Detroit Metal City Season 1 Episode 5 Masochist/Family
- TV-MA
- August 8, 2008
Detroit Metal City season 1 episode 5, titled "Masochist/Family," is an episode that delves deeper into the life of the protagonist, Soichi Negishi, also known as Johannes Krauser II, the frontman of the death metal band called "Detroit Metal City."
The episode begins with DMC's drummer, Camus, and bassist, Alexander Jagi, trying to locate Krauser II suspiciously absent from his band's practice session. They eventually find him at a nearby park, where he is feeding ducks and singing a peaceful tune. Camus and Alexander are shocked to see their leader act so mellow, unlike his usual aggressive behaviour on stage.
Later, Negishi returns home, where his parents are eagerly waiting for him. His mother is particularly happy to see him, but Negishi's father, who is a conservative man, is dissatisfied with his son's current job as a death metal singer. He questions why Negishi, who graduated from a top university, has ended up singing such vulgar and violent songs. The conversation between father and son becomes heated, and Negishi storms out of the house, leaving his mother in tears.
Negishi's family visit him at his apartment to patch things up. However, they are oblivious to his double life as Johannes Krauser II. When his mother discovers his DMC outfit, she mistakenly assumes it is some fashion trend and even tries it on, leaving Negishi horrified.
Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of Negishi's childhood, where he was brought up in a strict household. His father is a Christian pastor who is against any form of violence or profanity. Negishi's father wishes for his son to follow in his footsteps, become a pastor, and serve the church.
As the episode progresses, we witness a poignant scene where Negishi's father reveals the reason behind his opposition to his son's interest in death metal. He recounts an incident where he witnessed a horrific and savage murder while preaching in Brazil. The incident scarred him, leading him to develop a disdain for violence and anything associated with it, including his son's music.
The Masochist/Family episode is an emotionally packed episode that showcases the struggles that Soichi Negishi faces as a person split between two worlds. He is torn between following his passion for metal music and living up to his father's expectations. The episode serves as a turning point in the show, where we witness a shift in Negishi's character from merely being Johannes Krauser II on stage to accepting his true self.
Overall, the Masochist/Family episode is an excellent addition to Detroit Metal City's first season, highlighting the show's ability to balance outrageous humour with genuine emotional moments. The episode delves deep into Negishi's backstory, paving the way for further character development. Detroit Metal City continues to impress its viewers with its unique take on the heavy metal genre, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and anime alike.