Intro:
Bravern continues to be a tonal rollercoaster each week it airs. Finally fitting into its niche, the show has taken on an interesting set of character themes this week. These themes will likely make up most of this review as they are the highlight of the episode.
Summary
Everyone is preparing for the upcoming arrival to Japan. Lewis tries to find a way to talk with Isami at Bravern’s request.
Bravern:
Bravern, as a character, continues to intrigue this author. In some aspects, he has a keen social awareness and knows what Isami needs at any point. In other instances, he becomes so caught up in his affection for Isami that he becomes oblivious. Overall, Bravern seems dedicated to helping make Isami a better person. While initially caught up in his clinginess, Bravern is slowly learning there are things he can’t do for Isami. This revelation makes up most of his character work in this episode. Entrusting Lewis to take care of Isami, Bravern’s role in this episode is mostly a background supporting one.
Isami:
Since last week’s episode, Isami has been slowly reaching a point of burnout. He gets increasingly frustrated with his circumstances and pushes everyone else away. In this episode, it’s revealed he’s been quietly taking on the burden of this mission. Isami believes that he has to do everything himself and protect everyone. This attitude worries Bravern, who can only rely on Isami’s comrades to help. This is where Lewis comes in. Lewis challenges Isami to a boxing match in order to talk with him more. Both characters learn more about each other and reach a point of understanding. This provides some much-needed character development for both.
Lulu:
Lulu stole parts of the show in this episode. As she begins to talk more and more, parts of her personality emerge. She is still attached to Smith but now also talks to other people. She realizes that she has learned human language by watching Tokusatsu shows, which is an endearing part of her appearance. That said, this author is curious to see where her character will go as more episodes are released.
Other Highlights of Bravern Episode 5:
This episode of Bravern featured a variety of both serious and light-hearted moments. The stakes are high, with many of the cast feeling the dread and grief of seeing Japan on fire. While spirits are equally as high, there is a feeling of impending doom for the cast in this episode. The Death Drives are an unpredictable threat that humanity doesn’t know how to deal with.
Isami knows this better than anyone and, thus, tries to shoulder the burden of it. In the process, however, he hurts himself by pushing people away. It’s very clear that he doesn’t want people to die at the hands of this threat. Considering his past is still shrouded in mystery, this may relate to his previous experiences. On the flip side, Lewis, who wants to be a hero, believes it is better to fight alongside others. This culminates in their homoerotic boxing match that sees Isami as the winner. The longer the show continues, the more homoerotic it becomes. Bravern even calls Isami his soulmate in this episode. While this author struggles to figure out the thesis of this show so far, it continues to have potential. Over the past couple of weeks, I find myself vindicated in knowing my assessment of Bravern and Isami’s dynamic so far has been correct.
Bravern Episode 5 Theories & Conclusion:
The theory that Bravern is a Death Drive who rebelled is becoming more and more likely. He tends to know more than he lets on and knows some Death Drives by name. While this author does not think he’s evil like some believe, he most certainly knows too much for it to be a coincidence. Thus, it will be interesting to see what gets revealed. In the meantime, Goodsmile is selling merchandise for the anime that can be found here.
