I respect when a show doesn’t treat the viewers as idiots. What that means in practice is not writing out easily contrived situations where someone acts illogically, just as a plot device or to get out of a pinch. This week on DanMachi, I would say everyone acts logically as the episode comes down from the night in the Pleasure Quarter.
First of all, an interesting mechanic is revealed: you can’t lie to your deity. Interesting to see if that comes in handy later (I could see someone like Hermes abusing that). Secondly, Lili takes on the role of the bad guy…and also as the clear thinking adult in saying, hey, let’s not pick a fight with a familia that controls an entire SECTION of the city (good looking out Welf…that “ship” is loading up at the dock!). Third, Syr is lowkey one of the best characters in this show – poor Hermes has been having a rough go of it, but surprisingly is trying (in his own way) to be a good guy. Also, just a side note, the dungeon must be producing mad cash, since apparently 1-2 million valis isn’t a big deal (which I’m estimating at $100-200k USD).
Let’s talk about Bell for a moment here. I think this episode handled his response as well as they could have. When faced with a paradigm shattering reality, what do you do? Fall back on your core beliefs. Which for Bell were taught by his grandfather Zeus…and, well, are maybe not the best morals to base your life on. Shout-out to Andmeuths who mentioned Bell’s monologue – we get to see a little bit of that this episode and it helps explain his internal struggle. I think Bell is starting to see the limitations of his worldview and is looking for a concrete path forward where he can save everyone. Unfortunately…this leads him right into Ishtar’s plan.
We get a good amount of backstory on foxgirl (or a renard, as they’re called), but I had a hard time caring, honestly. Loads of people are saying this is best girl…but she hasn’t really done anything but shatter Bell’s nativity. I guess she was nice to the orphans and tripped in a field of flowers – just am not 100% sold on her storyline just yet. However, if it’s to help Mikoto, then fiiiiine – we have to protect bath girl’s smile.
I am also glad to see the adviser again, since she’s really not had much screen time (because apparently NO ONE IS GOING TO THE DUNGEON ANYMORE EXCEPT TO GET KIDNAPPED BY AMAZONS…actually, that doesn’t sound so bad now that you mention it). We’re really gearing up for this big confrontation between Ishtar and Freya, which I’m sure will have most of Orario as collateral damage.
I don’t know – I just feel like this whole season has been a bit uneven. Some really good episodes and some not so great. We need more Ais…let’s get Sword Oratoria a second season!
Pretty much, this photo sums up how I feel this season is going:
