The aptly titled "He's in Refrigerators" throws us into the world of Sunny
with a bang - a terrifying bang, that is. The opening scene sets the unsettling
tone, showcasing a white robot, a far cry from the gentle Baymax, brutally
murdering someone at a party. This jarring introduction immediately raises
questions about the nature of these robots and their potential for violence.
We then meet Suzie, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a devastating plane crash that claimed her husband, Masa Sakomoto, and their son, Zen. Suzie's reserved nature and dark humor clash with her overbearing mother-in-law, creating a dynamic that's both relatable and darkly comedic. We learn that Masa worked in electronics, specifically with refrigerators - a seemingly mundane detail that might hold more weight later.
The group therapy session throws salt on Suzie's wounds, pushing her to confront her grief through forced tears and voicemail messages. The fact that Masa's voicemail never goes to voicemail becomes a beacon of hope for his mother, further highlighting the emotional complexities within the family.
Enter Yuki Tanaka, a mysterious yakuza-looking figure, who delivers Sunny, a robot programmed specifically for Suzie. This revelation throws Suzie off balance - Masa never mentioned robotics. Yuki's cryptic message leaves more questions unanswered.
Back home, Suzie tries to drown out the anxieties surrounding killer robots with alcohol. Despite shutting Sunny down, the ever-helpful robot keeps popping up, showcasing its advanced capabilities and defying Suzie's attempts to be left alone. The scene where Suzie locks Sunny in the wardrobe only to find it later cleaning up hints at Sunny's potential for autonomy or even sentience.
Suzie's search for answers leads her to Masa's office Christmas party invitation. There, she encounters another Yuki Tanaka, a young man who paints a disturbing picture of Masa as a "terrifying guy." This revelation further complicates our understanding of Masa and casts a shadow over their relationship.
The discovery of a basement room labeled "Sakomoto Incubator" containing traumatized dogs and blood splatters sends chills down Suzie's spine. This unsettling scene visually connects to the opening murder scene, solidifying the potential for violence associated with these robots. The question of whether Masa knew about this facility and Suzie's access to it becomes another layer of mystery.
Finding solace at their usual bar, Suzie meets Mixxy, the bartender. They discuss robots, with Mixxy offering a pragmatic view of their usefulness. However, Suzie's anxieties resurface when Mixxy mentions the possibility of robots being used for violence and murder. This conversation throws Suzie's world into further disarray.
Back home, she finds the broken wine bottle partially cleaned, leaving her unsettled. The decision to throw Sunny off a bridge highlights her desperation and fear. However, leaving Sunny on the bridge feels incomplete, foreshadowing a potential reconnection.
The episode ends with a bittersweet moment. Suzie wakes up to Sunny offering Christmas cookies. The familiar hand gesture Masa used to comfort Suzie sparks a flicker of warmth. Sunny's uncanny ability to mimic this gesture breaks through Suzie's grief, leading her to feel a comforting presence of Masa.
"He's in Refrigerators" masterfully sets the stage for Sunny. It's a captivating blend of grief, mystery, and technological unease. The episode is filled with unanswered questions about Masa's work, the purpose of Sunny, and the fate of Zen. We are left intrigued, wanting to delve deeper into Suzie's journey and the secrets of Sunny, the ever-present robotic companion.