Sunny Season 1 Episode 10 Review: The Dark Manual

Sunny Season 1 Episode 10, “The Dark Manual,” sees Suzie fight tooth and nail to escape the Yakuza while saving our titular robot from going on a killing spree. It’s a slight letdown from the previous few episodes, although it lays the groundwork for a not-yet-greenlit second season. 

The Dark Manual 

This outing is at its strongest when it focuses on the family element and primary character dynamics, especially once Zen is in the picture. For example, the scene wherein Suzie shows Noriko that Zen is alive tugs at the heartstrings. Judy Ongg can communicate so much with her eyes. She’s a compelling performer. 

That moment also gives Noriko something to do. She gets her moment in the badass limelight, helping Suzie and the others flee the Yakuza. So far, Noriko’s prison arc has felt useless to the overall narrative. It meandered and plodded quite a bit before this episode. 

Additionally, the scene with Suzie and Sunny packs an emotional punch. It indicates Suzie’s development, for starters, and how she grew to love our little homebot throughout the season. 

Himé and the Yakuza 

While Himé is a fun character, played to perfection by You, Season 1 doesn’t really do her story justice. Her rise to power in the Yakuza feels incredibly rushed, especially in “The Dark Manual.” In addition, her killing Jin is too predictable — there was never any doubt she would fail.

However, that arc barrels to an end in the blink of an eye, and the lightning-fast speed with which it concludes knocks the wind out of its sails. Her story loses its impact. Because of this rushed conclusion, Himé’s murdering her cousin feels unearned. 

Plot Twists and Mysteries 

Mixxy being a member of the Yakuza is a predictable plot twist; however, the journey to getting there is less so. Whenever Mixxy does something suspicious, she follows it up with proof of her unwavering loyalty.

The road we take to Mixxy’s ultimate betrayal is unpredictable. Mixxy’s involvement with the enemy adds a dash of conflict, though. 

Season 1 grinds to a halt with so many questions. This air of ambiguity is frustrating. The only real answers we get are Mixxy on the side of the baddies and Zen being alive. Masa’s “death” is still questionable. Why not confirm he’s alive and leave the mystery of how he survived for Season 2? 

There’s something deflated and hollow about “The Dark Manual,” but there are still plenty of solid beats and engaging moments. Again, this story really sings when it focuses on Suzie/Sunny and the family dynamics. Outside of that, it’s a mixed bag. Occasionally, the narrative stumbles when it doesn’t embrace its strengths. 

That said, the loose threads left flapping in the breeze are enough to pique one’s interest in Season 2. Here’s hoping Apple renews Sunny to give it time to improve, lean into its strengths, and allow the great Rashida Jones to spew more expletives and bond with her robot. 

Stray Observations: 

• Himé’s asymmetrical haircut is iconic. It makes her look more imposing. 
• Imagine barging onto a stage at a festival and yelling, “Suck a dick!” repeatedly into a microphone. Not gonna lie; this made it onto my bucket list. 
• I’m 90 percent certain Masa is alive. Never forget the TV golden rule: No body, no death. Plus, the lack of details surrounding his death makes me believe it never happened. 
• Why did Suzie not ask Zen what happened after he and Masa bid her farewell? That could have cleared things up significantly for her. 
• Initially, I thought we’d get a Suzie/Mixxy love story. However, the Suzie/Sunny love story angle is way better (and by “love story,” I mean “intense friendship between human and robot”). 

What did you think of this episode of Sunny? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sunny drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.

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