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Made in Abyss – The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8 Review – Best In Show

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Made in Abyss – The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8 – Quick Summary

In Made in Abyss – The Golden City of the Scorching Sun episode 8, “The Form the Wish Takes,” Reg leaves the village in search of Faputa. Somehow sensing he would come looking for her, she had waited for him just outside. And then she did something that freaked him out. Vuelo Eluko continued telling the tale of the village’s founding to Riko. Wazukyan was determined – very, very determined – to save everyone in the village. And he saw Irumyuui as the instrument of that salvation. How will Vuelo react to Wazukyan’s resolve – and the form it takes? And how will Riko respond to the full tale?

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

Favorite Quote from Made in Abyss – The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8

Made in Abyss - The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8: Faputa was an angry child

Faputa came into the world with a mission. Capture from the HIDIVE stream.

Revenge, a Dish Best Not Served

I’m not a fan of revenge themes. They seem to appeal to our darker tendencies. I favor radical forgiveness in most cases, mostly because it’s easier on the victim. Carrying around anger, keeping alive the flames that stoke the desire for revenge – both are terrible burdens.

I’m the first to admit that I haven’t had to endure any events demanding epic revenge. No demon broke into my home to consume my parents and siblings, for example. So in my heart of hearts, I had a sense that I just hadn’t endured what some of those protagonists had endured.

If I had any doubts about that, this episode placed them in context. By deliberate act of will, Wazukyan not only butchered Irumyuui’s children (dead and alive); but he acted to turn Irumyuui into shelter for him and his people. He subverted her will; he perverted her dream. And he did it with a full understanding of what he was doing.

The Emotional Place Beyond Vengeance

I’m putting aside the idea that I understand why he did it. He thought it was the only way to save his people. But I can’t really reconcile that right now. This episode’s emotional impact still reverberates through my consciousness. But I thought it bore mentioning, just to place my favorite quote further into context.

My favorite quote is from Vuelo, who was the only one who loved Irumyuui; who was the only one to speak for her. When Faputa came into the world, she immediately lashed out in rage. Aware of that from her hidden place among Irumyuui’s unborn children, Vuelo said (19:30), “Ah… I was so glad. Irumyuui, you didn’t forgive a single thing. You couldn’t forgive any of this.”

I don’t like revenge themes. But maybe I’ll make an exception for a revenge that’s based on an act so heinous that no other response begins to make sense. But then, is it revenge? Or simple justice?

Best in Show Moment for Made in Abyss – The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8

Made in Abyss - The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8: Riko's question surprised Vuelo

Riko’s question seemed to take Vuelo by surprise. Capture from the HIDIVE stream.

Setup: The Unsupportable Weight of the Abyss

The Abyss is a world where a gentle soul like Vueko/Vuelo rejoices in bloody, hyper-lethal vengeance. She was “glad” of it, she said. She, who wept in Irumyuui’s misshapen arms; she, who would rather die than live complicit in the horror that had befallen Irumyuui. Vuelo celebrated Faputa’s fury.

That’s what makes my favorite moment all the more remarkable. Watching Vuelo’s sanity tremble before the Abyss, I expected her to snap. That tells you how much this episode consumed me. I know that Vuelo is sane in the present. At least, she acts so with Riko. In fact, she acts like a kind, well-adjusted person.

Made in Abyss - The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8: Vuelo remained kind in spite of her life

Despite the toll life had imposed on her, Vuelo remained lucid and kind. Capture from the HIDIVE stream.

But in the moments she lived through, I could only watch in subdued agreement when she said (06:51), “Why do I not just go insane?” Because I’ll tell you this honestly: the part of my brain that tries to see through the characters’ eyes really labored during this episode.

I don’t want to live in the world of the Abyss.

I don’t want to visit the world of the Abyss.

Yet, I find myself utterly consumed by each episode. Why do I do this to myself?

Delivery: Vuelo Remained True to Herself

Near the end of the episode, as Vuelo wrapped up her story, Riko asked what I thought was an astute, penetrating, and yet kind question. She asked what Vuelo wanted. Wazukyan had only asked in an off-hand yet sarcastic way; he didn’t care. Belaf’s mind had collapsed. He couldn’t ask. But Riko could, and she did.

After everything she’s endured; after spending uncounted years naming Irumyuui’s unborn children; and after a crushingly painful life; Vuelo said (23:45), “I only want… one thing now. I just don’t want to forget about her.”

Made in Abyss - The Golden City of the Scorching Sun Episode 8: Vuelo dearly loved Irumyuui

Despite everything, her dearest wish is to remember Irumyuui. Capture from the HIDIVE stream.

The episode faded into MYTH & ROID’s piercingly beautiful ED, with its opening words, “I will remember you.”

Remember I mentioned the part of my brain that sees through the characters’ eyes? In that instant of transition, from Vuelo’s voice to the music, the music turned my imagination loose before I could compartmentalize the images from the show. It felt like the Abyss crushed down on me so hard it punched through the floor of reality.

That’s why I “do this to myself.” It’s to experience moments like that. They don’t come very often. I try to treasure them when they do.

What did you think of Faputa’s dedication to Reg? What were your favorite moments in this episode? Feel free to share them in the comments!

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