Dandadan episode 11 review: A lighthearted focus on romance marks the countdown for the finale

Dandanan episode 11 review (Image via Science SARU)
Dandanan episode 11 review (Image via Science SARU)

Dandadan episode 11, titled First Love, premiered on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 12:26 am JST. This episode delivers a lighthearted, romance-focused narrative as Jiji officially joins Momo's group. His backstory and reasons for moving into Momo's house are revealed.

However, Jiji's arrival, as Momo's first crush, unsettles Okarun and his budding feelings for her. In the latter half of the episode, two new characters, Taro and Hana, make their debut. Taro's deep love for Hana resonates with Okarun, reminding him of his own feelings for Momo and inspiring him to embrace his emotions.

With just one episode remaining in the season, this Dandadan episode 11 review delves into its key aspects. such as production quality, animation, voice acting, story progression, and such, to analyze how Science SARU continues to shine in adapting Momo and Okarun's journey in the animated media, offering a standout depiction of Yukinobu Tatsu's acclaimed manga.


Dandadan episode 11 review: New character introductions enhance the comedy and romance

Dandadan episode 11 review: A brief synopsis and narrative criticism

Dandadan episode 11 adapts chapters 27 to 30 of the manga, beginning with Jiji's arrival at Momo's house. To Momo's surprise, Seiko informs her that Jiji will stay with them temporarily, as both his parents are hospitalized.

During a conversation with Momo, Jiji apologizes for teasing her as a child and reveals that he can now see ghosts after moving into a new house in the mountains and encountering a supernatural entity there, which led to both his parents falling ill.

After three of the five spirit mediums he called for an exorcism committed suicide, they recommended Seiko for the job. However, Seiko assigns the task to Momo since she can't use her powers outside Kamigoe City.

Jiji also transfers to Momo's school, which causes Okarun to overthink whether Momo still has feelings for him and worries that she may stop hanging out with him and start dating Jiji instead. Momo approaches a troubled Okarun training during recess, only for Jiji to interrupt their conversation.

Okarun, Momo, and Jiji in Dandadan episode 11 (Image via Science SARU)
Okarun, Momo, and Jiji in Dandadan episode 11 (Image via Science SARU)

As Momo and Jiji engage in their own discussion, Okarun quietly steps away, only to be chased by an anatomical model. Momo tries to stop it but ends up getting pulled along, with Jiji also caught in the chaos while trying to save her. Okarun activates Turbo Granny's powers and pursues them.

They nearly capture the model, but it breaks apart to escape Momo's psychic grip. Momo manages to snatch its heart, forcing it to scream by squeezing it and revealing its location in a dump yard.

There, they hear a female voice calling the male anatomical model, Taro. Searching for the voice, Taro finds Hana, a female model from an older generation. The two share a heartfelt exchange, with Taro expressing his deep love for Hana. His words resonate with Okarun, who feels similarly toward Momo.

The episode ends with Okarun's eyes gleaming after witnessing Taro and Hana's heartfelt conversation as Taro's words deeply inspire him, and he gains a renewed sense of purpose.

Jiji encounters the supernatural entity (Image via Science SARU)
Jiji encounters the supernatural entity (Image via Science SARU)

In this penultimate episode of Dandadan's debut season, Science SARU once again delivers a faithful yet elevated adaptation. This installment shines with the introduction of Jiji, Taro, and Hana, seamlessly incorporating their entrances into the narrative.

The adaptation in Dandadan episode 11 enhances the viewing experience by retaining the bizarre essence of Yukinobu Tatsu's beloved manga while leveraging the strengths of animation to bring the story to life. Balancing humor and romance, it focuses on world-building, relationship dynamics, and new character developments.

The narrative skillfully delves into the complexities of love, highlighting the emotions and challenges that arise, such as Okarun's insecurities and overthinking triggered by Jiji's arrival and his interactions with Momo. This adds further layers of drama while exploring how these dynamics shape budding relationships.

The supernatural being haunting Jiji's house (Image via Science SARU)
The supernatural being haunting Jiji's house (Image via Science SARU)

Though action mostly takes a backseat in this episode, Taro's introduction in the latter half brings a spark of excitement. The ending scenes, featuring Taro and Hana's heartfelt conversation, deeply influence Okarun's feelings for Momo, inspiring him to embrace his emotions and pursue his love—a development likely to culminate in upcoming the season finale.

Overall, Dandadan episode 11 delivers an engaging and well-rounded narrative that maintains viewer interest while building anticipation for what lies ahead. By enriching the story and laying the foundation for future plotlines, the episode stands out as a compelling addition to the season, reaffirming Dandadan as one of Fall 2024's most captivating anime.


Dandadan episode 11 review: An overall criticism: Science SARU delivers another stunning visual masterpiece

Momo's group with Taro in Dandadan episode 11 (Image via Science SARU)
Momo's group with Taro in Dandadan episode 11 (Image via Science SARU)

Science SARU continues to captivate audiences with its outstanding production quality in Dandadan season 1, and episode 11 is no exception. Under Fūga Yamashiro's skillful direction and brought to life through Hiroshi Seko's expert writing, the episode exemplifies the studio's commitment to excellence.

Every frame reflects meticulous attention to detail. The breathtaking animation effortlessly weaves humor, romance, and action into the series's signature style, with detailed and precise sequences that enhance the storytelling.

Highlights include the supernatural entity at Jiji's house, the lively chase with Taro, and the heartfelt exchange between Taro and Hana as Taro declares his love. All these frames are masterfully brought to life.

While Naoyuki Onda's character designs remain consistently excellent, Yoshimichi Kameda's supernatural designs, particularly the depiction of the evil spirit at Jiji's house, stand out.

Okarun overthinking Momo and Jiji's relationship (Image via Science SARU)
Okarun overthinking Momo and Jiji's relationship (Image via Science SARU)

The voice casts deliver exceptional performances as always, imbuing characters with depth and vibrancy that complement the visuals. Notably, Kaito Ishikawa, renowned for iconic roles like Kageyama in Haikyuu!!, Genos in One Punch Man, and Naofumi in The Rising of the Shield Hero, shines as Jiji.

His portrayal expertly captures Jiji's eccentric nature, bringing the character to life with remarkable precision. Combined with Kensuke Ushio's engaging soundtracks and music composition, the episode achieves a cohesive and memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Overall, Dandadan episode 11 excels across the board, showcasing its consistency as a quality production.


Final thoughts

In essence, Dandadan episode 11 stands out as a compelling addition to the season, delivering another remarkable installment that advances Yukinobu Tatsu's acclaimed narrative.

Key developments like Jiji complicating Momo and Okarun's budding romance, Taro and Hana's introduction, and their love inspiring Okarun, keep viewers invested and mark an episode that's sure to captivate audiences.

With its memorable interactions, humorous moments, and compelling narrative progression, this episode reaffirms Dandadan as a standout Shonen series. It perfectly sets the stage for a finale that's bound to be a memorable and fitting conclusion to an outstanding debut season.


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Edited by Dishani Dutta
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