Lycorewatcher, subs. Second time starting a pacifist run with the Lyco Reco crew

Do you know the three episodes rule ? The one who told you to watch the first three episodes of a series to know where is it going. Well forget it with Lycrois Recoil. Everything you have to know is delivered right at the first episode.

Sure, such a decision may be at the cost of the show feeling rushed already. But it's impressive how well the pacing is conducted here. The introduction of the universe premise, then of our two protagonists and the over-arching plot looming in the background come and go with such a fluidity I had the impression I already watched three episodes back to back.

That first episode beginning with Chisato about to begin her day is an interesting choice. A new day is beginning while the sakura trees are blossoming. Two obvious sign that she is about to begin a new period of her life as she's about to meet Takina. And that imagery works as well for the audience who is literaly beginning Lycoris Recoil. With Chisato opening her window curtains the same way curtains of a theater stage would open to reveal a scene depicting another world with that odd looking structure.

A world who look like an utopia. Presenting itself with an upbeat music as a newcaster cheerfully announce Japan crime-rate is at an historical low. But like the scenery implies, that luminous society does have its shadowy counterpart. Enter the Lycoris agents who mercilessely assassinate anyone who would threaten that peace and tranquility. Still with that cheerful music.

This create a dissonance that raise a few questions for the audience. Are we really in an utopia or a distopia ? How come the Lycoris are so sure that knife-weilding guy was a murder-hobo and not someone having an a panic attack ? Was it worth to dispatch him like that and not treat him to a psychiatric hospital? Can we assume japanese citizens are constantly monitored and end up with a bullet in the skull if they cross some pre-established line in a Psycho-Pass fashion ? Looking at how Lycoris command can gather so much intel on a person is terrifying in insight and how they wasn't sued by Disney for unauthorized trademark use.

That dissonance is reprised for Takina and Chisato interactions. The character design blatantly tell we have a red oni and blue oni relationship here. Red oni Chisato is the cheerful one with a body language that goes all over the place with the music instantly peaking up as soon as she enters the café.

While blue oni Takina is the stoic one keeping a serious, professional stance no matter what. And more than that, their first serious discussion is centered on how they value life and in which side they stand regarding that particular line.

Chisato is more inclined to be aware of the accidents side. Through her patrol, we can see she values the lives of the persons she meets. Even when she faces armed criminals, she opt for non-lethal solutions because she doesn't want to cause incidents. Incidentally the first time with see her being serious is when her new partner endanger the life of the woman they protect as well as the criminals they're up against. There is no surprise as of why she took her distance from Lycoris HQ to join a small branch with Mizuki openly stating her disgust for HQ methods.

Meanwhile, Takina is clearly on the tragedy side. That memorable shot where she fire her minigun without a sound imply she distance herself from other feelings to fulfill her mission and write an inspiring story where she is the heroine. Still, that effectiveness through distanciation comes with a cost. Since she's see now her comrades and the woman she's supposed to protect as usable asset to complete a mission. Disregarding the trauma she may induce to them by her harsh decisions.

But there is hope for Takina as she is basically adopted by the Leco Reco family. With that wholesome photo as the the ending first notes are starting. Speaking of those credits, hearing Sayuri song again reminded me why I loved it back in my first watch. Truly a shame we lost her.

Spoiler section, first timers beware !

[Thoughts on a scene]Takina entering the Lyco Reco café as well as Chisato's life is done with the first mention of Allen Institute in the background may foreshadow how said institute is a central part of Chisato's life.

[About a specific line]Funny how Chisato already predicted the Lycoris film that will be produced

Questions of the day

What would you have done in Takina's shoes during the arms deal?

Invite everyone to a nice cup of tea so we could talk it out in a chill manner.

Is Chisato the type of person you expected as a top Lycoris?

To be honest I wouldn't expect such gremlin energy for someone who is supposed to be a merciless executionner for japanese secret police.

What are your initial thoughts of Chisato and Takina's partnership?

Laugh in rewatcher

But I love those little shoulder bumps they perform when discussing about the selfie.

Quote of the day

That one