Episode Overview
- Jiji’s introduction amplifies the bizarre charm of the series, surpassing even the extraterrestrial beings present.
- The return of a third character introduces complications to the central romance, but this subplot fails to deliver the same humor as in previous episodes.
- The animation effectively mirrors the episode’s whimsical tone, offering vibrant and comedic visuals throughout.
Warning: The following content contains minor spoilers for Dandadan, Episode 11, “First Love,”now available on Crunchyroll.
Over the past few weeks, Dandadan has taken viewers on an emotional rollercoaster; however, Episode 11 has left me particularly perplexed. As the penultimate episode, anticipation builds for a thrilling cliffhanger, yet this installment zooms by, delivering an overwhelming mix of bizarre yet powerful emotions.
In previous episodes, Okarun, Momo, and Aira have faced the challenge of explaining their unexpected nudity at school while speculating about the reasons behind the aliens’ recent interest in them. Amidst these antics, Okarun and Momo manage to resolve their past misunderstandings, only for Jiji, Momo’s childhood friend and first love, to complicate matters with his arrival.
Unpacking Jiji’s Character
Initially, when Aira was introduced, audience reactions ranged from disdain to eventual sympathy as her character developed. Now, with only one episode left this season, it seems that much more work is required to make Jiji a character the audience can warm up to. His cringe-inducing antics leave much to be desired.
While largely sarcastic, it’s possible that the creators intended for the audience to find Jiji’s awkwardness relatable. His superficial charm quickly dissolves, revealing a lack of maturity that only serves to remind Momo of why she no longer loves him. This perplexes Okarun and leaves Aira in a state of amusing confusion.
Aira’s sudden departure underscores the chaotic environment in the Ayase household. However, it’s crucial to note that Jiji’s character isn’t entirely one-dimensional; he carries the weight of family issues, specifically the hospitalization of his parents, and asks Momo for help with a ghost tormenting them, prompting a mix of comedy and sincerity.
Okarun’s Misguided Assumptions
One of the most grating elements of this episode is the notion that Okarun could genuinely doubt Momo’s feelings for him in favor of Jiji. While this serves as a punchline, akin to previous misunderstandings, it feels overused and somewhat tiresome. Yet, the swift pacing of the episode keeps the momentum moving forward despite this frustration.
As Okarun’s insecurities rise, the universe intervenes with a bizarre new paranormal incident involving a life-sized anatomical model racing away, leading to a humorous chase that also involves Jiji. This unexpected twist serves to distract Okarun and shift the focus back to the episodic chaos.
Dandadan’s Wild Narrative Adventure
This week’s episode stands out for its narrative wildness, blending humor and absurdity. Jiji embodies a caricature of the childhood best friend archetype, yet he feels more bizarre than the aliens featured in the series. Aleks Le’s voice performance adds another layer, showcasing his talent for embracing the comedic essence of his characters.
However, the novelty of Jiji’s character wears thin rather quickly; his constant antics could become tiresome if his characterization doesn’t evolve. Historically, Dandadan has excelled in character development, so viewers are left hoping for a turnaround in future episodes.
Animation Mirrors the Absurdity
This episode serves as a prime example of how Dandadan utilizes animation purposefully to convey its distinctive tone. The evolution in animation styles from early episodes to this one illustrates the dynamic narrative greatly enhanced by character movements and expressions.
Aira’s hasty exit from Momo’s home is comically exaggerated, and every moment of Jiji’s lively animation captivates viewers, effectively adding to the overall enjoyment. The potential for hilarious profile picture-worthy frames is endless with such expressive animation.
While Episode 11 left viewers with an experience that felt like an intriguing but slightly underwhelming adventure, it didn’t significantly diminish my excitement for the season’s upcoming finale. With a clever blend of comedy, fittingly chaotic animation, and outlandish plots, Dandadan maintains its status as a must-watch series.
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