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]  

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]