Episode 52

Everyone's Reactions

This episode features the usual group of grasshoppers being eaten, and it was subtly painful to watch Suilei, who hates bugs, right there in the scene. That simple "ate" line made me do a little double-take. Zuulin's inability to speak seems to be due to acquired throat damage, so learning that they can still hear gave me some mixed feelings. The OP plays out quietly with scenic visuals, and the ED ends on a sentimental note with Eve's "AIYOU," which felt like a perfect fit for this episode's title, "The Last Book." Maomao's playful antics and interactions with Ren Shi are light and soothing again, while the plot moves forward as Maomao finds the key in the insect encyclopedia left by Zi Cui. It's nice to see the mystery progressing even while we're laughing. I'm curious about how the relationship between the locust plague and Zi's family deepens next week—might keep me up at night.