Ushio & Tora

Episode 18

No matter how bad things get for the heroes of Ushio & Tora, there's always time to laugh about it. Amidst a growing cast of completely differing characters whose only similarity is knowing Ushio, there's always common ground to find. It's episodes like this one that remind us that as much as Ushio & Tora can be a serious show, it always finds space for its cast to joke around. Even though this episode featured Ushio in a desperate situation, the plot presented a balanced mix of comedy and drama that gives every character a part to play.

After three of Ushio's female companions have combed out his hair, the magic of their devotion is beginning to work. Ushio's voice now sounds like autotune and his face glitches between normal and beast mode like a malfunctioning appliance. Most of the plot centers around Ushio's two oldest friends, MAYUKO and Asako, as they struggle to finish the ritual. Once again, the ritual brings out the bravest parts of each girl, while reminding us of Ushio's best traits even as he wreaks havoc at his very worst. Of course, while the Beast Spear possesses Ushio's body, his mind is helpless beneath the surface, compelled only to listen to the rhythmic pounding of the Beast Spear's forging, like a heartbeat.

Every one of Ushio's allies has a role in the rescue, and it's especially great to see the miniature alliances and squabbles that break out between them. Ushio is such a likable guy that he's attracted quite a wide group of people into his life. Now as they unite to save him, it becomes fun to watch their clashing personalities find common ground. Ushio's dad, Akiba, and Hyou of all people unite to create a barrier. The prickly Hinowa forms a temporary alliance with Jun, the sister of a man she considers her fiercest competition. I loved when Ushio's girls addressed the gruff Tora with the “-chan” suffix, saying “Tora's a good guy” while he scowls and pouts. It's adorable how nobody is afraid of Tora, since he continually proves they have nothing to fear in his own contradictory way. Apparently, “I'm going to eat you” really means “I'm going to save you” in Tora-speak. On a related note, the comedy-face game was on point this episode.

Kid Ushio turns out to be just like Tora in this episode's flashback. He's constantly saving Asako, yet insisting that he didn't do it for her: “I just didn't like those guys, that's all.” Still, there's no time like the present to show how strong Asako and Ushio's bond has grown. “Asako, it hurts,” he says vulnerably—and this might be the very first time he's called her by her first name since they were children. Usually, she's Nakamura to him. Even when Ushio is safe and sound, he can't properly thank the girls, and this is a bittersweet but successful plot choice. The girls realize Ushio would be devastated if he realized he had tried to attack them. It's an indicator that they will continue to protect him even as he fights to protect them. There's a lot of balance to this anime, a lot of give and take in the relationships between the characters. Ushio has one kind of strength; Asako and MAYUKO have another.

There's no time to rest as Ushio and Tora move seamlessly into the next chapter of their quest, but if this episode was any indicator, they're not alone. This show's ensemble cast, with its varied strengths and potential for laughter and relationship drama, is every bit as important to the show as its two main heroes.

Rating: A

Ushio & Tora is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Lauren writes about anime and journalism at Otaku Journalist.