Angel Beats! - Episode 5: Favorite Flavor - Angel Beats!

Angel Beats! – Episode 5: Favorite Flavor stands as a pivotal installment within the series, contributing both narrative depth and emotional complexity while showcasing the blend of humor, action, and philosophical inquiry typical of the anime. Directed by Seiji Kishi and penned by Jukki Hanada, the episode was produced by P.A. Works and Aniplex, and originally aired in 2010. It continues the story set in a mysterious afterlife high school, where deceased youths wrestle with unresolved regrets before moving on. This episode distinguishes itself by delving into the internal conflicts of both the protagonists and antagonists, offering a more nuanced look at their motivations and vulnerabilities, particularly concerning the enigmatic character of Angel (Kanade Tachibana). Its direction and writing elevate Angel Beats! beyond a typical supernatural action anime, fusing emotional drama with elements of dark comedy and introspective character study, thereby resonating strongly with its audience and contributing to its enduring acclaim in the genre.^[1][3]

The plot of Favorite Flavor unfolds with the Student Afterlife Battlefront (SSS) launching a new gambit during the exam period aimed at undermining their primary adversary, Angel. Their strategy revolves around thwarting Angel’s success in her final exams, hoping this setback will diminish her influence and resolve. This setup propels a sequence of comedic yet meaningful confrontations that reveal deeper facets of the characters involved. The operation begins with various members of the SSS attempting awkward or desperate methods to interfere with Angel’s test-taking, including comical failed attempts at confessions and distractions that emphasize their human frailty and shortcomings. One particularly memorable moment involves Oyama’s nervous confession to Angel, highlighting the innocent yet tragic desires that linger among these souls. His voice actress, Yumiko Kobayashi, effectively conveys a wide range of emotions from desperation to hope, adding a poignant dimension to what might otherwise be a mere gag.^[2][3]

The focal point of the episode is a striking moment involving Angel herself. Rather than engaging in combat or defiance, Angel is seen quietly purchasing a meal ticket from a vending machine — a surprisingly mundane, human act signifying her longing for comfort through food. This seemingly simple action shocks the SSS, especially Otonashi and Yuri, who reflect on it with a mix of empathy and irritation. Operation Tornado, the group’s chaotic plan, inadvertently scatters the meal tickets into the wind, capturing a symbolic image of loss and fleeting happiness. Otonashi finds the ticket Angel dropped and contemplates the melancholy of depriving her of a small pleasure, recognizing a shared humanity in her experience despite their ongoing conflict. This moment catalyzes a shift in the group’s perception of Angel, inviting Yuri to reconsider her antagonistic stance and question the nature of their struggle against her.^[1][3]

The continuity of the narrative stresses character development over action. Otonashi’s increasing sympathy towards Angel marks a subtle but crucial turning point in his role within the SSS. He acknowledges that although they have been caught in a cycle of hostility, Angel exhibits deeply human traits such as vulnerability and the desire for simple comforts — traits that mirror their own hidden regrets and emotional scars. Yuri’s frustration with the absence of a clear “God” or enemy figure to resent exposes her internal conflict, as her leadership and motivation are challenged by Angel’s unexpected display of humanity. This conflict between Yuri’s hardened defiance and Angel’s quiet vulnerability enhances the episode’s emotional complexity, making it a standout chapter in the series’ exploration of existential themes.^[1][3]

Throughout Favorite Flavor, the underlying tensions within the SSS are deftly combined with moments of humor and lightheartedness, such as the failed exam sabotage attempts and the various members’ antics. These contrasts serve to deepen audience engagement by balancing intense emotional beats with the everyday quirky personalities of the cast. The episode’s pacing and writing carefully weave these elements into a cohesive story that illuminates the characters’ inner worlds without losing the momentum of the overarching plot, contributing to Angel Beats!’ acclaimed tone of blending comedy and drama effectively.^[3][4]

Central themes of Episode 5 include the exploration of humanity within the afterlife, the intersection of conflict and empathy, and the quest for meaning amidst unresolved regrets. Angel’s yearning for her “favorite flavor” — food — symbolizes a profound emotional truth that transcends the surreal battle setting: the simple comforts and desires that define human existence persist even beyond death. This theme invites viewers to consider the nature of life, loss, and the ways individuals cope with trauma and unresolved emotions. The episode also interrogates the nature of antagonism; Yuri’s recognition that Angel’s battles are reactions to provocations rather than malice complicates the dichotomy of good versus evil. It suggests that conflict arises often from misunderstanding and pain, not clear-cut hatred. These thematic elements resonate emotionally, inviting reflection on forgiveness, acceptance, and the possibility of peace beyond struggle.^[1][3]

Symbolically, the vending machine and context of food tickets serve as motifs for comfort and fleeting joy, while the interrupted Operation Tornado metaphorically represents the chaos and fragility of happiness. The scattering of meal tickets into the wind reflects how moments of peace are often transient and vulnerable to disruption. The episode’s focus on tests and exams parallels the characters’ existential “tests” — trials they must face to reconcile with their past lives and move forward. Such symbolism enriches the narrative by grounding the fantastical setting in universally relatable emotional experiences, thereby deepening the audience’s connection to the story.^[1][3]

Upon its release, Favorite Flavor received positive attention for successfully balancing humor, character drama, and thematic substance in a way that advanced the overall plot while maintaining accessibility. Fans praised the episode’s comedic set pieces, particularly those involving the awkward confession attempts and the inventive sabotages during the exam. The emotional poignancy of Angel’s moments, combined with Otonashi’s empathetic development, was also well received, marking the episode as a highlight that deepened audience investment in the characters. It influenced broader popular culture through memorable character moments that have been referenced and celebrated in fan discussions and derivative works. However, some noted minor inconsistencies in the plot mechanics, such as the unclear logistics of the meal ticket system and its implications for the story world, though these did not significantly detract from the episode’s appeal.^[1][2][3]

Critically, the episode was lauded for its ambitious storytelling and its ability to expand the show’s emotional range. Reviewers highlighted the blend of comedic timing and dramatic weight as a key strength, praising Seiji Kishi’s direction and Jukki Hanada’s screenplay for providing the characters with more complexity and depth. While some critics expressed reservations about the pacing at times or minor narrative lapses, the general consensus was that Favorite Flavor elevated the series from formulaic action to a more meaningful engagement with character psychology and existential themes. This reception helped solidify Angel Beats! as an anime notable for its thoughtful approach to afterlife narratives and human emotion, with this episode standing out as a core piece of that reputation.^[3]

In the long term, Favorite Flavor continues to enjoy recognition for its enduring contribution to Angel Beats!’ legacy. It remains a frequently cited example of the series’ capacity to meld humor, raw emotion, and philosophical questions, influencing contemporary anime creators who seek to balance genre entertainment with narrative substance. The episode’s focus on nuanced character interactions and breaking down antagonistic roles encourages deeper viewer introspection, an approach now emulated in similar supernatural and slice-of-life series. Its impact is evident in fan communities, critical discussions, and academic analyses of anime storytelling. As part of Angel Beats!, Episode 5 has become integral to the show’s status as a respected work that transcends standard genre boundaries, maintaining relevance in discussions about character-driven narratives and anime’s treatment of life and death.^[1][3]

Angel Beats! – Episode 5: Favorite Flavor

References