mundane/miraculous

Eva Stratt:

Like, there was a lot of talk after last week's episode of all the ways Qifrey is being signaled as a safe adult to his kids. He's doing shady things like wiping Nolnoa and gaslighting Tartah. But Aggot trusts him implicitly. "I would do anything for those I consider my people" is a common character archetype, but it's not who Qifrey is. This moment is important in establishing that he offers the exact same protectiveness and respect for autonomy to kids he's never met before.

It doesn't change any plot points. And it doesn't take away that the series will explore themes of child abuse (we're about to get Richeh's arc, still). But it's important that Qifrey 1) recognized Euni's abusive situation and 2) does everything he can (first arguing with Kukrow, then privately approaching Euni, then asking Alaira about interceding) to get Euni out. As the episode stands currently, he yells at Kukrow, but doesn't offer Euni the autonomy and open door to get help. And there is a significant difference between mocking or shit-talking abusive people (which people love to do for fun and feel-good points) and actually helping abuse victims. As much as I love Qifrey's passive-aggressive comments, if it was a choice between the two, I'd rather cut "Were you saying something?" than the scene where he talks to Euni.

That's why it also doesn't work to give this moment to Alaira. If the show does that (say, in the next episode) then it frames Qifrey as the one who got in the sassy zinger and moved on, where Alaira actually recognized the seriousness of the situation. When it should be both of them.

Commemorative illustration from Q Hayashida-sensei for the finale of Dorohedoro Season 2 TV Anime!