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Anime Best in Show

Review: In/Spectre Episode 4 Best in Show

Quick Summary

In In/Spectre episode 4, “Idol Dies by Steel Beam,” after their close encounter with Steel Lady Nanase, Saki Yumihara took Kotoko Iwanaga back to her apartment to treat her wounds. Though grateful, Kotoko couldn’t resist bragging that Kurou Sakuragawa was her boyfriend now and not Saki’s. However, the goddess of wisdom may have overplayed her hand: Saki, a police officer used to interpreting evidence, saw right away that Kurou’s expression in their date photos was less than ecstatic. They agreed to put their rivalry aside (mostly) as they combined resources to track down Steel Lady Nanase, whose appearances seemed to be increasing in number. Can they stop the ghostly idol before she actually hurts someone? Can they stop bickering long enough to help each other? And where did Kurou suddenly disappear to?

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

Best Moment in the Show

Why does a simple scene like this qualify as my Best in Show moment? You might be surprised! Or maybe not… Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

This show continues to delivery everything I liked in the previous three episodes: Snappy dialogue, authentic characters, and interesting situations! It also continues to give me conflicting information about Kotoko and Kurou’s relationship. This episode took that to the next level.

After Saki suggested that Kotoko really wasn’t Kurou’s type, Kotoko tried to prove that they were, in fact, dating. Unfortunately for Kotoko, every picture she produced of the two of them on a date showed a smiling and happy Kotoko — standing next to an exhausted and bleary-eyed Kurou (01:12). After the deflowering comment in the previous episode, I thought their relationship had progressed. Despite what Saki said, I think they’re perfect to each other. But Saki clearly didn’t think they had a relationship at all. Between the photographs and Kotoko’s reaction to Saki’s pointed questions, I started to wonder if they’re really dating. Or if both of them would have the same answer if asked if they were dating.

But them my favorite moment of this episode happened. It was a quiet thing. If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed it. Saki and Kotoko were verbally fencing (and they’re both fantastic at it!) when Kotoko mentioned that Kurou had texted her. Something had come up, he had to leave, and she shouldn’t try to find him. The scene had a quick shot of Kotoko standing in Kurou’s apartment, alone, staring at his crisply made bed (6:04).

Are Kotoko and Kurou dating? Saki sure doesn’t think so! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Why is that my favorite moment, when there were so many great little character moments sprinkled throughout this episode? Because of what it suggests about Kurou’s relationship to Kotoko. She entered his apartment when he wasn’t there. That suggests she had a key! So maybe they’re closer than the photographs, Saki’s shrewd questions, and Kotoko’s reactions suggest.

Certainly, I would not put it past Kotoko to ask her yokai friends to help her with a little breaking and entering. I wouldn’t put it past her to “borrow” Kurou’s key and copy it. But what if she didn’t do either of those things? What if Kurou wanted her to have a key? What if he really is just that bad at communicating his emotions?

The lack of a definitive answer is just another fun part of the puzzle that defines their relationship. It drew me deeper into to the world and made the show that much more enjoyable. Little details like that are so much fun!

What did you think of Steel Lady Nanase’s mystery? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!

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5 thoughts on “Review: In/Spectre Episode 4 Best in Show

    1. And it just took a few seconds! I’m really looking forward to the next episode when Kotoko, Saki, and Kurou interact. That should be a lot of fun!

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