“Your Forma” episode 9, titled “Nightmare of St. Petersburg,” aired on May 28, 2025, and has been described as the most emotionally intense chapter of the series thus far. This episode provides a crucial flashback that contextualizes Harold Lucraft’s behavior and motivations, offering a deeper understanding of the trauma that shapes his character.
Harold’s Tragic Past Unveiled
The episode delves into Harold’s origins, revealing his bond with detective Sozon Chernov during the harrowing “Nightmare of St. Petersburg” case. Four years prior to the anime’s present day (2024), Harold is found “homeless” in St. Petersburg, Russia, by the local police. It’s revealed that Harold and his two RF Model siblings were stolen and sold at auction. Harold’s new owner was a murderer, and although Harold couldn’t consciously testify, he couldn’t withhold consent to have his memory used as evidence.
A Brotherly Bond Forged
Harold ends up being “adopted” by Sozon Chernov, a detective. The episode showcases the development of their playful friendship, with Sozon considering Harold like a little brother. Harold moves in with Sozon and his wife Darya, becoming an official part of their family. They adorably decorate a bedroom for Harold, painting the walls to match his eye color.
The Ominous Case
Two years later, Harold and Sozon work together investigating murders, specifically those committed by the “Amicus Sympathizer serial killer.” This case becomes known as “The Nightmare of St. Petersburg.” Eagle-eyed viewers already knew that Darya’s husband died at some point, knowledge which lends the episode an uneasy air of creeping dread. As Sozon becomes increasingly obsessed with tracking down the killer, working long hours and pulling all-nighters, he won’t even listen to Harold’s advice to take an evening off.
A Visceral and Horrific Scene
The episode takes a dark turn when Sozon doesn’t come home. A worried Harold tracks down his last movements and enters a secluded house, before opening a trapdoor and descending into a dark basement. He’s taken by surprise by the killer, tied to a support post, gagged, and forced to watch as the perpetrator systematically dismembers a fully conscious and screaming Sozon with a chainsaw.
“Your Forma” doesn’t hold back from depicting the sheer bloodiness of this brutal act. Sozon’s blood splatters across the room, and his face shows the recognition of his imminent, barbaric death as the remorseless killer delights in causing Harold untold emotional pain.
The Weight of Memory
While Harold is “only” a robot, it’s clear that he feels more than just what he is programmed to. The killer teaches him despair, hopelessness, and fury. Sozon’s death is a powerful scene that viewers may never want to watch again. The horrifying imagery showcases the memories that continue to torture Harold to this day. Unlike a human being’s malleable brain, Harold’s digital memories will never lose detail or reduce in intensity.
Flashback’s Impact and Harold’s Motivations
The flashback clarifies the “Nightmare of St. Petersburg” and provides context for Harold’s reserved nature and his drive to aid the police. It highlights the trauma he experienced and how it shaped his character.
Episode 8 Recap
In episode 8, titled “Fiction,” Echika and Harold successfully trapped Raissa Robin into revealing her activities as E, the AI Profiler. Raissa’s brother, Hugues, stopped her from retaliating. Echika performed a Brain Dive into Hugues and learned that he had received the E AI Profiler from someone else. The CID learned that the creator had used a false identity, “Alan Jack Lascelles,” to remain hidden.
Episode 9 sets the stage
Episode 9 is likely to see Echika and Harold pursue the hidden developer of the AI Profiler and Tosti programs. With Echika’s data processing abilities fully restored, she will resume her duties as Cyber Inspector and continue working with Harold. The episode may also explore more about Harold’s undisclosed circumstances, hinting at secrets tied to his existence.
Reception and Analysis
Critics have praised “Your Forma” episode 9 for its emotional depth, intense narrative, and stunning visuals. The episode’s focus on Harold’s backstory and the exploration of his trauma have resonated with viewers. However, some critics note that references to the skipped first novel volume might confuse anime-only viewers.
Some viewers have hailed it as the series’ best episode, praising Tomokazu Sugita’s chilling performance as the forensics officer. The episode’s dark and brutal content has also been a topic of discussion, with some finding it disturbing and others considering it a powerful and impactful scene.
Streaming Information
“Your Forma” episode 9 premiered on TV Asahi’s ‘IMAnimation W’ programming block and is available for streaming on platforms such as ABEMA, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.
Final Thoughts
“Your Forma” episode 9 is a pivotal episode that provides crucial backstory and context for Harold’s character. The episode’s emotional depth, intense narrative, and stunning visuals have made it a standout in the series. While the episode contains disturbing content, it ultimately serves to deepen our understanding of Harold and his motivations.
