Ep 8. The Mole Rat Speaks

In BNA season 1 episode 8, "The Mole Rat Speaks," the story picks up where we left off with Shirou Ogami in pursuit of Michiru. In this episode, we find out more about Michiru's past and her connection with the silver wolf Shirou.

The beginning of the episode is dominated by Michiru's flashbacks, revealing her troubled past living as a human in a world where beastmen were the majority. These flashbacks provide some much-needed context to Michiru's character and the challenges she faced in her old life. They also foreshadow a central theme of the episode: the importance of understanding and accepting others who are different.

As Michiru's flashbacks wrap up, we see her finally reunited with Shirou after their intense confrontation in the previous episode. Shirou reveals that he has been working with a mole rat named Waniba to uncover the corruption within Anima City's political system. The two of them need Michiru's help to complete their mission.

Waniba is a fascinating character, and her introduction in this episode adds new layers to the show's world-building. As a mole rat, she is often underestimated and overlooked due to her small size and unimpressive appearance. Waniba takes advantage of this by using her ability to move undetected in the underground tunnels beneath Anima City to gather information and eavesdrop on political conversations. Her unique perspective and insight add a lot to the show's plot.

The central conflict of the episode revolves around the upcoming mayoral election in Anima City. The incumbent mayor, Barbaray Rose, is up for re-election, but her rival candidate, Alan Sylvasta, is gaining traction with his platform of "human supremacy." The tension between the two candidates is palpable, and it's clear that something sinister is going on behind the scenes.

As Shirou, Waniba, and Michiru investigate further, they begin to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that runs deeper than they suspected. While this part of the plot is a bit predictable, it's still engaging to watch the protagonists try to unravel the mystery. The stakes feel higher than ever, with the future of Anima City hanging in the balance.

One of the highlights of the episode comes near the end, when Shirou, Waniba, and Michiru confront a group of Sylvasta supporters who have been causing trouble throughout the city. The confrontation turns violent, but Michiru manages to defuse the situation using her powers to communicate with animals. It's a powerful moment that emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy, even in the face of adversity.

Overall, "The Mole Rat Speaks" is a solid episode that builds on the show's established themes and characters. Waniba is a welcome addition to the cast, and her role in the story adds a new dimension to the show's political intrigue. While some aspects of the plot feel familiar, the episode's strong character work and emotional beats make it a worthwhile watch.