Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 is still a couple months away but there’s a new OVA to tide fans over. This bonus episode first released back to back in theaters with a compilation film of Season 1, subtitled Mission Recon. I wasn’t actually sure if I was going to get this episode on time. There was no word on a North American theatrical run the last time I blogged about Kaiju No. 8. Fortunately, Crunchyroll and Sony eventually did announce a couple of dates and there was a screening within driving distance for me. The only caveat is that I had to watch the movie and episode dubbed (I generally prefer to watch subbed) but I’m okay with that. It was more convenient than watching the sub screening on a weekday (and I like Kaiju No. 8 but not enough to use PTO for it).
As can you tell, this post is mostly about the OVA. I’m not going to go over the movie all that much. Usually, I give a compilation film its own post for the sake of completion or if there’s new content to go over and Mission Recon doesn’t fit either criteria so that’s why it’s not getting one. My quick assessment on the movie is that it’s a pretty decent re-edit of Season 1. It paces quite well through the major story beats and even with scenes cut out, it manages to still depict all the different character dynamics in the show. That said, there are some baffling omissions in the movie. In particular, the movie skims over the Battle of Sagamihara, including Kafka’s scuffle against Kaiju No. 9. More surprising than that, it mostly omits the last two episodes, ending instead with Kafka’s arrest. If you didn’t know any better, you probably would think that actually is how Season 1 ends. And I would know because my brother watched the movie without seeing the show and that’s exactly the assumption he made. Still, not having the actual final fight of the season and all the subsequent character development for Kafka and Kikoru is a crazy choice. If you lack the time, the movie is a suitable alternative but I recommend watching the last two episodes of Season 1 afterwards.
Moving on to the OVA, this episode takes place sometime before Kaiju No. 10’s attack on the Third Division’s base. Every new recruit that is remotely relevant to the plot gets a day off, though poor Kafka has to sit it out due to getting sick. Reno still finds himself continuing with his training and Soshiro offers to one day teach him how to properly spend the day off, before heading off for an errand. Iharu grows curious as to what Soshiro is up to, leading him and Reno to tail Soshiro for a good chunk of the day. Given Soshiro’s abilities, there is absolutely no way he wouldn’t spot Reno and Iharu. And sure enough, he later reveals that he knew from the start. What’s funny then is that Soshiro feigning ignorance works because of his sense of humor. He likes seeing other people be stupid so of course he lets the other two tail him. Also effective is just how bad Reno and Iharu are at stealth. Much of their stakeout has them using motorcycle helmets to conceal their identities, even though Soshiro would still recognize them via the rest of their attires. It’s like all their stealth training at the Third Division vanished from their minds.
There’s some slice of life moments thrown in during the stakeout. Definitely the best moment of the bunch is Soshiro tracking down Mina’s favorite snack at a local market. Mina cracking a bigger smile over this than when she reunited with Kafka and thanking Soshiro for his “service” to the division and the nation as a cover up is simply amazing. The only moment that doesn’t work too well is Kikoru hanging out with her friends, Akari Minase (Nene Hieda) and Hakua Igarashi (Mayuko Kazama). You’d think this would be up my alley since it’s CGDCT but this circle of friends is barely a thing in Season 1 so I wasn’t that invested in their hangout.
Eventually, all the recruits run into each other and they catch a curious moment where Soshiro hands over Third Division assets to another guy in a parking lot. Naturally, everyone jumps to the conclusion that Soshiro is selling goods to the black market. I like how Haruichi tries to be the voice of reason even though he’s the first one to note how suspicious the exchange looked. Obviously, this is the classic misunderstanding. Turns out, Soshiro donated assets that are no longer in use to an exhibit where children learn about the Defense Force and how to act safely in the event of a kaiju attack. It’s cliche but it works for two reasons. One, there’s the terrific justification that Soshiro let everyone feel betrayed because again, he’ll do anything for the lols. And two, seeing the gang play around in the exhibit with the kids is really wholesome and a neat note to end the episode on.
I admit that I put a stupid amount of effort to go see this episode. I bought a movie ticket, drove all the way to a theater, bought some overpriced food, and sat through a 90-minute recap. All that for what is essentially a filler episode/Blu-ray extra. Kind of moot when there’s only two days left in the North American theatrical run at the time of writing this post but yeah, you’re probably better off waiting for when the OVA is available via streaming. Still, I had a fun time and the new episode makes for a easygoing interlude before Season 2 airs.
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