Fantastic Children: Episode 08

How lonely it is to be burdened with such an enormous responsibility where emotional attachments or even the hint of happiness is forbidden. In order to survive and to successfully complete their mission, the Befort children are not allowed to intimate relationships other themselves. To be in contact with families, friends, or even a pet is prohibited. But in an uncharacteristic move, Taruranto defies the self-imposed rule and asks Hasumodai to take Wanda, Taruranto’s creation, for a ride. The brief moments of joy are immediately replaced with guilt as soon as Agi and Hiisuma found out their whereabouts.

In the meantime, Thoma’s mother welcomes Helga and Chitto to their humble abode. In contrast to the orphanage’s tyrannical rule, they experience firsthand the warm and loving family of Thoma. Meanwhile on an island nearby, Flow discovers a major lead to Helga’s existence. Unfortunately, she catches a glimpse of ‘her father’ which triggers a flood of bittersweet memories.

While the theme for the episode is deceivingly light, it heavily emphasizes the contrast between Thoma and the children. However, as dense as I am, I cannot still see the clear connection. For some vague reason, Helga’s pictures are oddly familiar to Thoma which suggests an important clue. Also, he wakes up to nightmares only to forget the incidents the next day (or at least, he seems to forget them). The draw to Helga is not probably just a pubescent reaction but integral to their ‘past lives’. Now, I wonder how Chitto fits in to all of this. Will he remain a sidekick or is he also part of their past?

BTW, it’s nice to learn a little backstory about Thoma’s aversion to killer bees. Is it a significant detail or just a small snippet to pepper the ep?