Kinzo is a really interesting character, because only only ever see him through the lens of other people. This is true to some extent for every character, as the way they are portrayed is based on who the in universe writer is, as well as by the perceptions of general public in the future, but it’s especially true for Kinzo.
Kinzo is dead before the start of the story. Every scene with Kinzo in it is a lie, a falsehood, something shown to the readers to give them a specific perception. Kinzo comes across as a larger than life character, because that is how people see him. Kinzo is intimidating to his children, and by extension to his grandchildren. We are constantly told about his madness and eccentricity, and then the scenes that show him only reinforce this concept.
However, we also see Kinzo’s actions and words reshaped to suit the present need. Whenever Natsuhi has a scene alone with Kinzo he is strict yet kind, and shows his appreciation for her. However, this is just the way she has chosen to remember Kinzo, and is not truly the way he treated her in life. Battler is able to maintain the illusion of Kinzo in episode 5 by providing him a crazy escape route that the adults “Wouldn’t put past father.” Kinzo is a legend, a tall tale, a remembrance of the more extreme parts of a real man.
Episode 8 brings the focus back onto Kinzo as a human, as a parent, and as a grandparent. Battler’s portrayal of Kinzo to Ange seems radically different from how he was shown in previous games, but that doesn’t make this Kinzo any less valid. People fixated on the suspicious, crazy, radical elements of Kinzo’s life and personality and painted him as a eccentric old man who would performs satanic rituals and forsake his family. Battler is reminding us that Kinzo was not always like that, that he had his moments of kindness and that he cared for his family.
Episode 7 also gives some fantastic insight into Kinzo. His relationship with Beatrice Castiglioni, his relationship with his daughter, and how his regrets drove him to madness. Kinzo’s story is a tragic one, and it’s pretty much the only example of incest being handled with proper care that I can think of in any Japanese media. What is even more fascinating is how so much of Kinzo’s tragedy is echoed in Battler’s journey and his relationship with Beato. Especially with his interactions with Chick Beato in episode 6.
Kinzo serves many roles in the story. A red herring, leading the reader to suspect an occult ceremony. A tragic figure that indirectly brought about all the tragedies of the story. A Legendary man who’s actions and words are larger than life. A literal manifestation of unreliable narration. A prime example of the views of the future overwriting the truth of the tale. A loving grandfather who is sadly misunderstood. A mirror for Battler and his journey. And of course a hammy as hell family member who makes every scene he is in more entertaining.