Ganglion Episode 24: Slap

The episode begins not with a whimper, but a comical flourish. A masked man, Binta, in a bright yellow and black costume, pulls a face, establishing the show’s unique blend of action and absurdity. The title, 'GANGLION,' explodes onto a blue sky, setting a light, yet dynamic, tone. It suggests a world where serious conflict might just be a backdrop for something far less grand.

Inside a dark, industrial room, Binta stands among looming monster-like figures, voicing his deep frustration. He questions the purpose of his work, mentioning his heavy vehicle license and his desire to quit. A brief cut to chirping baby birds in a nest offers a poignant contrast, hinting at his longing for a simpler, perhaps more meaningful, existence away from this peculiar corporate grind. He feels trapped, a sentiment many can recognize.

The scene shifts to a different kind of corporate enthusiasm. Hope Man, seated at his desk, eagerly unfolds a paper, revealing a photo of himself with Belbe members and a pink robot. Sunlight streams through the blinds, casting a deceptively bright glow on his triumphant demeanor. His excitement for new developments appears genuine, almost innocent, contrasting sharply with Binta's earlier cynicism.

The tension escalates dramatically as Binta, still masked, enters Hope Man's office, a resignation letter in hand. Hope Man is furious at the insolence. In a sudden, shocking move, Binta slaps Hope Man, scattering papers and sending his boss to the floor clutching his face. The other Belbe members watch in stunned silence. Hope Man fires Binta, who retorts, "You're the worst," as he walks away.

With the uniform discarded, Binta is unmasked, his hair tied back, walking down a bright hallway with a duffel bag. Isobe, another unmasked Belbe member, catches up to him. They share a knowing smile and a fist bump, a silent pact of understanding. As they ride the elevator, Isobe ignores a call from "Shadow Taicho," signaling their clear departure from that world. The bright light awaiting them as the doors open, followed by credits over a cityscape, offers a sense of liberation and a fresh start.

The broadcast transitions to an aftertalk session, hosted by Amatsu Hirotarō, in a brightly lit studio. He introduces the segment as an AT-X exclusive, designed to enhance the viewing experience of 'Ganglion.' The shift in setting and tone is immediate, moving from the fictional world to a more grounded, analytical space. It establishes a bridge between the story and its reception.

Amatsu Hirotarō introduces the voice actors joining him: Okada Naoko, who voiced a newscaster; Oishi Raian, the voice of Osogami; and Itao Itsuji, who played the stall owner. Each actor offers a brief, playful introduction, showcasing their personalities. Their presence immediately lends a human dimension to the characters, making the discussion feel personal and engaging.

The discussion quickly turns to Episode 24's ending. Itao Itsuji remarks on its unexpected nature, noting it wasn't a typical 'fight' conclusion. The panel debates the open-endedness of the story, particularly the ongoing conflict between Ganglion and Hope Man. They ponder if the lack of a definitive resolution suggests the narrative might continue, leaving a lingering sense of possibility.

Oishi Raian shares his lingering feelings about his character, Osogami, and the impact of his decisive actions on the company's atmosphere. The host and Okada Naoko discuss the surprising 'Ogawa Mongol' monster and the underlying theme of love in what is ostensibly a 'work anime.' They observe how the comical failures of corporate operations highlight the struggles of employees, contrasting them with the warmth of home life, creating a unique form of 'home drama'.

The host asks the panel about their favorite characters. Okada Naoko reveals her fondness for the HR Manager. Oishi Raian, with clear attachment, names his own character, Osogami. Itao Itsuji, however, chooses the villain, Shadow Taicho, explaining that despite his villainous role, his consistent portrayal makes him memorable. The discussion reveals the diverse ways characters can resonate, even the antagonists.

Okada Naoko highlights that the original manga still contains many unresolved plot points, enough to fuel "another 24 episodes," including more dialogue from the Chairman. She voices a hopeful wish for a second season, indicating the wealth of storytelling potential left untapped. This provides a glimpse into the broader universe of the story, beyond what the anime has shown.

The episode concludes with a rapid succession of previews for other anime series. Titles like 'I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class,' 'Marriage Toxin,' and 'Aho-Girl' flash across the screen, each offering a brief glimpse into different genres and storylines. It is a commercial flourish, a quick shift from reflective commentary to future entertainment. This final segment leaves the viewer with a sense of anticipation for what else the network has to offer.