EPISODE CONTEXT

As the series premiere of a twelve-episode season, this episode exists entirely to plant the flag—establishing Mob and Reigen's exploitative yet oddly compelling partnership and introducing the psychic ecosystem they operate in. Everything here is foundational: Mob's emotional suppression, the percentage counter ticking toward something dangerous, and Reigen's role as a mentor figure built on lies all become critical threads the season will pull on relentlessly. The groundwork laid in this opener directly fuels the escalating stakes and character arcs that define the episodes ahead.