DAN DA DAN Episode 3 Review

DAN DA DAN is quickly becoming one of my favourite anime series of the year, and now, with Episode 3, my faith in the show is being rewarded. Though this week’s episode was a little slower compared to the last two weeks, considering how hectic things have been up until this point, the episode was far from relaxed. It also saw the introduction of a new major character, one I’m a huge fan of already.

Below, we’re talking all things DAN DA DAN Episode 3, an episode that was for the most part great, but did leave me with some questions. We’ll be talking spoilers in this review, so be sure to check the episode out for yourself before reading ahead! Let’s get on with the review!

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The Review

Image by Science SARU

Let’s begin the review by talking about the obvious highlight of the episode – the introduction of Santa Dodoria, Momo’s grandmother who had only been referred to off-screen up until this point. Before the opening even played, I was a huge fan of this character. Elderly characters are often gifted with wise, brave personalities in anime, but something about Santa Dodoria being so adept in combat and completely unafraid of her ghostly opponents is great to watch. I hope we see more of this character down the line.

I will say though, I’m questioning how exactly Momo grew up around this woman while denying the existence of ghosts and aliens. Sure, she came around on it in later years, but I feel like a child would instantly gravitate towards paranormal beliefs if they grew up around Santa Dodoria taking on poltergeists left and right. I find it particularly interesting that Momo was still adamantly against the existence of aliens until the start of the show though.

By extension, we also find out that Santa Dodoria herself doesn’t believe in aliens, even to this day. This may come down to more complicated belief systems than I’m aware of, but I’m not exactly sure how she could go up against these spirits so regularly, and dismiss aliens in the same breath. The show does comment on this, with Momo exclaiming that she doesn’t understand her grandmother’s logic, but still – regardless of satire, I would like to understand more of how Santa Dodoria views these topics.

Image by Science SARU

The animation was great this week, as always, and felt like a step up from some of the CGI we got last week. Speaking of developing trends across the show, we also get more depth added to the relationship between Momo and Okarun this week, with Momo expressing genuine care and concern when she believed he had been killed. Despite all the madness of the series, it’s nice to see genuine human connection remain central to the plot, on the part of Momo’s grandmother too, who clearly spared Okarun when she realised the nature of the situation.

The animation was great this week, as always, and felt like a step up from some of the CGI we got last week. Speaking of developing trends across the show, we also get more depth added to the relationship between Momo and Okarun this week, with Momo expressing genuine care and concern when she believed he had been killed. Despite all the madness of the series, it’s nice to see genuine human connection remain central to the plot, on the part of Momo’s grandmother too, who clearly spared Okarun when she realised the nature of the situation.

Also, I want to call out this show for jumpscaring me this week. The whole vibe of the show has been sort of spooky from the beginning, with it dealing with ghosts and aliens, and it airing so close to Halloween does feel somewhat intentional now. The scene where Turbo Granny suddenly appears in the bathroom genuinely caught me off guard. It’s rare that I get jumpscared by anime, but DAN DA DAN Episode 3 pulled it off. What a terrifying moment.

Image by Science SARU

The episode came to an end soon after the bathroom incident, and Santa Dodoria said farewell to her granddaughter and newfound friend. Maybe this was just me, but something about the vibe of this final scene felt ominous. I’m sure both of our protagonists will be fine, but something felt strangely final about this separation, despite the series only being on Episode 3. If anything, this speaks to how this anime’s villains feel like genuine threats.

And with that, next week’s showdown was set up, and though I was left with some questions that I fear will never be answered, another very strong episode of DAN DA DAN came to an end. A slightly slower episode this week, but with the promises of action next week, I don’t think this is a hindrance to the series at all. I cannot wait to see how they handle such an aggressive ghost, and I’m glad that, even though Okarun’s ‘member’ is still at the centre of this plot, this conflict feels more high stakes than just wanting to steal someone’s ‘banana’.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Are you loving DAN DA DAN so far? Be sure to let us know your thoughts on this week’s episode in the comments, and I’ll see you next week for the fourth episode of this enigmatic new series!

See also: DAN DA DAN Episode 2 Review

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Where to Watch DAN DA DAN?

Image by Science SARU

DAN DA DAN releases on Crunchyroll every week on Thursdays. The English Dub is also releasing weekly alongside the Japanese original, so big news for Dub watchers, you don’t have to wait! Be sure to check out the show, and let us know your thoughts!

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