Mayoiga: The Lost Village Episode #5 Review

What I can really see are people who are going to die...

What They Say:

A shady bus tour of young men and women are headed to an elusive village called Nanakimura. A destination where people can partake in a utopian existence, free of the world's obstacles... or so goes the rumor. Heading deep into the mountains, the bus is carrying 30 different individuals, each harboring their own expectations and troubled hearts. What they had arrived to was an uninhabited village with lingering, faint scents of life. It was falling apart. Just what is the secret of Nanakimura?

The Review:
Content:(Please note that the content portion of the review may contain spoilers)

After Maimai apparently spotted a giant Mitsumune in the tunnel from last week's episode, the group that had planned on leaving Nanakimura wound up returning to the village. Upon their [re]arrival, tensions begin to climb yet again as the two groups debate what they should be doing from here on out. Hyouketsu no Eyepatch is now dead (I think) but no one really seems to care. As the debate between the two groups slowly spirals out of control, Lion interrupts everything with a loud gasp and a hand gesture toward Mitsumune before accusing him of disappearing. Then, as if it that wasn't weird enough, she goes on to tell everyone that she can see dead people. On the bright side, however, she did put a temporary stop to the argument. After everyone tells Lion she is weird and the group verifies that Mitsumune is indeed alive, they all split up and head back to their respective lodges. Well, everyone except Mikage, who is still being a total buzzkill.

As everyone heads back to their rooms, Mitsumune is approached by Narna, Puuko, and that one other girl whose name I can't remember. They have apparently decided that he is a worthy candidate to stand guard while everyone else goes to sleep. Mitsumune is reluctant at first, but upon discovering that there is a single piece of candy in store for him if he accepts, he takes the job without a second thought. In the midst of his patrol, Lion shows up. Curious as to why she accused him of being dead, Mitsumune sparks a conversation between the two that ultimately ends with Lion admitting that she can't actually see dead people. It is now 100% confirmed that Mitsumune is alive. We did it, guys. Let's head home.

Wait, there's more? Oh okay. Shortly after Mikage's like...fifth tantrum about how stupid everyone is, he is approached by the guy with the fauxhawk and the military cat girl. As it turns out, the gun-wielding duo is on his side and is looking to put an end to the unrest once and for all. So with the help of Lovepon, they decide that kidnapping Mitsumune is the easiest way to do that. Wait, what? Why are people still listening to Lovepon? It's clear that she's either a masochist or a necrophiliac or something. Anyway, the four succeed in capturing Mitsumune and imprison him in what may or may not be the same room Jack was held captive in. Regardless, the room fills with smoke as a fire has apparently started to spread nearby. The new justice squad (Lovepon, Mikage, pistol twins) makes a break for it and leaves Mitsumune to fend for himself. No worries, though, because Masaki shows up and escorts him to safety right before confessing that she is the one who made the fire in the first place. Then a giant stuffed animal thing named Tokimune appears towering over the trees in the forest. The end.

In Summary:

With each episode, Mayoiga is growing stranger and stranger, making it increasingly harder to formulate opinions on just what the hell is going on. But, honestly, it's great. These cliffhanger endings, despite being extremely odd and way out-of-the-blue, never really stop being fun. We're getting to know a little more about the characters each episode, and this time, we even got to see Lion's haircut without it being covered by her hood! That's the best part of the series so far! Even with this, though, Mayoiga remains consistent as always and allows the ending to do all the work in expanding our curiosity and forcing us to look forward to next week. 

Grade: B+

Streamed By: Crunchyroll