Natsume's Book of Friends Season 7 Episode 3 Review
The latest episode of Natsume's Book of Friends continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of supernatural mystery and emotional depth. Season 7's third episode brings us another fascinating glimpse into the world of yokai, featuring walking scarecrows and traditional Japanese games that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Return of Natori
One of the most welcomed aspects of this episode is the return of Natori, whose relationship with Natsume continues to evolve in interesting ways. Their physical resemblance and spiritual connection create a compelling dynamic that adds depth to both characters. Natsume's defense of Natori against comparisons to Matoba demonstrates how far their relationship has come.
Supernatural Elements
The episode's central focus on walking scarecrow yokai creates an effectively eerie atmosphere, even in broad daylight. The visual presentation of these supernatural beings manages to be both unsettling and fascinating, showcasing the series' ability to balance horror elements with its signature emotional storytelling.
Traditional Japanese Folklore
The incorporation of the "tookanya" game serves as another excellent example of how the series weaves traditional Japanese folklore into its narrative. This connection to cultural heritage adds authenticity to the supernatural elements while providing viewers with insight into Japanese traditions.
New Character Introduction
Yorishima
The episode introduces us to Yorishima, a promising new character whose no-nonsense approach provides an interesting contrast to Natori's personality. His mysterious nature and apparent spiritual abilities suggest potential for future storyline development, particularly regarding possible connections to Reiko's past.
Themes and Character Development
Natsume's Curiosity
The episode continues to showcase how Natsume's curiosity, while often leading him into dangerous situations, ultimately serves as the driving force behind the series' most meaningful encounters. His willingness to engage with the supernatural world, despite its risks, allows for rich character development and compelling storytelling.
Power and Responsibility
The episode subtly explores themes of spiritual power and its implications, particularly through references to Reiko's past and Natsume's own considerable abilities. The suggestion that exorcist clans might be interested in recruiting someone of Natsume's power level adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative.
Technical Aspects
The animation quality remains consistently high, particularly in scenes featuring the walking scarecrows. The art direction continues to excel at creating atmosphere, whether in broad daylight or shadowed corners, maintaining the series' distinctive visual style.
Looking Forward
The episode sets up several interesting possibilities for future developments:
- Potential deeper exploration of Reiko's past
- More appearances by Yorishima
- Further development of the exorcist clan dynamics
- Possible return of Matoba
Final Thoughts
Episode 3 of Natsume's Book of Friends Season 7 delivers another strong entry in the series, balancing supernatural elements with character development while introducing new mysteries and characters. The episode's blend of traditional folklore with modern storytelling continues to demonstrate why this series remains a beloved staple of supernatural anime.
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