Erased Episode 2: Palm of the Hand Review

The year is 1988… Satoru is back in elementary school. Now, he has a chance to change the future!After the shocking ending of episode 1 Satoru has used his revival powers to travel back in time to 1988. In this episode Satoru is trying to figure what is the reason he traveled back so far.  Episode 2 picks up where Episode 1 left off. This episode not only introduces new characters from Satoru childhood, but this episode also gives a more in depth look at Kayo Hinazuki the girl who disappeared. The storytelling of the anime continues to exceed beyond of the rest of the winter lineup.  The show once again has set up more questions and even gives us some answers from the previous episode. There are two highlights for this episode and that is the characterization of Kayo Hinazuki. Another highlight is the more personal look at the relationship of Satoru and his mother.

The first highlight really had me hooked and now has made this a much watch show for me every Thursday. I didn’t expect to learn about Kayo Hinazuki so early in the series. Kayo backstory and more look into world has raised more questions than satisfy my answer on who she is. Without dipping into spoiler zone, Kayo is a very troubled girl with a very troubled home life. These ordeals that Kayo has to deal with at school, and at home has left her feeling hopeless and she struggles to make friends.  Her battles at home keeps her reserved, alone and don’t want to be in touch with anybody. Satoru having his 29 year old self in his 10 year old body realizes this might be a way to save Kayo from her fate and his mother. In order to prevent what happen to Kayo that faithful night and rid himself of the guilt Satoru must be friend her. This was an interesting dynamic because you think at the age 29 he wouldn’t be nervous to talk to girls. That is exactly happens Satoru couldn’t really talk to Kayo until he got himself together. I thought this was nice play on his character that no matter what timeline Satoru is still socially awkward. I’m curious how this friendship will build now that Kayo is warming up to him.

The second highlight of this episode is the relationship of Satoru and his mother. In the first episode we saw glimpses of the relationship but it wasn’t fully explored. Here we get to see how much Satoru realizes the importance of his relationship with his mother. There is a scene here where they’re having dinner and Satoru starts to cry. It’s one of the most touching moments in the episode besides Kayo’s heartbreaking essay she handed in for class.  The episode explores to themes of not knowing what you have till you lost it with Satoru’s mother. Also the show explores the theme of loneliness, feeling hopeless when faced with abuse like Kayo.  The show continues with it’s mature themes, characters and situations. The animation and dialogue remain top notch with a brilliant score to back up the emotional depth the story offers. It’s time for us all to put this show on our radar.

Final Grade 9.0/10