Ep 4. This Side of Paradise

Ash and Eiji arrive in Los Angeles, where Ash immediately heads to meet up with an old acquaintance: an arms dealer named Max. Meanwhile, Eiji explores his new surroundings and meets a group of teenagers who invite him to a party. There, he begins to see the stark contrast between his own sheltered life and the dangerous world Ash inhabits.

As Ash works to secure a supply of weapons for his upcoming job, he runs into trouble with Max's rival, Arthur. A tense confrontation between the two ends in violence, putting Ash's life in danger. Eiji, unaware of the danger his friend is in, spends the night partying with his new acquaintances and begins to let his guard down.

The episode explores the themes of trust and betrayal, as Ash navigates a world where anyone can be a potential threat. It also delves into the idea of escape, as both Ash and Eiji try to find refuge from their pasts in different ways. The contrasting lifestyles of the two main characters are highlighted, with Eiji experiencing his first taste of hedonism and Ash reminding him of the harsh realities he faces every day.

This Side of Paradise also introduces several new characters, including Max, Arthur and his bodyguard, Shorter. Their relationships with Ash and each other add layers of complexity to the already intricate plot. The end of the episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what dangers will come next for Ash and Eiji.

Overall, This Side of Paradise is a gripping episode that continues to build on the tension and intrigue of the previous installments. Viewers are left wondering what the future holds for their favorite characters, and eagerly anticipating the next episode in the series.