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Plastic Memories
Episode 12

by Gabriella Ekens,

In Plastic Memories' penultimate episode, Tsukasa and Isla are still enjoying life as an item, but the reality of Isla's impending death has started to intrude on their domestic bliss. Isla is getting night terrors and clings to Tsukasa in his sleep. They also have to deal with death's paperwork – Isla teaches Tsukasa how to take over duties as the office gardener and tea-server. Through the (for once helpful) intervention of their coworkers, they manage to have a good time in spite of the ticking clock. Kazuki also requests that Tsukasa be the one to retrieve Isla.

Tsukasa and Isla have finally become somewhat comfortable with each other as physical beings. A chunk of the episode showed them experimenting with lying down on each other's laps. Don't get too crazy, you two. Ah well, at least they've reached the cuddling and hand-holding stage in their relationship. It's a step up from last week's constant, awkward terror of each other's bodies. Still, they probably won't kiss until the moment of Isla's retrieval. It's a sexless domestic fantasy, and it works for some people.

The coworker shenanigans were fine this time. They're less inordinately obsessed with two kids' burgeoning romance and more set on helping them enjoy the time they have left together, which makes all the difference. They bombard the couple with gifts in the form of outings, and Michiru gives them tickets to a movie called Pygmalion. (It's a neat reference – that's the figure from Greek mythology who falls in love with a marble statue. He prays to Aphrodite and the statue turns into a real woman, Galatea. Appropriate for this human/robot romance.) Tsukasa and Isla are overwhelmed by this generosity. The office has started their own process of mourning Isla, but they're putting on a brave face for now. The party they throw at the end of the episode is cute and even mildly funny. (Are bosses taking their shirts off and having a flex-off a common thing in Japan?)

They also finally retrieve Sarah, the mob boss's bodyguard they've been visiting for the past few episodes. This is the end of their last job together, so the moment is bittersweet. Before Sarah's mind is erased, Isla whispers something in her ear. She's done this for everyone she's retrieved, but this time, Tsukasa takes notice and asks her what she's been saying. She says, “I hope you reunite with your loved ones in the next life.” Production-wise, this episode was emblematic of Plastic Memories. Half of it is nice, low-key articulations of small interpersonal moments, and the rest is hilariously off-model.

Onwards to the finale! The worst way this series could end is with Isla not dying. The second worst thing that could happen is Tsukasa starting up a relationship with the next person to inhabit Isla's Giftia body. Either way, I'd be surprised if Tsukasa doesn't see Isla's body again during the conclusion. It'll be curious to see how Plastic Memories decides to put a cap on its ideas, since it could go one of many ways at this point.

Grade: B

Plastic Memories is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Gabriella Ekens studies film and literature at a US university. Follow her on twitter.


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