English Dub Review: Dandadan “I’ve Got This Funny Feeling”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Aira begins to develop a crush on Okarun.  As the three friends’ emotions intertwine, they suddenly face another extraterrestrial emergency.

Our Take:

I didn’t expect a show involving aliens and yokai to pack a poignant punch amid its romance, action, and comedy.  But the previous episode happened to prove me otherwise in a massive way.  It had plenty of stylized action we’ve come to expect from Dandadan, but the flashback involving Acrobatic Silky was the big winner in the episode, showcasing her tragic past that’s as sentimental as the demons’ human pasts from Demon Slayer.  So, how does this week’s episode follow this extraordinary experience?  Why, with a love triangle, of course.

Whenever two individuals fall in love with the same guy or girl, it’s obvious that emotional tensions will be high.  This episode is no exception, as Momo and Aira are still at each other’s throats despite saving Aira from Acrobatic Silky.  Things get even worse when Momo catches Okarun with Aira due to a misunderstanding, putting their friendship at a crossroads.  However, Okarun was training in secret to be strong enough to protect Momo, but that was interrupted by a lovesick Aira.  This is another example of a romcom trope done right when combined with its complex yet charismatic protagonists.  It can be frustrating when Momo immediately jumps to conclusions, but not enough to make me want to slap her in the head.

Additionally, we finally see the return of the Serpo aliens, who have returned to claim Okarun’s testicle to power up their army.  If that wasn’t enough, we also have an alien dinosaur and a boxer-like extraterrestrial running amok.  Fortunately, the unlikely duo has one advantage that could turn the tide in their rematch against the aliens: Aira.  With Silky’s powers at her disposal, we shall see how well Aira can handle against the otherworldly beings.