Ep 11. Memento Mori

As a beloved anime series, Death Parade season 1 episode 11 titled "Memento Mori" tells yet another compelling tale. In this episode, the audience is introduced to a new pair of souls, a young girl named Harada Mayu and a man named Shimada Mitsuru.

While at the bar, Decim, the bartender, reveals that the next game to be played is called Old Maid. The game is fairly straightforward, and players must draw cards to avoid being stuck with the Old Maid. Each card has a unique item on it, such as a knife, which suggests a violent backstory that the contestants might have endured. In this game, the stakes are high, as the loser goes straight to the void, where their memories and existence are wiped away.

As the game plays out, both Mayu and Mitsuru reflect on their past lives and the circumstances that brought them to this point. The two characters have an incredibly tense dynamic due to their previous encounters, and as the game progresses, the audience witnesses just how deep-seated their animosity towards each other has become. No one is sure who will win, but with the stakes so high and their memories on the line, it's clear that neither will go down without a fight.

Throughout the game, flashbacks provide much-needed context and a glimpse into the characters' pasts. Mitsuru regrets the way he treated Mayu in the past and occasionally tries to make amends. Mayu, on the other hand, struggles to come to terms with the things she has done. As we understand the intimate nature of their relationship, we appreciate the gravity of the moment and how their past is catching up with them.

Throughout the game, both characters exhibit impressive strategy and tactics. But as old wounds are opened, their emotions become more and more uncontrollable. The climax of the game is intense and nerve-wracking, as both contestants become unstable due to their emotional trauma. The stakes are high, and winning the game becomes a secondary priority for both Mayu and Mitsuru.

As the game comes to an end, Decim must decide whose soul goes to the void and whose soul gets reincarnated. The decision is brutal, and how much weight the memories can have on the decision is shown elegantly. All the characters are forced to reflect on past actions and events, which leads to some unexpected twists. The decision is tense and gut-wrenching and is sure to leave the audience on the edge of their seat.

As the episode comes to a close, the audience can see the heartbreaking effects of their traumatic memories on both Mitsuru and Mayu. The episode presents a strong message about moving on from the past and enjoying what life has to offer. The audience is left with a sobering message to remember to honor each of life's aspects and make no apologies for loving oneself.

Overall, Death Parade season 1 episode 11 is an incredibly intense and well-thought-out chapter. Its characters are deep and complex, and their emotional trauma is expertly portrayed. The game itself is gripping, and the stakes are high enough to keep the audience on the edge of their seat throughout the episode. It is sure to leave fans of the anime desperate for more.