English Dub Review: Witch Hat Atelier “Who Is Magic For?”
Overview:
During the recent installment of Wit Hat Atelier, “Who Is Magic For?,” the apprentice witches are allowed to tag along on a dangerous rescue mission.
Our Task:
Things already start out tense when Agott confronts Qifrey about being allowed to go on the mission. He has reservations, pointing out that she hasn’t passed her second test, allowing her to perform magic in front of everyday people. However, this becomes moot when Olruggio says he’ll take her along with him. While the other apprentices get ready, Qifrey muses that Agott doesn’t appreciate the joys that magic can bring. Instead, she only focuses on the struggles that magic can bring, with him ultimately hinting at what is really important when it comes to their studies.
This gives the poignant meaning that there’s no shame in being inexperienced, but trying to grow up too fast can be risky. However, viewers also start to see things through Agott’s perspective. When Olruggio seems to take Qifrey’s words to heart, we see how this hurts Agott, resenting at being treated like a child and feeling like she has to prove herself. Qifrey’s point isn’t proven wrong, but it’s hard not to sympathize.
Of course, this is not a story where Qifrey is painted in a bad light. Early on, he gets his moment to shine when the journey proves dangerous. Taking to the air with a water sword in hand, he is able to part the river itself.
Once in the woods, the apprentices are split up, leaving Agott and Coco on their own as they tend to the injured parties. Of course, when one reckless kid tries to go back for some lost supplies, he puts himself, and Coco, in danger. This gives Agott the chance to give in to temptation and try out her magic.
It is then when viewers are given a glimpse of Agott’s past, having previously been rejected as an apprentice when she was perceived as having a lack of talent. Coco, noting how far she has come and all that she has struggled with, gives in and casts a spell. Unfortunately, summoning a giant phoenix made of light doesn’t do much to help. Nearly causing more problems, it’s Coco who somehow floats the boy to safety. Either way, everything gets happily resolved…until the knights show up wanting answers about the spell just cast.
