters, but Hikaru refuses, and a duel ensues.

The Water Master serves as Hikaru’s true opponent and foe in MarriageToxin Episode 2. This instantly makes up for the collector’s lacklustre presence, as Ushio is notably more interesting. Unlike Hikaru, she’s much more money-motivated and sees assassinations as a business above all else. She’s not afraid to take on dirty jobs or hurt seemingly innocent people, as proven by how easily she waterboarded Himekawa upon command.

Through their meeting, we also learn that five great families lead separate assassin clans, of which the Poison Masters are one. Their meeting also reveals how Ushio and Hikaru’s abilities work through their altered bloodline after years of training. These details are revealed quickly but dynamically in an engaging way that’s immensely more entertaining than the usual long pauses for exposition seen in many shonen anime.

What fight scenes we do get in MarriageToxin Episode 2 are short and sweet.

The fight scene, though short, showcases Bones‘ amazing action animation. The motions are swift, crisp and impactful. They also excellently showcase the strength and speed of both fighters, especially Hikaru, who effortlessly damages Ushio’s suit with his bare hands. Additionally, the anime’s soundtrack remains one of its highlights, as MarriageToxin Episode 2  features new, highly melodic, and enjoyable background songs that elevate each scene.

MarriageToxin Episode 2 is a highly thrilling episode that excellently introduces new characters while also revealing more details about its world.

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 is streaming on Crunchyroll.

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