The gang is in LA! They're meeting new friends (?) and hanging out in a mansion! I'm sure this episode will not be upsetting at all. 

Oh, did you know that Ash carries around a flash drive to help him hack into computers? I did.  

Let me tell you about all the things I missed the first time I watched and gush a little about Asheiji.  

But really, is Shorter actually gonna betray Ash?  

Go back to Japan, Eiji: [email protected]

The gang goes to Cape Cod. Was this a good idea? No. Are you going to like the reason Ash ran away? I really don't think so.  

I also make myself really sad and almost cry, so stay tuned for that, I guess.  

We end with me defending Ash and a little on threat responses, yay.  

Don't look, Eiji: [email protected]

Ash is out of jail and plotting revenge, Eiji steals a car, Shorter is all for killing some folks.  

The East River is sometimes safe enough to swim in, but I don't suggest jumping in with gunshot wounds, guys.  

Plus, everything you didn't want to know about human trafficking.   

Act your age, Eiji: [email protected]  

Eiji gets threatened in ways that really should make him consider going back to Japan, but he's too cool (or stupid?) to be scared.

Shorter comes to save the day! Max thinks he's a nice guy for some reason. Ash gets beat up and propositioned, but he's used to dealing with guys like that (sigh).  

I've got a right to mourn too, Ash: [email protected]

First, we talk about Rikers Island for a bit and I emphasize the difference between prison and jail (but still say prison a couple times anyway).  

How's Ash gonna handle jail? Not good? Let's find out.   

Hey, at least we got to see a super passionate kiss...   

Next time, come alone, Eiji: [email protected]

Will Ash save Eiji and Skip? Can Ash save himself? You probably won't like the answer.

Listen to me verbally wrestle with this episode and come out of it pretty bruised up (I think the episode won). Trying to find my groove with this darker subject matter, hoping for a less embarrassing episode 3.  

Tell me I can fly too, Eiji: [email protected]

Are you still here?! Why??  

We start with some information about the manga, Akimi Yoshida, and shoujo.  

Two Japanese photographers try to do a story on NYC street gangs and everyone immediately realizes that it was a very bad idea.   

Some guy gets shot, people are kidnapped, and two grown men say some very questionable things to a 17 year old.  

Berate me about my taste in anime here: [email protected]

**Please listen to this before venturing into the next season!**  
We're starting **Banana Fish** on August 8th, so I don't know, I just wanted to give you a heads up with 18 content warnings!   

Here you go (in order of relevance): Sexual assault, sexual content, child abuse/pedophilia, abduction/kidnapping, violence, drugs, torture, murder, death, homophobia, racism, eating disorders, blood, mental illness, abortion, incest.  

Send your hate here, please: [email protected]

Sakura leads the team into another fight. Will the last episode end in a cliffhanger? Maybe, but that's ok because season 2 was announced!  

Sakura blush count: 5  

We're taking 2 weeks off then starting Banana Fish on Aug. 8th.  

Make me feel less bad in email form: [email protected]

Who's the dependable one? Let's find out! Honestly, these are the most dependable high school kids in all of anime.  

Sakura blush count: 10  

You can reach me here: [email protected]