To be honest, the ending for TV anime BEM is really no good. At the beginning, I placed huge expectations on the series, considering that it is a remake to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1968 classic anime, Humanoid Monster Bem.
Modern animation plus a jazzy 80s ambience brings a breath of fresh air to this original series, but the unorganised story and cheesy development continuous to fail me. The bad story-telling has buried the potential of the series, which indeed supported by a rather intriguing core message: it is the heart of a human makes you human. This message has been brought along from the 1968 series, but unfortunately BEM doesn’t deliver as good as its predecessor.
As the title says, “Wishing to become human someday”, the humanoid monster trio insists on helping humans in order to become one. Just as Bem mentioned in the previous episodes, the short life of humans makes them cherish the time with their loved ones. That’s why he does not resist the judgement that the humans placed even though he can.
There is one scene where Bem describes the daily life of humans as they wake up feeling the sun, grow their food and end their day thankful for their life. It is really a moment worth pondering over. The things that human takes it for granted are indeed treasure in the eyes of the humanoid monsters. Sadly, it is something that they could never have.
On the contrary, Bega focuses on the ugly side of humans and refuses to demean herself to become one. For a minute I reckon Bega wants to have a kid with Bem, as she said that it is one of the two things that she has done it yet. And it really creeps me out when Bega kiss Bem. Luckily, it is death that she is talking about. Loneliness seems to have crushed this long-life monster and she intends to end her own life by battling against Bem.
It doesn’t really explain why an explosion will occur when Bega contacts Bem, and why the rule doesn’t really apply when Bega engages into battles with the humanoid monster trio. The plot is as confusing as always, but let’s just leave that for a moment.
The final fights is not perfect, but it is good enough to draw eyes. The combination attack of the trio is still pleasant to watch. The way that they cooperate and support each other showcases they are indeed a family, though they always make fun of each other.
Unity is strength. The trio breaks the bridge and successfully sinks Bega into the sea. Though nobody would have thought that for a powerful monster like Bega, her weakness will be water…Come on, it is way to easy! When you mention an epic fight to end the series, I really expect more!
For an ending, there are still lots of mysteries that not yet solved. For example, who is that creepy hat man that always shows in Dr. Recycle’s laboratory? I am also not satisfied that Dr. Recycle is not punished for his doing, considering that lots of life have lost because of his creation.
Daryl turns out to be the successor of the Unseen Council. Though Belo has told him that his father is killed by the Ninja, it is really hard to tell whether it would make his hatred towards humanoid monsters disappear. Anyway, a new Unseen Council will be formed, but we would never know how it affects the division between the Upperside and the Outside.
Good news is little Harazy finally gets a home and Sonia finally proofs herself useful.
It is still unknown whether there is a second season for BEM. Considering the mystery that it leaves, it will be better if there is an OVA explaining all of these. But personally, a second season is really not preferred.
