Banana Fish Episode 4: F. Scott Fitzgerald

So finally with the fourth episode.

Banana Fish will never stop surprising me, huh? After my passive-aggressive rant about the pacing of the anime, they dropped a bomb called ‘episode four’ and produced it with a slow, balladic rhythm like you’re dancing on the tune of danse macabre without any aforementioned ending. And with all the deaths they gave us, everything just fits.

Using muted color contrasting to the normalized ballistic acid trip tones of the first three episodes, Banana Fish is constant with the unprecedented concept, constructing a feeling of suspense and artistic freedom that beyond the minds of the imaginative audience.

On this episode, they gave us a lot of plot presents: first is the dedication of Eiji to do whatever means to help Ash which acted as this episode’s gateway. Continuing the cliff-hanger of Eiji’s pseudo-abduction, we can see every decision he’s doing based not only on his innate morality, but also on his dedication to Ash himself. The producers, MAPPA, portrayed that scene in a different light compared to the normal one — from the thinking of betrayal and wrong decision we immediately feel when witnessing the same scenario, MAPPA used the same lines but made the audience see it in a positive light; that Eiji has no choice, and Ash will understand it.

Yet after that happenstance, they immediately gave us the second present: Banana Fish is not just one person. Using the miraculous presence of Ash’s brother, they opened this surprise for a little moment, yet enough to see the missing piece from all the clues accumulated by all parties. And by that, they ended it by killing Griffin.

There goes our third present: They killed Griffin. Just a reminder: everything happened consequently. With all of these unfolding and the only thing the audience can do is watch the wrecking ball plot ruin everything by means of opening new ones. So now, for this to get processed, Ash needs to know; so another sequence was opened.

Ash finally acting his sweet revenge to the bastard who ruined his life last time is the fourth present. I’ve been fucking waiting for this and by god, Ash forked the guy’s dick so everything’s dandy, well, until he learned about his brother’s death. I was expecting him to create havoc which he did, yet the moment of rationality happened fast, yet sweetly slow like every moment is a natural occurrence, which like I’ve stated, is a slow melody. “My brother is long dead.” –is the end of all means.

This episode is bittersweet yet a long release from all the deaths that happened; Ash will finally get his release from the prison, this might be the good karma from all the bad happenings. Is it small in comparison to all that emotional baggage? Probably, but freedom has never been cheap ever since, and the Banana Fish can only continue with Ash free, and together with Eiji. Sacrifices have to be made, and a lot for the wheels to continue turning.

I really want to end this review with a high note, but Banana Fish is far from that. It’s filled with angst and will only get much worse the more we tumble down towards the rabbit hole. Well, maybe this serves as warning that this is the real thing — far from the light bl scenes that made people attracted to this anime. But if you’re here for that, it’s okay. Banana Fish portrays a love far from what you expected but a different kind of spice that can be addicting as you continue on. So please do, and enjoy your stay.