As the gang’s journey continues, we go on a little trip with them and meet the next group of assassins along the way. Admittedly, this is another episode that I enjoy, so my opinions on it might be a little biased. That doesn’t mean that it has its problems. Trust me, it does—a big one, but also a bit personal one.
It’s all aboard for this one, so let’s get rolling!
Having left Pompei, the gang make their way to Napoli Centrale, the local train station. Engraved in the key is a set of instructions from the boss telling them to take a train to Venice, where Trish will be delivered to the boss. And as stated before, the key is vital for transportation to Venice. But upon arriving, the gang run into two problems. Problem number one is that Bucciarti can’t find the vehicle they’ll use at the station. Problem number two is that the gang is being pursued by two more members of La Squadra, Prosciutto, and Pesci.
Prosciutto and Pesci almost surround Bucciarati until he grabs something, makes a mad dash for the train, and vanishes. Confused but suspicious of the implications, Prosciutto decides he and Pesci stay on the train. Little do they realize that Team Bucciarati is right under their noses.
As it turns out, back at the station, the only thing left on the platform was a turtle. Bucciarati quickly puts together that the turtle is the transport. This turtle, Coco Jumbo, is actually a Stand user. Its Stand, 「Mr. President」, is actually the key, which acts as a pocket dimension, creating a separate, well-furnished room. While inside, the gang remains safe for a time.
Meanwhile, Prosciutto decides to use his Stand, 「The Grateful Dead」, to lure the gang out. This Stand also affects the passengers on the train, much to Pesci’s shock and dismay. Eventually, the effects reach Team Bucciarati’s hideout. Narancia suddenly ages rapidly, along with Giorno, Fugo, and Abbacchio. Bucciarati quickly deduces this is the work of an enemy Stand in an attempt to lure them out. Mista decides to go out and attack the user (no one knows by this point there’s more than one). Giorno stops him, noting that everyone is aging at different rates. While the aging is evident in Narancia and others, it’s not as noticeable in Bucciarati, Mista, or Trish. Everyone realizes that the effects of this Stand worsen with higher body temperatures. With this in mind, Mista takes some ice with him as he pursues Prosciutto. Little does he realize the surprise in store.
When Mista attempts to turn on the train’s air conditioning, this activates a trap set by Pesci, who tries to pull him across the train with his Stand 「Beach Boy」, which resembles a fishing pole. Mista tries to break free using Sex Pistols, but hitting the line sends an attack back on one’s self. And when trying to pull 「Beach Boy 」’s hook out of his body doesn’t work, Mista uses Sex Pistols to track down Pesci. This works beautifully even before Mista can find him. But before he can end the assassin, Mista is approached by an elderly who happens to be in the same train car. Out of nowhere, he uses 「The Grateful Dead」 to attack Mista, causing him to age rapidly. The old man is actually Prosciutto in disguise, using 「The Grateful Dead」 on himself. Prosciutto and Pesci seemingly kill Mista, and the two pursue the rest of Team Bucciarati afterward.
Eventually, the two discover Coco Jumbo in the driver’s cabin. Pesci quickly notes, though, that not everyone in the group is accounted for. The missing member is Bucciarati, who appears from the ceiling using「Sticky Fingers」and attacks the two assassins. In an earlier scene, it’s revealed Mista survived his attack from Prosciutto thanks to one of his Pistolettes (that’s not what they’re called, but that’s just to clarify). Another one was dispatched to warn Bucciarati and the gang of the two hitmen.
During the battle, Pesci is knocked out by Bucciarati, leaving the fight down to Bucciarati and Proscuitto. Bucciarati’s aging quickens during the fight. But in an attempt to take Prosciutto out for good, Bucciarati opens a hole in the cabin. Ending the episode on a cliffhanger, Bucciarati uses Sticky Fingers to throw Prosciutto and himself off the train.
Once again, this is another great battle here, and I haven’t even covered the last third of it. I also enjoy these episodes a lot for the fight and just for the all-around suspense. There’s a lot of tension in them in more ways than one. There’s tension in finding out where Team Bucciarati is hiding. There’s tension in figuring out who Prosciutto and Pesci are. And then there’s tension when 「The Grateful Dead」.
To put it simply, this is an intense episode. Then again, with almost all of the episodes in this arc, I rewatch them frequently.
However, the only issue I had with this episode was with Prosciutto, believe it or not. I never liked Prosciutto, mainly because, as a character, he’s very reckless. And while he’s tight-laced as a mafioso, he seemingly thinks and acts on instinct. He’s also cruel to Pesci. There’s a master/apprentice relationship, but it also comes off as abusive. That may just be me, but I never enjoyed watching Prosciutto. He’s not the worst member of La Squadra, but he’s not the most pleasant either.
His Stand, on the other hand, I do enjoy. It’s a powerful ability that can incapacitate anyone. It’s also just a cool-looking Stand, taking some inspiration from Lovecraftian lore. And in juncture with 「Beach Boy」, it’s a deadly combination. 「Beach Boy」 is also an equally powerful Stand, but we’ll get more into that tomorrow.
Overall, I still enjoy this episode. It’s tense and action-packed, even with the underlier in Prosciutto not being the most likable character. But this is one train that definitely keeps on rolling.
Speaking of rolling and 「Beach Boy」, we finish the last act of this battle and have a good discussion on a certain Mammoni.
Until then, it’s arrivederci for now, so enjoy the rest of your duwang!
-Hanime on Anime
Hanime on Anime 