86: Eighty Six “Handler One” Review
86: Eighty Six “Handler One” is the twenty third and final episode of the 86 anime. Following the events of episode 22 but in a much lighter tone. Being a final episode it basically just wraps things up and covers everything that’s happened during the season. Loose ends are tied and finally what we’ve all waited for has happened; Lena has caught up with the crew!
Slow with good reason
Being a final episode that has to wrap things up neatly it does a good job. Not only that but leaves just enough breadcrumbs of plot to hint very very strongly at a new season. Which I very much hope will happen, 86 needs a new season with Lena as commander of the teams force. There’s so much story that can be explored, mainly the political upheaval of San Magnolia and how anyone who’s Celena is being treated the same way they treated the 86. As Ernst mentions in this episode there’s so many fights to be fought still and the world is still in peril.
The one thing I noticed throughout the entire episode was how well it managed to keep the tone light but always have a very very very subtle undertone of mortal danger right there. The show never lets you fall into the silly assumption that you’re favourite characters are now safe, if anything it does the opposite and I loved that.
The whole thing was just a masterpiece, the soundtrack flowing over the most emotional moments, the directing and writing choices along with the animation. This episode alone reminded me why I love this show so much.
