History Manga / SpyXFamily

* AlternateCharacterReading: While referring to the two states as "Ostania" and "Westalis" are official in the Japanese release from the start, those mostly appear as glosses over kanji that means "East-Country"[[note]]東国[[/note]] and "West-Country"[[note]]西国[[/note]] respectively.

** In Mission 47, the assassins after the Gretchers swiftly kill one of their numbers when he suggests killing every mother with a baby on board, with the leader insisting that wanton slaughter is not the assassins' way. [[spoiler:However, Snoops is an ''info broker'' not an assassin, meaning he has no such standards.]]

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a stock TenLittleMurderVictims plot, with the Forgers filling in the cliché role of the AmateurSleuth who partakes in the gathering via ContrivedCoincidence (think of almost ''every'' episode from ''Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles'' and to a lesser extent, ''Manga/CaseClosed''). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent, multi-skilled master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer never stood a chance and gets soundly defeated before they're even able to commit their first kill.

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a cliché TenLittleMurderVictims plot, with the Forgers filling in the role of the AmateurSleuth who partakes in the gathering via ContrivedCoincidence (think of almost ''every'' episode from ''Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles'' and to a lesser extent, ''Manga/CaseClosed''). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer doesn't stand a chance and gets foiled before there's even any sleuthing.

* WireDilemma: Anya discovers that a terrorist group planted a bomb inside a clock tower. When she tries to defuse it by cutting the red wire (as seen on TV) she realizes that all of the wires are black. [[note]] Not that Anya would have known, but the bomb looked to be C4. Meaning she would just had to disconnect the wires from the blasting caps. Meaning the solution would have been to cut ALL the wires.[[/note]]

* WireDilemma: Anya discovers that a terrorist group planted a bomb inside a clock tower. When she tries to defuse it by cutting the red wire (as seen on TV) she realizes that all of the wires are black.

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a cliché TenLittleMurderVictims plot, with the Forgers filling in the role of the AmateurSleuth who partakes in the gathering via ContrivedCoincidence (think of a typical filler episode from the likes of ''[[Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles Kindaichi]]'' or ''[[Manga/CaseClosed Conan]]''). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer doesn't stand a chance and gets foiled before there's even any sleuthing.

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a cliché FairPlayWhodunnit plot, with the Forgers filling in the role of the AmateurSleuth who stumbles across a MurderMystery in the middle of nowhere via ContrivedCoincidence (think of a typical filler episode from the likes of ''[[Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles Kindaichi]]'' or ''[[Manga/CaseClosed Conan]]''). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer doesn't stand a chance and gets foiled before there's even any sleuthing.

* MysteryEpisode: Mission 94 is a classic TenLittleMurderVictims plot in a ski lodge [[ClosedCircle isolated]] by a blizzard... but with the Forgers involved, it's quickly wrapped up after the attempted murder of the first victim, courtesy of Anya's telepathy and Bond's precognition.

** George Glooman makes [[EarlyBirdCameo brief background appearances]] in the anime from Episode 7 (adapting Chapter 9) onwards, while in the manga he's not introduced until Chapter 28.
** In Episode 25 (adapting Missions 37-38), during Loid's mental debrief of the situation, [[spoiler:Melinda Desmond]]'s silhouette appears behind Donovan; said character isn't introduced until Chapter 65 in the manga.

* AntiClimax: Chapter 94 deliberately invokes this twice. [[spoiler: At first, it sets out the plot of a slasher movie, where an urban legend seemingly comes to life to start gruesomely murdering people [[SnowedIn trapped in a ski lodge by the weather]]. Twilight utterly dismantles the threat with his NervesOfSteel, common sense, and wide array of skills, so the first would-be victim gets immediate medical treatment, the cut phone lines aren't an issue, and the fingers pointed at Yor don't lead to anything rash happening. Then, the story tries to GenreShift into a whodunnit murder mystery, only for Anya's mind-reading powers to instantly identify the culprit, learning how he invented the urban legend to cover for his crime, his [[DisappointedByTheMotive lame and unsatisfying motive]], and what he plans to do next. She then pokes Twilight in the right direction, who stops the crime and apprehends the criminal in two or three panels]]. It simultaneously shows how difficult it is to challenge the cast and how easily they can make mincemeat out of stock plots.

** In chapter 94, Rodger Hostman tried to kill all members of the college ski club due to them always making a racket and leaving their rooms a mess when leaving.

* MysteryEpisode: Chapter 94 is a classic TenLittleMurderVictims plot in a ski lodge [[ClosedCircle isolated]] by a blizzard... but with the Forgers involved, it's quickly wrapped up after the attempted murder of the first victim, courtesy of Anya's telepathy and Bond's precognition.

** All of the one-off characters in Chapter 94 have these sort of names, relating to either what they do or their personalities: Max Slacker (a guy who slacks off), Adrahma Queen ("a drama queen"), Shorton Kreditz ("short on credits"), Needa Jobsoon ("needs a job soon"), Rodger Hostman (the host man), Spoussa Hostman ("spouse of host man"), Porter Partheimer ("Porter Part-timer"), Hack Scriver (a play on "hack scribe", because he's a tabloid writer), and Guy Luvstaski ("loves to ski").

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a cliché FairPlayWhodunnit plot, with the Forgers filling in the role of the AmateurSleuth who stumbles across a MurderMystery in the middle of nowhere via ContrivedCoincidence (think of a typical filler episode from the likes of ''[[Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles Kindaichi]]'' or ''[[Manga/CaseClosed Conan'']]). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer doesn't stand a chance and gets foiled before there's even any sleuthing.

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a cliché FairPlayWhodunnit plot, with the Forgers filling in the role of the AmateurSleuth who stumbles across a MurderMystery in the middle of nowhere via ContrivedCoincidence (think of a typical filler episode from the likes of [[Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles Kindaichi]] or [[Manga/CaseClosed Conan]]). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer doesn't stand a chance and gets foiled before there's even any sleuthing.

* ConvenientlyInterruptedDocument: Twilight's WISE profile is blacked out in nearly every area aside from the subject titles and trivial information such as the [[TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers colour of his underwear]].

** Each Japanese DVD/Blu-ray cover for Season 1 has at least one member of the cast facing front, in the same order as the manga volumes.

** Each manga cover has a different cast member sitting down on a chair, with the style of the chair and the objects surrounding it used to show that character's personality. Similarly, each Japanese DVD/Blu-ray cover for Season 1 has a different cast member facing front in the same order as the manga covers.

** All of the one-off characters in Chapter 94 have these sort of names, relating to either what they do or their personalities: Max Slacker (a guy who slacks off), Adrahma Queen ("a drama queen"), Shorton Kreditz ("short on credits"), Needa Jobsoon ("needs a job soon"), Rodger Hostman (the host man), Spoussa Hostman ("spouse of host man"), Porter Partheimer ("Porter Part-timer"), Hack Skriver (a play on "hack scribe", because he's a tabloid writer), and Guy Luvstaski ("loves to ski").

* ParodyEpisode: Mission 94 has all the trappings of a cliché FairPlayWhodunnit plot, with the Forgers filling in the role of the AmateurSleuth who stumbles across a MurderMystery in the middle of nowhere via ContrivedCoincidence (think of a typical filler episode from the likes of [[Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles Kindaichi]] or [[Manga/CaseClosed Conan]]). Except in this case, two of the protagonists happen to be an extremely competent master spy (Loid) and a mind-reading telepath (Anya), meaning the killer doesn't even stand a chance and gets outed without a hitch.

** Most of the one-off characters in Chapter 94 have these sort of names, relating to what they do: Max Slacker, Adrahma Queen ("a drama queen"), Shorton Kreditz ("short on credits"), Needa Jobsoon, Rodger Hostman, Spoussa Hostman ("spouse of host man"), Porter Partheimer ("Porter Part-timer"), Hack Skriver, and Guy Luvstaski ("loves to ski")

** Each Japanese DVD/Blu-ray cover has at least one member of the cast facing front, in the same order as the manga volumes.

** Each manga cover has a different cast member sitting down on a chair, with the style of the chair and the objects surrounding it used to show that character's personality. Similarly, each Japanese DVD/Blu-ray cover has a different cast member facing front in the same order as the manga covers.
** Volume 11 is an exception, featuring [[ThoseTwoGuys Ewen and Emile]] on the cover together.

* DodgeballIsHell: Mission 15/Episode 10 revolves around Anya and the other students doing a dodgeball game on the hopes of receiving a Stella Star. Their opponent on the opposing team, Bill Watkins, manages to take down most of them with throws that bounce off each of them.

* MasterSwordsman: The Kenjutsu (Japanese Swordsmanship) practitioner among the CarnivalOfKillers on the cruise ship arc, armed with a ''Shirazaya'' (White-Wood-Scabbard Katana) Katana usually wielded by {{Yakuza}} bosses as a mark of his skill. He not only gave Yor the single toughest fight of her life (as of Volume 9 of the Manga), but is the ''first'' warrior who has come to ''close'' to actually killing her. Notably, the Swordsmaster is the most honorable Assassins aside from the band's nameless leader, offering Yor multiple chances to surrender when knocked down and helpless, and formally challenging her to a final SingleStrokeBattle out of respect for her courage and skill, not unlike the {{Samurai}} that he emulates and clearly admires.

* CerebusRetcon: Anya intimidating a Red Circus terrorist by reciting the names of his loved ones in Extra Mission 2 is PlayedForLaughs at the time. [[spoiler: After the revelation that the Red Circus began as a peaceful student protest before the Ostanian government violently repressed the movement leading the group turning to extremism, [[HarsherInHindsight it's yet another sign of how the Ostanian government has pushed formerly innocent people into ruthless acts]].]]

** Eden Academy frequently stages [[SecretTestOfCharacter fake scenario]] to test the families applying to the school, such as one student pretending to be trapped in a sewer drain. Henderson, who very exacting in his standards for [[CharacterCatchphrase elegance]] and very demanding on the families, [[EveryoneHasStandards is horrified]] when a stampede of farm animals terrorizes the school grounds and demands to know whose idea it was. Turns out, ''no one's'', it was an entirely legitimate threat caused by the animals breaking free of their pens. Even a comically strict school for the elite isn't going to actually risk the lives of their applicants.
** [[JerkAss Swan]] is infamous for being a bitter, spiteful man who takes his frustrations over his awful home life on any families that seem happier or more stable. He gets away with it because [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections because his name carries significant weight in the school, making it difficult to punish him.]] Henderson, who viewed the Forgers as very promising applicants, is ''furious'' with Swan for his misconduct and [[MegatonPunch punches him so hard in the face it knocks him flat on his back]]. Henderson realizes that he'll get in serious trouble for this however, since assaulting your coworkers is a serious offense.

* EvenEvilHasStandards:
** The isolationist terrorists who discover Anya eavesdropping are noticeably uncomfortable with the thought of killing her and have to be strong-armed into doing so by their leader Keith.
** The assassins sent after the mother and child Yor's protecting on the cruise swiftly kill one of their own after he suggests just killing every woman and child aboard to make their job easier. They're [[ConsummateProfessional professionals]], not psychopaths, as their apparent leader puts it.
** PlayedForLaughs with Yuri's boss in the SecretPolice, who tells him he can't arrest his sister's husband just because he's upset she got married, on top of the fact that they don't have a legitimate reason to suspect him.

** In Mission 92, Sigmund says that in order to teach Anya how to use Classical Languages better, in order for her to get a passing grade in that subject so she won't get another Tronitus Volt for failing all her classes, they should translate the dialogue in a "Spy Wars" comic book. Loid doubts the practicality of that method, remembering how his self made cartoon (from Special Mission 9) failed to teach Anya anything, and Anya mentally states "that cartoon sucked."

* GoodNewsBadNews: Chapter 93 concerning Anya and the grade postings. Good news? She did good enough in Classical Literature to earn a Stella Star. Bad news? She also did horrible in Math, so another Tonitrus Bolt for her.

* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome: For all the wacky humour, the series is surprisingly grounded in reality:
** Eden Academy frequently stages [[SecretTestOfCharacter fake scenario]] to test the families applying to the school, such as one student pretending to be trapped in a sewer drain. Henderson, who very exacting in his standards for [[CharacterCatchphrase elegance]] and very demanding on the families, [[EveryoneHasStandards is horrified]] when a stampede of farm animals terrorizes the school grounds and demands to know whose idea it was. Turns out, ''no one's'', it was an entirely legitimate threat caused by the animals breaking free of their pens. Even a comically strict school for the elite isn't going to actually risk the lives of their applicants.
** [[JerkAss Swan]] is infamous for being a bitter, spiteful man who takes his frustrations over his awful home life on any families that seem happier or more stable. He gets away with it because [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections because his name carries significant weight in the school, making it difficult to punish him.]] Henderson, who viewed the Forgers as very promising applicants, is ''furious'' with Swan for his misconduct and [[MegatonPunch punches him so hard in the face it knocks him flat on his back]]. Henderson realizes that he'll get in serious trouble for this however, since assaulting your coworkers is a serious offense.
*** Swan's connections only take him so far however, since Henderson is only demoted from his position rather than being fired. Henderson is also a well-respected figure in Eden College and Swan's reputation is implied to be well known amongst the faculty. His threats against Henderson ultimately amount to very little in the long run.
** Anya gets accepted to Eden Academy, but just barely--she starts off at the very top of the waiting list, meaning that if ''any'' student has to drop out for any reason then she'll get in. Yor briefly considers hunting down another student's parents and killing one of them to ensure that Anya gets in, but before she can really complete that thought Henderson points out that there's always ''someone'' who has to drop out for one reason or another and so Anya is basically already in, they just need to wait a little while to make it official. Indeed, exactly that happens--no schemes, shakedowns, or slayings required.
** Yuri is the only one who enjoys [[LethalChef Yor's cooking]], which frequently leaves people catatonic due to how bad it is, due to having grown up to it. He frequently devours her meals and sings the highest praises for it while doing so, but he still suffers the negative effects same as anyone else, frequently vomiting while eating. Camilla and Dominic wonder how he's even ''alive'' at this rate. While the actual effects of the food are highly exaggerated for comedy, any food that has ''that'' sort of effect on people is most likely unsafe for consumption and developing an appetite for it won't make you immune to its effects.
*** Yor eventually manages to make a pretty good meal after receiving cooking lessons from Camilla and managing to reverse-engineer a stew her mother made for her and Yuri. It's also the ''only'' meal she knows how to make appetizing since she still hasn't gotten the hang of cooking unfamiliar foods.
** During Special Mission 2, Yor gets ShotInTheAss by a terrorist she was tasked with killing. In spite of her otherwise superhuman feats displayed throughout the series, she's still in a lot of pain and utterly miserable throughout the entire chapter. Gunshots aren't something one can just walk off, they take time to heal. Even after the pain is temporarily relieved, she is in pain again the following day because the wound still hasn’t healed fully.
** Henderson tells Anya that ''plenty'' of imperial scholars received Tonitrus Bolts before graduating, with one earning ''six''. Strict though Eden is, it's inevitable that even their most prestigious graduates will have a few black marks on their records, and it's not enough to disqualify them unless they earn too many.
** A rumor goes around that whoever is MVP during a dodgeball match would receive a Stella. Damien and Anya's team is pitted against [[TheBigGuy Bill Watkins]], who is ''insanely tough'' and has a variety of throws that are night-impossible to dodge. Anya manages to make it to the end thanks to her mind-reading powers and a HeroicSacrifice from Damien, and tries to prepare her own SpecialAttack, complete with flashbacks to Yor teaching her the move and a power up reminiscent of a MagicalGirl. She hurls the ball foward... [[AntiClimax and bounces it off of the floor]], allowing Bill to catch it and knock her out. A few days of training aren't going to make you an InstantExpert.
*** Following the match, everyone on Bill's team cheers him on for qualifying for a Stella, only for Henderson to dismiss the idea immediately since the school isn't going to award their most prestigious merit for winning a single game of dodgeball. Bill actually receives a ''Tonitrus Bolt'' instead since his treating the dodgeball game like a shonen anime battle resulted in numerous acts of misconduct such as using needlessly dangerous tactics and shouting "die" at his opponents.
** Even if they are expert intel gatherers, <WISE> are still only human and so make mistakes like everyone else. A good example is at the end of the Campbelldon Tennis arc, when it's revealed that [[spoiler: the dossier that they believed could "reignite the flames of war" turned out to be nothing more than a merchandise stash, and that the "war" was Erik Zacharis and his wife arguing over the former's hobby, making the mission AllForNothing.]] While the revelation is PlayedForLaughs, it nevertheless shows that a small amount of information can lead to a huge misunderstanding. This also happens to be the very reason Operation Strix is necessary in the first place i.e. they need to be sure if Donovan Desmond is a genuine threat to national security or if he's just full of hot air.