Category: Animation

Once Upon a Witch’s Death – Episode 3: A Glimpse of Hope Amidst Despair

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A Witch’s Journey Begins

The third episode of Once Upon a Witch’s Death, titled “Meg Meets Inori,” continues the emotional and magical journey of Meg, a young apprentice witch who’s been cursed with only a year left to live. The series, set to premiere in April 2025, has already captured the hearts of many with its blend of fantasy, heartwarming moments, and a protagonist whose struggle feels painfully real.

In this episode, Meg is left alone in England as her mentor, Faust, departs for a business trip to North America. Enter Inori, the Witch of Wisdom, who arrives from Japan to keep Meg company. What follows is a quiet yet profound exploration of Meg’s fears, hopes, and the weight of her impending fate.

The Emotional Core

Fans on MyAnimeList have been quick to point out the show’s ability to balance lighthearted moments with deep emotional undertones. One user noted, “This seems like it might be kind of like ‘Wandering Witch Elaina’ without a complete narcissist as the protagonist.” The comparison is apt—Meg’s journey is less about self-indulgence and more about self-discovery and the connections she forms along the way.

The episode’s standout moment comes when Inori, sensing Meg’s facade of happiness, confronts her about the curse. Instead of offering empty platitudes, Inori treats Meg to a breathtaking meteor shower using her magic—a symbolic gesture that even in the darkest times, beauty and hope can still exist. As one fan put it, “The feels vibes are reminding me a bit of ‘Somali and the Forest Spirit.’”

Mixed Reactions to the Execution

Not everyone is sold on the show’s execution, though. Some viewers find the mix of gag comedy and heartfelt moments a bit awkward. One critic remarked, “They seem to be awkwardly executing the mix of gag comedy and heart-warming moments.” Another pointed out, “If the art and animation were better, I might have stuck with this one.”

However, others defended the show’s aesthetic, arguing that it’s “pretty decent compared to how bad low-budget can be.” The debate highlights how subjective anime preferences can be—especially when a series leans heavily on emotional storytelling.

The Curse and the Quest

The central premise—Meg’s need to collect 1,000 tears of joy to break her curse—has sparked lively discussions. Some fans speculate that the show will follow a “friend-of-the-day” format, with each episode focusing on a new character whose joy Meg must uncover. Others wonder if the writers will take a different route, perhaps culminating in a single, grand event that produces a flood of tears.

One fan humorously suggested, “I would just hang out at weddings every day. Where else are people so happy they cry?” Meanwhile, another viewer proposed a more realistic challenge: “I think it would be more meaningful if she had to collect, say, 15 tears. That would be challenging enough in one year.”

Inori’s Role and Future Implications

Inori’s introduction adds a new layer to the story. Unlike Faust, who is stern and pragmatic, Inori is gentle and perceptive. Her offer to take Meg as her assistant after the apprenticeship ends hints at a possible future for Meg—if she survives. This moment resonated with fans, with one commenting, “The third episode did just enough to make me want to see what’s going to happen next.”

However, not all reactions were positive. One user criticized Meg’s lack of urgency, saying, “She doesn’t seem to be in much of a hurry to save her own life.” Another jokingly pointed out a bizarre detail: “The hot witch’s stinky feet ruined any chance of liking her.” (Yes, anime fandoms can be that specific.)

Final Thoughts

Once Upon a Witch’s Death is shaping up to be a series that thrives on its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. While it may not be groundbreaking in its premise, its execution—flaws and all—has sparked enough intrigue to keep viewers invested.

As one fan aptly summarized, “This one is a firm ‘S’okay’ so far.” And sometimes, that’s enough to keep us watching—especially when the journey is as heartfelt as Meg’s.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A promising episode that balances whimsy and melancholy, though it stumbles in pacing and animation polish.

Catch Episode 3 on Crunchyroll and D Anime Store, and join the discussion on MyAnimeList!

What did you think of the episode? Share your thoughts in the comments!