Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga Episode 8 Review

This episode got me thinking about Christmas. It was also an important episode for anyone interested in seeing a glimpse of Yuri Egin, the mysterious mother of Rin and Yukio Okamura. Join me for a review of Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga.

Episode 8: Happy Merry Christmas Birthday!

Episode Rating: 8/10

The first thing we learn about in this episode is the existence of the Spirit King Azazel. In ages long past, he helped teach humans to fight demons. His descendants, the Nephilim, created the True Cross Order for training human exorcists. The spirit of Azazel was trapped in a statue-like structure inside a monument. Lightning can remember talking to the spirit, but as time passed, Azazel got less and less responsive. Nowadays, it isn’t even certain that he can hear any words directed at him.

According to Lightning, cells from Azazel’s body were taken by the True Cross Order at some point to use in cloning. There were probably multiple Azazel clones made in Section 13. Despite his usual indifference, Lightning seems to care about the ancient Spirit King. He goes to see the monument by himself, kneels, and starts softly talking to Azazel, calling him, “Gramps.” I look forward to learning more about Lightning’s attachment to Azazel in the future.

Moving on, let’s focus on Shiemi and her character arc. Her mother told her something that she said could influence her decision to become an Exorcist. We don’t know what Shiemi’s mother said, but whatever it was, it deeply disturbed Shiemi. She stayed out in the rain all night with a strange and intense expression. The next day, when she comes to school, she states that she’s not going to be an exorcist after all.

Rin, Izumo, and the others are concerned about Shiemi, but she insists that it’s her own decision and everything is fine. So, the Exwires plan a combination Christmas/Birthday party for everyone. While that’s happening, Lightning and Suguro continue their investigation – sort of. It seems like Lightning is doing nothing but sleeping lately. Suguro begins doing his own research and discovers some surprises.

Shiro Fujimoto, the previous Paladin, was a clone of Azazel. There were several other clones too, but only one of them was missing records of his life after Section 13. The boy in question was a clone named Goro. Suguro strongly suspects that Goro is Satan, and the one who impregnated Yuri Egin. He reports his findings rather frantically, which prompts Lightning to remind his student to take it easy. Suguro follows the advice and takes the next day off to attend the Christmas/Birthday party.

Everyone helps get ready for the party. Izumo and Shima, for example, purchase a fancy cake, while Suguru, Yukio, and a few others make paper decorations. Shiemi even brought a real Christmas tree by making Nee sprout one out of his belly. Unfortunately, Nee rolled over in his sleep, and the tree toppled, destroying everything. Even the cake got ruined, and there was a small fire that had to be put out.

Nobody was truly upset about the ruined food and decorations. They were all happy to be together. There was still some food to enjoy, and Mephisto brought wine for the adults – Lightning and Shura – to drink with him. The party was chaotic, but everyone had fun. Shiemi and Shura were both in Santa costumes. Also, Shiemi gave everyone luck charms in the form of four-leaf clovers. She assured Rin and the others that she was okay, but still refused to explain why she was quitting exorcism training.

Later that night, Shura talks to Rin and Yukio, sharing an important memory. Eighteen years ago, she remembers meeting Yuri Egin. Yukio and Rin are excited to hear the story – especially Yukio, who has always longed to know the truth about his parents. Shura’s story was short but sweet. Shiro brought her to Yuri’s house, where she was given a bath and some hot food. Shiro asked if Yuri would care for Shura, but Yuri declined unless Shiro would live with her and help her raise the kid.

At the end of the day, Shiro gave Shura to an orphanage, and we don’t know what happened to Yuri after that. Most records of Yuri were erased, since she was a heretic who got pregnant by Satan. However, according to Shura, Yuri was a gentle and warm woman with overflowing kindness. Yukio and Rin are both happy to hear this. The knowledge that their mother was a lovely person was the perfect Christmas present.

Even later that night, Yukio and Rin are still awake in their bunkbeds. Note that Rin has always seemed to care less than Yukio about the truth of their parentage. Yukio gets weirdly angry at Rin, saying it’s absurd for him to be so passive about such an important truth. Rin isn’t sure what to think, and neither am I, but the episode ends there. Hopefully, we’ll learn more about Yukio’s thoughts and feelings next time.