Dandadan finale review: A perfect cliffhanger that leaves fans wanting more

Dandadan finale, titled Let's Go to the Cursed House, premiered on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 12:26 am JST. The episode starts with a lighthearted tone but gradually shifts toward a more intense atmosphere, culminating in a suspenseful cliffhanger to close the season.

It explores Okarun's growing friendship with Jiji as the duo, along with Momo, visits Jiji's house. While things initially appear normal, they soon take a dark turn, leaving viewers with a tense cliffhanger. Dandadan finale delivers an entertaining and immersive experience, balancing a lighthearted yet intense narrative paired with the show's exceptional production quality.

Let's take a closer look at the Dandadan finale and how Science SARU delivers a standout adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu's acclaimed manga.

---

Dandadan finale review: A suspenseful conclusion that builds anticipation for what's to come

Dandadan finale review: A brief synopsis and narrative criticism

Dandadan finale adapts chapters 31 to 33 and portions of chapter 34 from the manga, starting with Momo, Okarun, and Jiji convincing Seiko to let Hana stay at Momo's house. In return, Taro agrees to return to school and only visit Hana at night. Momo also clarifies that Taro didn't take Okarun's kintama.

Afterward, during some lighthearted banter, Okarun competes with Jiji to win Momo over. As they talk, Momo explains Jiji's situation, and Okarun decides to help with exorcising the spirit haunting Jiji's house.

At night, Momo accompanies Hana as she waits for Taro. After a challenging and arduous journey, Taro finally arrives in the morning, leading to a touching reunion between the two.

Subsequently, the trio sets out for Jiji's home. Though Okarun's unease about Jiji steadily grows, he starts to bond with him during their journey. Upon arriving in Jiji's town, Momo is thrilled to find it's a hot spring district. However, strange prying eyes seem to follow them. As they approach Jiji's house, some shadowy figures secretly observes them from the woods.

Okarun and Jiji bonding in Dandadan finale (Image via Science SARU)

However, Momo detects no supernatural presence at the house, leading her to assume the spirit is weak and hiding during the daytime. Deciding to take a break, she heads to the hot springs alone. Left at the house, Okarun and Jiji engage in a playful debate over who liked Momo more while playing soccer.

Their conversation takes a turn when Okarun notices a hidden structure connected to the house. Since Jiji has never noticed it before, they break through the hollow wall to investigate.

Meanwhile, at the hot springs, Momo encounters a group of creepy men who target her. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger as Okarun and Jiji discover a room filled with talismans, while the men overpower Momo and prevent her from using her powers.

In the closing episode of Dandadan season 1, Science SARU once again delivers a faithful yet elevated adaptation. Dandadan finale masterfully combines romance, comedy, relationship dynamics, and suspense, creating a captivating narrative that concludes the season on a high note.

This episode stands out with its lighthearted tone that gradually builds into a tense, cliffhanger ending.

Momo and Okarun in the finale (Image via Science SARU)

While Dandadan episode 12 stays largely true to Yukinobu Tatsu's source material, the anime enhances the experience with meticulously detailed depictions, such as Taro's nighttime adventure to visit Hana, Jiji's restless nights under the influence of the evil spirit, Momo's eerie encounter with creepy men at the hot spring, and Jiji and Okarun discovering the secret room in Jiji's house.

The episode captures the bizarre and unique essence of the manga while leveraging animation's strengths to elevate the story further. Although action takes a backseat in the finale, it effectively sets the stage for the upcoming Cursed House Arc, promising thrills and intense developments ahead.

Overall, the Dandadan finale delivers a compelling and well-rounded narrative. It keeps viewers engaged while building anticipation for what's to come, serving as a fitting and entertaining conclusion to the season that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats and longing for more.

---

Dandadan finale review: An overall criticism: Science SARU ends the season with a perfectly crafted masterpiece

Science SARU mesmerizes the audience once again with their exceptional production quality in the final episode of Dandadan's debut season. The episode is brought to life under Fūga Yamashiro's skillful direction and Hiroshi Seko's expert writing and reflects the studio's commitment to excellence, evident in every meticulously crafted frame.

The animation is particularly outstanding, seamlessly weaving the narrative elements in the show's signature style. The detailed and precise sequences elevate the storytelling, taking the experience to new heights.

Some of the noteworthy frames are Hana and Taro's heartfelt reunion, the depiction of the eerie presence of the evil spirit haunting Jiji, Momo's unsettling encounter at the onsen, and Jiji and Okarun's discovery of the secret room. These scenes, alongside the overall animation quality, deliver a visually awe-inspiring conclusion to the season.

The trio in Jiji's town (Image via Science SARU)

Naoyuki Onda's character designs maintain a consistent standard, while Yoshimichi Kameda's portrayal of supernatural elements and atmospheric visuals, like the depiction of the evil spirit haunting Jiji, add to the unique and brilliant supernatural charm.

The voice cast delivers stellar performances, breathing life into the characters with remarkable precision. Kensuke Ushio's masterful soundtracks further enhance the experience, creating a cohesive and unforgettable finale that perfectly concludes the season.

In every aspect of production, the Dandadan finale excels, standing out as a remarkable conclusion to one of Fall 2024's most impressive animes.

---

Final thoughts

Hana and Taro's reunion (Image via Science SARU)

In summary, the Dandadan finale shines as a standout addition to the season, offering a thoroughly entertaining and well-crafted experience. With its seamless blend of lighthearted charm and a tension-filled buildup, the episode serves as a perfect season conclusion while skillfully ramping up the hype for the next arc.

The suspenseful cliffhanger leaves viewers on edge, and the overall installment marks its place as a fitting and memorable finale to such a captivating series. Science SARU's exceptional adaptation elevates Yukinobu Tatsu's acclaimed manga in its animated form, flawlessly capturing its quirky essence and narrative depth.

The finale concludes the season on a highly exciting note that's sure to leave a lasting impression, marking it as a successful and impactful conclusion to this beloved new-generation Shonen.

---