91 Days - Episode 8 (Review)
By: Rae[yasr_multiset setid=11] So after last week’s recap episode, we’re back in the story again, picking up as Corteo overhear’s Avilio’s disturbing promise of brotherhood to Nero.
A new Federal Bureau of Prohibition official has arrived, announcing his intentions to wipe out the mafia/police relationship that has allowed illegal alcohol to thrive. His first focus is Fango, followed by the Vannettis. Fango, in turn, has decided it’s time to take down the Vannetti family.
Avilio’s first plan is to pay off Delphy. When he refuses the mafia money, Avilio inquires about Delphy’s young daughter, unsettling both the official and Corteo. Corteo is horrified when, after investigations begin, the Vannettis decide they must kill Delphy’s family in order to have the investigation called off. Avilio tries to leave him enough money to go to college – a seemingly caring gesture – but tells Corteo “Stay out of my life from now on.” This goes over about as well as you could expect a rejection from the guy who dragged you into a bunch of mafia nonsense would.
Feeling betrayed, Corteo reaches out to Fango, essentially helping him plot Nero’s assassination (or at least tipping him off on where to do it). But soon, he’s disillusioned of this choice as well, realizing that everyone in the mafia drama is only out for themselves. Meanwhile, he’s also terrified that Nero and company are onto his betrayal.
Fango sees Corteo as a weakness, especially with is fearful demeanor and panicked hesitation. But of course, there are always alternatives. Scusa has taken his position back from Delphy, and retrieved his evidence. Among these items is the recipe for Corteo’s Lawless Heaven – the secret that’s kept Corteo both alive and valued for so long. What’s a corrupt official with a secret to do, except sell to the highest bidder?For the second time in a row (let’s just say 91 Days 7.5 didn’t exist), I have pretty much no words for an episode’s ending. This one is a must-watch that was equal parts shocking and disturbing. Corteo has gone from being the character on the edge of every story, to starring in one. What this means for the character’s future, I’m not sure. He seems to be broken by his experience caught between Nero and Fango. A depression has set in, but so has a primal fear of death, and the result is an unpredictable, scared alcoholic who’s desperate just to stay alive.
Once again, 91 Days has delivered an excellent story (with excellent backgrounds – look at that imagery of loneliness as a tiny Corteo walks through the huge, empty city streets). Avilio seems to be suspicious of Corteo’s behaviour, though where this will all lead is a mystery. Has Corteo been found out? Will he return to the Vannettis – if he even lives long enough?If you haven’t been watching, now’s the time to start! 91 Days has been a great summer series so far, and every time it seems like it can’t get more intense or like the story’s figured out, there’s another little twist in the tale.You can catch 91 Days on Crunchyroll, Fridays at 2:30 EDT
