DAN DA DAN Episode 8 Review

Another week, another episode of DAN DA DAN! After last week’s masterpiece of an episode, to say I was highly anticipating this week’s episode is an understatement. However, I wasn’t necessarily hoping that the series would continue with the vibe of Episode 7 – rather, I was waiting to see how DAN DA DAN would pull its viewers back into the comedic experience we’ve come to know and love in the season’s early episodes.

However, for this week’s episode, the series pulled off exactly that, bringing us back to the same light-hearted wackiness that we tune into the show each week for. Episode 7 will likely be remembered for a long time to come, but it was nice to get back into the usual antics this week. With that being said, let’s get into our DAN DA DAN Episode 8 review – spoilers ahead!

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The Review

Image by Science SARU

This week, DAN DA DAN returned to its light-hearted, but still adult, roots. It seems that our heroes (and Aira?) have left the schoolgrounds that were no central to last week’s episode, opting to share a meal together in Momo’s residence after going through emotional trauma – the only way to deal with something like that really. It was great to see the characters all relaxing together – even though the Acro-Silky arc only lasted around 2 episodes, it still felt like they’ve been through a lot. The viewers have for sure.

Speaking of Aira, as much as she hasn’t had a redemption arc following last week’s empathic decision, I still really enjoy her presence in the group’s dynamic. Even though it’s only been a few episodes with these characters, the cast already feels so established, and it seems difficult to let any new characters find their way in. However, Aira seems to have found her place, as a sort of friendly enemy for Momo. The character is ultimately very enjoyable, and if her somewhat more irritating actions are limited to her decisions within less serious arcs, then she’s fine by me.

I will say though, I am a little confused about the writing here, which in turn was one of my main detractor elements for this episode. Aira seems incredibly adamant that Momo is a demon, and even considers Okarun a demon. She’s somewhat surprised that he has retained some humanity despite his demon status. However, isn’t this the girl who embraced a ‘demon’ that had just eaten and killed her last week? Sure, who wouldn’t hug Silky after that backstory, but it seems strange for her to be so against spirits now, and so empathic to them last week. Maybe she has her reasons, but as of this moment, it feels like a writing inconsistency.

Image by Science SARU

In other news, we now have one of Okarun’s balls back! Great news for…everyone? This has become a collaborative team effort, so yes, I guess so. It still feels surreal that Okarun’s balls are the end goal of this whole thing. Think about everything we saw last week, and remember that we got here because of this man’s genitals. Really adds context to the whole thing. Anyway, I do wonder whether or not we’ll retrieve his second ball nearly as fast as this – the show moves at a somewhat breakneck speed. I wonder where his next ball will show up though. Aira had the first one, and she shares the screen with a red-haired boy in the opening. Maybe he has it? Only time will tell.

The next story beat comes from the revelation that Aira has a crush on Okarun. I did not see that coming at all. You know, for someone so unpopular in his school, he sure knows how to pull in mass amounts of suitors. Will DAN DA DAN end with Okarun building a harem? I, for one, sure hope it doesn’t. Momo, of course, comes across the two seemingly kissing, and we get the whole, typical, romance comedy misunderstanding. DAN DA DAN really takes advantage of so many different genres, it feels impossible to define what the series actually is.

From romance, back to shonen, a monster then attacks the school and ends up doing significant damage. I am a little confused about how these spirits actually work when it comes to their effect on the environment. I know not everyone can see them, but has the school actually been destroyed like this? In the crab chase from Episode 4, the hospital that they barged through was actually damaged in the fray. Will the school be repaired after they defeat these aliens? Again, we don’t find out the answer this week, but I sure hope we do next week. Otherwise, it seems like this damage to the school will be fairly unexplainable.

Image by Science SARU

Then, I got an unexpected, horrifying surprise as those cursed aliens from the first episode returned, and they’re as freakish as ever. Of all the monsters we’ve seen in DAN DA DAN, and there’s been quite a few, these guys creep me out the most. I think something about how down-to-earth they are, as opposed to the spiritual powers of the ghost side of things, makes them seem much more unnatural to me. At least when the ghosts threaten to steal organs, they intend to do it with their powers, not with giant spinning blades and scissors. These guys send shivers down my spine.

The episode closed though with a bombshell – and one that this reviewer predicted! Aira, after absorbing the spirit of Silky last week, has powers, just like our boy Okarun! And boy, do these powers look exciting. The shot of her face is as menacing as it is beautiful, and I love the idea of giving this character powers that make her fast and graceful. I cannot wait to see her strike out against these guys next week, and hopefully even more as the show goes on.

In the shadow of Episode 7, this week’s episode of DAN DA DAN was bound to be a step down in comparison, but luckily, it didn’t feel like too much of a decrease in quality. I’m happy to see the series back to form as a comedic horror action romance show – the genres that this show plays on are truly a sight to see! What did you think of this week’s episode? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

See also: DAN DA DAN Episode 7 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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