Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 9: Anya’s Stella Win Is The Heartfelt Payoff We All Needed

Let’s cut straight to the chase—if you didn’t scream (or at least tear up a little) when Anya Forger held up her shiny new Stella Star in Spy x Family Season 3 Episode 9, are you even a fan? This episode was the perfect wrap-up to the Bus Hijacking arc, and it delivered all the feels we’ve been craving since Anya first set her sights on becoming an Imperial Scholar.

First off, let’s recap: After weeks of intense hijacking chaos, Episode 9 finally gives us the resolution we deserved. The school holds a ceremony to award Stella Stars to the kids who showed bravery during the crisis—Anya, Damian, Becky, and Bill. And yes, our favorite telepathic chaos gremlin finally gets her moment to shine!

What made this episode so special wasn’t just the Stella win, though. It was the balance between the emotional weight of the hijacking aftermath and the series’ signature humor. When the kids are released from the school and run to their guardians? My heart melted. Anya’s little legs pumping as she sprinted to Loid and Yor—telepathic thoughts going a mile a minute (“Papa! Mama! I got Stella!”)—and then clinging to both of them like her life depended on it? That’s the found family content we signed up for.

And let’s talk about the laughs! Becky was over the moon for Anya, screaming about how her bestie is now a “super spy kid.” Damian tried to play it cool (typical tsundere) when he got his Stella—muttering something about “it’s not like I wanted this” but secretly grinning like a fool. Even Anya’s silly internal monologues (like worrying if the Stella would make her too “fancy” to play with Bond) had me cackling. Wit Studio and CloverWorks nailed the animation here—every facial expression, every little gesture felt so genuine.

Fans on MyAnimeList are going wild over this episode, and for good reason. One user commented, “The way the episode balanced the trauma of the hijacking with the warmth of the family reunion is masterful.” Another said, “Anya’s growth from a kid who just wanted to please Loid to someone who actually acts bravely is chef’s kiss.” I couldn’t agree more—this episode showed that Anya isn’t just a cute sidekick; she’s a brave, kind kid who deserves every bit of that Stella.

The emotional beats hit hard too. When Loid kneels down to hug Anya and tells her he’s proud, you can see the relief in his eyes—this spy who’s used to hiding his feelings can’t help but let his guard down for his fake daughter. Yor, as always, is over the moon (she probably wanted to hug Anya so tight she’d squeeze the air out of her, but held back to be gentle). The scene where all the kids run to their parents/guardians—some crying, some laughing—reminded me why Spy x Family works so well: it’s all about found family and the love that comes from being there for each other, even when things get scary.

I also loved how the episode didn’t just focus on Anya. Damian’s arc here was subtle but meaningful—he went from being a bully to someone who helped protect the other kids during the hijacking. His Stella feels earned, not just a token. Becky’s unwavering support for Anya is another highlight—she’s the ultimate best friend, and her excitement over the Stella was contagious.

If there’s one thing this episode proves, it’s that Spy x Family still knows how to tug at our heartstrings while keeping us entertained. The shift from the intense hijacking arc to this warm, lighthearted episode was seamless. It didn’t brush off the trauma of the incident—instead, it showed the kids healing through the love of their families (real or fake).

By the end of the episode, I was grinning from ear to ear. Anya’s Stella is more than just a star—it’s a symbol of how far she’s come, and how much the Forger family means to each other. I can’t wait to see what’s next—will Anya get more Stellas? Will Loid’s mission progress? Whatever happens, I know it’ll be full of the same heart and humor that makes this series one of the best out there.

If you haven’t watched Episode 9 yet—stop what you’re doing and go see it. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Anya’s Stella win is the feel-good moment we all needed this week.

— A very happy Spy x Family fan

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