Welcome to Anime Rants! I’m still a week behind, but I’m trying my best to get caught up to Winter 2023 anime series!
Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season: Episode 10
Accompanied by several port mafia agents, the three remaining Detective Agency members attempt to trade Margaret for information about Oguri. However, the Hunting Dogs interfere. There’s a mysterious figure who looks like a mannequin in a robe and he can manipulate metal of any kind. The Agency is forced to split up.
Yosano goes her own way and reaches a hideout that’s supposed to be secure. However, the mysterious enemy still reaches her somehow and defeats her. It’s revealed at the end of the episode that the enemy is the fifth Hunting Dog and the younger brother of that soldier who committed suicide in Yosano’s past. He wants revenge for the suffering his brother endured. He points a gun at Yosano, who accepts her fate. That’s where the episode leaves off. What a cliffhanger! Good episode.

Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi
(Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague): Episode 10
When a strong storm hits, the buses home from the office are overcrowded and the trains are stopped. Fuyutsuki, Komori, and Otonashi decide to crash at a hotel together rather than try to make it home. They have a nice sleepover and drink together. Meanwhile, Himuro and Saejima stay over at Katori’s place and play video games.
The second half of the episode is about Fuyutsuki’s birthday. Though it takes him a lot of effort and it makes him nervous, Himuro finally tells Fuyutsuki “happy birthday” and gives her a pair of snowflake earrings. Fuyutsuki likes the gift. This episode was enjoyable and easy to watch. I love how Komori is afraid of thunder. Himuro is so cute when he’s nervous. Also, as always, Fuyutsuki is gorgeous!

Mononogatari: Malevolent Spirits: Episode 9
A group of evil Tsukumogami tortured and killed some of the Kadomori people. As a result, the Kadmori works together with the Nagatsuki to hunt down the violent spirits. Yuu, Hyoma, Aogi, and Uchiki are all in a group together. Tsubaki also joins them. Soon, they find the base of the evil spirits and the fight begins. Eventually, Hyoma and his side won the battle. The music that played during the combat scenes was really nice, but the actual fight was rather boring. I like and admire Yuu, and that helped me get through this episode. Unfortunately, despite having some decent characters like Yuu and Botan, this anime is pretty subpar.

Nokemono-tachi no Yoru (Tale of Outcasts): Episode 9
Marbas makes a show of his strength but then retreats, seeing no reason to fight the armored commander or the demon-possessed Takenami. After a rest, Wisteria wakes and meets Sherlock Holmes, who asks Marbas to help rid London of demons. Marbas goes to find Snow, but Luther and Dantalian explain that the boy has already turned into a demon. Marbas, enraged, fights with Dantalion, who tears off one of his horns. Naberius arrives and helps Marbas, but Dantalion and Luther escape. They’re off to attack the headquarters of the sword cross knights. Marbas vows to not give up, and to avenge Snow for Wisteria.
I’m enjoying this anime quite a bit considering it’s lower budget and not super impressive overall. I really like the lore and the idea of a majestic furry demon who cares about his contractor. Wisteria is a likeable character, too. I also enjoyed learning about the character of Luther in this episode and can somewhat relate to his memory and identity issues.

TenTen Kakumei (Magical Revolution): Episode 10
With Algard banished and disowned, it falls upon Anis to inherit the throne. Eventually, she will become queen. Tilty and Illya immediately understand that this will make Anis unhappy in life, but Euphie takes longer to realize this truth. She goes out on a date with Anis to pick up her repaired sword from the blacksmith. It was so much fun to see them on a date! Anyway, once she understands that Anis could never be happy as a nation’s ruler, Euphie takes action. She explains to her father that she doesn’t want Anis to become queen. When asked why, Euphie says, “I just love her.” That made my heart melt. This anime is delightfully gay.
Euphie’s father (Grantz) explains that there is, in fact, another option besides forcing Anis to take the throne. A spirit contractor named Lumi appears outside during the talk. Grantz introduces Lumi and Euphie to each other. Lumi has the spirit power to appoint a new leader for the country, and according to all their magic laws and religion, the new leader would be completely legitimate. Euphie immediately volunteers to become a spirit contractor and strive to become the next queen. However, Lumi says it’s a cruel dilemma, and asks her to listen to a story. That’s where the episode leaves off. I can’t wait to hear more!

Vinland Saga Season 2: Episode 9
In this psychological episode of Vinland Saga, Thorfinn goes through a series of dreams that make him realize what he needs to do in life. He cried over the idea of killing people. He even said, “I need to be reborn and start atoning for what I’m done.” Thus, Thorfinn vows never to use violence again. Also, Pater found evidence incriminating the retainers for destroying the wheat field. Einar and Thorfinn were not punished for getting into the fight. Still, with their first crop ruined, they have a long way to go. I adored this episode because of the interesting character development and gruesome images in Thorfinn’s dreams. Askeladd also appeared in the nightmares.

Thank you for reading~