SPY x FAMILY [Season 3 Episode 9]

SPY x FAMILY Season 3 Episode 9: When Cute Chaos Meets Heart-Wrenching Reality

Let’s cut to the chase: if you thought SPY x FAMILY was just about Anya’s telepathic mishaps and Yor’s accidental assassinations, Season 3 Episode 9 is here to slap that assumption out of your mind—gently, but firmly. This episode starts with the kind of chaotic cuteness we’ve come to love (Anya’s “Tonitrus Bolt” panic, anyone?) but ends with a gut punch that’ll make you rethink everything you know about Loid Forger. And honestly? It’s exactly why this show is still one of the best out there.

First off, let’s talk about the opening. Anya’s antics at Eden Academy are peak SPY x FAMILY: she’s scrambling to avoid getting another Tonitrus Bolt (those things are basically the anime version of a detention slip from hell), and her solution? Sacrificing her precious handkerchief to save Damian from a similar fate. Cue the adorable panic as she hands it over, thinking she’s “rizzing” him up (yes, that’s a real fan comment—we’ve all been there, Anya). But here’s the twist: that tiny, silly moment sets off a chain reaction that dives straight into Loid’s past. Fans on MyAnimeList were losing it over this connection—one even pointed out how Anya’s Bolt-induced chaos made Loid faint, triggering his traumatic flashbacks. Who knew a handkerchief could be so important?

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: Loid’s backstory. If you’ve ever wondered why Twilight is so obsessed with “Operation Strix” and world peace, this episode gives you the answer—and it’s not pretty. The flashbacks show a young Loid growing up in a war-torn Westalis, losing his friends and family to bombs and violence. One fan described the transition between a bird flying and a missile hitting as “stunning”—and they’re right. One second you’re smiling at Anya’s dumb jokes, the next you’re watching a child’s world crumble. It’s raw, it’s sad, and it’s exactly what the show needed to remind us: behind the spy gadgets and fake smiles, there’s a man broken by war.

But here’s the thing about SPY x FAMILY—it never lets you stay sad for too long. Just when you’re wiping away tears over Loid’s lost childhood, Anya pops back in with a line like, “I’ll give you a cake to pay you back!” (even though she didn’t bake one). Fans were split on this balance: some loved the mix of humor and heart, while others wished the show would lean into the serious stuff more. One commenter even said, “Why can’t Spy X Family be more like this, with the fun, chill, humorous parts but also real stakes?” Fair question—but let’s be real, the contrast is what makes it work. You can’t have the gut punches without the giggles first.

And let’s not forget the animation. The team behind this episode nailed the tone shifts: the bright, colorful Eden Academy scenes vs. the dark, gritty war flashbacks. That missile transition? Chef’s kiss. Fans were raving about it—one called it “the start of one of the best flashbacks I’ve ever seen.” It’s clear the animators put their all into making Loid’s past feel tangible, like you’re right there with him in the rubble.

Now, for the fan theories. Oh, there were so many. People are convinced Franky is somehow connected to Loid’s past (his dad looks like a politician—coincidence? Probably not). Others are speculating about the “Lorand Spoofy” fake name Loid used as a kid. And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: the war between Westalis and Ostania. Fans are drawing parallels to real-world conflicts, with one even saying the show “portrays the starts of war better than most serious shows.” That’s high praise, but it’s well-deserved—SPY x FAMILY doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you think.

But wait, let’s circle back to Anya. Because even in the middle of Loid’s trauma, she’s still the heart of the show. Her decision to help Damian, even if it meant getting a Bolt, is exactly why we love her. She’s not perfect—she’s a telepathic kid who thinks “rizz” is a valid strategy—but she’s kind. And in a world full of spies and assassins, that kindness matters. Fans were split on the Tonitrus Bolt (some thought it was too harsh, others thought it was worth it for Damian’s friendship), but everyone agreed: Anya’s reactions are iconic.

So, what’s next? The ending of Episode 9 left us on a cliffhanger—Loid’s flashback is just getting started, and the war stakes are higher than ever. Fans are hyped: “This is the arc I was waiting for!!!” one commented. Another said, “The next few episodes are going to be amazing, aren’t they?” We can only hope. But if this episode is any indication, SPY x FAMILY Season 3 is about to take us on a wild ride—one that balances cute chaos with real, emotional depth.

In the end, Episode 9 is a reminder of why SPY x FAMILY works. It’s not just a spy comedy; it’s a story about family, trauma, and the cost of peace. And even though it can be sad, it’s always hopeful. Because at the end of the day, Loid has Anya and Yor—his fake family that’s starting to feel real. And that’s the magic of it all.

So, if you haven’t watched it yet: do it. And if you have? Re-watch it. Because this episode isn’t just good—it’s the kind of episode that makes you fall in love with the show all over again.

Final Verdict: 5/5 Tonitrus Bolts (but let’s be real, Anya deserves a pass).

P.S. If you’re still not convinced, just remember: Anya’s “nyanpasu” is a national treasure. Don’t sleep on it.