WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Deep Insanity: The Lost Child, "Take 02," now streaming on Funimation.
Though Deep Insanity: The Lost Child failed to impress with a generic first episode, Episode 2 turns things around with a focus on the Sleeper Team that make all of the Antarctic world of Asylum more compelling, including a surprise twist that could send the show off in a whole new direction.
The focus on the Sleeper Team in Episode 2 explores more compelling characters that flesh out the world through showing their everyday existence in Asylum, each tailored to the individual. This episode also helps strip away preexisting stereotypes on the team. At first, Larry seems to be the 'happy maniac' of the team, but while still cheerful and impulsive, he's also a genius when it comes to understanding the brain, and provides advice when Daniel comes to him, revealing a much more mature side of his personality. Reika is standoffish and almost rude but in actuality is much more self-conscious than anyone would guess. Sumire has an entire past she's trying to hide from and switches personalities easily to suit her audience.
None of these characteristics were exhibited in Episode 1, and getting to better understand the team is vital to making the audience care about whether they will survive Asylum. Now that the characters matter, their risky maneuvers hold weight, and the tactics that make them so effective seem reckless at times.
Daniel is also finding his place among the team, wondering what his unique skill could possibly be, and his lack of unknown prodigy that moves this episode is to his benefit -- seeing Daniel make mistakes like the rookie he is is far better than him having the innate skill with a weapon that he showed in Episode 1. It's more realistic and makes him more relatable as well. He can't see himself as special among his teammates and therefore wonders if he belongs on the Sleeper Team at all. However, the way the show presents itself, both in content and through both new opening and ending sequences, makes it seem like the team will continue to be a very important -- if not the most important -- part of the show.
However, Daniel's role on the show is not only to be the yes-man. In Episode 2's final moments, Daniel is called to meet with his intimidating superior, Vera Rustamova, who offers Daniel an assignment. He does not have to accept, but if he does, everything is going to change. Daniel's acceptance into the Sleeper Team despite his lack of skill suddenly makes sense because he is the perfect person for this mission, whether he succeeds or is simply there to take the fall.
Episode 2 of Deep Insanity: The Lost Child is leaps and bounds more engaging than the premiere, and though it will take Episode 3 and perhaps Episode 4 as well to see if this upward trajectory continues, the exploration of the team and unexpected political maneuvers created emotional ties to the characters, as well as set up a new and interesting plot for the Sleeper Team than simply exploring Asylum. It was exactly what the show needed, and hopefully, it will continue to deliver.
