Mixed Feelings
The 3rd and final list of Geno Studio's works after Studio Manglobe's bankruptcy demise with Kokkoku in 2017 (the less popular one) and Golden Kamuy in 2018 (the more popular one and still going forward with Season 3), with this show, we have seen enough of Geno Studio's capabilities as a whole maintaining a less stellar version of Manglobe, but it's definitely a ride to say the least. This season, the mystery-psychological mash-up of genres produced 2 similar shows: ID:Invaded (the more noticeable but underrated) and this show (the less noticeable but forgotten after the 3-episode rule), both focusing on the human psyche and the psychics'ability to control and manipulate minds, on the context of you the audience, having to pay ABSOLUTE attention to what's going on in the surroundings and not spoon-feeding you with information right-away (which unfortunately the major of the anime community these days don't appreciate such shows where exposition is everything you need to know, and there and then done). It's this element of mystery that creates a niche for the minority (like myself) to really appreciate by flexing our human brains and figuring out the connections behind all the terminologies and why the entire situation exists in the first place.
This review will have spoilers (in the terminological sense), but I will try my best to keep it as plain as possible:
"Peaks and valleys", or so do the ancient Chinese martial artists have a psychotic way to enter into their enemies minds and trying to manipulate their good and bad memories respectively, the "Peak" being visible and the "Valley" being hidden to the extreme.
"The Company", wanting to use this to their benefit, opposes this idea to make these same martial artists to do their bidding for them, or so call the human-slave binding, or what's effectively called a "pet". In any case, think of it like a mafia group using these "pets" into doing their business unconsciously, with the "Crusher" as the master to wipe off their enemies "Peaks" and replace them with "Valleys" so to kill their subconscious minds.
For the "pets", they have an "image" where they can make "babies", objectively creating another kind of their own and together with the "peaks" of others, help share a bond together to create something new. But for people whose "images" are easily broken, a "lock" is created so as to stop enemies to pursue manipulating the "peak" and keeping their minds safe from harm, especially useful to the weak and easily manipulated.
The story takes place in a conspiracy of times where (as mentioned) the Chinese martial artists have proven their track record over using "peaks and valleys" to crush their enemies, and the hidden organization "The Company" is attempting to do the same, for mafia-related reasons. At once, characters seemingly unrelated to each other are now connected to this rabbit hole of a gargantuan plot device, the mindless naïve characters seemingly pointing hands at each other whilst fighting to survive in this rough organization.
As for the characters, as complex as they can be, their minds easily being targets at thinking for the well-being of one another, you can take it as a cluttered mess, or (after watching the entire show in a binge) a toxicated relationship that makes sense at the end of it all.
Hiroki and Tsukasa, the primary "pet"/master terminology, both are characters easily woven into this toxic plot that has one naïve boy with his "image" working for an easily manipulatable master "crusher", being friends at the start and slowly progressing, mind-numbing counterfeit that has one saving the other out of this mess. More than a rough relationship, it's one that has gone through thick and thin for one party to realize what's up and salvage before it's too late.
Hayashi the "Peak Giver", he is the one who started the chain of events down the rabbit hole that was once useful to "The Company" for creating "babies with images" and was labelled a traitor to be taken down, regardless of his contributions and being a free man who wanted the best for the organization. Really kinda feel bad for this man whose intentions for the good have gone so wrong.
And like Hiroki, Satoru who was once a family's child, taken in for an experiment and being labelled a "pet" immediately, it's not hard to see one's loyalty for the Father (Hayashi) who breathed life into him, only for an unfortunate series of events that has him being used by other people. The classic example of being a parrot in other's eyes.
Overall, there is a lot in common with the characters, but the way that they're utilized isn't bad it all, not the best, but for what it's worth I can give it that.
As is with Geno Studio's presentation, I'd imagine this to be a total psychedelic experience from start to finish. All those weird colour palettes and foreboding graphic imagery that proves the topsy-turvy visuals (especially in the "peak and valley" psyche minds), it was definitely something that takes time to get used to, and definitely is NOT for the faint of heart. Visuals are mediocre in the real world, but in the psychological world they do get to be freaking bold (as is the case with imagery) depending on the mind states of the characters. Overall, not the best, but decent at best.
Sound-wise, while the OST doesn't really rock the soul, I truely dig TK's OP as one of (if not) the best this season. Same as is with Tokyo Ghoul, this song might not be as bombastic as the former's but regardless it's a banger of an OP with the overly display of confusing but best psychological visuals of how much the characters are mind-controlled to their demise. The ED is just fine of the many representations (in different languages) of mind perception. As the anime community will say: "Anime doesn't make TK famous, TK makes anime famous."
In all essence, Pet as a show is a niche, a very unique, creative show taking a spin on the mystery-psychological genre, and it's just sad that not many people are taking chances upon trying this show. Not much a Pet messiah, but at least I hope that this review will push you to binging the series in one go (and that's the best way to experience this show) and experiencing a mystery draw that's unlike anything out there.
