Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives, particularly Niko Sasaki’s arc.
Niko Sasaki
Fast Facts
Niko Sasaki (Yuyu Kitamura) was born and raised in Japan. After her father’s passing, she left the country for Port Townsend, Washington. While there, she attends high school and rents a room above the Tongue & Tail Butcher Shop from Jenny Green (Briana Cuoco). However, upon becoming infected with dandelion sprites, Niko drops out of school.
When Niko meets Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson), she exhibits multiple symptoms from these magical parasites. Crystal, Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) expel the dandelion sprites before Niko explodes. After her near-death experience, Niko finally sees Charles and Edwin, our titular ghosts from The Dead Boy Detective Agency.
RELATED: 10 Things We Want to See in Dead Boy Detectives Season 2
Niko keeps the dandelion sprites, Litty (Caitlin Reilly) and Kingham (Max Jenkins), in a jar in her room. They insult her incessantly, but Niko doesn’t take their vitriol to heart.
The (Port Townsend) Scooby Gang
After this, Niko starts assisting Edwin, Charles and Crystal with their cases. She forms a sweet bond with Edwin. At one point, Niko plays matchmaker, setting Jenny up with her secret admirer, Maxine (Lindsey Gort). Unfortunately, Maxine turns out to be a creepy stalker who almost kills Jenny. Later in the season, Niko opens a stack of unread letters from her mother in Japan as a crucial part of her healing process.
On the season finale, Niko and Crystal break into Esther Finch’s (Jenn Lyon) house to save Charles and Edwin. Niko attempts to free Edwin from a torture device devised by the immortal witch. In a moment of selfless heroism, Niko flings herself before Crystal to protect her from Esther’s flame attack. While it kills her, she dies with Tragic Mick’s (Michael Beach) lucky charm in her hand.
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In the episode’s final moments, we see a hooded figure sitting with Litty and Kingham in an igloo. Said figure holds the same lucky charm, leading us to believe this is Niko. Whether she’s in a different realm or physical state remains to be seen.
The Real Deal
Niko is sunshine personified. She’s a sweet soul with a zeal for manga, Scooby-Doo (especially when watching it with her BFF Edwin) and love. Her incredible empathy and depth of feeling are admirable, as is her tenacious spirit.
RELATED: Read our Dead Boy Detectives recaps
Throughout the series, she constantly puts others before herself, whether saving Crystal from plummeting over a cliffside or listening to Mick’s tragic story and giving him sea glass so he can contact the Washer Woman. Of course, I’d be remiss if I omitted her sacrifice in the season finale (I have all the faith in the world she’s present in some form or other). Not to mention, her friendship with Edwin is the epitome of all things good. It warms the heart.
She’s proof positive that kindness matters in this cruel world. You can’t help but smile when you see her. She also boasts a strong, unshakable moral compass.
Why She Matters
Niko reminds us that women, especially in media depictions, don’t need to be like sandpaper to be considered “strong” or “badass.” Her strength lies in her gentle, nurturing demeanor and her infectious optimism. Her belief in the power of love is enough to make even the most hardened cynic a true romantic.
Niko would gladly fall on her sword for her friends (and she does). Her selfless nature and genuine love for those around her are part of her effervescent magic.
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So, be like Niko Sasaki. Be kind no matter what. Lend a helping hand when needed. Stand up for your friends. Never stop believing in love. Oh, and always keep a vibrant, color-coordinated outfit handy. You never know when you’ll need to help lighthouse ghosts move on or put dandelion sprites in their place.
Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.
Netflix Cancels DEAD BOY DETECTIVES After One Season
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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