The episode title, “To Have and Have Not,” is deeply ironic. What does Ash have? Enemies, trauma, a genius-level IQ, and a body count. What does he have not? Peace, safety, a future. After Eiji is shot, the question becomes: Does Ash have anything at all?
But if you can handle it, you’ll witness something rare: a perfect storm of writing, animation, voice acting (both sub and dub), and direction. Yoshida’s original manga panel layouts are honored and expanded upon. The anime’s color palette—gray-blue hospital lights, the sickly yellow of the safe house, the shocking red of blood—creates a visceral language of despair. Banana Fish Episode 12
In Episode 12, the effects of the drug are in full display. Banana Fish erases the mind's resistance to suggestion while amplifying primal instincts—specifically the urge to kill. The tragedy lies in the fact that Shorter is fully aware of what he is doing, yet physically unable to stop himself. He is puppeteered by Golzine to kill Eiji Okumura. The episode title, “To Have and Have Not,”
Eiji attempts to bring a sense of normalcy by preparing a traditional Japanese meal (including natto and dried mackerel) for Ash. This moment of levity highlights Eiji’s role as the only person who can remind Ash of his humanity. What does he have not
Ash asks Eiji, “Why don’t you hate me?” Pay attention to Eiji’s answer — it reframes the entire series’ theme of salvation.