Dandadan episode 3: Seiko's introduction starts the Turbo Granny counterattack

Dandadan episode 3 was expected to clarify the status of Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura following the latter’s full possession by Turbo Granny. Officially released on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the episode did indeed elaborate on both of their statuses.

Dandadan episode 3 also marked the start of the pair’s plan to strike back against Turbo Granny with the help of Momo’s grandmother. However, the training didn’t quite go as planned and forced the pair to make a move much sooner than anticipated.

Dandadan episode 3 sees Turbo Granny strike first as Momo and Okarun prepare a counterattack

Brief episode recap

Dandadan episode 3 begins by confirming Momo and Okarun's status following their last battle (Image via Science SARU)

Dandadan episode 3 began with a psychic known as Santa Dodoria interviewing an idol, getting each of her three predictions wrong, according to him. The local news station decides to air the program despite her getting everything incorrect. She then takes a cab ride home but asks it to stop and let her out as they get into the neighborhood, which looks very similar to Momo Ayase’s.

Focus then shifted to Okarun, who had become fully possessed by Turbo Granny and was preparing to eat and kill Momo. However, Dodoria then appears and is revealed to be Momo’s grandmother via implicit dialogue. The episode doesn’t mention it at this point, but her real name is Seiko Ayase. Seiko attacked Turbo Granny with a unique method of launching a brick with a circle drawn on it at her before striking it with a nail.

Dandadan episode 3 saw Turbo Granny attempt to counter but suddenly be lit ablaze. This prompted Seiko to explain the trap she had set and her abilities. She created barriers using warding nails, with a nail inside of a circle turning the inside of the circle into a barrier. However, if the nail was on the outside of the circle, then everything outside of the circle becomes a barrier.

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This is why Turbo Granny’s counterattack was unsuccessful. Turbo Granny said she couldn’t be trapped forever, but Seiko responded that she wanted to kill her, not trap her. Turbo Granny warned her that Okarun would also die, but Seiko said she didn’t care since she’d kill anyone who deceived her granddaughter, Momo. As she said this, she trapped Turbo Granny inside a new interior barrier, which set her ablaze.

However, Dandadan episode 3 shifted to Momo waking up in her bed before revealing what happened. She approached her grandmother, who interrogated her about her recent activities. Seiko then referenced when Momo called her a fake spirit medium, which upset Momo. However, it eventually prompted her to show some humility and genuinely, deeply apologize, prompting Seiko to tell her to head to the main shrine.

Momo’s mind raced about her role in this and the bond she was forming with Okarun as she rushed over, finding him safe and sound inside before shutting the door in his face. This was due to her being overwhelmed with emotions, clearly unable to process her true feelings. Seiko then joined the flustered Momo, explaining that Okarun was fine as long as he was inside the main shrine.

Dandadan episode 3 introduces a means of totally nullifying Okarun's Turbo Granny curse (Image via Science SARU)

Dandadan episode 3 then saw her tease Momo about being romantically interested in Okarun, prompting her to explain the actual situation. Momo also revealed that she can now use psychic powers while Seiko explained the Turbo Granny’s history. She revealed she went to the tunnel once but didn’t approach further because of how strong the spiritual energy there was.

She also explained that location-bound spirits are incredibly powerful in their associated locations. She likewise explained that Turbo Granny and whatever location-bound spirit was there had merged, advising Momo not to fight it since she didn’t want her to die. However, Momo responded that she had to help since it’s what Ken Takakura the actor, would do.

Dandadan, in episode 3, then saw Seiko suggest playing tag with Turbo Granny in order to lure it outside of Shono City and weaken and defeat it. Seiko also explained that she’d be useless since her powers don’t function outside of Kamigoe City due to the gods from whom they borrow power. Seiko then revealed her plan to utilize Okarun’s powers as a means of defeating Turbo Granny in a game of tag.

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Momo and Okarun then spoke, and the latter apologized for his lack of contribution in the latest fight and promised to save her next time. He also asked her not to stop being his friend and not to be disappointed in him, which she unsurprisingly agreed to. She also complimented him, adding that she’ll probably save him with a cheerful expression next time.

Dandadan episode 3 saw a news broadcast play focused on the idol Seiko did an interview with, revealing that all her predictions were correct. Later that day, Momo had to escort Okarun to the bathroom so he could relieve himself, which obviously necessitated her watching. This led Momo to explain that she controls the curse by visualizing Okarun’s aura and compressing it with her psychic powers.

Momo also lamented how weak her powers had become, prompting Seiko to point out that her problem is reliance on her vision only and not all of her senses. She suggested closing her eyes and trying to feel the aura of her skin. Unfortunately, this did lead to him transforming, which forced Momo to go with Okarun to the bathroom since he couldn’t last any longer.

Turbo Granny's attack on Seiko in Dandadan episode 3 has Momo fired up and ready to go (Image via Science SARU)

As this happened, Dandadan episode 3 saw Seiko surmise that Momo’s true powers are what she first awakened and that they can be unlocked with training and time. However, Turbo Granny manifested in this brief moment, holding Seiko’s life hostage thanks to her curse being contagious through Okarun. She likewise demanded Momo and Okarun face her tonight, or she’d use Okarun to curse everyone around him to death.

Dandadan episode 3 likewise saw the pair get ready for battle that night, with Seiko dressing them in protective spiritual clothing. Seiko also said a prayer for them as they departed, with Momo seriously angry after her grandmother was threatened. The episode ended with Momo declaring victory with a determined expression on her face.

In summation

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Dandadan episode 3 not only elaborated on Okarun and Momo’s statuses as fans expected but set up a confrontation with the Turbo Granny in the next installment. It also emphasized the importance of defeating Turbo Granny, with Okarun’s possessed status not only endangering him but those around him. Fans can expect the pair to get punished to their absolute limit as they try to beat Turbo Granny at her own game.