Spy X Family- Fake Family, Real Connection

Spoiler-free review by Lamar Ramos

Such Elegance!

We all have a façade that we prefer to hide even from those who are close to us. Whether you’re an international spy, a feared assassin or simply a telepath.. ok maybe not to that extreme, but imagine if those specific types of people all had to live together to create a fake family while hiding their identities from one another?

That is the main plotline of Spy X Family. Father, Mother, and daughter each with their own ulterior motives. A family spy sitcom like Mr. and Mrs. Smith with an adorable telepathic kid as the star!

Presentation

Spy x Family is a tonal mashup of comedy, romance, action, and suspense. It does all of that justice by knowing when to strike. If I’m being honest, for me child leads in anime are hit or miss from being lovable to downright annoying (especially in English dubs). But Anya is way too adorable and is the perfect attraction to the show!

While the animation in Spy x Family isn't overly flashy, it can surprise you with its action scenes and facial reactions. It calls back to 60’s spy films and fashion, political and upper-class cadence with a modern style.

The Spy x Family opening Mixed Nuts (ミックスナッツ) by Official髭男dism screams in Elegance! And can we please give praise to openings that don’t show any spoilers?

The Characters

Meet the Forgers. The trio family consists of:

● The Father/husband Lloyd, code name “Twilight”. Spy and master of disguise.

● The Mother/wife Yor, code name “Thorn Princess”. Assassin and ordinary clerk by day

● The daughter Anya, orphaned and Telepath. Watches plenty of spy cartoons.

Asides from the main cast, there are plenty of lovable characters in Spy x Family that help (but mainly complicate) the Forger’s attempts to blend in as a normal family. From Anya’s schoolmates in Becky, Damian, and his sidekicks of bullies. Franky, Lloyd’s ever so loyal spy informant. And my favourite, Yuri, Yor’s younger brother who’s also got a secret of his own.

These characters and their eccentric personalities keep our main trio on their toes by putting them in hilarious situations.

Conclusion

Lloyd, Yor and Anya are amazing characters on their own whenever on screen, but it is when they’re together that the show shines with unforgettable moments. While the tropes may seem familiar, it’s written in a way that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Everyone is living a fake life, but the way they start feeling about each other slowly becomes real.

I believe Spy x Family is the newest gateway anime to introduce a friend to who otherwise hasn’t seen one. With the first season wrapping up and the manga still ongoing, this series is just getting started and we can’t wait what season 2 has in store for the Forgers.

There is a strong emotional core throughout the series that makes us care so much about this family, even if they are just Forgers!

-Lamar Ramos