Ep 22. Invasion, Mother

Excel Saga is a cleverly written and entertaining anime that takes you on a whirlwind adventure with its quirky characters and ridiculous plotlines. This is the story of a secret organization known as ACROSS, whose members are determined to take over the city of Fukuoka and eventually the world. The show follows the protagonist Excel, a highly energetic and enthusiastic member of ACROSS, as she tries to carry out the orders of her charismatic and deranged leader, Lord Il Palazzo.

Episode 22, titled "Invasion, Mother," is a stand-alone episode in which the writers take a break from the main storyline and explore a different aspect of the characters. The episode starts with an introduction from the narrator, who explains that this is "The dramatic and moving episode that viewers have been waiting for."

The episode centers around the character Hyatt, a soft-spoken girl who is also a member of ACROSS. Hyatt is not like the other members of ACROSS; she is kind, gentle, and often sickly. In this episode, we get a glimpse into Hyatt's past and learn more about her family.

The episode starts with Hyatt receiving a letter from her mother, who she hasn't seen in years. Hyatt is excited to receive the letter, but she quickly realizes that her mother is coming to visit her in Fukuoka. Hyatt is nervous about seeing her mother again and worried about how Excel and the other members of ACROSS will react.

As Hyatt's mother arrives in Fukuoka, she is met with a warm welcome from Excel and the others. However, it becomes clear that Hyatt's mother is not quite what she seems. She is loud, brash, and crass, and her arrival causes chaos in the ACROSS headquarters.

As the episode progresses, we see more of Hyatt's relationship with her mother and how it has impacted her life. We also learn more about Hyatt's past and the reasons why she became a member of ACROSS. The writers do an excellent job of balancing the comedic moments with the more emotional scenes, resulting in an episode that both entertains and moves the audience.

One of the standout moments in the episode is when Hyatt's mother takes her out for a night on the town. Hyatt is hesitant at first, but she eventually opens up to her mother and they have a heart-to-heart conversation about their past. This scene is beautifully animated and provides a rare moment of vulnerability for Hyatt, who is often reserved and quiet.

Another memorable moment is when Excel and Hyatt's mother get into a heated argument about their respective roles in ACROSS. Excel is angry that Hyatt's mother is trying to take over the organization, while Hyatt's mother is upset that Excel has been bossing her daughter around. This scene is a great example of the show's ability to balance comedy and drama, as it is both hilarious and emotionally charged.

Overall, "Invasion, Mother" is a standout episode in Excel Saga's first season. It provides a deeper look at one of the show's most intriguing characters and showcases the writers' ability to create a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Whether you're a fan of the show or just looking for a good anime to watch, this episode is definitely worth checking out.