Brynhildr in the Darkness: Episode 08-10 Review

Also known as: Gokukoku no Brynhildr
Streaming Allegiance: Crunchyroll
Reconnaissance Report by: Kara Turnbull
Progress: Episode 10


brylindrIn this group of episodes, Murakami uses his picture-perfect memory to relay the map from the device onto paper. While the group is researching the topography and potential location of the marked place on the map, Kazumi comes over to help. After Murakami tells her it wouldn’t be a good idea for her to hack and find out the information, Kazumi strips and attempts to seduce him. The group also encounters Nanami, a memory-altering witch.

As Brynhildr‘s season comes to a close, I am starting to reflect on my real feelings for this anime. The fact that it’s considered a fan favorite perplexes me. I can’t seem to find any special quality or specific impact that makes Brynhildr in the Darkness more special than any other anime this season. There does not seem to be a solid overarching goal that pushes the characters to act in certain ways. There are small details or character interactions that might drive them to act in a certain episode, but I do not see an overall motivation that drives the story home. In fact, this anime lazes about, then pushes itself a little emotionally toward the end of an episode.

On top of that, there are needless, out-of-place, awkward fanservice scenes in every episode, and Kazumi’s actions make things awkward, as well. All of a sudden, it’s in her character to be sex-obsessed, and she gets predatory toward Murakami and Kana. It’s problematic, especially with Kana, as she is paralyzed. Although the other characters address the predatory behavior, it is swept under the rug and treated as a light-hearted moment with fun, bouncy music in the background.

The scene where Murakami is seduced is awkward as well, and as I watched, I couldn’t help but cringethe setup is exactly the same as the beginning of a cheesy, vanilla H-manga.

Despite the predatory sexual themes, Nanami’s character is well-done, and her power as a memory-bender is pretty cool. I really enjoyed her reactions to being free from the lab. When she reduced a couple of grown men to the memories of a five-year-old, I cracked up at their reactions.

As this season of Brynhildr in the Darkness comes to an end, I reflect on the past three episodesand even further back from thatand wonder where this anime intends to go. The pacing and tone are awful, and I find myself questioning some of the themes. There are some good points in this set of episodes, but in the end, as the spring anime season starts wrapping up, I don’t see a central point on the horizon at all.

Score: 6.00/10.00