“Witch Watch” episode 10 has arrived, and it’s a rollercoaster of comedy, trope subversion, and a hint of looming danger for our favorite witch-in-training, Nico. This episode throws a lot at the viewers, from an eccentric student council to a shape-shifting cat’s secret crush and a sinister plot brewing in the shadows. Let’s break down everything that happened in this wild episode.
The Hilarious Hijinks of the Student Council
The episode starts with Nico using her magic to help a student take aerial photographs. However, their peaceful moment is disrupted by the arrival of the student council, led by the flamboyant Vice President Ibara Ibu, who declares that magic is now prohibited on school grounds.
Morihito, ever the protector, immediately protests this unjust rule. This leads to the introduction of the rest of the student council, each member embodying a different anime trope. There’s a Vice President who dresses like an exhibitionist and throws roses, another Vice President who always seems to be plotting something, a pair of lolita twin secretaries, and a treasurer who looks like he came from a completely different anime. And then there’s one of the heads of General Affairs, who is a Mad Max-esque character that likes licking knives.
The student council president, Tenryu, is perhaps the most intriguing. He’s a blond-haired boy who wears a military uniform and is obsessed with kingship, wanting to build his perfect student council. He even proposes that Morihito join the council, admitting they are collecting anime character types and desiring Morihito’s strength.
Morihito refuses, leading Tenryu to issue a challenge: if he can land a single strike on Morihito anywhere within the school grounds, Morihito must join the council. This sets up a comedic subplot where Morihito must constantly avoid the persistent president.
Meta-Commentary and Trope Subversion
“Witch Watch” is known for its meta-humor, and this episode is no exception. The student council members are obvious parodies of anime tropes, and the show explicitly calls attention to this fact. Morihito’s exasperation at being surrounded by these characters mirrors the audience’s own reaction to overused character types in anime.
However, the episode also manages to give these characters distinct personalities and backstories. Tenryu, for example, is revealed to be the older brother of Kiomia Suzuka, whom Nico and Morihito helped in a previous episode. He is also shown to be the only member of the council who does any actual work, something Morihito deeply relates to.
Nemu’s Secret and a Brewing Conspiracy
The second half of the episode shifts focus to Nemu Miyao, Nico’s witch rival who can transform into a cat. Nemu has developed feelings for Morihito and often visits his house in her cat form, too shy to approach him as a human.
One day, while visiting Morihito’s house as a cat, Nico accidentally spills juice on her, leading Morihito to give her a bath. Nemu panics, knowing she will transform back into human form if she falls asleep during the bath. The scene is played for laughs, but it also highlights Nemu’s vulnerability and her desire to get closer to Morihito.
After fleeing from Morihito’s house, Nemu stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the woods. Inside, she overhears a warlock and his companions discussing plans to capture Nico. Realizing the danger Nico is in, Nemu forgets her embarrassment and rushes off to warn everyone.
Ominous Foreshadowing
The final scene of the episode is a tense cliffhanger that sets up a potentially dangerous arc for Nico. The introduction of the warlock adds a new layer of conflict to the series, moving beyond the everyday high school shenanigans and delving into more serious magical threats.
Review and Analysis
“Witch Watch” episode 10 is a mixed bag. While the student council scenes are funny and full of meta-commentary, they can also feel a bit overwhelming. The episode throws a lot of jokes at the audience at once, and some of them don’t quite land. Some find the student council antics annoying, hoping the storyline will tie into Nico’s looming danger.
However, the Nemu subplot and the introduction of the warlock are definite highlights. Nemu’s character is further developed, and the cliffhanger ending creates a sense of anticipation for what’s to come. The shift from comedy to suspense is well-executed, and it promises a more exciting and dangerous arc for Nico.
A Balanced Blend
Despite its flaws, “Witch Watch” episode 10 is a solid entry in the series. It balances comedy with character development and plot progression. The episode’s willingness to poke fun at anime conventions while still delivering an engaging story is what makes “Witch Watch” special.
Key Moments and Takeaways
- The Student Council’s Introduction: The student council is introduced as a group of eccentric characters who embody various anime tropes.
- Morihito’s Empathy: Morihito finds himself sympathizing with Tenryu, realizing they both have to shoulder the work of others.
- Nemu’s Cat Transformation: Nemu’s secret crush on Morihito is expressed through her cat transformation, leading to comedic and awkward situations.
- The Warlock’s Plot: Nemu overhears a warlock plotting to capture Nico, creating a tense cliffhanger.
- Meta Commentary: The episode includes meta commentary on anime tropes, with Morihito’s exasperation mirroring the audience’s reaction.
The Road Ahead
With the introduction of the warlock, “Witch Watch” is poised to enter a new and more dangerous phase. Nico will have to face a real threat, and it will be interesting to see how she and her friends rise to the challenge.
The preview for the next episode suggests that the student council might actually join forces with Morihito against a common enemy. This could lead to some unlikely alliances and further comedic moments.
Final Thoughts
“Witch Watch” episode 10 is a fun and engaging episode that sets the stage for an exciting new arc. While the student council scenes may not be for everyone, the Nemu subplot and the warlock’s plot provide enough intrigue to keep viewers hooked. It’s an anime to keep an eye on.
