‘Trigun Stargaze’ Episode 3 review: “Memento Mori”

The story is moving quickly in Trigun Stargaze Episode 3, refusing to slow down and let the characters – namely Vash (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) – sit and process the mess he’s once again found himself in. The speed at which the story is thrust into action and then resolved is, frankly, mind-boggling, as it dampens the overall effect. Vash, having undergone major, life-altering trauma, was awoken from a catatonic state only to be then thrown into more upheaval, racing to save the residents of Ship Three. By the end of “Memento Mori,” he’s sharing his grief in a major character moment that deserved more time and rumination rather than a tacked-on scene to close out the episode.

All of this becomes more bearable due to one key figure: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka. The work that Matsuoka is doing as Vash is absolutely superb. He’s so good that he manages to infuse Vash with enough subtleties and genuine, tired heartbreak that help build his suffering and his yearning for atonement into something more palpable than the writing itself. His “I’m home” at the end is a gut-punch of visceral, pent-up emotional release, in the grateful fatigue that carries through. What makes his work resonate is that, much like the character himself, he doesn’t play the obvious chords. Everything is a touch quieter, more vulnerable, more shrill than what makes for your prototype, standard action hero.

On the whole, Trigun Stargaze Episode 3 is a lot of fun, even if it skips through the narrative. While the intent and purpose is to clearly reunite the gang of Vash, Meryl (Sakura Ando), and Wolfwood (Yoshimasa Hosoya), along with the newly joined Milly, the real intrigue is the central fight between Vash and Leonof the Puppetmaster (Chō – best known for his work as Brook on One Piece.)

Studio Orange delivers high-impact intensity.

We learn early on that Leonof has some sort of connection to Knives, having met him as a child. Now, in a fit of misguided idolatry, Leonof seeks his validation by capturing Vash, using his puppets as a means to distract him and mislead him into believing that Knives still lives.

Of course, it’s all a ruse, and Vash relies on Jessica to help him in his fight, sending her to control the ship’s gravity. The fight highlights the dexterity of Studio Orange, from Vash reloading his gun to the swift, cohesive movement that captures every nimble evasion.

But what truly works and stands out is the use of gravity. Mainly, once Jessica turns it up, forcing both Vash and Leonof to be level with the ground in a teeth-grinding assault of pure mass. It’s one thing to convey airborne combat, as Vash uses other matter around him to launch himself while attacking. It’s another to convey the relentless will of gravity as it pushes them against the floor. The result is stunning, impressive work that achieves a level of necessary, breath-holding tactility. Even though the physical threat is invisible, we can still perceive its weight through how the characters are drawn and how the setting warps around them.

The post-battle reunion deserved more time.

Thematically, the fight is crucial too because it demonstrates Vash’s key trait. Not so much his self-destructive pacifism, but his unwavering kindness. He was never going to kill Leonof. But his reaching his hand out and remembering his real name, Emilio, speaks to his good heart.

It’s a shame that the quality of their standoff couldn’t translate into the episode’s closing moments. While the reunions with Wolfwood and Meryl are effective, especially with the humor of the former as Vash waves his hand around Wolfwood’s head to ensure he’s not a puppet, they desperately need more time. It’s been two years since a city was leveled, and Vash underwent not one but two major transformations. Surely there’s room in the narrative to expend a little more time on that trauma as they all look to adventure together again?

There simply isn’t enough time for the series to explore all the complexities of its story. There’s no denying its effect, and our investment in the characters means little can deter us at this point. But it’s because we love these characters that we want them to be written with all the depth they deserve.

Trigun Stargaze Episode 3 closes the first chapter.

Another point of contention in Trigun Stargaze Episode 3 is the continued flatness of some characters’ appearances. Despite the 3D effects synonymous with the studio, the character designs, in particular, lack the same weight as Season 1. It’s only a slight difference, really. But it’s noteworthy only because the superb definition of character in Season 1 makes anything less than stick out.

It’s hard not to view Trigun Stargaze Episode 3 as the end of the setup. There are plenty of remaining questions that don’t just relate to what Vash is going to do next. Some, such as Wolfwood, seemingly down to only a few vials, spell personal trouble. Meanwhile, the resurrected Knives, living as merely a brain on life support, spell trouble for everyone at large.

With the gang back together, and Vash seemingly on the path to healing, there’s a clear sense that here on forth is where the real story begins. Here’s hoping that it manages to sustain the magic that makes its most thrilling, emotional moments pack such a wallop.

Trigun Stargaze Episode 3 is available now on Crunchyroll. 

Images courtesy of Studio Orange/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.