SPY×FAMILY - Ch. 119

[Andigo]

At least with this, the author is progressing some obvious core plot about the couple thinking over their relationship. We got a new dramatic adult character and a cheating-related misunderstanding, so we're not exactly stagnating or getting a repetitive plot. At least, because the former is aware of the latter and the annoying contrivance is going to get played for laughs. So I'm much more optimistic the series can go somewhere instead of be a collection of genre-disparate vignettes.

It still could go back to dragging, or at least building nothing. Merch sustains the series, and apparently Anya's chibi cuteness. And I stand by my belief the Imperial Scholar plotline needs to reach some climax about the Desmonds and slow down enough for time skips. A lot has happened in, apparently, six months, yet that's nowhere near long enough for Anya to feel like an equal part of a psychic espionage thriller. Give her a few years, or at least one year, and redesign for new merch (you cowards). The 00-Yotsuba& plotline doesn't have enough braincells to stay emotionally relevant beyond connecting different POVs, and Anya's psychic super spy savvy doesn't yet feel earned or within her ability to hide long-term. The compressed timeline probably won't change, so at this rate I'll probably never feel the plot did Anya's unique family situation justice.

 

[Shinigamisama]

Just kiss and see what happens.

 

[vagligeiro]

I think I like Spy x Family precisely because if Loid and Yor "come out" (as a real couple) at some point, the story either ends or takes on a new meaning.

However, Loid is a liar forged by the struggles of war, and he often questions himself. At least emotionally, in the bar episode, we learn that Loid "let go" of Yor. But at the same time, I understand that Loid is afraid to get involved with anyone because of his spy nature.

With this storyline, we also understand what the Garden really is (a group of assassins with fascist tendencies). I found this amusing of the author, because what I understand from this construction is that he shows a duplicity in crime. The "Yor Escorting" arc already showed that Garden wants to preserve the underworld structure without mishap (as the escort was to prevent a larger war between crime bosses), and this arc shows Garden's relationship with the government (Garden just wants to be called in to "put down traitors" - and this VARIES GREATLY depending on what the person did, because if it's something political and the "shopkeeper" considers "stupid," they don't even do it).

Yor kind of enters the world of assassination out of necessity (she was probably orphaned along with Yuri) and just wanted to try to have a "normal" life. Theoretically, Spy X Family would end in apotheosis if the war ended BECAUSE somehow Loid, Yor, and Anya did something that helped end the war. BUT, as said, it's not really a story about heroes, but about a cold war.

 

[KnightSpark]

Would it be premature of me to say that I blame Hemlock for planting the seeds of doubt in Yor's mind?

 

[TheNoteBlock]

This was played a fair bit more straight than I was expecting, which I really like... but it still hinges on Loid's response next chapter. Else this is probably going to play out almost exactly like I called it last chapter.

As excited as I am for the next chapter.... I'm worried it's just gonna be played for laughs in the end. She'll say something vague that roughly alludes to her real work and feelings about their family, which Loid will have a crazy overreaction too (although maybe rightfully so) before settling on some half-truth that puts us back at the status quo.

 

[vagligeiro]

Would it be premature of me to say that I blame Hemlock for planting the seeds of doubt in Yor's mind?

Yor is a bit of an "innocent girl" in the end. Perhaps it's no wonder the shopkeeper tested her and wasn't bothered by Hemlock's anger toward her. And for him (the Garden manager), perhaps this innocence is useful, as it prevents her from second-guessing her actions.

It's no wonder Yor has developed doubts about her actions; in fact, ever since Anya questioned her a few times, she's always questioned herself. But the question is whether she wants to continue being an assassin or whether she ultimately wants to live a "normal, futile" life. Her partnership with Loid not only made her think deeply—perhaps even sparks some feelings in Loid, but Endo doesn't make this very clear—but it also showed her that there are men who are "honest" (even if they lie a lot).

 

[RiceIST00]

peak incoming next chapter!!???

 

[pip25]

And here I was thinking there would be some fucking progress

In the terms of this manga, this actually counts as serious progress. Make of it what you will.