English Dub Review: Fruits Basket “Wanna Kiss?”

Overview

In an obligatory flashback episode, Rin’s Origins are revealed while in the present-day, Rin is determined to make a big change and seeks out Shigure for some answers…

Our Take

I was kind of waiting to learn more about the mysterious Rin, and this did not disappoint. This remains one of the most shockingly written backstories within the series, even if parts of this episode were difficult to watch on an emotional level. The only thing I constantly ask myself when watching this show is: What the fuck is wrong with most of the Sohma zodiac parents? Also, fuck Akito!

We’ve already established how much of a monster Akito can be with how this individual has treated Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, Momiji, Kisa, and Hattori, but the methods of torture used on Rin recontextualize what we now know about Rin’s aggressive attitude while making Akito reach a newer echelon of despicability. I think the biggest highlight is near the end of the episode which was a painful moment in more ways than one. But it leads Rin to the conclusion that breaking the curse is the only way to save Haru. To cast him away while she hunts for answers.

Overall, this episode was excellent. It was able to capture the heart-breaking backstory of Rin and makes sure that, from start to finish, the audience understands every brutal detail of her desperate struggle and it leaves us simply at a loss for words by the end of the episode. I think one of the only major positive I can find aside from the intense drama is the possibility of Tohoru’s warmth as a person having the potential of melting some of her sorrows next episode, but that remains to be seen…