Nanbaka

Episode 13

Nanbaka did what it needed to do for a (one-week) season finale. It tied up emotional loose ends, but left enough plot hanging to keep viewers invested. The conflict with Elf is just beginning, but the prisoners have developed as characters and in their bonds with one another. The show accomplished its most basic goals, so we should be satisfied, right?

The problem is, Nanbaka relies on one of the lazier clichés to sustain that plot momentum: lack of simple communication. All the drama of episode 13 relies on Elf's threats to Jyugo and his fellow inmates. Jyugo could avoid all this by alerting the guards, who have already promised to stand up for Musashi. In fact, why aren't the guards already looking out for this? How is Elf able to get into this impregnable prison in the first place? He's clearly not wanted there.

Now this cliché isn't a problem in every situation. As much as it seems overused, "people not communicating who need to" can create problems in real life, so it makes sense that it would be common in fiction as well. You could easily assume that Jyugo doesn't trust his guards, and maybe Musashi didn't alert them to the threat Elf posed to both of them. (The former is way more likely than the latter. Jyugo got plenty of mention in Musashi's backstory.) That would explain why Jyugo thinks he can stop Elf alone. He's easily the most independent and least trusting inmate in Cell 13. Still, this doesn't explain how Elf gets in there anyway. One of the guards knows about the threat he poses; why hasn't he told anyone else? It's not like you can walk into Nanba off the street. It's on a remote island with a top-notch security system. No one would notice or be bothered by a stranger just appearing on the roof? It seems odd to me.

Putting that plot hole aside, the first half of the episode otherwise works. The music and the visuals build to create a perfect storm of tension. Along with keeping the audience on the edges of our seats, it also highlights Jyugo's character growth. Elf acts surprised that Jyugo resists him and wants to live. We know why: Jyugo finally has friends and a purpose here, so he doesn't want to leave them behind. The revelation isn't shocking for us, but it is for him—and especially for Elf. The text and rapid cuts between frames make that clear. I also liked the use of so much color contrast, eschewing the faded look of earlier confrontations. Nanbaka's new look makes it clear that this battle is on a different level than the previous ones.

Whatever plot contrivances it takes to get there, it's also nice that the season ends with one final escape. It was easy to forget, through the bloated New Year's arc, about Nanbaka's original premise, which culminates in another, somewhat less tense battle between Jyugo and Hajime that we know can't end too badly for either of them. Hajime learned his lesson from New Year's, and he doesn't want to hurt Jyugo again, only to keep him in line. This fight means more to Jyugo than ever though. He feels like he needs to escape to protect his friends. Nanbaka plans to go where many anime have gone before, since Jyugo needs to learn that he'll only destroy his demons by accepting teamwork and friendship.

I've been skeptical of Nanbaka as I've reviewed its 13 episodes. Still, even I have to admit that I want to know where this story goes. I want to learn the full mystery behind what Elf did to Jyugo and Musashi, and why his group needs more inmates now. I want to know if they succeed, and I want to see Jyugo learn to accept the power of friendship. I just wish it wasn't such a rocky road to get there. Episode 13 is a perfect example of Nanbaka's struggles. It has great moments, but too many kinks to iron out before it can be a truly good show.

Rating: B

Nanbaka is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Rose is a music Ph.D. student who loves overanalyzing anime soundtracks. Follow her on her media blog Rose's Turn, and on Twitter.