Lycoris Recoil: Episode Three "More Haste, Less Speed" Review

The following contains spoilers for Episode 3 of Lycoris Recoil, "More Haste, Less Speed" now streaming on Crunchyroll.

Another week, another episode of Lycoris Recoil. This action-packed anime has returned yet again to show us just what Chisato, Inoue, and the rest of the cast are up to. The anime also celebrated its second week in a row at the number one spot on Anime Corner's weekly anime ratings, which are decided by user rankings; this is incredibly impressive going up against returning series and highly-awaited adaptions when Lycoris Recoil is an original anime without any prior fanbase.

Lycoris Recoil takes place in a world where orphan girls are taught to be Lycorises, a form of violence control. There is political intrigue, crime, and secrets hidden behind the adorable anime girls that star in this series. The series drops little snippets of exposition through news or background conversation, encouraging viewers to put together the puzzle pieces themselves.

Inoue's Desire To Return To The DA

The third episode begins with a flashback to where the series began, in what we know was a false weapon deal that Inoue acted rashly in. After seeing herself punched by one of her former teammates, we flashback to the current point in time when Inoue is washing her face solemnly. After the theme song, we see Kurumi hard at work enhancing the image that Chisato sent from the first episode's client's phone, able to surpass what Mizuki says the DA was able to make out from it.

The scene then cuts to Chisato returning to LycoReco, announcing the after-hours board game night. Kurumi joins in with the regulars, however, when Inoue is invited to play along she rejects their invitations. Mika finds Inoue returning to her quarters, however, she rebuffs his attempt to communicate, as well as Chisato's attempts to get Inoue to join in on the fun. Just outside of Inoue's door, Mika asks Chisato if she will take her physical fitness exam tomorrow as it's the last day to take it, and knowing the commander will be there is what gets Inoue to jump into the conversation and ask if she can come along with Chisato.

Once they arrive, they are scanned in to confirm their identities, and immediately Chisato signs in for the test. Before the receptionist can ask Inoue why she's there, Inoue interrupts and asks to see Commander Kusunoki. Inoue is told by the receptionist that the commander is in a meeting and is not available at this time. Some girls begin to whisper behind Inoue's back, although it seems that rumors of what Inoue did are beginning to warp and claim she is known as the Friend-Killer. Inoue then confirms she will wait until Commander Kusunoki is out of her meeting to speak with her, shaking off what she's heard.

Chisato Defending Inoue

In the locker room where Chisato is changing before her physical exam, she engages in familiar banter with the short-haired girl who punched Inoue in the first episode. Meanwhile, we flash to Inoue, who is practicing with a pistol in an indoor shooting range while she waits for the commander. Once again we return to Chisato, who is still talking to the short-haired girl, whose name is revealed to be Fuki. Chisato and Fuki talk about Inoue, and Inoue's desire to get back into the DA.

Chisato discusses how she doesn't understand why Inoue would want to return, while Fuki calls Chisato the "weird one" for not desiring to be with the DA that raised her from orphanhood. Chisato continues to say she does appreciate being raised by the DA, however, she also appreciates her freedom. The girls continue similar banter as Chisato passes the exam without breaking a sweat, and Fuki becomes more and more exhausted, as well as frustrated with how the seemingly lazy Chisato continues to get perfect and above-average marks.

Commander Fusunoki approaches the girls as they are resting on a bench. The commander states that Chisato doesn't fulfill her duties as a Lycoris, and asks why she would want to keep her DA license. Chisato reminds her that she does still work for the DA, even if on a different scale than before. Chisato then abruptly asks why the commander let go of Inoue. Commander Fusunoki begins to explain, only to be interrupted by Chisato defending her new friend Inoue. When the commander further blames Inoue for being the reason they lost out on the weapons deal, Chisato provides proof that it was the DA who had the wrong time, and therefore the loss was not Inoue's fault. After back and forth squabbling the Commander deflects the question and leaves.

Back To Inoue

Returning to Inoue's target practice, another upbeat Lycoris introduces herself to Inoue as Sakura Otome. She holds her hand out to shake Inoue's, but when Inoue reluctantly returns the favor Sakura grasps her hand tightly to keep her from stepping away and inquires about the rumors surrounding how Inoue was kicked out of the DA. After mocking her and ignoring Inoue's attempts to state the truth, Sakura announces herself as Inoue's successor.

Just as Sakura is bullying Inoue, Chisato pulls her away. Commander Fusunoki walks in after this, and Inoue immediately tries to clear her name to the commander. Commander Fusunoki shuts down her attempts to clear her name.

Fuki then states that there is no more use for Inoue at the DA, adding further fuel to the fire. Inoue runs away to a quiet place, only to be found by Chisato moments later. Inoue reminses about her dreams when she was a young Lycoris, and Chisato comforts her.

Chisato tells Inoue more about what she learned about the night Inoue rebelled, explaining her theory behind the radio interference not being mere technical issues, but a hack. Chisato further explains that the DA will never admit a flaw in their technology or in themselves, so there's no point in fighting it. Inoue tries to run away but Chisato hugs her distressed friend, telling her gently that it may be time to move on from the DA's grasp.

The Mock Fight

The scene flashes to Erika, the girl who was held at gunpoint in the first episode. One of the other Lycorises tells her about the mock fight between Fuki, Sakura, Chisato, and Inoue, but Erika is upset that Inoue was misunderstood at the moment and blames her capture for why Inoue was fired. After hearing Inoue will be in the mock fight, however, Erika rushes to watch.

After a witty batter between Chisato, Fuki, and Sakura, it is revealed Inoue hasn't shown up yet and is still sulking. The mock fight begins without her, and the remaining competitors begin to shoot each other with paintball guns. Both Fuki and Sakura are no match for Chisato, who is dodging and holding back in hopes that Inoue will return and prove herself. Inoue does eventually return just as Chisato shoots Sakura with a few paintballs, eliminating Sakura from the game, and leaving Inoue to take down Fuki, her former partner.

Erika, who is watching from above with the other Lycorises, is stunned. Chisato tells Inoue she did pretty good, and Commander Fusunoki and her assistant discuss Chisato's superhuman ability to dodge anything projected her away, practically gloating about her before calling her a cheeky little brat, and then smiling.

The scene returns to Inoue, who is engaging with Fuki, whose face is swollen. Fuki calls her useless as a Lycoris once again, although this time Inoue is not bothered, leaving Fuki fuming in the bathroom when Sakura is apologizing for her lackluster performance. Erika is back to sulking in her room, this time unsure what she would say to Inoue if she saw her again. Chisato and Inoue talk on the way home, Inoue smiling for the first time this episode.

MORE: Lycoris Recoil: Episode Two "The More The Merrier" Review