Ash slaps someone, hugs Eiji, and then engages in a little prostitution (inappropriate wink). Also, someone is most definitely following them.  

I read you like half of the manga version of the last scene in the episode cos it was toned down so much and I was sad about it.  

Really, I just hope you don't hate me (these notes are getting weird).  

I'd rather have you here where I can see you, Eiji: [email protected]

Is it possible for Max and Shunichi to help Ash escape the National Mental Health Institute without causing major, major problems for him?  

Is this show finally going to have consensual sex in it?  

Will Ash have to walk through Manhattan in a skirt?  

All things are possible in Banana Fish!  

That's sexual harassment, Max: [email protected]  

You made it through Ep. 15 of Banana Fish and all you get is this terrible podcast!  

How is Ash like a candy bar? Do you really wanna know? (probably not)  

Besides the sex stuff, there's murder and lobotomies, hooray!  

Y'know I used to be pretty famous in Times Square, Eiji: [email protected]  

Ash in the hospital worrying about Eiji seeing him like that, while Eiji's in jail wondering what he even meant.  

Eiji unfortunately meets Yut-Lung again and Ash has a (not very) surprising knowledge of high end menswear, that I very much doubt is related to his IQ. Also, he's terrified of those nurses.  

You gotta understand, I never even made it through elementary school, Mr. Halper: [email protected]

Happy Halloween, come get vulnerable with me! (I didn't expect to cry while taking notes, recording the episode, AND editing it)  

Ash explains the similarities between him and a dead leopard as Eiji listens in horror. He also has nightmares constantly. This is all so wonderful.  

There's also a knife fight and a train ride to Coney Island.  

I don't want you seeing me like this, Eiji: [email protected]

Ash and Eiji have an argument about Ash murdering "innocent" gang members and we meet Cain and the Black Sabbath gang.  

Ash sees Dino off at the airport. Hopefully he doesn't actually bring back a taxidermist..  

I talk more about the fawn threat response and defend Ash's actions because I am obviously insane.  

Stay away or I'll cry, Eiji: [email protected]

Did you know that the outline of Ash's hair is a weird color? Well, you do now.  

Ash and Eiji spend some quiet time together and Ash shares some of his darkest secrets and cries a lot. He also steals.  

I awkwardly suggest we take a field trip to Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant and tell you about my tattoo (which you can see here, if that would make you happy https://imgur.com/a/dZ09vM8 )  

Stay by my side, Eiji: [email protected] (that's my email address, obviously)

Lots of murder and guns in this episode, folks!  

I get super excited when Ash asks Eiji, "Do I scare you?" and the gang gets super confused by how protective their boss is of this random Japanese kid.  

We talk about the Bishonen trope and I say some really embarrassing things but decide not to cut them out of the episode.  

I'll protect you, Eiji: [email protected]  

Well, our main crew are being held at Golzine's mansion, so I think it's safe to assume some very not good things are going to happen to them. What things? Do you really want to know?  

Probably someone is going to die, and probably someone is going to get a lesson in empathy.  

This is the world Ash lives in, Eiji: [email protected]   

Eiji gets abducted and threatened with a fate similar to Ash's. Which is, according to Arthur and Shorter, a fate worse than death. Always good to know that both your enemy and your best friend think your life is hell. Not that they're wrong, just, ouch.  

We also learn a little bit more about the Government's involvement with Banana Fish and Ash comforts a crying child who's seen way too much.  

I won't let you go alone, Eiji: [email protected]