Another recap episode? In my show? It’s more likely than you think.

Since we had a recap episode immediately following the Revolver duel, I figured we would be due for one again at the end of the next major arc. But to have one in less than ten episodes? The show is treating the entire Data Bank segment as its own standalone arc. Like the viewers are so incompetent to the point they cannot remember six episodes’ worth of content. Frankly, it’s insulting.

To compare to the previous recap episode, this one does not even seem to try at crafting a decent framing device. The Frog and Pigeon reporters at least had reason to review all of Playmaker’s exploits last time. This time, it’s just Ignis talking to the other AI (Roboppi, I think?) in Yusaku’s room, bragging to it as a form of posturing. There’s absolutely no reason for what should simply be a throwaway comedic relief scene to turn into a full-blown recap episode.

For what it’s worth, there is a minor scene where Shoichi talks to Yusaku about a tourist spot called Stardust Road, where a bunch of phosphorescent plankton gather sometimes to create a brilliant spectacle. It seems too deliberate to simply be small talk, so I do think Stardust Road will play some sort of role in the episodes to come. (But maybe I’m giving the writers too much credit?)

Honestly, there’s nothing more to say about this episode. It’s lazy, insulting, and frustrating. If there’s any redeemable quality to this episode, it’s that Ignis’ voice acting inflection remains strong. But that’s never really an issue with the franchise anyway, so it’s not anything to really point out. I’m grasping at straws to find anything at all positive to say about this episode, but the writing and directorial staffs are not making it easy. I can’t even count the animation highlights considering they are primarily recycled material. Jeez. Here’s to hoping this whole recap thing doesn’t become a trend.

Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 21

2.7

Writing

1.0/10

Visuals

5.5/10

Enjoyability

1.5/10

Pros

• Admittedly funny depictions of Yusaku by the AIs

Cons

• Lazy framing
• Unnecessary recap is a waste of time
• Ignis speaks about events it has no knowledge of

Watch Now on Crunchyroll

DaCrowz

Founder of Cards on the Table, DaCrowz continues to profess that his opinions on manga, movies, and shows are somehow in good taste despite the fact that he would likely give an "A" rating to the Prison School anime. When he is not being mistaken for Nicholas Hoult in public, he puts most of his energy into convincing the Yu-Gi-Oh! community that Volcanic Scattershot is staple for any deck.