Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister [Season 1 Episode 23]

Episode 23 Review: “Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister” – A Bittersweet Confession and a Glimpse of Redemption

Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister (or Amagami-san Chi no Enmusubi) has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and Episode 23, the penultimate installment of Season 1, delivers a powerful mix of drama, humor, and character growth. The episode centers around Shirahi, Uryu’s childhood friend, whose desperate wish to keep him close spirals into a supernatural mess. Fans have been divided on Shirahi’s actions, but this episode finally gives her the closure—and redemption—she desperately needed.

The Plot Thickens (and Then Softens)

The episode picks up right where the last one left off: Shirahi, in a moment of emotional turmoil, uses the shrine’s power to trap Uryu in an alternate reality where only she exists in his world. It’s a classic “yandere” move, but the show subverts expectations by having Shirahi confront her own mistakes head-on. When Uryu figures out her scheme, instead of doubling down, she breaks down and confesses everything—her love, her fear of losing him, and her jealousy of the Amagami sisters.

What’s fascinating is how the show handles her character. Shirahi isn’t painted as a villain, but as a flawed, heartbroken girl who made a terrible mistake. The Amagami sisters, rather than ostracizing her, welcome her as an “honorary shrine maiden,” adding a layer of bittersweet irony to the whole situation. As one fan put it: “It’s like getting a glimpse into another reality where Shirahi was doomed with just the childhood friend curse instead of both that and the side heroine curse.”

Fan Reactions: Love, Hate, and Everything In Between

The online discourse around this episode has been spicy. Some viewers were disappointed that Shirahi didn’t go full yandere, with one commenter lamenting: “If you’re going yandere, go full yandere! Why admit everything? There’s no way anyone could’ve proved it was her.” Others, however, praised the emotional maturity of the resolution. “I can’t bring myself to hate Shirahi,” wrote another fan. “Just like Uryu prayed for his mother, she prayed for Uryu to be close to her. But while Uryu’s wish never came true, hers did!”

The dynamic between Uryu and the sisters also got a lot of attention. Despite the chaos, their interactions remain the heart of the show. One fan noted: “Uryu being grilled by the Amagami sisters on his bizarre situation with Shirahi was hilarious. At least he’s ‘home’ in a way.” The humor balances out the heavier themes, making the episode feel like a natural progression rather than a forced drama bomb.

The Road to the Finale

With only one episode left, fans are divided on how the season will wrap up. Some are hoping for a last-minute twist (“I was surprised to see Yomiko not recognize Uryu—I thought she’d know what happened!”), while others are bracing for a more subdued ending (“I expect the first half to be about going back to the other world, and the second half to be cute interactions with the sisters”).

The biggest question on everyone’s mind? Will there be a Season 2? Given how much is left unresolved (Uryu’s relationships with the sisters, Shirahi’s future, and the shrine’s mysteries), fans are crossing their fingers. “There’s no way they can finish this arc and tie up the main girl selection plot in just one more episode,” one commenter argued. Another optimistically added: “If Café Terrace and Its Goddesses got a second season, this definitely can!”

Final Thoughts

Episode 23 is a testament to Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister’s strength: its ability to blend humor, heart, and high-stakes emotion without feeling forced. Shirahi’s arc, while controversial, adds depth to the story, and the Amagami sisters continue to shine as some of the most endearing characters in recent rom-com anime.

As we head into the finale, one thing’s for sure: whether it ends with a bang or a whimper, this show has left its mark. And if the fans have their way, we’ll be seeing a lot more of Uryu and the Amagami household in the future.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A satisfying penultimate episode that balances drama and humor, though some may find Shirahi’s resolution too neat.

What did you think of Episode 23? Are you Team Shirahi, Team Yae, or just here for the chaos? Sound off in the comments!