Spy Thrill Vs Spy Kill
So, I found that while I’m on my spy thriller mindset I’d take a look at a comparative review between SpyXFamly and Buddy Daddies. My main reason is they fill a very specific niche of spy anime as many of the others tend to be serious or utterly absurd. And believe me, I’m all for absurdity in anim,e but it can at least be somewhat grounded. So here I will explain why they work, what makes them different and what they share in common.
First to start off is the niche they fill. Spy anime is few and far between, we don’t have too many that don’t have their own insanely unique spin on it. I’ve seen plenty of anime and I don’t think I can find a single normal spy thriller. If I am wrong, please tell me in the comments I’d love to add something to my list.
When Being a Spy Feels Fun
SpyXFamily is fun because it knows not to take itself too seriously, even though the missions at hand are fairly risky. Having the ability to read people’s minds is an interesting design choice, but it makes Anya a fair bit detrimental to the plot. She often finds herself assisting her parents because she knows how to help them engage in a situation they know nothing about. At the same time, she almost always gets in the way or gets herself in trouble.
Anya having an important role assisting Loid and Yor without it coming across as a complete coincidence to the viewer while having it look that way to other characters is gold. It’s like playing 3D chess with character writing. And she doesn’t get it right sometimes as well. She messes up because even if you can read minds, you’re still a child. She knows she has limits, so instead of trying to be the hero, she puts herself in a position where Yor and Loid are urged to help not only her but themselves as well.
When Spy Trouble Becomes Grounded
Miri from Buddy Daddies is a bit different. She’s more of a hindrance than an assistance to Kazuki and Rei. But honestly, I prefer it that way. Miri is a young child who does not understand how things work and is fumbling around trying to make do with what she has. It shows she’s intelligent, if not emotionally so as well. But there are these moments when she will look down the barrel of a gun and be confused at what is happening.
She’s behaving like a child. And maybe that’s why I enjoy Buddy Daddies a bit more than Spy X Family. It’s more rooted. It feels like something that would happen. Obviously, it would be horrifying if it did, but never once did I look at a situation and go: “Yeah, that’s not realistic.” I was too busy focused on the fact that Miri WALKED INTO A MANSION FILLED WITH ARMED GUNMEN AND THOUGHT TAG WAS THE BEST SOLUTION! She’s in the way, constantly causing issues, and the two men acting as parents have no idea what to do. They’re stuck and struggling.
Miri is a perfect example of you choose your family. She’s impressionable, she’s rash and thinks everything is a game. But she cares for Kazuki and Rei. And whether they like it or not, they care for her too.
When Family Comes First
They may not have the answers. But they’re learning. All of them together. It’s a group effort, and that’s why I love this show. Watch them interact. They’re struggling, and yet they push themselves to learn. To build each other up in the only way they can. Eventually, they start figuring things out. And that’s when you fall in love with them.
These two shows have so much going for them. They’re fun and engaging, and while Spy X Family can be watched with the family, I recommend that Buddy Daddies be kept for at least +13. It’s not always the case, but certain themes and imagery do make it seem that it is meant for slightly older audiences. Though, I firmly believe that anime should be watched from +13 onwards.
Give them a watch and tell me what your takes are. Have a great day, everyone.