Ep 7. Symbolism of Bletilla Striata

In the seventh episode of Psycho-Pass season 1, titled "Symbolism of Bletilla Striata," we continue to follow the story of Akane Tsunemori, a newly recruited inspector in the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division. She is tasked with investigating cases involving the Sibyl System, a powerful AI system that monitors the mental states of individuals and determines the likelihood of them committing crimes.

The episode begins with a mysterious death in a high-rise apartment complex, where a young woman named Rikako Oryo is found dead in her apartment, her body surrounded by strange symbols and messages. Akane and her team are called to investigate, and they discover that Rikako was a student at a prestigious art school and the daughter of a famous artist.

As they delve deeper into the case, Akane begins to uncover a dark world of artistic expression and philosophical ideals that lead her to question the very nature of the Sibyl System. Rikako was a member of a group called the Truth Seekers, a group of artists and intellectuals who reject the system of law and order imposed by the Sibyl System and believe in the value of individualism and self-expression.

Through her investigation, Akane meets with several members of the Truth Seekers, including Rikako's father, and begins to understand their perspective on the world. They view the Sibyl System as a form of oppression that stifles creativity and individualism, and they believe that true art and self-expression can only exist outside of the boundaries imposed by society.

As Akane begins to sympathize with their cause, she struggles with her own beliefs and the responsibilities of her job as an inspector. She must balance her desire for justice and order with her growing understanding of the Truth Seekers' worldview, a delicate balance that becomes increasingly difficult as the investigation unfolds.

The episode is full of symbolism and themes relating to art, creativity, and individualism. The mysterious symbols found in Rikako's apartment are revealed to be a form of artistic expression, a way for the Truth Seekers to communicate their ideas and beliefs to the outside world. The episode also explores the idea of censorship and the limits of artistic freedom, with the artists of the Truth Seekers believing that their expression should be free from the constraints of society.

Overall, "Symbolism of Bletilla Striata" is a thought-provoking episode that delves into the complex themes of art, creativity, and individualism. As the investigation unfolds, Akane is forced to confront her own beliefs and question the very nature of the Sibyl System, leading to a tense and dramatic conclusion that leaves viewers eager to see what will happen next.