Shoushimin Series [Season 1 Episode 13]

Shoushimin Series Season 1 Episode 13: A Bittersweet Farewell to the Ordinary

The finale of Shoushimin Series Season 1, Episode 13, titled Hesitant Spring, delivers a conclusion that’s as unexpected as it is divisive. For a show that promised to explore the mundane lives of two teenagers striving to be “ordinary,” this episode throws a curveball that leaves fans reeling—some in awe, others in frustration.

The Plot Twist No One Saw Coming

The episode picks up after the bombshell revelation that Yuki Osanai orchestrated her own kidnapping to frame her middle school bully, Isawa Hasemi. Jougorou Kobato, ever the moral compass, confronts her, calling her out for her lies. But Osanai fires back, accusing Kobato of his own deception—his futile attempt to be “ordinary.” The irony isn’t lost on viewers: their friendship, built on a pact to blend into the background, ultimately becomes the very thing that makes them stand out.

What follows is a heartbreaking yet oddly poetic breakup. The duo, realizing they bring out the worst (or best?) in each other, decide to part ways. And just when you think the emotional gut-punch is over, the episode introduces two new characters—potential love interests for Kobato and Osanai—in the final minutes. Cue the collective gasp from fans.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It

The online discourse is split down the middle. Some fans, like Marinate1016 on MyAnimeList, praise the episode for its bold character development:

“Osanai trying to shift the blame to Kobato after she got exposed for planning her kidnapping is killing me tho, like how is this even remotely his fault? That was some grade-A gaslighting on Osanai’s part.”

Others, like ajw215799, feel betrayed by the sudden romantic subplots:

“It doesn’t feel natural because out of nowhere they terminate their friendship and then all of a sudden they are both approached by potential new love interests. Not only is it not natural, but it’s a giant middle finger to the audience.”

Then there’s the burning van in the final scene—literally. No one knows what it means, but theories range from Osanai destroying evidence to a metaphor for their friendship going up in flames.

Themes That Hit Hard

At its core, Shoushimin Series has always been about the masks people wear. Kobato pretends to be ordinary but can’t resist solving mysteries. Osanai plays the innocent, sweet girl but is capable of cold, calculated revenge. The finale drives this home by forcing them to confront their true selves—and the consequences of their actions.

One fan, Estoy_Gordo, sums it up perfectly:

“I respect Kobato for sticking to his guns about the law while reprimanding Osanai for her crimes… Even after Kobato calls her a liar, and Osanai acknowledges that, she still has zero regrets for what she did.”

The Verdict: A Polarizing but Promising Finale

Love it or hate it, Episode 13 leaves a lasting impression. The abrupt introduction of new characters and the unresolved mystery of the burning van hint at bigger things to come in Season 2 (set for April 2025). For now, fans are left to dissect every frame, debate every line, and wonder: Was their friendship ever real, or just another lie?

If you’re a fan of slow-burn character dramas with a side of psychological depth, Shoushimin Series is worth the watch. But if you were hoping for a tidy, feel-good ending—well, you’re out of luck.

Final Rating: 8/10 (Points deducted for emotional whiplash, but bonus points for making me feel something.)

What did you think of the finale? Let’s argue in the comments.