Ganglion [Episode 20]

Ganglion Episode 20: Operation South Alps Contamination – Belbe’s Pride Review

Let’s cut to the chase: Ganglion Episode 20, “Operation South Alps Contamination – Belbe’s Pride,” is exactly the kind of chaotic, meme-worthy chaos we’ve come to love from this underrated gem. Set in the early 2000s (think flip phones and low-rise jeans), the show follows Kenji Isobe, a henchman for the absurdly evil Ganglion Corporation, as he bumbles through missions like “Tokyo Cedar Pollen” and “Mount Fuji Detonation.” But this episode? It’s all about Belbe’s pride—and Kenji’s refusal to break.

First off, the setup: Ganglion’s latest scheme? Contaminate the South Alps with… something (let’s be real, the specifics don’t matter—this show thrives on absurdity). Kenji’s tasked with leading the charge, but here’s the twist: the enemy tries to break him with a classic “think of your family” guilt trip. Spoiler: It doesn’t work. As one fan put it, “Not falling for the ‘Think of your family’ trap, eh?” Kenji’s loyalty to Belbe (his weird, prideful alter ego?) is unshakable, and that’s where the episode shines.

The humor hits hard. Fans are raving about Hopeman, a side character so ridiculous you can’t help but love him. “I’d move into the same room as Hopeman,” one user joked, and honestly? Same. The animation’s retro vibe—think 2000s tokusatsu meets Excel Saga—adds to the charm. It’s not flashy, but it’s fun, and that’s what counts.

What makes this episode stand out is its heart. Under all the chaos, Kenji’s stubbornness feels relatable. He’s not a hero—he’s a guy in a bodysuit doing his job, even if that job is evil. The line “You can’t tempt Kenji he has Belve pride!” sums it up perfectly. It’s silly, yes, but there’s a weird kind of integrity there.

Critics might call it dumb, but that’s the point. Ganglion doesn’t take itself seriously, and neither should you. As another fan declared, “REJECT ANIMU – EMBRACE TOKU.” This is tokusatsu at its most unapologetic: over-the-top, self-aware, and endlessly entertaining.

If you’re into shows that make you snort-laugh at 2 AM, this is for you. Episode 20 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best anime are the ones that don’t try too hard—they just let the chaos unfold.

Final thought? Kenji’s bodysuit game is still on point. 10/10 would watch him fail (and occasionally succeed) again.

Ganglion Episode 20 airs February 27 on AT-X and TV Tokyo. Don’t sleep on this weird, wonderful ride.

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Note: All references to fan discussions are sourced from MyAnimeList forums.