DAN DA DAN Episode 7 Review

DAN DA DAN has had an incredible run so far. In some ways, this series was the underdog of the Fall season, going up against industry titans and holding its own as one of the standout shows in the seasonal lineup. The show has been an incredibly fun ride so far, and though I look forward to each new episode, I wasn’t quite prepared for this week’s entry to hit me with one of the greatest anime episodes of the season, and perhaps, of the year.

For anyone who has seen this week’s episode of DAN DA DAN, you’ll know that it’s going to be very difficult to talk about this episode without jumping ahead to a certain sequence. However, there’s a lot of episode to get through aside from this, though I do, of course, have a lot to say about those scenes that will undoubtedly go down in infamy for the show. So, let’s get into the review – spoilers ahead, so please check out DAN DA DAN Episode 7 before reading ahead!

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The Review

Image by Science SARU

Since DAN DA DAN premiered, I’ve felt like this project was the dream anime for Science SARU. The studio has always had a knack for picking out adaptations that have a certain eccentric flare to them, and DAN DA DAN was no different, with the team at Science SARU committing fully to the world’s zaniness. However, that commitment has never shined so thoroughly as it did this week. Again, there’s an obvious sequence later in the episode that would highlight my point here, but I also want to shout out the beginning of the episode. The setting, the animation, the voice acting – it all feels like every second is being handled with care and passion.

Speaking of the first scene, this whole sequence with Momo and Okarun going up against Acro-Silky also highlights just how good of a team they’ve become. Now, perhaps there’s an argument to be made that these kids are a little too adept at handling these spirits. After all, we’ve seen them outsmart otherworldly monsters with relative ease multiple times now, and these spirits are no pushovers. Our protagonists play perfectly off of the ego of these creatures, and though sometimes I’m all for the trickery, it did feel a little silly this week that Acro-Silky tangled herself up in the beams by her hair.

That was, however, practically my only complaint about this week’s episode, and it was a minor one. On the topic of silliness, I also want to take this time to point out, though, that it’s hilarious to me that Okarun’s balls look like this. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m very glad that these things don’t look like human balls. That would give a whole new, horrific dimension to the show that I don’t think anyone needs. I do think it’s hilarious though that his genitals have manifested into these golden spheres with little to no explanation.

Image by Science SARU

Soon after the opening sequence, we learn that Aira is dead. Of course, we knew she wouldn’t stay dead for long – after all, she appears in the opening animation, and her design and personality is far too memorable for her to have been taken out this quickly. What I did not expect though is how much I was affected by the method of her resuscitation. There was something so unnerving, yet beautiful, in how Momo used her spirit hands to reach inside Aira’s chest and pump her heart, while Acro-Silky tore her mouth off to ensure she wouldn’t try to eat her again. The show has had a sort of beautifully creepy vibe since the start, and this sequence leaned fully into it.

The vibe of this sequence also felt incredibly sinister. The absence of music hinted at the fact that something a little more serious than we had seen in prior weeks was about to go down, especially because DAN DA DAN usually has such a kooky soundtrack, and makes full use of it at all times. As soon as Momo reached inside of Acro-Silky to touch her aura, it dawned on me that we were about to witness something unusual for DAN DA DAN, not in quality, but in vibe. Things were about to get deep.

And, as expected, what followed was a very serious sequence. However, there was no way for me, or any other viewer, to expect the level of quality we got from this adaptation. As I said, DAN DA DAN has had a very good run so far, with each episode making a mark. However, it’s this episode that I believe will make the show stand out amongst its peers down the line. This sequence has given the show a certain longevity, adding an undertone of seriousness to it that may have turned viewers away in its absence.

Image by Science SARU

With that being said, as amazing as this sequence was, I never want to see it again. Anime has always covered some very serious, dark topics, and oftentimes, these topics sideswipe viewers, finding themselves implanted into shows that are, otherwise, fairly light-hearted and jovial. However, I’ve never felt as caught off-guard by such a sequence as I did this week. Usually, DAN DA DAN is a fun, chaotic romp. I could never have expected that such an upsetting tale, focused on a mother turned spirit, losing her daughter to human trafficking and finding a connection with another child as a result, would be told in this series.

There’s little else to say about this sequence. It was incredible from start to finish, and looking at it from a critical standpoint, it also did a lot for Aira’s character, adding some dimension to her beyond the mean girl we’ve come to know over the past couple of weeks. As she says in the closing line, it’ll be hard to forget about Acro-Silky, and I’m very glad that Aira made the choice this week to give Acro-Silky a peaceful passing. For such a minor antagonist in the grand scheme of things, she’s certainly left her mark on the series, and I’m glad that her aura will live on inside of Aira. I also wonder if this might give Aira some abilities, like Okarun has obtained from Turbo Granny? I would honestly love it if things went in that direction.

I could go on and on about this week’s episode of DAN DA DAN, but I’ll simply concede and call it a masterpiece, and my personal choice for anime episode of the year. While I’m sure we’ll get back to our usual shenanigans next week on the show, this episode will always standout as a startling change of pace for the series, but a welcome one for sure. What did you think of this week’s episode? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

See also: DAN DA DAN Episode 6 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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