To Your Eternity [Season 3 Episode 12]

To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 12: “Flying Insects” – A Mind-Bending Clash of Morality and Mortality

If you’ve been following To Your Eternity’s third season, you know it’s been a wild ride of emotions, existential questions, and enough plot twists to make your head spin. Episode 12, titled “Flying Insects,” doesn’t slow down—it ramps up the tension, dives deeper into the Nokkers’ mysterious motives, and leaves fans (myself included) with more questions than answers. Let’s break down why this episode is both a masterpiece of storytelling and a total mind-fuck (in the best way possible).

First off, let’s get the basics straight. To Your Eternity Season 3 is a collaboration between Studio Massket and Drive, with Sōta Yokote directing and Kiyoko Sayama returning as chief director. The season premiered in October 2023, and “Flying Insects” aired on December 20th, 2023, on NHK General TV. The episode picks up where the previous one left off: Fushi, our immortal protagonist, is still grappling with the Nokkers—those creepy, body-stealing entities that have been haunting humanity for centuries. But this time, things are different. The Nokkers aren’t just killing people; they’re possessing them, stealing their consciousness, and controlling their actions like puppets. And as one fan put it, “It’s really creepy how these damn Nokkers randomly take control of people’s bodies and then randomly give them back.” No kidding—Mizuha, the girl possessed by a Nokker, seems blissfully unaware of the danger, but we all know it’s only a matter of time before the Nokker fully absorbs her. Naive much?

The episode’s core conflict revolves around Fushi’s mission to stop the Nokkers, but here’s the kicker: the lines between “good” and “evil” are blurrier than ever. Remember when Fushi took the unnamed boy’s form way back when? Well, Satoru (a character I didn’t expect to be so sharp) calls him out on it, asking, “What gives you the right to take their bodies, Fushi?” Ouch. That’s a reality check Fushi needed—maybe even multiple checks. As another fan pointed out, “Fushi is turning into a bad shonen protagonist by not learning the world that he is in.” It’s true; our immortal hero has always been driven by a desire to protect, but his methods are starting to look hypocritical. Stealing a body to save the world is one thing, but when the Nokkers do the same, is it really that different?

But let’s talk about the real MVP of the episode: Yuuki. This high school boy from the occult club (yes, you read that right) is a genius. He deduces that Nokkers communicate through their eyes and ceramic vessels—genuinely brilliant. And his idea of using a “spiritual place” (which he defines as space itself) to counter them? Mind-blowing. I had forgotten Echo could do that, but Yuuki’s quick thinking saves the day… for now. As one fan gushed, “The plan to use the pot to communicate vital information is actually a really good strategy from Yuki.” Agreed—who knew a kid with a fascination for the supernatural would be the key to unraveling the Nokkers’ secrets?

Of course, we can’t ignore the Nokkers themselves. These “flying insects” are more than just mindless monsters; they’re evolving. They’re not just killing people anymore—they’re coexisting with them, entering bodies, stealing consciousness, and then… giving them back? It’s creepy, confusing, and totally fascinating. As a fan noted, “It seems the goal of this season has now shifted on how to deal with Nokkers and what exactly they want. Feels like this show wants Nokkers to somehow co-exist with humans based on how they adapt with their behavior.” That’s a bold direction for the series, and I’m here for it. Are the Nokkers villains, or are they just misunderstood beings trying to survive? The episode doesn’t give us a clear answer, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

The emotional beats hit hard too. Fushi’s struggle with his own identity—taking the form of a girl whose family is in despair—is heart-wrenching. As one fan put it, “Fushi is now living as that girl, sooner or later her family will be in despair, its highly unlikely fushi would stay as her for long. Knowing this is somehow more messed up for me than the whole nokker thing.” It’s a reminder that Fushi’s immortality isn’t a gift; it’s a curse that forces him to watch loved ones suffer. And when he tries to delete evidence by throwing a monitor into a river (instead of the computer—classic Fushi move), you can’t help but facepalm. But hey, that’s part of his charm—he’s still learning, even after centuries.

The dialogue is another highlight. Lines like, “The future is always blank. Only your willpower can leave footsteps there,” and “Ruling over death means ruling over life. Death is the climax of life. To have the best death, you must honor life,” are pure gold. They’re not just edgy one-liners—they’re philosophical bombs that make you stop and think. As a fan noted, “The battle goes on between Fushi and the knockoffs,” but it’s more than a physical fight; it’s a battle of ideologies. What does it mean to be human? To live? To die? To Your Eternity has always asked these questions, but Episode 12 cranks them up to 11.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the pacing. After a slow start to the season, “Flying Insects” feels like a breath of fresh air. The build-up is tight, the stakes are high, and every scene matters. As one fan said, “This build-up is nice and much better paced than the beginning of the season.” Amen to that. The episode balances action, drama, and mystery perfectly, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

But let’s not forget the visuals. Studio Massket and Drive have outdone themselves with the animation. The Nokkers’ designs are both terrifying and beautiful—like something out of a nightmare you can’t look away from. The fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, and the emotional moments are rendered with such care that you can’t help but feel Fushi’s pain. As a fan put it, “Each element is so creative, especially compare to other anime’s standard.” It’s true—To Your Eternity has always stood out for its unique art style, and Season 3 is no exception.

So, what’s next? The episode ends with a cliffhanger that hints at a cyberpunk future (yes, you read that right) and a showdown between Fushi and the Nokkers that’s sure to be epic. As one fan speculated, “Given that the next time and the last time he wakes up after this season is a cyberpunk? future, I am sure it won’t end well for both parties.” Yikes—count me in. I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds.

In conclusion, To Your Eternity Season 3 Episode 12 is a masterpiece. It’s thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and visually stunning. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just jumping in, this episode will hook you. The Nokkers’ motives are still a mystery, Fushi’s morality is under fire, and Yuuki’s genius is just getting started. If you haven’t watched it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out—just be prepared to have your mind blown.

As one fan so succinctly put it: “Another absolute banger.”

Rating: 9/10 – A must-watch for anyone who loves deep, character-driven anime with a side of existential crisis.

Disclaimer: This review is based on fan discussions and official episode information. All opinions are my own.