‘Marriagetoxin’ Episode 2 review: “What is Charm, Anyway?”

There are plenty of little moments and character interactions to enjoy in Marriagetoxin Episode 2. But what comes across most, with the greatest gleeful intent, is this: this shit is weird.

Granted, the series, based on the manga written by Joumyaku and illustrated by Mizuki Yoda, doesn’t shy away from this in the premiere. A premiere that had gangsters using living humans as chairs, and introduces a whimsical character who glides away using bugs at the bottom of his shoes. Our main protagonists, the increasingly lovable Gero (Haruki Ishiya), have killed people but also love DIY candy kits. The series, from its characters and worldbuilding to the clash of colors and tones in presentation, is very deliberately off-kilter. That is one of its most defining strengths.

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 leans even more into this premise as Kinosaki (Shion Wakayama) works to reveal Gero’s true charm. A charm, Kinosaki argues, that is tied to his ability to save others with his superior skills and strengths. Does this go against the ideology of a poison master? Perhaps! But Kinosaki rightfully points out that he can lean into his heroism too, especially when he seems predisposed to help people in need. Kinosaki argues that this will allow Gero to show off to women in danger in need of saving.

Meet your first suitor: Kyoko Himekawa.

All of which leads them to a rescue mission. A rescue mission that puts forth the main driving force of the surface narrative (get Gero a date) while also further expanding a truly bizarre world devoid of rules or logic. The story operates on delivering the weirdest “what if” scenario and running with it. The woman they’re rescuing, Kyoko Himekawa (Anna Nagase), isn’t just some damsel in need of saving. She’s a Robin Hood-type but for stole artwork, returning pieces to their rightful owners.

And the people who have kidnapped her? They consist of the gallery owner and Shizuku Ushio, an assassin who is a master of water. It’s ludicrous and wonderful. Even the how of Gero and Kinosaki finding the case is riddled with visual and narrative gags. From the two being shown a PowerPoint presentation by those advocating for Shizuku’s rescue to the art in the gallery itself being hilariously rudimentary, the charm stems from the unexpected. Nothing is straightforward, and that is one of the major appeals, considering the series could so easily rest on default structures.

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 ends with a fight between Gero and Shizuku, as the two clash over ideals despite being born into powerful clans. And while the action itself continues to impress, even with limited time, what shines is the back-and-forth between the characters. Namely, the growing friendship between Gero and Kinosaki.

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 knows where the charm lies.

Because while there’s a lot that transpires over the course of Marriagetoxin Episode 2, the ones that stand out are the early moments between the poison master and the marriage swindler. Gero, completely disarmed by Kinosaki’s charm, and the latter trying to discern just what Gero finds appealing at the art gallery are cute, charming moments that sell the backbone of the series’s relationship. It also further proves the main, guiding core of the series: two characters out of sync with perceived societal norms, determined to find happiness however they’re able to.

It’s part of what makes their rush to save Kyoko work too. They’re a team. And it’s a fun race to find Kyoko as Kinosaki tries to tell Gero that he’s not made out for this part of his line of work, despite showing himself adept at adaptability. The sequence also lends itself to humor as he tries, albeit in vain, to coach Gero on what to say once they arrive for the rescue.

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 hits some awkward pacing snags but resolves into another fun and infectious story about two unlikely people gravitating towards one another for an even more unlikelier purpose. Strengthened by solid (if not showy) animation, strong musical cues, and lively voice acting, “What is Charm, Anyway?” cements the series as a seasonal must-watch.

Marriagetoxin Episode 2 is available now on Crunchyroll. 

Images courtesy of Studio Bones/Crunchyroll. 

Allyson Johnson

Based in New England, Allyson is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of InBetweenDrafts. Former Editor-in-Chief at TheYoungFolks, she is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Her writing has also appeared at CambridgeDay, ThePlaylist, Pajiba, VagueVisages, RogerEbert, TheBostonGlobe, Inverse, Bustle, her Substack, and every scrap of paper within her reach.