Anime Best in Show

Review: To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Episode 11 – Best In Show

Quick Summary

In To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Episode 11, “The Start of Troubles Ahead,” much to Nancy Schaal Bancroft  and Liza Renecastle’s consternation, Claude seems intent on treating Hank Henriette as a prisoner of war. That includes threats of torture! Fortunately for Hank (or for Claude, depending on how Hank would really have reacted to said torture), Claude receives orders to join the assault on Cain Madhouse’s newly discovered fortress. The first Incarnate our heroes encounter is Miles Byron, otherwise known as Centaurus, whose archery skills are better than modern day snipers. What can they do to counter such a long distance threat? Will Claude let Hank help with planning the assault? And just why is Cain so pleased that the Northern army located his base?

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

Best Moment in the Show

To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know Schaal could pout. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream

The night before the Northern army intended to assault Cain’s fortress, Schaal couldn’t sleep. She decided to walk around the camp. She saw men cleaning their rifles in preparation for battle. Others unloaded supplies. After awhile, she came upon Hank, who was absent-mindedly cleaning his pistol. She seemed reassured that he couldn’t sleep, either.

Saying that talking to him like this felt strange, she said (15:07) “When we first met, you were so unapproachable that I could never imagine you smiling like this.”

His answer was hilarious: “Well, you did shoot me with a rifle the moment we met.” He seemed almost amused at the memory.

I realized they had not talked about that incident until now. Schaal’s been through a lot, and she’s much more tough than she was, but what Hank said still threw her off her game.

I didn’t know Hank could laugh so freely, either! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream

She started stammering and in general not making any sense. When she trailed off, he burst out laughing — something I don’t think we’ve seen him do after Cain murdered Elaine Bluelake. At first, she said she didn’t know he could be so mean and actually pouted. He answered he didn’t know she could be so sulky. 

After seeing what both Hank and Schaal have gone through, knowing what they’d be up against in the morning, this moment they shared felt very warm and very human. Without the work the show put into helping us care about these characters, the moment would have fallen flat or would have felt frivolous. Instead, for Schaal and Hank, it felt like friendship. And a well-earned friendship at that!

What do you think Cain’s up to? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!

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2 thoughts on “Review: To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Episode 11 – Best In Show

  1. I feel like the pacing of this show is all over the place. Originally it felt like they were just going to kind of fly through everything. Now it feels like they’ve slowed it to an almost grinding halt. With only one episode left, I have no idea how they could possibly finish the story. While it was good, I’m not sure if it was good enough to warrant a second season. I’m afraid this one will just leave us hanging.

    1. “I’m afraid this one will just leave us hanging.”

      I have a bad feeling that you’re right! Still, even if this is all we get, it was an enjoyable ride!

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