Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3 Episode 6 That Which Is Not Human
- TV-14
- August 8, 2011
- 24 min
-
(63)
Natsume's Book of Friends is a beloved anime series which revolves around a teenage boy named Natsume who can see spirits. In season 3, episode 6 titled "That Which Is Not Human," we see another adventurous day in Natsume's life.
The episode opens with Natsume encountering an unusual spirit while on a walk. The spirit appears to be lost and confused, which prompts Natsume to offer his assistance. As he tries to communicate with the spirit, Natsume realizes that the spirit is not a typical yokai. This spirit is something completely different. It's a shapeless, formless entity that appears to be made entirely of mist.
As Natsume tries to figure out the nature of this unique spirit, he is suddenly attacked by another yokai. This one is far more aggressive and dangerous than the lost mist spirit from earlier. After realizing that he is outmatched, Natsume decides to run and hide from the yokai. However, he soon discovers that he isn't the only one being pursued. The lost mist spirit is also being chased by the same yokai.
Realizing that he can't leave the mist spirit to be caught by the predator yokai, Natsume takes it upon himself to protect the spirit and divert the yokai's attention. But as the episode progresses, Natsume begins to realize that the mist spirit may actually pose a significant threat to both the yokai world and the human world.
With this realization, Natsume comes to understand that not all spirits are as benign as they appear. As he grapples with the newfound knowledge that not everything is as black and white as he once thought, he must also decide whether or not he will help the mist spirit or protect others from its potential danger.
The episode provides a unique perspective on what it means to be a spirit in the world of Natsume's Book of Friends. It asks questions about what makes something or someone "other," and whether or not we can truly understand what we don't know. It also explores themes of empathy, fear, and the unknown.
The animation in this episode is as beautiful as ever, bringing the world of Natsume's Book of Friends to life in stunning detail. The storytelling is top-notch, providing viewers with both action and contemplative moments that leave them thinking long after the episode has ended. The characters continue to be complex, three-dimensional people, with Natsume navigating the line between human and spirit in a way that is both relatable and heartbreaking.
Overall, season 3, episode 6 of Natsume's Book of Friends is a thoughtful, well-crafted episode that deepens our understanding of the world and its characters. It takes the show's themes of compassion, understanding, and acceptance to new heights, proving once again that this series is one of the best anime out there.