The Case Study Of Vanitas “A Chance Encounter” Review
The Case Study Of Vanitas “A Chance Encounter” is the thirteenth episode of the Vanitas anime. Also the first of Cour 2. Cour one being covered here. This episode follows Noe and Vanitas as they follow after the “Beast Of Gevaudan” Vanitas convinced it’s just a cursed vampire. The two are joined by the dhams, Dante and Johann.
Plot
The episode begins innocently enough. Though Vanitas, assuming the worst, tells Noe to stick by him no matter what. But Noe has already gone off into the woods, the environment reminding him of his childhood. Soon they’re all enveloped in snow, when it wasn’t even close to snowing before. Vanitas guesses at time travel but even he doesn’t believe that. A which apparently lives in the area and it’s assumed it’s her doing. As the beast finally reveals itself. Noe is having to deal with a Chasseur called Astolfo. Jeanne shows up to fight the Beast. She’s seen as another prize to Astolfo.
After a small fight, Noe and Vanitas are reunited and Vanitas makes sure Noe doesn’t go after Astolfo. Instead he winds him up by pretending he’s a nobody, knowing it’ll get him riled. It does but before their battle the Charlatan Parade shows up and everyone gets lost. Vanitas goes to use the book to dispel the parade but a knife flies out from nowhere and severs the chain binding the book to him.
The episode ends with a young boy and a white haired girl leaning over an injured Noe, the Book Of Vanitas in hand.
Review
This was a great episode. I loved it so much, it convinced me to finally immerse myself in this show fully. Vanitas’ friendship with Noe is much clearer now and their scenes together are a lot less strained. It’s clear that Vanitas cares for Noe as he’s constantly worried for him this entire episode. Even Dante comments on it.
Noe himself hasn’t changed much but finally shows a darker side as he’s confronted with the evil of Astolfo. Overall this was the perfect episode to start the second cour on. I have so many questions, I’m tempted to just read the manga because I really wanna know!
