Danmachi season 5 episode 3 review: J.C. Staff does justice to Syr and Bell's adventurous date

Produced by J.C. Staff, Danmachi season 5 episode 3 streamed early on October 17, 2024. Titled Odr, the episode primarily focused on Syr and Bell Cranel's date, as they adventurously escaped from the Freya Familia's surveillance. Like the knight from the fairy tales, Bell Cranel freed Syr from the ever-vigilant eyes of her Familia and allowed her to experience the thrilling side of life.

Danmachi season 5 episode 3 was an exhilarating symphony, showcasing the unrestrained side of Syr, a girl who used to be so timid in the Hostess of the Fertility tavern. Yet, having been freed by Bell, she released her wings and enjoyed the flight of life in a way she never imagined she could.

Credit has to go to J.C. Staff studio and the staff members involved in the production, who perfectly captured the essence of Syr and Bell's date from volume 16 of Fujino Omori's light novel series. While the episode had some moments, where we feel it could have been better, the overall production was way better than the previous two installments.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Danmachi season 5 episode 3 and the light novels.

Danmachi season 5 episode 3 review: Evaluating the adaptation, J.C. Staff's production for Syr and Bell's date

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Danmachi season 5 episode 3 offered fans a compact experience. From an adaptation's perspective, the episode covered roughly 40-50 pages from volume 16 of Fujino Omori's light novel series, showcasing the peak of Syr and Bell Cranel's lovely date.

The episode opened with a short recap of the previous installment's ending, where Syr asked Bell to take her someplace afar from the Freya Familia's surveillance. She wanted him to become her knight and allow her to explore new things she never did.

J.C. Staff choosing to open Danmachi season 5 episode 3 with that scene was essential, as it acted as a bridge between the two installments. It also allowed the narrative to seamlessly transition to Freya Familia's perspective.

Bell and Syr in Danmachi season 5 episode 3 (Image via J.C.Staff)

While Syr and Bell were busy on their date, the Freya Familia members observed them from the shadows, ensuring the boy didn't do anything to their patron. Obviously, it may have raised some eyebrows, prompting fans to wonder about Syr's actual identity.

Danmachi season 5 episode 3 confirmed that Syr was immensely important to the Freya Familia, or else they wouldn't have employed their ace members, including Vana Freya. Perhaps that's why Ais was startled because she could never imagine a Level 6 adventurer looking out for Syr.

At any rate, the episode moved along and showed Bell and Syr entering an item shop. After a while, two Freya Familia members frantically reported to others that the duo had disappeared from the store. Eventually, the episode revealed that Bell and Syr had used a magic cloak item to conceal their presence from everyone.

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

The adventurous flavor of the date exhilarated Syr, as she laughed in a way Bell never heard from her before. Danmachi season 5 episode 3 added layers of enigma to Syr's character, building curiosity among the audience about her true colors. She was no longer the timid Syr fans knew, but a girl who wanted to be lost in adventure by being on Bell's side.

Here, we must mention J.C. Staff studios, who perfectly captured the escape scene from the light novel series. While it's not possible to add every word from the light novel in an anime adaptation, the esteemed studio retained the essence.

Shortly after that, Danmachi season 5 episode 3 cut to St. Fulland Cathedral. Many fans were excited about the adaptation of this particular portion, as it added a new lore to the narrative. The tale of the heroic knight and his relationship with a Spirit and a Saint was one of the most heart-wrenching narratives.

Bell and Syr at St. Fulland Cathedral (Image via J.C.Staff)

The scene perfectly went with Syr and Bell's date and to some extent foreshadowed their relationship. Syr asked Bell what he would do if she were to go berserk and cause harm to the ones close to him. The boy promptly replied that he would prevent her. He wouldn't ever let her suffer from the mystery of hurting others.

While Syr teased Bell, she also acknowledged the kind heart he possessed. During their conversation, Syr confessed to Bell that she adored him. Danmachi season 5 episode 3 then cut to Syr purchasing a twin accessory to commemorate her date with Bell. She kept one to herself and gave the other to Bell.

One of the best aspects of these scenes was how J.C. Staff production studio used the background OSTs to enhance the episode's romanticism. Keiji Inai's music composition and Jin Aketagawa's sound direction uplifted Danmachi season 5 episode 3's overall appeal.

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

The same quality, with respect to the animation and the music, was maintained in the dinner date scene at Spoon Aqua. The scene was extremely crucial to build further anticipation surrounding Syr's identity. During their conversation, Bell wondered who Syr truly was.

The girl asked whether Bell could promise that nothing would change between them if he learned about her actual identity. Bell assured her that no matter what secret she may have had, he would continue to spend time with her the same way. Later, in the same scene, we witnessed the Freya Familia infiltrating the boat.

Freya Familia members (Image via J.C.Staff)

However, Syr leapt from the boat to escape with Bell. It was an exhilarating experience for the girl, as she whole-heartedly laughed. Bell Cranel thought he had never seen that side of Syr. Once again, the scene remained faithful to the light novel.

Following that, Danmachi season 5 episode 3 featured some still shots of Syr and Bell enjoying their date under the bright moonlit night. While walking on the empty streets, the duo arrived at the Heroes Bridge, which opened up another lore for the series.

It was revealed that the pedestal across from the legendary hero Albert's was empty. According to Syr, it was reserved for the final hero, who would defeat the ancient dragon and bring peace to the world. The scene perhaps foreshadows that Bell Cranel would become that figure in the future.

Syr and Bell enjoy their date (Image via J.C.Staff)

After that, Bell and Syr had to run because they heard the Freya Familia members approaching. Interestingly, the episode ended abruptly, with Syr taking Bell to an inn with only one bed.

The entire Danmachi season 5 episode 3 was a beautiful symphony addressed to Syr, who released her wings and flew high above the sky. She was the embodiment of an unrestrained spirit, embarking on the journey of life. With Bell by her side, she embraced every mundane thing, as they were a new experience to her.

Danmachi season 5 episode 3: Aspects where the episode could have been better

Ais and Hestia, as seen in the episode (Image via J.C.Staff)

Although Danmachi season 5 episode 3 was a sublime experience, it wasn't devoid of a few blemishes. In the light novel (volume 16), it was revealed how Hedin Selland created fine diversions for Bell and Syr to escape. He had already observed them and yet decided to keep quiet.

J.C. Staff perhaps couldn't add that bit because of the episode's runtime restrictions and pacing. Likewise, the episode could have explored Ais's battle against the senior Freya Familia member. While the light novel doesn't have such a scene properly described, the production studio could add it to enthrall yets. Yet, these are only minor aspects of an overall solid episode.

Conclusion

Danmachi season 5 episode 3 was one of the perfectly paced episodes, with a few missed opportunities. The episode chiefly revolved around Bell Cranel and Syr, as they engaged in an adventurous date, escaping from the eyes of the Freya Familia members.

Every mini-episode of the overarching installment was a chef's kiss. We have to say that J.C. Staff studio has done a commendable job. While the episode lacked battle action, it compensated with overwhelming emotion and intrigue.