Blue Exorcist [Season 5 Episode 12]

Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga – Episode 12 Review

A Heartfelt Farewell and a New Beginning

Blue Exorcist has always been a series that balances dark fantasy with deep emotional storytelling, and Season 5, Episode 12—titled “Rin Says Goodbye, Shiro Gains New Resolve”—delivers one of the most poignant conclusions to an arc yet. Released on March 22, 2025, this episode wraps up The Blue Night Saga with a mix of nostalgia, heartbreak, and hope, leaving fans emotionally wrecked (in the best way possible).

The Emotional Core: Shiro’s Legacy

This season has been a deep dive into the past, exploring the origins of Rin and Yukio’s relationship with their adoptive father, Shiro Fujimoto. Episode 12 brings everything full circle, revisiting the tragic night of Shiro’s death—but this time, from his perspective. Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums couldn’t stop raving about how this shift in viewpoint added layers to a moment we thought we already understood.

One fan put it perfectly: “Back in Season 1, Episode 1, we saw Shiro die, but we didn’t know the weight behind it. Now, with all the context, it’s like rewatching a tragedy you can’t look away from.”

The episode doesn’t just rehash old scenes; it recontextualizes them. We see Shiro’s struggles, his love for the twins, and his final moments of defiance against Satan. The emotional climax comes when Rin, now older and wiser, gets a chance to thank Shiro—something he never got to do in the past. The scene is simple: a meal shared between father and son, but the impact is devastating.

Fan Reactions: Tears, Theories, and Hype

The online discourse around this episode has been overwhelming. Here’s what stood out:

1. “This Hit Harder Than the Manga”
   Many fans praised the anime’s adaptation for adding emotional depth that even the manga didn’t fully capture. The voice acting, especially Keiji Fujiwara’s (Shiro) performance, was singled out as a standout.

2. “Why Is This Anime So Underrated?”
   A recurring sentiment among fans is frustration that Blue Exorcist doesn’t get the same hype as newer shonen titles. One Reddit user wrote, “People only care about flashy animation now (looking at you, Solo Leveling), but this series has heart.”

3. “Season 6 When?”
   The episode ends with Rin reuniting with Yukio, hinting at future developments. Manga readers are cautiously optimistic, with some speculating a 2026 or 2027 release for the next season.

4. “Shiro Was the Best Dad”
   The flashbacks of Shiro raising the twins—teaching Rin to cook, guiding Yukio through his doubts—resonated deeply. One fan tearfully admitted, “I forgot how much I missed Shiro until this episode reminded me.”

Final Verdict: A Perfect Sendoff

Episode 12 isn’t just a finale; it’s a love letter to long-time fans. It ties up loose ends, enriches the lore, and leaves just enough unanswered questions to keep us hungry for more.

Rating: 9/10 – A masterclass in emotional storytelling, proving that Blue Exorcist is still one of the best dark fantasy anime out there.

Now, excuse me while I go cry in a corner. 😭🔥