86 Season 2

Episode 17

86's production is going through a rough time right now, and that's very clear in watching Episode 17. It's no wonder that Episode 18 has been delayed due to “production difficulties”. This week, we saw plenty of animation inconsistencies, repeated still-frames, and an underwhelming lack of detail for a show that is usually dripping in it.

The result is emotional drama and tension that struggle to have impact. The 86 are confronted with the reality that wherever they go, they'll still be despised and expendable, but it's hard to deliver that kind of drama without any motion. This episode was storyboarded by Your Lie in April's Kyōhei Ishiguro, a big deal director with a strong resume, yet there's very little that he could do to make it shine.

What's most disappointing was our glimpse back at San Magnolia. Episode 16 showed Lena taking charge and leading the forces, but it's followed up here with a short, underwhelming sequence. It is great to see Lena stand up for herself, but it would've been nice to hear some sound effects or voice acting during her struggle. Instead, there's just a blaring Hiroyuki Sawano track. It is neat that all the shots within this sequence echo earlier episodes, but it ended up being more impactful to hear Lena saying she'll fight, than actually watching her fight.

On the former-Spearhead, former-Nordlicht, current-Spearhead side, the team are reflecting on the battle from before. Shin was rattled by Eugene's sister's note, and haunted by the voices of everyone he's had to kill. Frederica says at one point, “Maintaining a soldier's mental health is an important part of the military,” but clearly none of them have had the chance to receive therapy. Instead, Shin reaches a kind of catharsis thanks to a vision of all of the 86 for whom he had to serve as “Reaper”. It's probably the most impactful scene of the episode, and firmly frames Shin's independence.

For those keeping track of the war at large, there was a lot more on offer. Roa Gracia and Wald aren't theoretical places, but active parts of a Zoom chat that San Magnolia's clearly been left out of. This collaboration clearly has helped out, since they've been able to keep track of the Legion. They still have a use for Shin's powers, but clearly not so much that they wouldn't include him in Suicide Squad Vol.2.

86 remains one of the best shows of the year, but it's clear that the trend of taking a single cour gap isn't enough. Mushoku Tensei seems to have been able to keep up its incredible production values by virtue of having a two cour gap instead. It's not just that it's neat to watch cool animation. While it's one thing to have a great story to tell, it's another to have the production capabilities to deliver it and absorb us in its world. It's clear that the show is ramping up for yet another big emotional climax, but in an increasingly overworked anime industry, it won't be easy for them to make it feel like one.

86 Season 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Callum is the host and creator of the YouTube channel The Canipa Effect where he explores topics within the anime industry. You can also find him talking nonsense on Twitter.