Zenshu Episode 4: The Shocking Truth About J-Pop and the Ultimate Void!

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Summary

  • Episode 4 of Zenshu unveils Memerun’s dark motives, tied to centuries of grief, leading to a shocking twist.
  • Natsuko and Luke intervene in a death cult to save Memerun from offering herself as the Ultimate Void‘s vessel.
  • A heartwarming J-Pop musical number at the climax reveals deeper themes of friendship and optimism.
Title Zenshu
Director Mitsue Yamazaki
Studio MAPPA
Episode Air Date 1/26/2025

HEED THIS: The ensuing critique discloses crucial plot points from Zenshu season 1, episode 4, titled “Eternity,” that are currently accessible on Crunchyroll. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In the finale of Zenshu, titled “Destiny”, there was a suspenseful ending that hinted at one of the central characters, the elven warrior Memerun (Minori Suzuki in Japanese, Alexis Tipton in English), potentially being involved in a deceitful act. Specifically, it seems she may have helped an imposter Void priest gain access to the Last Town’s harvest festival. The fourth episode of season 1, “Eternity”, delves into why Memerun might be willing to aid in such destructive acts.

In the story of “Eternity,” we delve into the deep-seated sorrow associated with existence and how individuals cope with it. A group devoted to the worship of the Void considers life and its challenges as suffering that must be endured until death provides relief. However, Natsuko (Anna Nagase in Japanese version, Madeleine Morris in English) endeavors to persuade this disheartened community that there is a wealth of opportunities awaiting them if they allow their hearts to embrace the potential life has to offer. And, as an added bonus, a J-Pop idol is part of the plot! (It’s fantastic!)

Natsuko Discovers Who Let the Void In

In the opening scene of Episode 4, I found myself pondering the same question left hanging by Episode 3: What secrets does Memerun conceal? The fleeting kitchen scene subtly suggests that Natsuko harbors knowledge, yet she remains tight-lipped in the face of Luke. In the original “A Tale of Perishing,” it’s Luke who ultimately slays the Ultimate Void, only to uncover a shocking truth: it was none other than Memerun in disguise.

Although Natsuko has figured out the ending of “A Tale of Perishing”, she’s still puzzled about how the events unfolded, which seems to be a major plot gap in the film. Determined to get answers, Natsuko decides to follow Memerun, with Luke choosing to join her in this investigation.

The twosome trails Memerun and her shrouded associates into the graveyard for choir rehearsal. But once they venture beneath ground into a hidden grotto, Natsuko and Luke stumble upon a scene reminiscent of a dark ritual. A horde of robed devotees are singing, incanting, and moving in circles within a blazing perimeter, pledging fealty to the Emptiness. In short: Memerun’s involved with a death cult.

Natsuko and Luke Provide a Friendly Intervention

Since Luke and Natsuko have learned about Memerun’s location, they disagree on the best course of action. Luke insists that he should take charge because of their long-standing friendship and tackle the issue head-on. However, Natsuko, an expert in the Tale of Perishing, firmly counters Luke’s suggestion.

As someone who enjoys dubbed shows, I genuinely admire Madeleine Morris’s acting skills. Her command over Natsuko’s deep understanding of anime and her knack for delivering humor with a realistic rhythm make her performances feel fresh and engaging.

Ultimately, Natsuko steps back and allows Luke to lead the kitchen project, watching from a nearby window. However, it isn’t long before her eagerness gets the better of her. In no time, she bursts into the kitchen, firing off sharp inquiries at Memerun without pause.

Memerun Reveals Her Motives (And Makes ToP Make Sense)

In an unexpected twist reminiscent of cop shows, Memerun doesn’t flee when confronted but instead openly admits to all wrongdoings. Given her species’ long lifespan, she has become accustomed to loss and sorrow over centuries of conflicts. Her eternal pain drives her ambition to trigger a mass extinction using the Voids.

Natsuko expresses blunt disapproval upon this disclosure. Not only does Memerun’s justification appear self-centered, it also lacks creativity. As an avid fan of the Tale of Perishing, discovering Memerun’s act of treachery stemming from the ‘pain of immortality’ trope feels somewhat uninspiring.

Viewers of Zenshu will find the discovery even more gratifying because it clarifies the tragic narrative of A Tale of Perishing. The internal struggle portrayed by Memerun seems like a plot element that should have been spared during editing. Additionally, understanding Memerun’s motivations offers valuable perspective into director Kamataro Tsuruyama, whose behind-the-scenes impact has not yet been explored.

Natsuko Fills the Ultimate Void With J-Pop

As Memerun confides in Natsuko, who remains detached, Luke is left shaken. Overwhelmed by his friend’s distress, Courageful one sheds tears for him. Determined to save her from the Void’s grip, he plans a rescue mission. But can Luke and Natsuko successfully execute this daring plan?

Luke devises a strategy for deceit where Natsuko creates a false Ultimate Void character. This fake character will persuade the cultists to abandon their catastrophic scheme for global destruction. Though the idea is laughably absurd (Natsuko finds it hard not to chuckle at it), they have no other alternatives.

Regrettably, when Luke and Natsuko catch up with Memerun at her next cult gathering, it’s already too late. Memerun has chosen to become the vessel for the Ultimate Void, and now the fate of the Last Town hinges on Braveheart stopping Memerun from doing so.

Natsuko finds this outcome unacceptable, and so does the enchanted pegbar. Fighting isn’t the solution though. Instead, Natsuko realizes that she needs to produce something extraordinary which could motivate Memerun to keep going. Luckily, a brilliant idea strikes her, causing her to dash towards her magical work area.

In just a moment, a tall man with long, flowing blue hair, flawless complexion, and a charm-inducing smile ascends to the throne of the Void. Yet, this elegantly dressed character is not the Void, but rather the Ultimate Exister (JP: Mamoru Miyano, EN: Kyle Igneczi). As J-Pop music fills the air, the Exister gracefully steps down from his throne, captivating the skeptical followers with radiant roses. He takes Memerun by the hand, adorned in her Disney Belle-like gown, and they dance beneath the twinkling stars.

In contrast to the comical wrestling match in the previous episode, Zenshu’s J-Pop performance seemed quite touching. The vibrant colors and surreal ambiance created a heartwarmingly optimistic scene. Moreover, the upbeat duet by Mamoru Miyano and Minori Suzuki titled “Ultimate Exister” was both invigorating and pleasing to the ear.

As the Exister departs from the tangible world in a flurry of paper scraps, Natsuko prompts Memerun about his enduring essence.

The “Ultimate Character” I sketched up is merely an artwork. Yet, even should I cease to exist, this figure shall endure forever in the annals of time.

Memerun deeply cherishes Natsuko’s words. It seems that living forever might not be so dreadful if it means keeping the memories of loved ones close. Maybe even Natsuko’s physical passing in reality isn’t as terrible, either. (It appears she won’t be reviving; those clams were spoiled!)

Is Romance on the Horizon?

Since the Ultimate Void has been vanquished, it’s tricky to predict where this anime will head next. However, the final scene of episode 4 offers valuable clues. Initially, Unio (voiced by Rie Kugimiya in Japanese and Luci Christian in English) queries Luke about his relationship with Natsuko, hinting at a potential romantic plotline. Additionally, and more importantly, the camera focuses on a condor watching Luke and Unio’s discussion, which is the same bird that gazed upon Natsuko in the philosophical cinema in episode 1!

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2025-01-28 20:06