SSSS.Gridman - Episode 12 (Review)
By: EyeSpyeAlex
With a new year awaiting my opinions I figured I should wrap up my feelings on SSSS.Gridman. Need to catch up? Check out my previous review here!
The Story
This final episode of SSSS.Gridman starts with Alexis unleashing a new kaiju on the city - Akane. In an attempt to stop her rampage, Anti quickly engages in battle with Akane in his Gridknight form. Anti is finally able to break through Akane’s kaiju exterior and pulls her out, thus killing her kaiju form. The two don’t have that long of a reunion though. Alexis repays Anti for his handiwork by stabbing him through the chest. With no further obstacles in the way, Alexis absorbs Akane and grows into a huge and powerful kaiju.
Meanwhile, Sho and Rikka finally figure out Junk’s access code. This breakthrough allows Gridman, Anti, and the Neon Genesis Junior High students to come together in Gridman’s true form.
Now in his final form, Gridman squares off against Alexis, who proves himself a formidable opponent. Not only is Alexis strong, but he can heal himself by feeding on Akane’s negative emotions. All seems lost until Gridman unleashes his true power, the fixer beam. This ultimate move allows Gridman to reset the city, while also allowing them to contact Akane. Gridman, Sho, and Rikka convince Akane to face her fears, which allows her to break free from Alexis’ hold on her.
With Akane safe, Gridman defeats Alexis, sealing the villain away. Just like that, the city is safe, and the world no longer has a need for Gridman and the Neon Genesis Junior High students. The heroes takes Alexis and return to their home, the Hyper World, leaving Yuta’s body behind.
Concerned for her friend, Rikka heads to Akane’s apartment only to find Akane packing up her belongings. Akane informs Rikka that she leaving to return to her own world. The two share a heartfelt goodbye, then suddenly Akane is gone. The scene then quickly cuts to the real world. We see a familiar passport holder laying on a desk, then a figure rising from the bed.
The Review
So, let’s go over the things I really like about this finale. I really enjoy the Gridman song that plays while Gridman and Alexis fight. It’s so nostalgic and reminiscent of the late eighties/early nineties cartoons and anime, and is a super catchy song to boot. Along with being a nice throwback to old cartoons, it really served to hype me up for the fight. I was waiting in anticipation to cheer on Gridman, and the fight didn’t disappoint.
In a similar vein, I love that Rikka and Akane were able to get some closure before Akane left. Their relationship throughout the series was incredibly complex and kind of intimate. Despite being a god, Akane relied on Rikka to validate her and guide her on the right path. It was great to see Rikka support her friend without the worry of Alexis or Gridman clouding their conversation.
I’m unsure of how I feel regarding the final scenes of SSSS.Gridman. Introducing a link to the real world in the final moments lessens the quality a little. Shows often use that sort of fourth wall breaking as a joke, something that is done and never mentioned again. Having SSSS.Gridman do the same thing opens up a realm of possibilities that will never be explored. As a person who prefers things wrapped up nicely, this is definitely an annoyance.
Speaking of annoyances, what is going on with Yuta? We see his parents returning home during the credits, but get nothing of him sans Gridman. In the grand scheme of things, who Yuta really is has no bearing on the plot. See above though regarding wrapping up things nicely.
Overall, I really enjoy SSSS.Gridman. Despite some open-ended plot points, the show does an excellent job telling a story. The fight scenes are intense, and the magical girl moments make it even better. I highly recommend checking it out!