Dandadan Delivers Another Hit with One Powerful Granny

Essential Highlights

The third episode of Dandadan introduces a formidable character and further develops the electric chemistry between Okarun and Ayase.
The series draws parallels to Mob Psycho 100, notably in its tone and thematic exploration of the paranormal, all while reflecting everyday skepticism.
Seiko’s overwhelming confrontation with Turbo Granny reveals much about her character within a short span, amplified by outstanding voice acting.

Title	Taste
Director	Fuga Yamashiro
Animation Studio	Science Saru
Episode Release Date	10/17/2024

Notice: The following includes minor spoilers for Dandadan, Episode 3, titled “It’s a Granny vs. Granny Clash!”now available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

This latest installment of Dandadan kicks off with an intense character introduction and showcases the captivating dynamic between Okarun and Ayase. It sets the stage for an impending showdown that is likely to conclude the first major narrative arc before transitioning to the next bizarre ordeal facing the protagonists.

In last week’s episode, Okarun and Ayase confronted the Flatwoods Monster, which ensnared them at Ayase’s house after she removed the protective charm from the front gate. Following an exhilarating battle, they triumphed over the monster, but Ayase ultimately collapsed from fatigue, leaving her vulnerable while Okarun fell victim to Turbo Granny’s curse.

Common Threads Between Dandadan and Mob Psycho 100

Since its premiere, Dandadan has frequently drawn comparisons to Mob Psycho 100, from its visual style to its vibrant animation. This week, the tonal similarities are particularly striking. Mob Psycho follows a fraud medium collaborating with a genuine psychic on supernatural cases, with humor stemming from the skepticism surrounding self-proclaimed “mediums”and their often dramatic presentations.

The opening of Dandadan’s third episode mirrors this approach, portraying Seiko Ayase on a local talk show as Santa Dodoria, a spirit medium. While she initially seems like just another charlatan, there’s a surprising depth to her character, mirroring the fun of both Mob Psycho and Dandadan in how they tackle the paranormal through a lens of doubt.

Seiko’s Impressive Character Introduction

The initial six minutes of this episode focus solely on showcasing Seiko in the most impressive light possible, a goal achieved through excellent directing. Her design is striking, blending youthful allure with a commanding presence that speaks to her extensive experience. The voice performances in both Japanese and English further enhance her character development.

Kari Whalgren, known for her role as Haruko in FLCL, delivers a remarkable performance here. Her unique vocal inflections, particularly her use of “Hun” laced with a hint of sarcasm, is a testament to superb scriptwriting. It captures not just the original tone but also adds a distinctive character to her speech.

Seiko Dominates Turbo Granny

This encounter unfolds more as a one-sided exhibition than a traditional fight, yet it delivers an exhilarating experience, effectively conveying a wealth of information about Seiko’s character in mere minutes. From her aesthetic to her powers, the most compelling aspect lies in her deliberate movements. Each pause serves a clear purpose, whether to assess her adversary or strategize, and by the time she faces Turbo Granny, her approach is strategically established.

Her barrier abilities are easy to grasp with minimal explanations, but the execution presents them as far more complex. The whimsical notion of her baseball bat transforming into a jagged pencil to inscribe the earth with graphite adds a creative flair. This is complemented by exceptional sound design, enhancing the impact of each movement, from the pencil retracting to the bat forcefully embedding a nail.

While this may lack the intensity of previous fight sequences, the directorial finesse and Seiko’s calm proficiency stand out. The moment she confronts Turbo Granny up close, her confident stance remains undeterred, becoming a remarkable demonstration of how to utilize action scenes not just to introduce a character but to explore their essence.

Seiko’s Unique Contribution to Worldbuilding

A noteworthy aspect is the contrasting nature of Seiko’s supernatural skills compared to her granddaughter’s. Ayase arrives home, not only convinced that her grandmother possesses spirit medium abilities but also believes she has unlocked the power of telekinesis. In most stories, this would be the moment the elder imparts wisdom to guide the youth in harnessing newfound powers, but that’s not the case here.

Instead, Seiko appears to be unaware of Ayase’s abilities, seemingly lacking them herself. This suggests that her powers may stem from an entirely different origin, which adds layers of unpredictability to the power dynamics in the storyline. Alternatively, if Seiko is indeed more knowledgeable than she reveals, it could reflect her protective instincts. While she might have educated Ayase about spirits in her youth, it was perhaps to shield her, rather than to groom her as a combatant.

Episode 3 Sets the Stage for an Epic Rematch

The rest of the episode remains engaging. Ayase wakes up, expressing her apologies to Seiko for her previous disbelief, albeit frustrated by the initial implications that Okarun had perished. Their dynamic fluctuates between warmth and conflict, yet their interactions are undeniably endearing. After surviving two brushes with death, they share a bond that makes it evident they’ll remain allies even after resolving this tumultuous situation.

However, Okarun grapples with the fear of letting Ayase down and jeopardizing their newfound friendship—something he has long desired. Once again, Dandadan masterfully balances frenetic action with deeply resonant character development. The episode concludes as they embark on a final showdown with Turbo Granny, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to a well-crafted introductory arc.

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