Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 review: As the episode introduces more fantasy characters, Naoe takes them swimming

Modified Jul 27, 2024 21:10 GMT

Oku as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 (Image via Elias)

Plus-Sized Elf episode 4, titled The Baron’s Dog and the Floating Pig, was released at 12:00 am JST on Sunday, July 28, 2024. It was first streamed on HIDIVE and was subsequently broadcast on channels like TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X. In this episode, viewers see two more characters who have arrived in this world, and Naoe is there to help them out with his weight loss expertise.

The anime is based on a Japanese manga series by Synecdoche. The series was initially published on the Comic Gum website of Wani Books. A sequel is being published in Akita Shoten's Dokodemo Young Champion magazine.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

A dog turns out to be Werewolf while a human turns out to be an Orc in Plus-Sized Elf episode 4

Plus-Sized Elf episode 4: A brief synopsis

Naoe and Elfuda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 (Image via Elias)

In Plus-Sized Elf episode 4, Elfuda and Naoe are seen jogging. While Elfuda manages well, Kuroeda, Alraune, Mero, and Oga tire quickly and return home.

Elfuda pulls out a French fry for her post-workout snack and ends up attracting a seemingly overweight dog. Naoe remarks that rounder animals are cuter, but his overenthusiastic petting scares the dog away. Still, she is unable to escape and ends up transforming into a human.

Elfuda realizes that she is a Lycanthrope, also known as a Werewolf. She has been exercising to lose the weight she gained from treats given to her by humans who mistook her for a dog. Since she complains of feeling heavy and unable to lose weight, Naoe teaches her some stretching exercises that loosen the body and stimulate the lymphatic system.

The werewolf as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 (Image via Elias)

Later in Plus-Sized Elf episode 4, Naoe takes everyone swimming as he considers it to be an ideal exercise for losing weight due to the energy required to move against water resistance. However, Mero falls ill from the chlorine, Alraune becomes heavy from absorbing water, and Oga has to help them out. On the other hand, Elfuda and Kuroeda reveal that they cannot swim, so they are assigned to walk in the water.

Next, Naoe meets Oku, a skilled swimmer. As Naoe advocates for including pork in the diet for its vitamin and carnitine content, Oku becomes upset because she feels meat-eating is cruel. It is then revealed that she is an Orc, a creature that shares similarities with pigs.

Oku came to this world to learn the art of dieting and plans to return home once she has mastered it. Then she can challenge the stereotypes of Orcs as stout and slow.

A few days later, Oku shows up at the clinic. Turns out she has put on a lot of weight because the gym has closed the pool for renovations. Elfuda, who had not been visiting the pool either, told her not to worry and to have some French fries instead.

Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 review: Story, animation, and pacing

Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 continues to blend humor with educational content. The series has been successful in keeping viewers engaged by introducing new characters in each episode. For example, in this particular episode, a Werewolf and an Orc are introduced.

Interestingly, while all these characters share a common problem - weight gain, the reasons behind their struggles are different. Elfuda, for instance, is battling weight gain due to her gluttony. On the other hand, Kuroeda's weight gain is a result of her lifestyle, as she spends long hours working at the reception. Oku's weight issue, however, is attributed to her race's inherent characteristics.

What sets this series apart is its approach to addressing the issue of weight gain. Each episode not only highlights the problem but also provides practical solutions. It educates its viewers by showing a variety of exercises and dietary changes that can help one lose weight, making it not just entertaining but also informative.

Despite the short runtime, the episode also does not compromise on the quality of animation. One thing that is noteworthy about Plus-Sized Elf episode 4 is that the fan service is kept to a minimum, which is a refreshing change. The episode instead has been focused on plot and character.