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I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1, titled The Villainess and Working Out, was released on October 1, 2024, and marked the official premiere of the series. The anime is currently airing as part of Crunchyroll's Fall 2024 lineup and is an entry into the villainess isekai subgenre.
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1 introduced the main villainess and protagonist, Alicia, along with all the possible romance routes in the story. While the main antagonist, the heroine, is yet to be revealed, it has already been established that the story will have a different tone compared to the usual "good routes" in villainess stories.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1.
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The villainess and every romance route is introduced in I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1
Brief episode highlights
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1 begins with a monologue from the protagonist, expressing her admiration for the villainess Alicia's fortitude and ruthlessness. She reveals her desire to be reborn as Alicia. In the next scene, a seven-year-old Alicia wakes up, now possessing memories of her past life as the protagonist. Alicia quickly resolves to become the greatest villain in history.
The episode then follows Alicia as she abandons her previous lazy lifestyle and takes on a more active role. She convinces her brother to teach her swordsmanship and accumulates knowledge from the library. Later, she is introduced to the story's romance routes, including the son of the current king, the crown prince, Duke Seeker.
During their meeting, Alicia convinces her brothers to take her on as a swordsmanship apprentice, leaving a pleasant impression on the Duke. Alicia meets the royal family's heirs and the king a year later. The king consults Alicia regarding the political and economic state of the country. Alicia, deluding herself into thinking this is a test of her villainous nature, gives competent answers to reinforce her image as the "greatest villainess."
The king finds his encounter with Alicia intriguing, but his thoughts are interrupted by the news of the "Golden Rose" being found. The episode ends with the revelation that the Golden Rose signifies the birth of the main heroine. It also highlights how the meeting between Duke Seeker, the blue rose, and the heroine will benefit the country, but at a certain price.
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1 review
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1 introduces the main protagonist and her goals. It also shows the lengths she will go to become the greatest villainess in history by excelling in every possible aspect as an individual. The episode successfully introduces all of the romantic interests of the protagonist, including the main love interest, who will be pursuing Alicia.
The series is being animated by Studio MAHO FILM, which previously adapted By the Grace of the Gods and In the Land of Leadale. Both series shared an art style that has become the typical generic anime style in recent years.
The overall pacing of I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History has been very fast, which is expected of a light novel adaptation. However, the character design, visuals, and overall tone of the story have failed to distinguish it from the numerous other Fall 2024 anime.
The sound design and theme have not stood out, with the sound library used in the series giving an outdated impression. It is possible that future episodes will distinguish themselves with an exceptional plot, which is anticipated in a villainess anime where the protagonist strives to become an actual villain.
Final thoughts
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History is another entry in the villainess isekai subgenre, which has become oversaturated in recent years. The genre typically features a "heroine" who turns out to be the true villain rather than the villainess.
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1 made it clear that the main conflict stems from the union between the heroine and the hero and not from the heroine's actual nature. It is possible that I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History will distinguish itself from its predecessors using a different reason for conflict.
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