In the Febri.jp interview series with Lycoris Recoil staff, director Adachi shared the original concept for the Episode 9 ending and how it differs from the actual ending we got in the episode. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers for Lycoris Recoil Episode 9 in this article. When talking about the touching farewell between Chisato and Takina, Adachi mentioned that the initial script and storyboards were different. In the episode, Takina leaves just before the snow falls, but she looks back at Chisato happily when the snow finally falls. In the original concept, Takina runs away from Chisato right after the snow falls. This might seem like a small change, but it changes the feeling of the scene massively. If the original ending was followed, the farewell scene would have had a sadder feeling. But thanks to the change, the final scene was given a more positive spin. While it’s still a farewell, it comes with an acknowledgment between the two. Adachi also said that the change better reflects the relationship between the two characters, while not robbing the farewell of its impact. Lycoris Recoil (also known as LycoReco) is an original anime series by A-1 Pictures that is directed by Shingo Adachi and written by Asaura. Its story follows Takina Inoue, a “Lycoris” agent. In the series’ alternate version Japan setting, Lycoris agents are tasked with taking down criminals and terrorists to help keep the country safe. Though this all-female group of spies and assassins is unknown to the public as their operations are covered up as accidents to keep the population blissfully unaware of dangers. At the start, Takina is demoted after disobeying direct orders. She is soon assigned to work in LycoReco café, an undercover agency branch, and she is partnered with Chisato Nishikigi, a capable yet carefree agent. Takina and Chisato are opposites in terms of personality; Takina is strait-laced, while Chisato is bubbly and cheerful. Though Takina must learn to get along with her new partner if she wants to be reinstated. New episodes of the anime are released every week on Crunchyroll shortly after they air in Japan.
