REVIEW: ‘Marriagetoxin’ Episode 13 — “Thanks, Man”

Marriagetoxin Episode 13 presents a laid-back yet highly amusing season finale that showcases distinct character progression among its cast while hinting at more excitement and narrative exploration to come. Marriagetoxin Episode 13 resumes where the last episode left off, with Dogo’s sister, Tonako, making an appearance and taking her brother and Byakko away.

She first has a conversation with (Haruki Ishiya), who is clearly threatened and creeped out by her, especially after her demeanor and comments that suggest she sees Hikaru as beneath her and even suggests making him her pet after learning he’s looking for a bride. She then leaves with the thought that, as heads of their families, they’ll likely meet again, especially as The Five Great Families are apparently moving towards unification after hundreds of years.

The opening scene establishes Tonako as a cold, seemingly cruel new threat to Hikaru and reveals that things are being set in motion behind the scenes involving the families. It also suggests that she is incredibly powerful, especially given that she was recently appointed as the head of her clan, a fact Hikaru seems to be wary of.

Mariagetoxin Episode 13 demonstrates how excellently the characters are written.

With her departure, the episode shifts gears as Piichi (Shimba Tsuchiya) and Hikaru return to the group. They depart on a boat being comically pulled by Ushio (Mariya Ise). Kimie (Hinano Shirahama) and the prisoners she freed decide to stage a grand show on the ocean with their animal friends to thank the group for their help. The short visual spectacle is animated with smooth motions and is incredibly picturesque, vibrant, and visually striking.

Hikaru gives Kimie a genuine compliment, which prompts Kinosaki (Shion Wakayama) to reveal to him that Kimie has feelings for him and that he should ask for her number. He unsurprisingly fumbles at this, but in the process, Kimie confesses her feelings for him anyway. However, even if she’d like to be with him, she explains that it wouldn’t be fair to him or herself to be dependent on him at her current state until she becomes her best self and builds her confidence up before she confesses to him again.

Hikaru responds with shock but is appreciative and even says he’ll be waiting for her. This scene demonstrates how excellently written the anime’s characters are. They’re all expressive, emotionally intelligent, and compassionate, yet driven and aware of their abilities. The scene is incredibly wholesome and touching and establishes Kimie as a true potential love interest.

Kimie wants to become a detective.

After the two exchange contact information, the characters go their separate ways, with Piichi meeting up with his girlfriend. Kimie explains she’ll aim to become a detective, which makes sense given that it would be the most practical use of their abilities.

She also explains that she wants to do this to find her missing brother’s location. After separating from Kimie, Hikaru reveals that her ambition has inspired him to better himself as well, making his goal of finding someone more achievable, and Kinosaki agrees to help him. To do that, he’ll have Hikaru help him with his love-advisor services.

Meanwhile, the episode shifts to a scene introducing Teruaki, a member of one of the Gero branch families of the Poison clan. The scene opens with him sitting naked in a giant pot filled with poisonous insects and animals as part of his training. He’s then updated by the family trainer seen in the previous episode about Hikaru’s marriage goals.

Marriagetoxin Episode 13 reveals Hikaru has a Silver Tongue toxin.

The scene then switches to the next day, as Hikaru, who’s clearly out of his depth, is helping Kinosaki with his many clients seeking love advice. This scene provides the episode’s comedic moments, showing several characters of different ages and their humorous and dramatic circumstances regarding love. Despite their odd circumstances, most of them get solid advice aside from a high school girl who’s seemingly going to date three guys, a clearly bad but brushed-aside decision.

The scene shows how comically bad Hikaru is at talking to people about love, but also reveals he has a “Silver Tongue” toxin that can help him with social situations. This is hilarious, as it’s the only time the toxin has ever been shown, and it would’ve been helpful in earlier episodes.

Kinosaki stops him from using it and reassures him that he’s working hard to accomplish his goal, despite how slow the progress is. As they go their separate ways for the day, Hikaru thanks Kinosaki for helping him and, as a result, making his life more fun. Kinosaki promises to make sure Hikaru has a happy marriage. This leads to another wholesome moment between the two.

Marriagetoxin Episode 13 is a nice and wholesome conclusion to the first season.

The episode ends with Hikaru meeting up with his sister, who tells him to speed up his marriage plans and warns him that Teruaki and their branch families are up to something, and Teruaki is shown stalking Kinosaki.

The episode’s cliffhanger ending suggests that Teruaki and the Gero branch families are plotting to exploit the main family’s uncertain future to establish themselves in a position of power. This means he’ll likely be a new threat to the duo in a potential second season.

Overall, Marriagetoxin Episode 13 is a nice and wholesome conclusion to the first season. It also leaves room for more exciting future episodes that expand the narrative and shed more light on Hikaru’s family and the poison clan.

Marriagetoxin Episode 13 is streaming on Crunchyroll.