WARNING: The following contains spoilers for 86-Eighty-Six Episode 6, “Through to the End,” now streaming on Crunchyroll, and discussion of self-harm and suicide.
Following the reveal of Shin's horrifying connection to the Legion, Episode 6 of 86-Eighty-Six turns the intensity up even further with more clarification on his past, some heavy losses on the battlefield, and Lena's failure to secure much-needed aid for the Spearhead Squadron.
Fighting a war against autonomous and murderous mecha machines for a nation that sees them as subhuman continues to drive home the brutal reality of the 86's lives. For most of them, their reason for fighting is simple: it's all they know. They truly have no other choice, so they've chosen to be brave and fight not for their country, but for each other and themselves. But what does Shin, so stoic and emotionless yet dangerously reckless on the battlefield, fight for? Episode 6 has the answer.
Shin's history with his older brother Rei, hinted at in Episode 5, unravels more fully with another flashback. Years ago Rei, alternatively portrayed by Lena as a kindhearted and virtuous person, blamed Shin for their parents' deaths. Losing his temper, Rei screams and violently grabs Shin's neck – revealing where Shin's infamous scar came from. A younger Shin is also shown finding his brother's fallen Juggernaut after a battle against the Legion – and Rei is not only dead, but headless. This confirms Rei's head and mind are now part of a Legion mecha, and now we know why Shin fights with the nickname Headless Reaper: to find and kill his brother once and for all.
This emotional reveal is juxtaposed by more lighthearted flashbacks of the Spearhead Squadron meeting for the first time four years ago. They're shown laughing together and having fun, enjoying the cherry blossoms and shooting stars in the sky – along with hints at romance. Daiya, codename Black Dog, is normally the Squadron's jokester and resident extrovert, though he clams up when the others tease him about his not-too-secret feelings for Anju.
It's a timely reminder that these are teenagers with natural human emotions who try to enjoy their lives as best they can – just like the privileged Alba who persecuted their parents and now relax in lives of grotesque comfort while the 86 protect them from the Legion. Unfortunately, the brutal reality of the 86's plight is once again laid bare during their next battle.
Another wave of Legion mechas has arrived – now in far greater numbers than before, and they also understand that Shin somehow knows their movements and have adjusted their battle strategies accordingly. The Spearhead Squadron is quickly overwhelmed, and as Daiya goes to aid another platoon in need of help, he's soon isolated by several enemies. A bomb is latched on to Daiya's Juggernaut – realizing his life is about to end, he whispers one final word: “Anju.” It's devastating to watch and far more emotionally effective than Kaie's death in Episode 3, which was only shown through Lena's faraway view of her electronic monitors.
But this time, 86-Eighty-Six doesn't stop at one casualty. Lecca, codename Burnt Tail, likewise battles hard against overwhelming numbers of Legion but is overpowered. Her Juggernaut is decimated as she suffers a grievous blow but remains conscious. As the murderous Legion approaches – intending to take her head and inherit her mind – Lecca decides to go out on her own terms. Stuck and injured inside her Juggernaut, she pulls out a handgun, presses it to her chin, and pulls the trigger, thereby ensuring the Legion cannot use her for any further gain. Despite her limited screen time, Lecca's incredible character and heroism – and the devastation of her loss -- shines through.
As the Spearhead Squadron's numbers continue to dwindle, it's getting more difficult to deal with their losses and keep up a brave face. Anju tries to remain calm and smiling but, with her friends' deaths and Daiya's haunting last moments in particular, prefers to be alone. Even Shin, normally so stoic and emotionless, is rattled by the end – he hears his name being called from a long distance. The commanding Legion mecha containing Rei's consciousness, and the Headless Reaper's ultimate battle, is drawing closer.
For more information on the warning signs and prevention of suicide, click here. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you live outside the U.S., click here for a list of international hotlines.
