Forum SettingsEpisode Information
Forums
New
What did you think of this episode?
DO NOT discuss the source material beyond this episode. If you want to discuss future events or theories, please use separate threads.
DO NOT ask where to watch/download this episode or give links to copyrighted, non-fair use material.
DO NOT troll/bait/harass/abuse other users for liking or disliking the series/characters.
DO read the Anime Discussion Rules and Site & Forum Guidelines.
Pages (2) [1] 2 »
Mar 2, 7:12 AM
#1

Offline
Nov 2011
129635
Ye, it's playing out like a script. Luke and Natsuko's relationship remains a highlight this episode. The hero Luke fought like a hero as you'd expect.

Natsuko's feelings are kinda all over the place since Luke's confession. What a battle this turned out to be for the episode.
Mar 2, 9:19 AM
#2

Offline
Feb 2019
10121
Truly tale of two halves episode.. beautiful opening showing everything from Luke’s perspective including his burgeoning feelings for Natsuko. Luke had lost his purpose and his reason for fighting until Natsuko showed up reminding him of how much good he’d done. It’s no wonder he was an asshole to her given all he’d seen prior to her coming. I think the double entendre of the episode title is that she’s his hero as much as he’s the world’s.

“I could watch her all the time, I find my eyes following her, I get anxious when she’s not around. I can’t stop thinking about her fuckckckgigk he’s so cute!! Him being a cute boywife and making her favourite breakfast before she wakes up and fixing her hair up, ahh I love it. Episode would’ve been perfect if it was just that the entire time, but sadly wasn’t to be..

“Make sure we get a happy ending ok. I know you can change the future” FUCK MAN WHY?! Why QJ?? Literally the only person who knows the burden Natsuko been carrying and someone who’s always supported her.. why MAPPA WHY!!? If there’s any consolation from this it’s that the future isn’t written in stone.

Already things have drastically changed from the OG movie. Mem is alive, Umio alive, Destiny and Luke aren’t a thing.. natsuko exists, so there’s clearly some things that can be changed.. but I’m also worried about Natsuko’s drawings showing up as voids. It’s almost as if the world is trying to correct an error and throwing stronger voids at them to kill the people meant to die. QJ’s sacrifice may be a catalyst for a different timeline though.

This one hurts 😔
Marinate1016Mar 2, 11:37 AM
Mar 2, 9:45 AM
#3

Offline
Sep 2007
137
Nice play from QJ.
If things can't be changed, he won't die no matter what. If he can, then the future can change.
Mar 2, 9:51 AM
#4
Offline
Jun 2024
84
RIP QJ!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 2, 9:55 AM
#5

Offline
Jun 2019
6758
We see all the moments in which Luke fell in love with Natsuko from his POV. But, as thought before, the dark ending is inevitable for this world and Natsuko is feeling depressed because of that. Natsuko told QJ all about the story of 'The Tale of Perishing' and how he assured her that everything would be alright; it was so sweet of him.

And, then in the end, when everything was in chaos and Natsuko needed his help, he sacrificed himself for the sake of his friends and this world. He was the only member that was supposed to live in this world, but we lost him in this version. He asked Natsuko to give them a happy ending. And, he predicted the Happy ending to be 100%. Natsuko has hit her rock bottom and is now blaming herself for all of this. It's looking grim for everyone. Can't wait for the next episode.

RIP QJ. You were a sweet little robo friend. May your prediction about the ending be true.
Mar 2, 9:59 AM
#6
Online
Jul 2024
2343
So "A Tale of Perishing" was actually a Fantasy version of Evangelion all along? Interesting.
Mar 2, 10:00 AM
#7
Lilium Gardener

Offline
Jul 2011
3808
Damn, that was a great episode. Prior to this one, I didn't think I cared about QJ at all. I was wrong. This episode hit me in the feels. This show's score is low enough to call it underrated, I think. I've bumped my score up a point. Hoping it can keep up the momentum it has built the last few episodes. I've been fully into this once Natsuko actually became likeable.

Also, the way this episode finished was pretty ominous. It feels like the story is playing out like before, but with the key difference that Natsuko and Luke have swapped roles. Natsuko going into despair over QJ's death for not being able to draw. It feels like she is on the path to becoming the ultimate void in place of Luke. Another ominous relation is the voids reproducing her drawings. I don't know how it will go, but that is what it felt like to me.

One more note...goddamn A Tale of Perishing is depressing, lol. What a way to end a movie. I hope in the future we get an OVA, special or movie of A Tale of Perishing. That would be pretty dope.
Mar 2, 10:01 AM
#8

Offline
Mar 2021
2186
So sad to see QJ die while protecting Natsuko and everyone am going to miss our cute robot friend. Really looking forward to seeing what happens now that Natsuko blames herself.
Mar 2, 10:10 AM
#9

Offline
Nov 2018
7
THEY GOT MY MANS QJ NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Now that the Voids can copy Natsuko's power and the old hag bird seems to be back on control, let's see how she will evolve to fight back.

Waste of 10 minutes on that recap tho.
Momoka-chan suki 😭❤️
Mar 2, 10:22 AM

Offline
Sep 2007
137
Reply to KingYoshi
Damn, that was a great episode. Prior to this one, I didn't think I cared about QJ at all. I was wrong. This episode hit me in the feels. This show's score is low enough to call it underrated, I think. I've bumped my score up a point. Hoping it can keep up the momentum it has built the last few episodes. I've been fully into this once Natsuko actually became likeable.

Also, the way this episode finished was pretty ominous. It feels like the story is playing out like before, but with the key difference that Natsuko and Luke have swapped roles. Natsuko going into despair over QJ's death for not being able to draw. It feels like she is on the path to becoming the ultimate void in place of Luke. Another ominous relation is the voids reproducing her drawings. I don't know how it will go, but that is what it felt like to me.

One more note...goddamn A Tale of Perishing is depressing, lol. What a way to end a movie. I hope in the future we get an OVA, special or movie of A Tale of Perishing. That would be pretty dope.
KingYoshi said:
This show's score is low enough to call it underrated, I think.

It's kinda comprehensible.
Some people mistook this for a Shirobako and discovered it as an isekai. As an isekai, it had a interesting approach, but nothing very new (most villainess shows usually delve into reincarnating in a work they already know the story and try to change it) and although the animation was top tier, that was it, plus the references clearly aren't aimed at a more broad public.

But, as you said yourself, the show had a few positive twists, enough for you to bump up your own score.

It'll probably get a nice bump after ending if it keeps up going strong. A lot of people, including myself, only score after the season is over, while those who didn't like it at all, just stick a low score and go away early.
Mar 2, 10:24 AM
Offline
Sep 2015
7187
This is such a multi-purpose episode. It serves as death flag, follow by death, it serves as the calm before the storm, and also the storm itself, it serves as a recap flashback, but at the same time also provide the alternative point of view from Luke.

There's such a beautiful, yet cruel interpretation behind why Natsuko's previous drawings become the enemy. In creative work, your previous works become something you've to overcome. Creating a new work means you've enough confident it'll be better than the last one, otherwise why creating it at all? Of course, there'll be a time when you failed to produce a better work than the last one, but you still have to keep trying.

The original movie has world ending ending? Not surprise for a bit, considering that around 80s-90s era many anime have world ending, it's like a trend at that time or something. Good thing we're not living in that depressed era anymore, but will this anime try to bring that era back?
Mar 2, 10:28 AM

Offline
Feb 2025
39
Man, to be honest, the more we see about the original movie plot, the more I want Natsuko to really change it. I'm not a big fan of angst movies like that...
RIP QJ, your sacrifice will never be forgotten!

Imouto suki

Tsundere-Chuuni-Imoutos save me...

Mar 2, 10:52 AM

Offline
Jul 2019
415
A decent episode. Like, i dont care about QJ, as i literally didnt even remember his name tbh, so i also didnt really care for his death, and in a way it was obvious he was gonna die the moment he started to talk with natsuko in this episode. Despite that tho, i do like how this makes the stakes higher overall as i do think it kinda needed it. Also some of the interactions between natsuko and luke were cute. I still dont think this show is particularly good, but i can say it has been improving slightly.
Mar 2, 11:04 AM

Offline
Apr 2015
1521
OH hell yeah, this is the exact kind of episode I was looking for ever since the second episode. The brief switch to Luke's POV and his monologue of how he gradually fell in love with Natsuko was very enjoyable to watch, as well as the full reveal of the original movie's ending. And finally, the story took a dark turn. Things were going way too smoothly and it would've been a bit disappointing if none of the remaining nine soldiers met their demise. I didn't expect QJ to be the one, considering he barely had any dialogue up until now, but his little talk with Natsuko before the battlefield certainly set up the death flag lol. RIP QJ, although I do wish they did a better job of making us care for his death. Nevertheless, overall a solid episode and I'm looking forward to watching how Natsuko will fight against fate.


"As promised, all that you seek, all that we desire, is prepared up there. On top of the Tower."
Mar 2, 11:15 AM
Offline
Aug 2021
161
This is getting less interesting with each episode. I’ll be pretty pissed if it goes the way I think it’s going.

Oh, and MAPPA is just another upper tier studio and not the animation gods people prop them up to be. The animation quality is nice but anything special. If it’s not super-action fight scenes, they’re no better than any other upper level studio.
Mar 2, 11:38 AM
Offline
Dec 2017
463
Reply to phantomfandom
This is such a multi-purpose episode. It serves as death flag, follow by death, it serves as the calm before the storm, and also the storm itself, it serves as a recap flashback, but at the same time also provide the alternative point of view from Luke.

There's such a beautiful, yet cruel interpretation behind why Natsuko's previous drawings become the enemy. In creative work, your previous works become something you've to overcome. Creating a new work means you've enough confident it'll be better than the last one, otherwise why creating it at all? Of course, there'll be a time when you failed to produce a better work than the last one, but you still have to keep trying.

The original movie has world ending ending? Not surprise for a bit, considering that around 80s-90s era many anime have world ending, it's like a trend at that time or something. Good thing we're not living in that depressed era anymore, but will this anime try to bring that era back?
@phantomfandom
phantomfandom said:
The original movie has world ending ending? Not surprise for a bit, considering that around 80s-90s era many anime have world ending

What do you do at the end of the world? Will we meet again? (SukaMoka) LN still hasn't received an anime adatation and it s1 (SukaSuka) aired in 2017, so the genre hasn't gone out of fashion entirely. Anyhow, mankind could do the world ending in real life, instead of anime...
Mar 2, 11:58 AM
Offline
Oct 2022
9
This series is so good but I can’t believe I’m crying over a damn robot!!😭😭😭
Mar 2, 12:08 PM

Offline
Jul 2024
787
"You ... shaggy ... goblinnnnnnnn."
Lord Cruelty V
"But my Dreams they're not as empty, as my conscience seems to be"
Mar 2, 12:10 PM
Offline
Mar 2023
149
As this show started I thought it was kinda interesting. But after this episode? I’m torn up lol, this is so good. I’m overwhelmed frfr.
Mar 2, 12:35 PM
Offline
Jul 2024
258
This one is the saddest. The promises of a better future when everything seems to be written already...



Mar 2, 12:38 PM
Offline
Nov 2020
12
At this point this anime is so good Im mad his score is so low😭
Mar 2, 12:52 PM

Offline
Sep 2011
11
Reply to RainbowOtakuGirl
This series is so good but I can’t believe I’m crying over a damn robot!!😭😭😭
@RainbowO
RainbowOtakuGirl said:
I’m crying over a damn robot!!😭😭😭


Same here 😭
Mar 2, 1:15 PM
Offline
Mar 2024
72
This episode affected me very deeply, QJ's sacrifice of himself was unexpected.
Mar 2, 1:32 PM

Offline
Jan 2021
14
we're back. I was so scared that it would fall off mid-season but this ep has restored some of my faith.
Mar 2, 1:33 PM
Offline
Oct 2020
3945
Man i was like damn QJ actually doing something this episode. For once he's useful giving advice and that talk with Natsuko. I was really starting to like him but then oh he's the only one that survived in the original besides the whole world ending so of course now he's gotta die. I mean still overall a positive? destiny is alive, Unio is alive, Memmeln didn't get killed by Luke. Overall still things are way better than before. RIP QJ he actually pretty awsome
Mar 2, 1:38 PM

Offline
Aug 2020
4581
still getting better and better

so he is a void, no way...
otakuweek (100k Followers) on insta for News /best recom etc

just have a look, you won't regret it...

Link below:

https://www.instagram.com/otakuweek?igsh=em5kY3Q4NTVtNXlh
Mar 2, 1:54 PM
Offline
Jul 2021
188
It seems like there’s some backlash effect to Natsuko’s drawings come back as voids. She’s worried the ending can’t be changed, but QJ sacrifices himself, seeming to prove that isn’t true. Crazy episode, things might get even worse before this turns around.
Mar 2, 1:58 PM

Offline
Jan 2009
103259
its your fault, nah its my fault, why are they blaming the wrong person its the damn bird director or creator of tale of perishing who is to blame

zenshu means complete works or redo everything so obviously natsuko will have to redo everything on the movie so that it will have a good ending

but she cannot redo lukes final despair though which is losing natsuko his lover in the end so what now what will be the new ending



Mar 2, 2:20 PM

Offline
Dec 2013
2870
But QJ was always the sweetest : ( so from here now on it will start to get darker and darker.
Mar 2, 2:49 PM

Offline
Jul 2021
2159
QJ's last moments were unexpectedly emotional for me. Have I really gotten attached to these goofy fantasy-world characters?

And it was painful seeing Natsuko being so hard on herself, just like Luke was in the movie.

phantomfandom said:
There's such a beautiful, yet cruel interpretation behind why Natsuko's previous drawings become the enemy. In creative work, your previous works become something you've to overcome. Creating a new work means you've enough confident it'll be better than the last one, otherwise why creating it at all? Of course, there'll be a time when you failed to produce a better work than the last one, but you still have to keep trying.

Great observation.

It could also mean that your work will inspire and influence your fellow creators. And then your work will be copied and improved upon, maybe even beyond your capabilities. Now you're forced to come up with your own response that will trump their response to your work.

I wonder how artists actually handle this in general, as human beings aren't infinite wellspring of creativity and imagination. They have to draw from what they know and what they have lived, and everyone's lifespan and experiences have a limit.
Mar 2, 3:17 PM
Frieren <3

Offline
Jul 2024
97
I'm interested how the last 3 episodes will go. This series has been fine, but I'm hoping it sticks the landing at the end


Mar 2, 3:25 PM

Offline
Nov 2022
19
This was a surprisingly good episode. It changed my mind about the whole show. Attaching a character to you in very little time is only possible with QJ. His scene was really good and heartbreaking. About Natsuko I thought that her character was getting better as she became a better person... but now her character is starting to crumble.She blames herself now. Also I don't think this will be a bad ending show, I trust Qj's words. O7

Mar 2, 3:46 PM

Offline
May 2020
117
Friends and fellow fans, I am hoping SO HARD that this show will have something thought-provoking to say about the creative process and its implications before it ends. It's rare that I find myself nine episodes in and still believing in that potential.

What a great-looking episode. And @phantomfandom what a great analysis!
Mar 2, 4:20 PM

Offline
Nov 2021
711
Oh god.. as much as I fear a tragic end for this show it feels like they can't avoid it now.
Mar 2, 5:55 PM
Offline
May 2023
68
RIP QJ 😭😭😭. You will be missed. you're sacrifice wasn't in vain. Luke was so wholesome in this episode. QJ the only who knows her burden died lule the true hero he is.
Mar 2, 5:58 PM

Offline
May 2015
2437
It was nice seeing things from Luke's perspective. Even at the start of the movie, he was already carrying a lot of hardship.

The voids are reusing character designs now! This movie must really want to end. The director bird was complaining about the extended runtime. I think everyone can get what they want if this story comes to accept a happy ending.

What a twist that Luke ends up destroying the last soul future and becomes the ultimate void that ends the world in the original movie. The dramatic irony is heavy in A Tale of Perishing. At the very least I hope QJ's sacrifice is proof that things can permanently differ from how they were in the movie.
Mar 2, 6:12 PM

Offline
Sep 2018
5446
Oh no, not the fucking goofy ass robot that's barely been involved these last nine episodes lol....
Mar 2, 6:38 PM
Offline
Oct 2024
15
Tought the robot was annoying first time I saw him, this still hits hard
Mar 2, 7:10 PM
Offline
Jul 2021
2
(Wow can't believe this is my first post here. Anyway I'll just be copy-pasting my comment from Disqus here :P)

Natsuko should really research into the origin of these "Voids". It's infuriating how a seemingly complicated technology can be easily replicated by these despicable pieces of plot. Welp it's anime
Who summoned Natsuko into this world? How did the OG Director end up in the same world? How is it that Natsuko has a magical pegbar that lets her change the plot?
I knew this was coming. There HAD to be a massive drawback to these sparkly power-ups. And there we have it, the Voids copy any shi they see...

Kekkyoku (in the end), no matter how much she struggles it's mudadayo (futile). Hopefullynot pls pls pls nooooo author-san
MAPPA should've really made this 24 episodes bruh. I feel like there isn't enough time to explain everything now
We didn't even get a background story why these "Voids" want to destroy the world
Mar 2, 7:12 PM
Offline
Jul 2021
2
Just when I get an emotional attachment to a character, they kill him off 💀
May your soul be honored eternally, QJ 🙏
Mar 2, 7:24 PM
Offline
Dec 2009
93
Gotta pour one out for QJ. That was quite a move that he made, taking fate into his own hands like that. I’m curious to see how things will play out from here.
Mar 2, 9:10 PM
Offline
Mar 2021
155
That was unexpected plot. QJ trying to say "So in your version I was the only one who didn't die. Then, let me show you the version that currently happen where I was the one be a Hero to save all the Bad Route."
I thought this episode will develope the "Hatsukoi". But, I don't know. I really enjoy every plot that this anime serve.
Great Episode!
Mar 2, 10:21 PM
Offline
Feb 2022
140
Damn bro they got QJ RIP
Mar 3, 12:33 AM
Offline
Jun 2024
46
QJ's sacrifice is the most respected moment, and I can't argue with that. Because in the original script, being the only warrior who survived the ending is absolutely selfish, what he wanted is everyone to live a happy life.

Also, Natsuko's idol(The observing bird) need to stop hiding, it's time for her confess that she's the God of this story, and be prepare for her characters, they will probably turn against her, for arranging their death, and giving them more bad days.
Mar 3, 1:07 AM

Offline
Jul 2024
172
Man, that hit surprisingly hard.
QJ, we'll remember you, bro.
Mar 3, 1:51 AM

Offline
Nov 2013
6919
QJ is a hero!
He was supposed to be the only one left alive at the end of the movie but decided to sacrifice himself. Natsuko went panic mode but the paper she threw away was still effective at blocking missiles. Maybe she doesn't necessarily need to draw a masterpiece and that's the point?
Things are getting desperate. I wonder if the bird/author is the one making voids stronger by copying Natsuko. She's always watching after all.
Mar 3, 3:42 AM
Offline
May 2021
183
There is no doubt in my mind that wretched bird is behind it all.
Mar 3, 5:37 AM
Offline
Jul 2022
9
HOLLLYY FFFFFFKK, I ACTUALLY STARTED TO CARE FOR THE LITTLE DUDE :(((
Mar 3, 5:38 AM
Offline
Jul 2019
82
I really love this show I almost cried when QJ died. How ironic to say happy ending and then die that very episode. I’d be down for a tales of perishing anime lol.
Mar 3, 5:44 AM

Offline
Nov 2011
558
naaaah noo how coomeeee
btw now way Luke would be able to roll the way he did while holding a sword like he did xp
Pages (2) [1] 2 »

More topics from this board

Poll: » Zenshuu. Episode 10 Discussion

Stark700 - 7 hours ago

28 by Sheol01 »»
41 seconds ago

» Zenshu if it was peak

Imoogi26 - Mar 7

21 by Sigmar-Unberogen »»
1 hour ago

Poll: » Zenshuu. Episode 8 Discussion ( 1 2 )

Stark700 - Feb 23

77 by cooldogmom »»
Yesterday, 9:24 PM

Poll: » Zenshuu. Episode 3 Discussion ( 1 2 )

Stark700 - Jan 19

91 by L1on777 »»
Yesterday, 1:00 PM

Poll: » Zenshuu. Episode 2 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )

Stark700 - Jan 12

124 by L1on777 »»
Yesterday, 12:18 PM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login