This week’s episode of DAN DA DAN brought with it a new chaotic character and a wrench into an already layered little love triangle. Last week, we were treated to the resolution of the battle against the Serpoians, Mantisian, and Nessie. The crew ended up dumped naked in the hallway after emerging from the aliens’ disconnected space victorious.
This led to immediate clashes with their positions within the school; others were fully unable of the occult phenomenon around them and were just left to try and process the incredibly weird aftermath. Momo and Aira were able to briefly connect as the latter opted not to blame the former for the strange circumstances, and we were treated to yet another touching scene between Momo and Okarun.
The episode finished off with some funny antics involving the Mantisian / Dover Demon returning home before introducing Jiji.
As a character, I think Jiji is going to be a controversial addition. His appearance doesn’t betray how chaotic and weird he is in his speech, which comes off as annoying but in a comedic way. Kaito Ishikawa and Aleks Le both absolutely nailed that careful balance, and the dub even seems to have taken some liberties in localizing a few of the odd things he says to greater comedic effect (another reason to check out the dub alongside the sub).
Within the universe of DAN DA DAN, it feels like a gag that others aren’t completely bothered by his meme-like behavior in the way Momo is, or the way he can wave away any perceptions of weirdness by being a handsome and flattery-filled guy. This episode started off hilarious in his introduction before adding an extra layer to his character. It then moved on to confront Okarun’s reaction to him.
Finally, we got a wacky supernatural encounter, keeping the types of scenes mixed and interesting in classic DAN DA DAN fashion. This was a good episode with beats in the right places and a great mixture of all of the pieces that come together to make this anime a great one.
Spoilers ahead for DAN DA DAN episode 11
Introducing Jiji
Jiji immediately stole the stage in multiple ways. Complimenting Seiko constantly immediately won him her approval, with her repeatedly calling him a genius as a joke that somehow didn’t get old when executed in quick succession. His weird personality doesn’t feel too far out there for a show like DAN DA DAN, but they definitely are attention grabbers. I’m sure his presence is going to make the Ayase household an even livelier one.
Moments like these do make me wonder, one again, what the deal is with Okarun’s family, whether they care about him constantly being out late at some random classmates’ house, and whether they’re very involved with him to begin with (my guess is not so much) but that’s an aside. The real Okarun-related note here though is the immediate jealousy that swelled up in him upon running into a handsome former crush of Momo’s, especially one that will now be living with her and occupying space in her life.
The start of the romantic tension was Okarun’s departure from the Ayase household, one that emulated and emphasized the uncertainty Okarun felt about his status in Momo’s life, just as the scene following the defeat of Turbo Granny did the same. It’s becoming a familiar style in constructing scenes between the two; the music (or lack thereof), the physical distance between them, and the subtle blushes and wavering lines on their faces all communicate some feelings of yearning, making the viewer anticipate something that reconnects them and establishes the closeness that was present immediately prior to the scene. It comes across so strongly because of the way that the direction emphasizes distance immediately after emphasizing bright, social intimacy and I’ll never get tired of seeing it executed well.
The following day at school, we got the opportunity to see some more scenes of Jiji’s weirdness somehow being well received, and even more emotional turmoil on Okarun’s part as a result. I’m curious to see how Jiji’s declaration that he and Momo are a couple will be reacted to by the school’s general population (if at all), and I found it especially amusing to watch Muko, whose English voice actor is in a relationship with Okarun’s English voice actor, object to the pairing immediately.
It additionally felt like the show’s way of continually asserting that while Jiji is another part of the love triangle (square?), Momo still only has eyes for Okarun. The entire episode seemed to assert that, and it was nice to see. During Jiji’s more serious moment in the episode, the flirting also all but disappeared, so it seems likely it’s more of a playful thing anyway.
Never Giving Up
I don’t know why but the human anatomy model section of this episode had me rolling. The way it came running out of nowhere with absolutely no explanation and no pretense hit in just the right way. The style of the animation for the running was nice, especially when it pushed Okarun into some bushes as it absolutely dusted him running. Its constant screaming added to the ridiculousness of it all. I was impressed with the thing’s speed in general given that it was able to keep pace with Okarun while transformed, but that thought paled in comparison to how funny and wild the chase was in general.
All of this for Okarun to finally get some resolve not to give up Momo. I certainly didn’t expect him to steel himself after chasing an anatomical model into a garbage dump, but DAN DA DAN managed to make that moment of realization into a relatively strong scene where he confronted his feelings a bit more earnestly. It was a nice way to cap off the episode.
Overall, this was a funny one. This episode is obviously a bit more of a transitional one before next week when the crew tackles whatever is haunting / invading / cursing Jiji’s house. But as far as transitional episodes go, I thought the quality was high. The romantic tension got a lot of attention this week and that’s already a strong component for any episode. To add a well animated and choreographed (and hilarious) chase on top of that made it even better. I’m looking forward to some more Jiji next week.
As always, you can vote for your favorite episodes on our weekly poll.
© Yukinobu Tatsu/SHUEISHA/DANDADAN Production Committee
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