Tokyo Ghoul:re – Episode 45: Morse: Remembrances

Introduction

Tokyo Ghoul:re is the sequel to the anime series Tokyo Ghoul, based on the manga by Sui Ishida. Episode 45, titled "Morse: Remembrances," is a pivotal installment in the series, marking significant developments in the narrative and character arcs. The episode was produced by Pierrot, with Odahiro Watanabe as the director and Chūji Mikasano as the scriptwriter. It was initially released in 2018 as part of the second season of Tokyo Ghoul:re.

What sets Tokyo Ghoul:re apart within its genre is its complex exploration of the human condition, morality, and the blurred lines between humans and ghouls. The series delves deep into themes of identity, trauma, and the consequences of violence, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

Plot Summary

In "Morse: Remembrances," the story unfolds with multiple plot threads that converge to create a tense and emotionally charged narrative. The episode begins with Haise Sasaki, the leader of the Quinx Squad, organizing a plan to tackle the ongoing threats in Tokyo. Sasaki visits Ginshi Shirazu to encourage him about using his quinque, a tool that allows half-human, half-ghoul individuals like the Quinx Squad members to fight ghouls more effectively ^[1][2].

Meanwhile, Shuu Tsukiyama, a significant character from Kaneki’s past, is determined to make Sasaki remember his true identity as Ken Kaneki. Tsukiyama and his associate, Kanae, encounter Sasaki on the street, but Tsukiyama’s attempt to reach out to him fails as Sasaki does not recognize him. This encounter highlights the central conflict of Sasaki’s identity crisis and his struggle to reconcile his past and present selves ^[2].

Sasaki proceeds to Uta’s shop to order masks for the Quinx Squad, intending to impersonate ghouls for the upcoming Rose Investigation. However, Kori Ui rejects the plan, aware that Sasaki is a ghoul himself. This rejection underscores the internal conflicts within the squad and the broader societal tensions between humans and ghouls.

The episode also delves into the viral video of Kijima torturing Yuuma, which has provoked the Rose gang to seek revenge. Tsukiyama plans to release Kijima and use Sasaki as a key figure by restoring his memories. However, Tsukiyama’s attempts to communicate with Sasaki are consistently thwarted, leading Kanae to bribe Aogiri members to attack the Quinx Squad in an effort to isolate Sasaki ^[2].

The situation escalates when Yamori’s old gang mistakenly attacks Sasaki, and Mutsuki engages in a fierce battle with the ghoul known as Torso. Sasaki intervenes, using his kagune to kill the attackers, while Saiko is nearly killed but is saved by Amon Kotaru, who is revealed to be alive. This sequence of events showcases the intense action and the intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the world of Tokyo Ghoul ^[2].

The narrative further complicates with the introduction of Furuta, who meets Mutsuki and reveals that the Oggai was responsible for Kaneki’s transformation into a beast-like state. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the scientific and moral implications of the experiments conducted on ghouls. Kanou’s confrontation with Kurona and his subsequent confession about the medical possibilities of using ghouls further emphasize the ethical dilemmas at the heart of the series ^[4].

As the episode progresses, the ghouls and the CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul) form an unlikely alliance to save Kaneki from his monstrous state. Nishino explains that the only way to stop the ‘dragon’ kagune is to find and extract Kaneki’s body, leading to a massive search operation. Touka suggests using metal detectors to locate Kaneki’s body through the sprawling kagune that has engulfed parts of the city. This collaborative effort between former enemies underscores the themes of cooperation and the shared goal of saving Kaneki, despite their differences ^[4].

The search is fraught with danger as the ‘dragon’ kagune releases monstrous creatures that attack everyone. The CCG fights off these creatures while the rest continue the search. Mutsuki, filled with guilt and a sense of responsibility for the situation, attempts to kill Urie and Yonebayashi but is talked down by the Quinx Squad, who remind her of her place within their ‘family’ ^[4].

This episode is marked by intense action sequences, emotional confrontations, and significant plot revelations. It sets the stage for the final arcs of the series, where characters must confront their pasts, their identities, and the consequences of their actions.

Themes and Symbolism

"Morse: Remembrances" is rich in themes and symbolic elements that deepen the narrative and resonate with audiences. One of the central themes is the struggle with identity, particularly through Sasaki’s character. His inability to remember his past as Kaneki and his current role as a leader of the Quinx Squad symbolize the internal conflict many characters face in the series. This theme is further underscored by Tsukiyama’s relentless efforts to restore Sasaki’s memories, highlighting the importance of one’s past in defining their present and future.

The episode also explores the theme of trauma and its lasting impact on characters. The brutal scenes of violence and the emotional toll on characters like Mutsuki and Sasaki illustrate the psychological scars that result from their experiences. This theme is symbolized through the ‘dragon’ kagune, which represents the uncontrollable and destructive nature of unresolved trauma.

Cooperation and the blurring of lines between enemies are other significant themes. The alliance between the ghouls and the CCG to save Kaneki shows that even in a world divided by hatred and fear, common goals can bring about temporary unity. This theme is symbolized through the shared efforts of characters from different factions working together to achieve a common objective.

Cultural Impact

"Morse: Remembrances" has had a notable impact on popular culture, particularly within the anime community. The episode’s intense action sequences, emotional depth, and complex plot twists have made it a standout in the series. The reception upon release was mixed, with some viewers praising the episode’s pacing and others criticizing its handling of certain plot elements.

The influence of this episode can be seen in other anime series that have followed, particularly those that explore complex moral themes and the blurred lines between good and evil. The episode’s use of symbolic elements, such as the ‘dragon’ kagune, has also been referenced in various forms of media, including fan art and fan fiction.

Critical Reception

Critically, "Morse: Remembrances" received a varied response. Some critics praised the episode’s fast-paced action and the emotional depth of its character interactions. Others found the pacing to be hasty and the plot developments to be somewhat confusing.

Audiences generally appreciated the episode’s ability to bring together multiple plot threads and to create a sense of urgency and tension. However, some viewers felt that certain characters were not given enough screen time or development, leading to a sense of disjointedness in the narrative.

Despite these criticisms, the episode remains a pivotal moment in the series, setting the stage for the final confrontations and resolutions.

Legacy

"Morse: Remembrances" continues to be an influential episode within the Tokyo Ghoul series and the broader anime genre. Its exploration of complex themes such as identity, trauma, and cooperation has inspired many creators and audiences alike.

The episode’s use of symbolic elements and its emotional depth have made it a memorable installment in the series. It continues to be discussed and analyzed by fans and critics, contributing to its enduring relevance in the world of anime.