Watching Rintaro get gaslighted by reality basically. Looks like he's developed some form of time travel?? So many unanswered questions when it comes to the gel banana. The characters introduced here also feel prominent to the story in the future, but the episode feels stagnant.

gorlock332

6 mo

Verified

This episode gave tons of Matrix vibes, the way Rintaro would crash out over remembering something, only to have it completely erased to everyone else was a little relatable, which made it a scary concept.

mustardsprinkles

6 mo

Verified

Continuing with the surrealist concept and plot points, the feature of Kurisu in the beginning gave her a lot of character rather than sidelining her into Rintaro's mystery to solve. I like that the show keeps the individual character's perspectives all realistic as well.

Episode Context

Steins;Gate settles into its rhythm with an episode that prioritizes atmosphere and unease over action. The paranoia in the title is earned. Okabe's world feels slightly off-kilter, and the show leans into that disorientation with deliberate pacing that rewards patience. Expect extended dialogue sequences between Okabe, Mayuri, Daru, and the newly introduced Kurisu Makise as the show plants seeds of scientific intrigue without rushing to explain itself. The tone balances Okabe's theatrical eccentricity against a genuine undercurrent of tension, creating a push-pull between comedy and creeping dread. This is a foundation episode: it's building vocabulary, establishing relationships, and quietly layering mysteries. Viewers who need immediate payoff may feel restless, but this methodical groundwork is exactly what makes Steins;Gate's later episodes hit so hard.

Runtime24 min

Filler StatusCanon

Plot ImportanceMED

Air DateApr 13, 2011

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