Pending Train Season 1 Episode 10 Recap, Review & Ending Explained

Episode 10

Pending Train Episode 10 brings us back to the fire station where Kayashima tells an exhausted Shirahama that he can’t give up. Yet the station chief suggests he take some leave. While Professor Hasumi figures out that the coming unidentified objects will arrive in December, just as the survivors had said.

On the subway, Kayashima suddenly realizes he’s on car 5. A bottle cap rolls his way but before he can panic, it’s Yonezawa who approaches him. And drags him to the group meeting, to everyone’s joy. Hatano is there too, asking after his hand.

At the police station, they’ve figured out the Meepo doll has Tanaka’s tooth attached to it, giving them some DNA evidence and more pieces of the puzzle.

Rena encourages Kayashima to hang out with them, as the same old contrarian. But he suggests they need to focus on Shirahama. Yonezawa does what he can do – he uploads a video explaining the disaster and instantly gaining 3M views. At the same time, Kato receives confirmation that his plant sample is absolutely from the future.

Terasaki calls to confirm that she spoke to a former Minister of Defense who confirms that there is a meteor on its way. But she’s asked them to avoid causing a panic while the Defense Department quietly takes care of it. So now with an end in sight, everyone just needs to decide how they’ll live.

Shirahama says he’ll quit the fire department, as he can’t save anyone anyway. His old friends tell him that they believe him – but as for the rest of Japan, no one will believe in someone who quits. Something to consider. 

The next day Yonezawa sends a time capsule to Tanaka, letting him know that everyone is ok and that he visited his daughter. While at the University, Professor Hasumi works to corroborate the ‘event’ as per the survivors while the government urges keeping calm.

Then everyone rushes to the hospital to meet Koharu’s newborn. They all thank Shirahama and Kayashima for getting them home and all agree there were some happy memories. Afterwards, Shirahama notes to Kayashima that a rocket will confirm everything in three days’ time. Terasaki has invited everyone to her friend’s bunker in Switzerland for safety. And each must make their own choice again. Shirahama says he’ll stay in Tokyo but asks Kayashima to look after everyone, including Hatano.

The day comes when everyone is to meet for Switzerland. Tatsuya thanks Kayashima for a happy life as he’s sent to Switzerland with his girlfriend. Hatano waits with the baby while Kazuma helps Koharu get her suitcase. Next, Kayashima calls Hatano saying he has to go elsewhere. But as everyone shuttles toward the airport, Kayashima heads to Shirahama, the person who’s saved him countless times. They don’t know what will happen – but in the future, Tanaka receives the time capsule.

The Episode Review

Our final episode ends without a bang, dropping us off a little present-day cliff.

So, did the disaster happen or didn’t it?

While Professor Hasumi’s reaction seems like it could be relief, it could also be resignation.

How did Tanaka end up with the time capsule?

Since he’s wearing the jacket left behind by Yonezawa, it’s confirmed that he received the time capsule. Based on Kato’s explanation of parallel timelines, it seems like the disaster had to happen in order for him to receive it in the future, right? Or because the capsule was buried before the time-shift, perhaps that means the message was received while still in the same parallel universe. Any scientists in the audience who’d like to comment below?

Who was the intended recipient of Hatano’s letter?

By the end, it’s clear that the message was for Kayashima, who at that point, would have received it joyfully. But still took the decision to stand with Shirahama, both obsessed with saving the other – the height of bromance.

Why did Kayashima choose to stay with Shirahama instead of leave with his brother, Hatano and everyone else?

Throughout the last several episodes, Kayashima has been distancing himself from the group and from his former life. But just when he’s reeled back in and given a lifeline by all the people who care about him, he decides to do the thing that he can do – help Shirahama save more people. Deep down, he’s just that kind of a guy.

Will the government be able to shoot down the meteor and prevent the disaster?

Good question. They were already aware of the meteor, according to Terasaki’s source. And we know they weren’t successful the first time. Did the information about the scale of the disaster encourage them to change their strategy a bit? As more pieces of proof showed up, maybe that’s exactly what happened. But, at this point, the producers have left it to the viewers to decide. Please do share your thoughts below.

Could there be a Season 2 in the works?

There’s certainly some story left to tell, particularly about the disaster. But is there enough for a whole season? That’s never stopped any drama teams before. Conversely, second seasons aren’t terribly common in Japanese dramas. Perhaps we’re left exactly where they want us – with an uncertain future and a lesson in the power of teamwork.

What do you think happened? Let us know in the comments below.