Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de” – A Whimsical Start to a Mystery Feast (Episode 1 Review)

If you’re into detective stories with a side of absurdity, Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de (or The Dinner Table Detective) might just be your next binge-worthy obsession. The first episode kicks off with a blend of classic whodunit tropes and over-the-top humor, making it a refreshing take on the mystery genre. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this show lives up to the hype.

The Premise: A Rich Girl Playing Detective

Reiko Houshou, the heiress of the ultra-wealthy Houshou Group, has a secret: she moonlights as a rookie detective. Her partner? The hilariously incompetent Inspector Kazamatsuri, whose confidence far outweighs his actual investigative skills. And then there’s Kageyama, Reiko’s sharp-tongued butler, who seems to be the only one with a functioning brain in the room.

The dynamic between these three is already a highlight. As one fan put it: “Reiko is super rich, an heiress and all, but she’s out there showing up at crime scenes like it’s her weekend hobby 😂 And then there’s Kazamatsuri, who’s basically an ego-driven detective with zero actual investigative skills. The guy is so confident it’s hilarious—like, he spots one clue and immediately starts putting on a dramatic performance like he’s solved the whole case… only to be totally wrong!”

The Humor: Love It or Hate It

The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s either its biggest strength or its biggest flaw, depending on who you ask. Some viewers adored the exaggerated antics, calling it “a parody mocking every detective trope with perfect comic delivery.” Others, however, found the slapstick humor grating. One critic vented: “Started fine and interesting, then turned into a shitty comedy over-the-top show. Kazamatsuri is as annoying as one character can get.”

Personally, I think the humor lands more often than not. The butler’s deadpan insults and Kazamatsuri’s delusional confidence create a fun contrast, making the mystery-solving process feel fresh despite its clichés.

The Mystery: Light but Engaging

The first case revolves around a high-profile birthday party where, of course, a crime occurs. The pacing is brisk—some might say rushed—but it keeps things lively. Fans noted that the episode “ends with a revelation about the butler, setting up future episodes to slow down and flesh things out.”

One clever viewer even pieced together the culprit early on: “The clue is the jewel.” If you’re the type who loves playing armchair detective, this show will give you plenty to chew on.

The Animation and Voice Acting

Produced by Madhouse, the animation is solid, though not groundbreaking. The character designs are expressive, especially during the comedic moments. Voice acting is another strong suit, with standout performances from Kana Hanazawa (Reiko) and Mamoru Miyano (Kazamatsuri). As one fan gushed: “Mamo-chan voicing a wacky character? I’m sold!”

However, the English dub received mixed reactions. One disappointed viewer called it “one of the worst dubs I’ve ever experienced… they all sound like robots.” Stick to the sub if you want the full experience.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Start

Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s a lighthearted mystery with a side of chaos. If you’re looking for a deep, cerebral detective story, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy quirky characters and don’t mind a bit of silliness, it’s a delightful watch.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “Bumbling detectives being outclassed by a butler who isn’t afraid to point that out is such a fun dynamic. This has all the hallmarks of a hidden gem in the making.”

So grab your popcorn (or dinner, since the show insists on it), and give this whimsical mystery a shot. You might just find yourself hooked.

Where to Watch: Currently streaming on Prime Video (select regions). If it’s not available in your area yet, keep an eye out—fans are sharing subtitles to tide you over!

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 – A promising start with room to grow.)

What did you think of the first episode? Drop your theories (or complaints) in the comments!