Episode 2 Rundown

Atsushi joined “the Armed Detective Agency”, but he was indecisive about it because he doubted he would be of any use as he couldn’t control his ability. Dazai took him out, saying he could help Atsushi find a job he could handle. However, Kunikida informed them of an emergency. What they saw after rushing to the agency office was a bomber yelling “Bring the president!”, taking a weak assistant girl as a hostage. A personal grudge against the agency? As the only person whose face is not known to the bomber, Atsushi pretends to be a newspaper delivery boy and attempts to persuade him.

Thoughts

The second episode started after the agency recruited Atsushi to join them. The hostage crisis itself was funny, but the best part was the swinging dialogues between Dazai and Kunikida. Mamoru Miyano, who voices Dazai, has a recognizable skill as a popular VA to show us the clean switching scenes between serious and comical. It makes me really curious how he acts this somewhat elusive character in the future episodes.

Even though I’m disappointed that we did not get a battle scene like the one in the previous episode, I’m glad to see that Kunikida’s ability “独歩吟客 (Doppo Ginkaku)” was revealed. This ability, named after one of the original author’s pen names, Doppo Ginkaku, lets him materialize whatever he writes on his notebook.
The original author Kunikida once worked as a teacher and a journalist and we can assume he was required to be very punctual with such jobs, and that most likely inspired the creator to let this character have his notebook filled with schedules. I find it incredible that the actual author’s characteristic is described as the character’s trait. Most of all, the actual author was said to be an idealistic man, and it was hilarious to see the character carrying this notebook with a huge “Ideal” written on the cover.

This episode introduced new characters, Jun’ichirou Tanizaki, and the agency president, Yukichi Fukuzawa.
Also Atsushi officially joined the agency.
We cannot figure out what kind of abilities they have by just seeing their names, including Akiko Yosano who appeared in the last episode. I can’t wait to see others’ actions using abilities in the future episodes.

Ryuunosuke Akutagawa, and his comrades of Port Mafia have only appeared in the opening and/or ending animation so far. We must check out what kind of relationships and special abilities those members have, too.

It feels like the story finally started moving as Atsushi is officially accepted by the agency. While being shy and timid, he can also act bold at the same time. It’s really exciting to find out how he contributes to the agency as one of the members and how he grows up as a character.

© 2016 朝霧カフカ・春河35/ＫＡＤＯＫＡＷＡ/文豪ストレイドッグス製作委員会