86: Eighty Six “It’s Too Late” Review
86: Eighty Six “It’s Too Late” is the thirteenth episode of the 86 anime. Continuing on from their peaceful lives introduced to them in episode 12. The 86 gang soon become bored of the civilian lifestyle as they find it impossible to adapt. They choose to join the Giadian Military with Frederica in tow.
Review
This episode revolves exclusively around team 86 in the Giadian Empire. Whilst that should be a guaranteed success it’s a little less than that. All of them, Shin, Anju, Raiden, Kurena and Theo all have their “wake up” moment gradually. But Kurena is the only one that finally snaps and outright says she’s had enough of this lifestyle. With the new weapons being put on display at the festival they all show a juxtaposition of emotions. Some of longing but also no small amount of PTSD. They hate the battlefield but they’re not dumb enough to think that they could possibly live any other life.
This is what this episode shows so perfectly. It is slow paced. But it has to be. Slowly everyone starts to realise “it’s too late.” And there is no starting again with a new life. The battlefield is their life and they’ll die on it as they were meant to.
Frederica also shows up a lot in this episode and there’s a good reason for that. Turns out she’s the last Empress of Giad, the Legion that has been killing 86 for years now. No-one blames her though, they blame the Republic. Turns out Frederica is looking for someone taken by the Legion who attacked the 86 just before they got there. She has abilities passed through her bloodline that means she can see the present and past of those she’s met.
Overall this is a good episode. It’s one that relies on it’s emotional impact and shocking revelations though so it’s probably an episode that can feel a little slow if you’ve seen it once already.
