Sanda Season 1 Episode 7: A Setup Episode That Hits Hard (In the Best Way)

If you thought Sanda was just another weird Santa anime (and let’s be real, the first episode’s wild transformation had us all like “what the heck?”), Episode 7—titled “Double-Faced Carnivorous Plant”—proves this show’s got way more layers than a overstuffed fruitcake. Setup episodes can be hit or miss, but this one nails it: it’s emotional, disturbing, and exactly the kind of character-driven storytelling that makes Paru Itagaki’s work (yes, the Beastars genius) so addictive. Let’s break it down.

First, the big gut punch: Amaya ends his friendship with Sanda to protect him. Wait—let that sink in. This isn’t just a petty fight or a misunderstanding. It’s a deliberate, heartbreaking choice from a character who’s always been the quiet, loyal type. The Anime News Network snippet calls this a “surprising character development,” and they’re right. Imagine having to push away your best friend because you know something terrible is coming for them. The scene between Amaya and Sanda is full of unspoken pain—you can almost feel the weight of Amaya’s secret in every pause. For fans who loved the first episode’s raw character moments (like comments gushing about “complex characters” and “emotional VA work”), this is exactly the kind of beat that keeps you invested.

Then there’s Oshibu. Scarred and hurting, he finds a glimmer of comfort in Yagiuda—but then turns to Class 10. If you don’t know, Class 10 is a group of ten kids who’ve already murdered adults. Yeah, that’s as dark as it sounds. The snippet describes them as “the embodiment of everything dangerous,” and their leader Fumi Namatame? She’s straight-up chilling. Oshibu’s arc here is twisted, but it’s classic Paru Itagaki: she takes broken characters and lets them make messy, human choices. Science Saru’s animation amplifies this perfectly—comments like “the animation goes hard” and “Science Saru with another banger” are all over the discussions, and Episode 7 delivers: the way they draw Class 10’s cold, empty eyes? It’s enough to send shivers down your spine.

Let’s not forget the show’s dystopian backdrop: a near-future where childhood is “meticulously controlled” and holidays are almost forgotten. This isn’t just window dressing—it makes every choice feel urgent. Amaya’s sacrifice isn’t just about friendship; it’s about surviving in a world that doesn’t care about kids. Oshibu’s turn to Class 10? It’s a cry for help in a place where no one’s listening. Class 10 themselves? They’re the product of this broken system—kids who’ve lost their innocence so young they think killing adults is the only way to be free.

Now, let’s talk about why setup episodes work here. Episode 7 doesn’t just tease the season finale—it builds on everything we love about Sanda: the weird, wonderful blend of dark humor and heart. Fans have been raving about how the show balances absurdity (like the Santa transformation) with real emotion, and this episode keeps that vibe alive. Oshibu’s descent into Class 10 is scary, but it’s also relatable in a twisted way—who hasn’t felt like they don’t belong? Amaya’s choice is selfless, but it’s also tragic—reminding us that sometimes doing the right thing hurts the most.

And let’s not sleep on the animation. Science Saru’s style is unique—think Beastars meets Tim Burton, with a dash of their signature chaos. Comments like “the art style felt fresh” and “loved the animation quality” are everywhere, and Episode7 shows why: the way they frame Class10’s introduction (dark, shadowy corners, quick cuts) makes the group feel like a looming threat, while Amaya’s quiet scene with Sanda uses soft lighting to highlight his vulnerability. It’s the kind of animation that doesn’t just tell the story—it feels it.

Is Episode7 perfect? Maybe not for everyone. If you’re looking for non-stop action, you might be disappointed. But if you love character-driven stories that make you think (and feel), this is a must-watch. It’s the kind of setup that leaves you counting down the days until the season finale—wondering if Amaya and Sanda will reconcile, if Oshibu can be saved, and what Class10 has planned next.

For fans who’ve stuck with Sanda since Episode1 (like the commenters who said “this is insane and I love it”), Episode7 is a reminder of why this show is so special: it’s weird, it’s dark, but it’s always human. And for anyone new to the series? This episode might make you want to binge the first six just to catch up (fair warning: you’ll probably be hooked by the first five minutes).

In short: Sanda Season1 Episode7 is a masterclass in setup episodes. It’s not flashy, but it’s deep—exactly the kind of anime that stays with you long after the credits roll. If you love unique storytelling, great animation, and characters that feel real (even when they’re making terrible choices), this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Ho ho ho—let the chaos continue.

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