Mayoiga: The Lost Village Episode #8 Review

I didn't expect to believe anything...But I did believe in the existence of a place where I could forget everything I hated.

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)

When we last left off, Masaki was tied to a pole as the rest of the group (Apart from like three people) questioned her status as an actual human instead of some weird apparition that can still bleed or whatever. This week, Masaki is still tied to a pole -- which I guess is cool if you're into that sort of thing. Anyway, as the episode begins, Masaki finally reveals the secrets of her past. Turns out, she has actually been to Nanakimura before -- alongside her cousin, Reiji. Though, that Nanakimura was relatively different from the one we see now. In fact, the architecture of the village she visited with Reiji was completely modern. It wasn't even remotely similar to the old-fashioned place the group showed up at in this series.

Of course, nothing comes easy in Mayoiga and none of the villagers seem to believe Masaki. In fact, Mikage is able to poke several holes in her story and ultimately expose that she was, in fact, lying about something (Or even several things. I don't know what to believe anymore). Just as the group is getting a little too riled up and is about to pounce on Masaki for the tenth time, the bus driver shows up...in the bus? Hey, wait, I thought the bus wasn't movable? How did the bus driver get it working and unstuck all be himself? Anyway, after the bus driver crashes through the entrance to Nanakimura, he throws Mitsumune and Masaki into said bus and drives off with Hayato's shirt stuck in the door. Thankfully, Hayato doesn't get ripped to shreds by being dragged by a full sized bus and winds up okay when it finally comes to a stop. Then, in the saddest moment of the episode, the bus driver (Who is still under the impression that Masaki is a ghost) pleads with Masaki to allow him to see his daughter again. Poor guy.

Back in the village, several people begin plotting a way to catch up to the bus driver and temporarily disable the vehicle in order for them to use it in the future. Meanwhile, Valkana and Koharun start scheming something of their own. After Koharun comes clean about her desire to help Masaki (Seeing as she was the original scapegoat before the group turned against Masaki), Valkana decides to go along with her and help as well. Apparently, Valkana doesn't necessarily trust Koharun but instead distrusts everyone equally (Which is actually the most rational thing I've heard since everyone showed up here). Eventually, the two sneak off to look for the bus in the middle of the night -- that is before they are bombarded by arrows sent flying from the cliffs. As the two make an effort to escape, it becomes clear that the one firing upon them is...Hyouketsu no Judgeness? Wait, didn't he die? What.

In Summary:

The eighth episode of Mayoiga continues to build upon the mysterious story of the title while still having time to shed light on the backgrounds of its varied character roster. It's becoming harder and harder to make assumptions about what is true and what isn't -- and frankly, that's the most important part of the series. Just like the villagers in the show, viewers are tested in their beliefs and left to fend for themselves in terms of choosing sides. I expect the final few episodes of Mayoiga to become relatively faster in terms of pacing, considering the amount of loose ends that need to be tied up before the series reaches a conclusion. Regardless, Mayoiga remains as consistent as always.

Grade: B

Streamed By: Crunchyroll