Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 29: PRESS: Night of Scattering

Introduction

Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 29, titled "PRESS: Night of Scattering," is a pivotal installment in the second season of the anime series Tokyo Ghoul:re, which is an adaptation of Sui Ishida’s manga of the same name. The episode was directed by Toshinori Watanabe and aired on May 15, 2018. This series is a continuation of the original Tokyo Ghoul anime and delves deeper into the complex world where ghouls, supernatural beings that feed on humans, coexist with humans in secret.

The production of Tokyo Ghoul:re involved key creative figures such as Pierrot, the animation studio, and the original creator Sui Ishida, who ensured the anime stayed true to the manga’s narrative and themes. The series is notable for its dark and introspective exploration of identity, morality, and the struggle for coexistence between two inherently conflicting species.

Plot Summary

In "PRESS: Night of Scattering," the narrative unfolds with multiple plot threads that intertwine to create a tense and emotionally charged episode. The CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul), an organization dedicated to eradicating ghouls, is in the midst of several critical operations.

Urie Kuki, a member of the Quinx Squad, is assigned to escort duty, a task that frustrates him given his desire for more active and dangerous missions. Meanwhile, the Ato Squad is engaged in securing the monitor room, a crucial location that could provide vital information about ghoul activities. However, they encounter significant resistance, highlighting the escalating conflict between the CCG and the ghoul community.

The Quinx Squad, led by Haise Sasaki (who is actually Ken Kaneki in disguise), is dispatched to rescue Mutsuki from Kanae von Rosewald, a powerful and unstable ghoul. Kanae’s actions are driven by a twisted obsession with Shuu Tsukiyama, a ghoul who does not reciprocate his feelings. This subplot reveals the complex and often tragic relationships within the ghoul world, where emotional instability can lead to violent outbursts.

One of the most critical events in the episode is the rampage of the Owl, a powerful and seemingly unstoppable ghoul. The Owl’s actions create chaos and fear, pushing the characters to their limits as they try to contain the situation. This plot point underscores the danger and unpredictability of the ghoul world and the constant threat it poses to human society.

In another significant development, Hina realizes that the ghoul she is fighting is actually Takizawa, a character with a complex past. However, this revelation comes at a cost as Hina is killed in the process, leaving the whereabouts of Shougo unknown and adding to the overall sense of loss and uncertainty that pervades the series.

The episode also delves into the internal conflicts within the CCG. Sasaki, struggling with his dual identity as both a human and a ghoul, faces a critical moment when he must confront Takizawa. This confrontation leads to a fierce battle where both characters pierce each other with their kagunes, the ghoul’s predatory organ, and fall down. This scene is pivotal as it shows Sasaki’s growing acceptance of his Kaneki side and the inherent dangers of his condition.

The Tsukiyama family becomes a focal point as well, with the CCG planning to exterminate them. Tsukiyama’s father, in an attempt to protect his son, drugs him to keep him safe. This family dynamic highlights the desperation and measures taken by ghouls to survive in a world where they are hunted relentlessly.

Throughout the episode, the characters’ mental states are a recurring theme. Urie’s mental breakdown is particularly notable as he summons his massive kagune and goes on a rampage, killing the Scrappers who attack him. This scene illustrates the psychological toll of the constant battles and the moral ambiguities that the characters face.

The setting of the episode is primarily within the confines of the CCG headquarters and the ghoul-infested areas of Tokyo. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, reflecting the escalating violence and the blurring lines between human and ghoul societies.

Themes and Symbolism

"PRESS: Night of Scattering" explores several central themes that are integral to the Tokyo Ghoul series. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle for identity and acceptance. Characters like Sasaki and Urie grapple with their dual natures, highlighting the internal conflicts that arise from being caught between two worlds. This theme is symbolized through the use of masks and disguises, which serve as physical manifestations of their inner turmoil.

The episode also delves into the theme of morality and the gray areas that exist between right and wrong. The CCG’s actions, though aimed at protecting humans, often result in brutal and inhumane treatment of ghouls, raising questions about the morality of their methods. This is symbolized through the violent confrontations and the emotional toll on characters like Sasaki, who are forced to confront the harsh realities of their world.

Another significant theme is the power of relationships and the emotional bonds that form between characters. The complex relationships between ghouls, such as Kanae’s obsession with Tsukiyama, and the familial bonds within the Tsukiyama family, underscore the human side of the ghouls and challenge the viewer’s perceptions of these characters.

Cultural Impact

"PRESS: Night of Scattering" has had a significant cultural impact since its release. The episode’s intense action sequences, emotional depth, and thematic complexity have resonated with audiences worldwide. It has contributed to the broader cultural discourse on identity, morality, and coexistence, themes that are universally relevant.

The episode has also influenced other media, with its unique blend of horror and drama elements being referenced in various forms of anime and manga. The character designs, particularly the kagunes and the masks, have become iconic in anime culture, symbolizing the duality and conflict inherent in the series.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "PRESS: Night of Scattering" received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics and audiences. Critics praised the episode’s intense action sequences, character development, and thematic depth. However, some viewers felt that the pacing was rushed and that certain plot threads were not fully resolved.

Over time, the episode has been reevaluated, with many considering it a crucial part of the series’ narrative arc. The emotional intensity and the way it sets up future plot developments have been particularly praised. Despite some initial criticisms, the episode remains a fan favorite and a highlight of the Tokyo Ghoul:re series.

Legacy

"PRESS: Night of Scattering" continues to be an influential episode in the world of anime. Its exploration of complex themes and its emotional depth have inspired many filmmakers and artists. The episode’s use of symbolism, particularly through the characters’ masks and kagunes, has become a benchmark for storytelling in anime.

The enduring relevance of this episode lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and spark critical thinking about identity, morality, and coexistence. It remains a pivotal part of the Tokyo Ghoul series, contributing to its place in cinematic history as a thought-provoking and emotionally charged anime.