Detective Conan [Season 2 Episode 12]

Detective Conan Season 2 Episode 12: “The Locked Room in the Sky” – A Nostalgic Dive into Shinichi’s Origins

If you’re a fan of Detective Conan (or Case Closed for the English crew), you know the drill: Shinichi Kudo, teen detective extraordinaire, gets turned into a kid by a sketchy organization, adopts the alias Conan Edogawa, and solves crimes while hiding his true identity. But Season 2 Episode 12, titled “The Locked Room in the Sky: Shinichi Kudo’s First Case,” isn’t just another mystery—it’s a trip down memory lane that reveals how Shinichi became the detective we know today.

First off, let’s set the scene. The episode is a one-hour special (a big deal for a series that usually crams cases into 20 minutes) and originally aired back in the late ’90s (though the exact date is a bit fuzzy—thanks, old anime archives!). The plot? Shinichi, still a high schooler, boards a plane with his childhood friend Ran Mouri and her detective dad, Kogoro. Mid-flight, a murder happens in the locked restroom, and Shinichi has to solve it before the plane lands. No pressure, right?

What makes this episode stand out, according to fans on MyAnimeList, is its focus on Shinichi’s roots. “This episode shows why Shinichi is so obsessed with solving cases,” one user wrote. “It’s not just about being smart—it’s about proving himself.” And prove himself he does. The “locked room” trope is classic mystery fare, but here it’s amplified by the high-stakes setting: a plane 30,000 feet in the air. How do you commit murder in a tiny, locked bathroom without anyone noticing? Shinichi’s deductions are sharp, but what’s more fun is watching him interact with Ran and Kogoro before the whole “Conan” mess. Their banter feels natural—Ran teasing Shinichi about his “detective brain,” Kogoro grumbling about being upstaged by a kid (even if he doesn’t know it yet).

Visually, the episode holds up surprisingly well. The animation style is vintage ’90s anime—think soft colors, expressive faces, and that iconic “Conan run” that’s been parodied a million times. The plane setting is claustrophobic, which ramps up the tension. When Shinichi confronts the culprit mid-flight, you can almost feel the turbulence (both literal and emotional). And let’s not forget the music—Detective Conan’s score has always been a bop, and this episode’s theme, with its upbeat tempo and mysterious undertones, fits perfectly.

But what do fans really think? Over on MyAnimeList, this episode is often listed as a “must-watch” for new viewers. One commenter raved, “It’s the origin story we didn’t know we needed. Shinichi’s first case shows his passion and his flaws—he’s not just a genius; he’s a kid who loves solving puzzles.” Another added, “The locked room trick is clever, but the real highlight is seeing Shinichi and Ran’s relationship before everything changed. It’s sweet and a little sad, knowing what’s coming.”

Critics also praise the episode for its balance of humor and suspense. Kogoro’s over-the-top reactions (he spends half the episode napping or complaining about the food) provide comic relief, while the murder investigation keeps you on the edge of your seat. The culprit’s motive is surprisingly relatable—revenge for a past wrong—and the resolution is satisfying without being too predictable.

Of course, being a Detective Conan episode, there are a few tropes: Conan (or in this case, Shinichi) uses his deductive skills to outsmart adults, the police are mostly useless until the big reveal, and there’s a heartfelt moment where Shinichi realizes the weight of his actions. But that’s part of the charm. This series has been going strong since 1996 (yes, you read that right—over 3,400 episodes and counting!), and episodes like this remind us why it’s still popular.

For younger viewers just getting into Detective Conan, this episode is a great starting point. It’s self-contained (no need to know every detail of the Black Organization’s plot), introduces key characters, and shows the series’ core appeal: smart mysteries with heart. And for long-time fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of why we fell in love with Shinichi in the first place.

In conclusion, “The Locked Room in the Sky” isn’t just another episode—it’s a love letter to Detective Conan’s roots. It’s got everything: a clever mystery, memorable characters, and a dash of nostalgia. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newbie, this episode is worth a watch. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself binging the rest of the series afterward—Detective Conan has that effect.

So grab your detective hat, pop some popcorn, and get ready to solve a case with the one and only Shinichi Kudo. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A must-watch for mystery lovers and Detective Conan fans alike. It’s a classic episode that proves some stories never get old.

P.S. Keep an eye out for the Easter eggs—there are a few nods to future episodes that will make long-time fans smile!