Tokyo Ghoul:re - Episode 28: MAIN: Auction - Tokyo Ghoul

Introduction

Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 28: MAIN: Auction, is a pivotal episode in the Tokyo Ghoul series, a dark fantasy anime known for its complex characters, intense action sequences, and deep exploration of societal themes. This episode, part of the second season of Tokyo Ghoul:re, was released in 2018 and is directed by Toshinori Watanabe, with scripts written by Chūji Mikasano, and produced by Pierrot. The series is an adaptation of Sui Ishida’s manga of the same name.

What sets this episode apart is its intense and multifaceted storyline, which delves into the darker aspects of human and ghoul society through the lens of a human auction. This event serves as a catalyst for several key plot developments and character arcs, making it a crucial part of the narrative.

Plot Summary

The episode centers around a human auction, a grim and illicit event where humans are sold to the highest bidder, often to be used as prey for ghouls. The Clowns, enigmatic and terrifying figures, act as the auctioneers, adding to the macabre atmosphere of the event ^[3][5].

The story begins with Toru Mutsuki, a member of the Quinx Squad, who finds himself kidnapped and being auctioned off. The auction reveals Toru’s part-ghoul nature, significantly increasing his value to the bidders. The Nutcracker, a formidable and sadistic ghoul, is particularly delighted by this revelation and leads Toru to the holding area. However, Toru manages to escape, setting off a chain of events that escalates into chaos.

Meanwhile, Juzo Suzuya is preparing for his own role in the auction, which turns into a surprise assault on the unsuspecting ghouls. This assault is part of a larger operation by the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG) to disrupt the auction and capture or eliminate the ghouls involved.

Seidou Takizawa, a former CCG investigator turned One-Eyed ghoul, plays a significant role in the episode. He launches a brutal attack on a squad of CCG operatives, demonstrating his enhanced strength and ferocity. Takizawa’s actions are a testament to the blurred lines between humans and ghouls and the consequences of the CCG’s actions ^[2][5].

The Nutcracker also proves to be a formidable opponent, taking out an entire squad of CCG operatives with ease. Her actions, along with those of Takizawa, highlight the danger and unpredictability of the ghouls involved in the auction.

As the fighting continues, the Aogiri Tree members and the Clowns engage in a fierce battle against the CCG forces. This conflict is marked by its intensity and the high stakes involved, with both sides suffering significant losses.

In a smaller but equally intense confrontation, Tsukiyama’s assistant and Torso fight over who can keep Toru. Tsukiyama’s assistant emerges victorious but is soon challenged by the Quinx Squad, who have arrived to rescue Toru. Ken Kaneki, now known as Haise Sasaki, plays a crucial role in this rescue mission, showcasing his leadership and combat skills. Sasaki easily overpowers Tsukiyama’s assistant but is prevented from delivering a fatal blow by the timely intervention of a mysterious ghoul named Matsumae.

The episode is filled with these interconnected battles and character interactions, each contributing to the overall narrative arc. The human auction serves as a backdrop to explore themes of exploitation, the commodification of life, and the moral ambiguities faced by both humans and ghouls.

Themes and Symbolism

One of the central themes of this episode is the exploitation and commodification of life. The human auction is a stark representation of how certain individuals view others as mere commodities, stripping them of their dignity and humanity. This theme is further underscored by the ghouls’ treatment of humans and the CCG’s treatment of ghouls, highlighting a cycle of violence and dehumanization.

Another significant theme is the blurring of lines between humans and ghouls. Characters like Toru Mutsuki and Seidou Takizawa embody this theme, as they navigate identities that are neither fully human nor fully ghoul. This blurring challenges the binary distinctions made by society and the CCG, adding depth to the narrative.

Symbolism is also prevalent, particularly in the figure of the Clowns. These enigmatic characters serve as a symbol of the chaos and unpredictability that underlies the world of Tokyo Ghoul. Their role in the auction and their gleeful participation in the violence underscore the anarchic nature of this world.

Cultural Impact

The release of Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 28: MAIN: Auction had a significant impact on the anime community. The episode’s intense action sequences, coupled with its deep exploration of societal themes, resonated strongly with audiences. The episode’s portrayal of a human auction and the subsequent battles sparked discussions about the ethics of exploitation and the nature of humanity.

The episode has also influenced other media, with its themes and imagery appearing in various forms of fan art and fiction. The character of Seidou Takizawa, in particular, has become a fan favorite due to his complex and tragic backstory.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 28: MAIN: Auction received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics and audiences. Critics praised the episode’s intense action sequences and the depth of its character development. However, some critics noted that the pacing could be overwhelming due to the numerous plot threads and character arcs being resolved simultaneously.

Audiences praised the episode for its emotional impact and the way it handled complex themes. However, there were also criticisms regarding the handling of certain characters and the abruptness of some plot developments.

Legacy

Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 28: MAIN: Auction continues to be a significant part of the Tokyo Ghoul series, influencing both the anime and manga communities. The episode’s exploration of complex themes and its intense action sequences have set a high standard for dark fantasy anime.

The character developments and plot arcs introduced in this episode have had lasting impacts on the series, shaping the narrative and character interactions in subsequent episodes. The episode’s influence can be seen in other anime and manga series that explore similar themes of identity, morality, and societal conflict.