Persona 4 The Animation – Episode 3

Things really get going this episode. We begin to delve into social links (a core part of the game) and the plot is properly starting, with more of our protagonists getting bigger roles, namely Chie and Yukiko.

The episode begins with another talk from Igor, this time explaining social links, basically meaning that as Narukami forms bonds with those around him, he’ll be able to use more personas. (This differed slightly in the game regarding how he obtained personas, but this makes more sense outside of the videogame format)

We then see that the latest person to appear on the Midnight Channel is none other than Yukiko on a bizarre show in which she proclaims that she’ll find herself a “hot stud” and generally performing in a manner very different from what we’ve seen of her so far.

Before entering the TV world in an attempt to rescue her, Yosuke decides to buy weapons for himself and Narukami, and shows them off at Junes in broad daylight because he’s an idiot. Naturally, this leads to them getting arrested. They get let out, but not before being questioned by Dojima’s partner Adachi about Yukiko’s disappearance, who accidentally voices his suspicions about the possibility of Yukiko being the murderer, upsetting Chie in the process.

When they enter the TV world, Teddie leads them to the castle where Yukiko is. In a frenzy, Chie rushes off to find her by herself with little regard for her own safety, leaving Yosuke and Narukami to fight off any shadows that attack them.

Chie enters a room which is entirely black and white, where she can hear Yukiko talking about how she’s always been weak and relies on Chie to keep her safe, claiming she’s kind and strong. This leads to Chie confronting her own shadow, telling her that she’s really just jealous of Yukiko’s beauty, and that she simply wishes to control Yukiko. Chie denies that the shadow is her true self despite Yosuke and Narukami’s warnings, and the shadow attacks them. During this time, Narukami learns that he’s formed a new bond and can now use another persona, which he uses during the battle. (I really appreciate the visual throwbacks to the game, like the team attack screen when Yosuke and Narukami fight together)

Chie accepts her shadow, and like Yosuke and Narukami, gains the power of Persona, though they need to return to the real world and rest, unable to save Yukiko just yet, Chie tells Narukami about how she first met Yukiko through her dog.

I really am enjoying the anime a ton. This is kinda praise for both the anime and the game, but I love how Persona 4 manages to be an incredibly fun and stylish mystery/action, yet still tells a good story and throws elements of Jungian psychology into the mix. This and Mirai Nikki are definitely my favourites of a season that I’m really enjoying.

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