English Dub Review: Witch Hat Atelier “The Dadah Range Test”
Overview:
Crunchyroll has recently dropped the latest episode of Witch Hat Atelier, “The Dadah Range Test,” which sees Coco be put to her first test as an apprentice, albeit without Qifrey’s knowledge.
Our Take:
Things start out with Qifrey speaking with a mysterious figure, Alaira, over Coco’s apprenticeship. Hints are given that Coco could have a connection that could be in Qifrey’s best interests. However, as he points out, she’s technically not his apprentice just yet, as she hasn’t taken her tests yet.
So, naturally, temping the fates, Agott is having Coco take her first test as an apprentice back at home. The first of which involves using various contraptions to find a mysterious herb. Of course, it’s only once she shoves her through the gateway portal does Agott reveal Coco only has one chance to pass the test, or she’ll have to give up being an apprentice.
Coco quickly realizes that she will need to take to the skies to get the herb. Luckily for her, she had the sense to ask for a pair of flying shoes. Unfortunately, she isn’t too skilled, and the shoes become useless once she accidentally wipes off the magic seal. However, things might turn around with the introduction of the series mascot, Brushbuddy, a cute, fuzzy, white caterpillar-like creature.
In a tense moment, Coco is tempted to write a seal on her own flesh, but realizes this is forbidden. Ultimately, she uses her own textile skills, passed down from her mother, to good use, drawing on her cloak. Eventually, she is able to craft a flying mast that helps her accomplish her task. The moment is an empowering one, though one kind of expected Brushbuddy to somehow save the day.
Throughout the episode, viewers are left guessing what the true motives are of each of the characters around Coco. In a conversation with Tetia, Agott makes clear she has no hope that Coco could pass and is trying to get rid of her as soon as possible. It’s even implied that she was hoping that Qifrey would come back in time to cancel the test, automatically failing Coco. However, it’s likely her true motives will soon come to light.
There are some hints at fairy tale trappings with the test, with Coco running around the woods in a red cloak. However, the test is surprisingly straightforward. The closest thing to a twist is that the herb is floating in the air, and the magical tools should make catching it a breeze.
The episode is an emotional one, with Coco’s memory of her mother spurring her own. The story also comes to an important conclusion. It turns out that such a test was unnecessary, as Coco has already been approved as Qifrey’s apprentice. This means she finally gets to don a certain hat…
