all the same things are still on fucking point, but we have had an Escalation

a Line has been Crossed

and it's a real proper tragedy

where any one of the characters involved COULD have made a different choice at any point and changed things, but of course they wouldn't, because of who they are

we're starting to see the shape of how much and in what ways Bouche fucked his ENTIRE family up

and it's killing me

what happened this episode was so NEEDLESS

and it really makes sure you FEEL how needless it was, and what a waste

a very, very slow fatal collision, set in motion years ago, that could have been averted had there been even an ounce more love to go around in the Stomach household

or even an ounce less

(because of course, the twins wouldn't have had that bitterness festering if they hadn't seen Shoma getting the love from his mother that they weren't getting from their father)

(and if they didn't have that hurt so fresh in their hearts, they might not have rejected him when he reached out)

it's agonizing. it's the best. I love it. I hate it.

it's unfair that there's even other things I want to talk about in this episode. there was so much that was so good but that climax really kind of takes up all the air in the room

the way Hanto and Shoma act now that they know each other's identities! Shoma doesn't even -san him!!

Sachika being so fucking ready to throw down for Shoma that she grabs a fucking bedazzled baseball bat and helmet!!

crab guy recognizing Hanto from the last fight and freaking out!!

Hanto coming so so close to the deeper truth about Shoma, and Shoma telling him such a careful and deliberate little lie!!

there was SO MUCH

fuck, I even forgot Suga being confirmed in cahoots with Nyelv!!

so fucking much this episode

and yet all of it feels so small next to That

;;