English Dub Review: In/Spectre “The Yuki-Onna’s Innocence”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Kotoko presents the case’s resolution to an astonished Yuki-Onna and Masayuki and makes an important decision about their future.

Our Take: 

Continuing where the previous episode left off, Kotoko has revealed the identity of the culprit responsible for Miharu’s murder. After providing a theory based on Masayuki’s actions and evidence, the Goddess of Wisdom concluded that the killer was Naguha Izuka, Masayuki’s closest work partner. Izuka struggled to get close to Masayuki, so she plotted to murder Miharu and frame Masayuki for the crime so she could have him to herself. As Kotoko stated at the end of the episode, being around wicked women with the intention to kill seemed to be Masayuki’s destiny, especially Yuki-Onna. However, Masayuki seemed more fond of Yuki-Onna than his ex-wife, with Kotoko approving of their relationship.

“The Yuki-Onna’s Innocence” concluded this short arc with a satisfying closure to the murder mystery and Masayuki’s depression. With Yuki-Onna by his side, Masayuki seemed relieved that he won’t have to be alone anymore, meaning that his trust issues had seemingly disappeared. However, he still might have to deal with her scary personality often. Additionally, it showcases more of Kotoko’s tremendous wisdom, with her conjuring up a fake theory based on Masayuki’s personality and the evidence provided against him. Although, we later learn that the reveal is due to Kotoko sending the ghosts to spy on Izuka murdering Miharu. But, of course, she did what she had to do to maintain the order between humans and yokai and help Yuki-Onna prove Masayuki’s innocent.

Now that another mystery is in the books, the question we have left is how long the next mystery will last in season two. While I enjoyed the first season of In/Spectre for its mystery elements and characters, I can also admit that the “Steel Lady Nanase” arc overstayed its welcome, especially regarding its complexity. So, I hope next week’s episode doesn’t suffer that similar fate.