Ep 4. Stubborn Aesthetics

In Witch Hunter Robin season 1 episode 4, titled "Stubborn Aesthetics," the members of the STN-J continue their hunt for witches. This time they investigate a murder in which the victim's skin has been peeled off, and find that the suspect is a witch who uses her powers to create sculptures out of human skin.

As they delve deeper into the case, the team discovers that the suspect, a young girl named Erika, has been bullied and ostracized by her peers because of her appearance. Erika sees her sculptures as works of art, but the other kids are disgusted by them and harass her relentlessly.

The theme of beauty and acceptance is explored throughout the episode, as the characters grapple with their own definitions of what is beautiful and what is not. Robin, in particular, is forced to confront her own biases and assumptions as she comes to see Erika not just as a dangerous witch, but as a vulnerable and misunderstood young girl.

As the investigation progresses, tensions rise within the STN-J team. Michael, one of the hunters, becomes increasingly aggressive and volatile, causing the others to worry about his mental state. Meanwhile, Amon, the team leader, grows more distant and enigmatic, leaving Robin unsure as to where she stands with him.

Ultimately, the episode culminates in a showdown between the team and Erika, as they try to capture her and prevent any more murders. The battle is intense, with Erika unleashing her powers to create grotesque sculptures and Michael's erratic behavior putting everyone in danger.

In the end, the team is able to subdue Erika and bring her into custody. But the episode leaves us with questions about the true nature of beauty, the dangers of bullying, and the ethics of hunting down witches. As the show continues, we can expect to see these themes explored further as the STN-J team confronts more dangerous and complex cases.