SSSS.Gridman - Episode 11 (Review)

By: EyeSpyeAlex

We’re at the penultimate episode of SSSS.Gridman! Need to catch up? Check out my review of the previous episode here!

The Story

The latest episode immediately picks up with Akane stabbing Yuta, breaking Junk, then leaving. As the Gridman gang prepares to call an ambulance they are horrified to learn there’s no cell service. Eventually they get Yuta off to the hospital where his condition thankfully stabilizes. Despite being seemingly healthy, Yuta remains comatose.

Needing a break, Rikka heads off to school to look for Akane. While she is searching for Akane, the Neon Genesis Junior High students realize that the internet is also down. As they wonder if this is due to the lack of background kaiju, they come up with an idea on how to revive Yuta. They hurry back to the shop, leaving Sho to look after Yuta.

While Sho struggles with his emotions, Yuta is reflecting on his connection with Gridman. In his unconscious state, Gridman comes to Yuta and reveals that the two are one in the same. More specifically, Gridman is inhabiting Yuta’s body. Gridman is a Hyper Agent from another world.  His explanation is cut off by the Neon Genesis students rebuilding Junk. Because, you know, they had the technology.

With their million dollar man back online, Yuta rushes back to the shop to merge with Gridman so he can fight the kaiju Alexis has created. Yep, Alexis can create kaiju. Despite his best efforts, Team Gridman and Anti are able to defeat the kaiju without breaking a sweat.

Meanwhile, Rikka manages to find Akane. Just as she is about to get Akane to admit how she feels about her, Alexis shows up. Akane quickly and dejectedly informs Alexis that she can’t make kaiju anymore. In response, Alexis turns Akane into a kaiju. Wait, what?!

The Review

SSSS.Gridman is 2-2 on shock endings. I certainly didn’t expect Akane to get turned into a kaiju. To be honest, I didn’t know that was possible. In hindsight I guess I should have realized that if a kaiju can become human then the reverse is also a possibility. Oh well.

Besides having a great plot twist, the animation in this episode was stellar. Studio Trigger did a great job giving everyone really expressive faces, especially Akane. The magical girl-esque transformation scenes are also top notch. An added bonus was Gridknight’s new move, Gridknight circular.

Episode 11 also provides us with some much needed character exploration for Sho. The entire series Sho has existed mostly in the background. We know he loves kaiju manga, Team Gridman, and disagreeing with Rikka. All of which is extremely superficial.

This episode shows us how Sho really feels. His fear of the kaiju, his worry for Yuta, and his own self-worth all take center stage. Given that Sho has barely registered on my radar, it was really cool to see him work through these emotions.

All in all, episode 11 has me extremely hyped for the finale.