Danmachi season 5 episode 1 review: J.C. Staff's spectacular production gives Syr the deserving spotlight

Produced by J.C.Staff, Danmachi season 5 episode 1 has garnered incredible buzz in the anime community, following its debut on October 3, 2024. The episode covered the events from the written narrative of Fujino Omori's light novel series, initiating the adaptation of the Goddess of Fertility arc.

From a production's perspective, Danmachi season 5 had everything fans hoped for, from slice-of-life scenes and a touch of drama to action scenes. While the premiere wasn't as power-packed as many would have hoped for, it set the tone for the rest of the season.

Most importantly, the episode delved into Syr's psyche, which had been unexplored til the latest season. As such, we can say that the episode truly did justice to Syr's character, giving her the deserving spotlight.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Danmachi season 5 episode 1.

Danmachi season 5 episode 1 review: Evaluating J.C. Staff's production, adaptation, and Syr's narrative

Syr, as seen in a flower valley (Image via J.C.Staff)

Danmachi season 5 episode 1 marked an excellent beginning to arguably one of the most awaited sequels from the Fall 2024 season. Under the production of J.C.Staff, the episode tapped into Syr's psyche, unraveling her feelings for Bell Cranel.

She recalled the moments she spent with Bell and wondered whether she was truly smitten with him. As such, Syr decided to ask Bell to go on a date with her at the Goddess Festival via a letter.

The episode's major highlight was the revelation that Syr was connected to the Freya Familia. Although the episode didn't exactly reveal her relationship with the Goddess Freya, it was confirmed that she would have a big role to play in the season.

Syr, as seen in her tavern attire (Image via J.C.Staff)

As such, J.C.Staff studio has set the tone for the rest of the season, providing the crucial narrative points in Danmachi season 5 episode 1. From an adaptation's perspective, the first episode covered parts of volume 15 and the beginning of volume 16 from the light novel, which commences the Goddess of Fertility arc.

While sharing the live commentary of the episode's premiere on X, the original author Fujino Omori revealed that the production team had to reluctantly cut the major portions of volume 15 because of poor pacing. Even though the volume had many important stories, J.C. Staff couldn't cover them, as they would have deviated from the core narrative.

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At the same time, Danmachi season 5 episode 1 made it clear that the latest season would focus explicitly on Syr and her connections with the Freya Familia. Undoubtedly, the episode has ignited healthy discussions in the fandom regarding Syr's identity, which will be a crucial narrative in the season.

Besides that, Danmachi season 5 episode 1 has teased the conflict between the Hestia Familia and the Freya Familia. It remains to be seen whether J.C.Staff deviates from the original source material, which seems quite unlikely, given the studio never did so with the previous installments.

However, for the pacing's sake, the studio would inevitably have to cut the deviating narrative and chiefly focus on Syr. As such, the premiere episode remained faithful to the adaptation, bringing alive the written words from Fujino Omori's light novels.

The Hestia Familia (Image via J.C.Staff)

Besides the adaptation, mention has to be made about J.C.Staff's wonderful production for Danmachi season 5 episode 1. Although the episode featured mainly slice-of-life moments with little action at the end, tension hung large in the background throughout the episode.

It mainly stemmed from Syr's mysterious identity. The revelation that she wasn't only a waitress working at Mama Mia's tavern, but an individual belonging to arguably the strongest Familia in Orario, was shocking to many fans who didn't read the light novels.

The production team paid full attention to the characters in Danmachi season 5 episode 1, allowing the audiences to bask in the nostalgia. That's why the added content from volume 15 was important. The subtle references to the previous season's events were also essential to bridge the gap between the two installments.

Danmachi season 5 episode 1 review: Ryu and Syr's dynamic, the love letter, Freya Familia, and Bell vs. Hedin

Ryu, as seen embarrassed (Image via J.C.Staff)

Although Danmachi season 5 episode 1 proved the season would center around Syr and Freya Familia, it's difficult to take Ryu away from the spotlight. She has become one of the central characters, especially since the previous installment, where she played a pivotal role along with Bell Cranel.

As such, the season premiere featured some wholesome scenes involving Ryu and Bell Cranel. It was clear that Ryu developed affection for the boy ever since they escaped from the dungeon's depths, defeating the Juggernaut. J.C. Staff's production beautifully animated the interactions between Bell and Ryu in Danmachi season 5 episode 1, adding depth to their chemistry.

However, there's another dynamic that needs to be mentioned, which is between Ryu and Syr. The elven adventurer has been in debt to Syr for reaching out to her when she was at the darkest point of her life. She owes her life to Syr for providing her with hope and giving her life a new meaning.

As such, sacrificing her love for Bell Cranel was the inevitable choice she had to make when Syr asked her permission to go on a date with the boy. Ryu knew that Syr loved Bell; yet, she couldn't restrain her own feelings. As for Syr, she was also aware of Ryu's growing attachment to the boy. However, she chose to give importance to her own feelings.

Some audiences might dislike Syr over the latest development. Yet, there's no doubt that Fujino Omori's pen delivered a fascinating dynamic between Syr and Ryu, where both the girls were aware of each other's feelings for the same boy, and yet, one of them decided to follow their heart.

Horn, as seen in the episode (Image via J.C.Staff)

Besides that, Danmachi season 5 episode 1's narrative saw Horn, the personal aid of Freya, deliver Syr's letter to Bell Cranel. That's how the narrative about Syr's connection to the Freya Familia was set. Bell questioned why a top-ranked member from Freya Familia would come to deliver Syr's letter.

Meanwhile, Ottarl organized a meeting with the other members of the Freya Familia to discuss Syr's date with Bell Cranel. Undoubtedly, Danmachi season 5 episode 1 offered fans a new perspective of the Freya Familia members. Characters like Ottarl, Hedin Selland, and others didn't have a proper narrative moment in the past.

Hedin Selland, as seen in the episode (Image via J.C.Staff)

After that, Danmachi season 5 episode 1 featured some action at the end, with Hedin Selland showcasing his powers to subdue Bell Cranel. The scene truly teased J.C.Staff's production prowess for the season, with clean and precise frames.

Last but not least, the episode concluded with a scene featuring Syr and Freya, leaving more questions than answering the existing ones. Danmachi season 5 episode 1's ending ignited discussions on Syr's identity. The episode left no doubt that the season would eventually focus on that and show the Goddess Freya in action.

Conclusion

Danmachi season 5 episode 1 was a symphony of assorted moments. From the slice-of-life scenes featuring the Hestia Familia members to Syr's intriguing affection for Bell Cranel to the final action scene featuring Bell and Hedin, every scene added layers to enrich the episode's narrative.

Undoubtedly, J.C.Staff studio has done a fabulous job condensing the light novels' events to produce a standard anime episode with smooth pacing. It remains to be seen whether or not the studio can maintain the production quality in the next episodes.