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Lycoris Recoil Episode 2 Review – Best In Show

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Lycoris Recoil Episode 2 Review – Quick Summary

In Lycoris Recoil episode 2, “The more the merrier,” Chisato and Takina get a new assignment: escort the hacker Walnut out of Japan. Turns out Walnut had a price on his head, and he had contracted with Mika to get him to safety. But their enemy is someone every bit as skilled as Walnut – and every bit as determined. Their foe is willing to use assault rifles to get their way. Will Chisato cling to her philosophy respecting life? Or will she listen to Takina’s advice? And just who is Walnut, anyway?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Favorite Quote from Lycoris Recoil Episode 2

Lycoris Recoil Episode 2: Chisato is determined to help Takina enjoy herself

Takina absolutely did not want to admit how good the egg tasted. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

The relationship developing between Chisato and Takina is a big reason this show is so much fun. Is it a friendship? A solid working relationship? Has it dawned on Takina yet that she’s in the presence of a master? I’m not sure; but I think she’s starting to suspect something. 

While that aspect plays out, Chisato is trying to draw Takina out of her shell. On the express train, Takina tried to eat her lunch, which was a very sensible tube of field rations. Chisato, on the other hand, splurged on a station bento. I suspect she would have gotten on fabulously with Kyoujurou Rengoku.

Chisato, aghast as seeing what Takina was eating, offered some of her lunch. Takina refused, but it seems one does not just say no to Chisato, who practically force-fed her partner a hard-boiled egg.

“Is it yummy?” Chisato asked with an expectant smile (06:09). 

Bringing her hand to her mouth, in an embarrassed voice Takina answered, “Yes.”

“Yep, it’s yummy!” Chisato practically sang.

Her voice actor, Chika Anzai, sounds like she’s having a blast with this role.

Best in Show Moment for Lycoris Recoil Episode 2

Lycoris Recoil Episode 2: Chisato has a very particular idea of right and wrong

Chisato is wise enough to know that enemies are transient – but death is forever. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Setup: Chisato of the Matrix?

Okay, what was that? I’m talking about Chisato dodging bullets Neo style? She remained more upright, sure, but she dodged bullets even better than Neo did. After all, two bullets hit Neo; none hit Chisato. Remember Takina’s expression when she witnessed that attacker unloading an AK-47’s entire clip at Chisato (14:34) – and missing every single shot? Takina’s expression was one of horrified incredulity. In fact, thinking about the last scene, even Takina’s elastic hair tie, the one she fired at Chisato’s back, missed. Takina doesn’t seem to have a spontaneous bone in her body. I don’t think she was doing it as a joke. Was she testing Chisato? Her shocked expression suggested she was – and she doesn’t know what to make of the result.

Chisato’s got something going on. I’m really looking forward to finding out what it is! And yes, I’m going to trust Asaura on this. We’ll get some kind of cool answer, or a good reason we didn’t get one. 

Lycoris Recoil Episode 2: Takina could not understand how not a single bullet struck Chisato

Takina and I shared about the same expression at this point in the episode. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

As much as I want to pick a moment like Chisato launching herself into the air over grocery shelves and gunning down her foes – with non-lethal bullets – I’m going to go with another moment. It deals with a topic we hear about all the time in the news. It’s one of those topics that gnaws at me, because once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And half the political discourse you hear from that point forward stops making sense. And you begin to see the skeletons within.

Delivery: Chisato’s Resolve

It’s an idea that’s particularly applicable to those of us who are anime fans.

Chisato used her non-lethal bullets again. She even triaged a dude after Takina shot around his bullet-proof vest (and by the way, kudos for Takina’s marksmanship – she put her bullets right where she wanted, while she had been laying on her back, under fire). When they got back to the cafe, Takina couldn’t hold her anger back any more.

Her pride wounded by almost failing their mission, Takina asked if maybe Chisato’s goal of saving everyone wasn’t even possible, much less advisable. Chisato answered that she wasn’t about to let someone just bleed out.

“We Lycoris are authorized to kill. Worrying about enemies…”,” she began (19:58).

Lycoris Recoil Episode 2: Takina finds it hard to accept Chisato's perspective

Takina struggles to understand Chisato’s perspective. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

But Chisato interrupted her, saying, “Those guys just happened to be enemies this time.”

Think about that for a second. Think about how often we justify the use of lethal force – when non-lethal avenues were available. Then, think about World War II, when Japan was an enemy of Europe and the United States. And now look at us.

After Thoughts: Chisato’s Ideals Have a Place in Our World

I’m not talking necessarily about a situation like a gunman trying to commit mass murder. There’re always going to be exceptions. I’m talking about drawing a sidearm to protect property, or escalating a situation until it becomes so violent that lethal force is the only answer. Did you see the video about the Thai police officer Anirut Malee who talked to an armed, suicidal man  – and disarmed him peacefully, with words? That’s a real life example of Chisato’s attitude in action.

Maybe it’s because I’m the father of a young man who has disabilities. I see too often how law-enforcement interacts with people with disabilities. Lethal force is final. There’s no coming back from that. There’s no understanding.

And there’s no happy ending.

Lycoris Recoil Episode 2: Chisato was serious about treating the wounded man

Chisato had to threaten the man to let her treat him. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

So I’m pulling for Chisato. I want to see her ideals prevail. I want to believe that the decisions like she’s making can make the world better, even if it’s by increments. Because that’s a lot better than some alternatives.

What did you think of “Mr. Yoshi’s” multiple visits to the cafe? What were your favorite moments in the episode? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

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2 thoughts on “Lycoris Recoil Episode 2 Review – Best In Show

  1. I really like the character designs here. It gives me a Guilty Crown kind of vibe but I trust this one to stick the landing a lot better

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