Aru Majo ga Shinu Made [Season 1 Episode 2]

Aru Majo ga Shinu Made – Episode 2: A Bittersweet Symphony of Life and Loss

Aru Majo ga Shinu Made (or Once Upon a Witch’s Death) is shaping up to be one of those rare anime that tugs at your heartstrings while still managing to sprinkle in moments of levity. Episode 2, titled “The Watch and the Farewell,” continues Meg’s journey as she grapples with her impending doom—a curse that gives her just one year to live unless she collects a thousand “tears of joy.” But this episode isn’t just about Meg; it’s about the people she meets along the way, and how their stories intertwine with hers in the most unexpected ways.

The Wholesome and the Heartbreaking

The episode splits its focus between two main arcs: Meg’s friendship with Fine and the emotional farewell of Granny Flare. Fans on MyAnimeList have been raving about the dynamic between Meg and Fine, calling it “wholesome” and “adorable.” Fine, the soft-hearted childhood friend, is clearly devastated by Meg’s curse but tries her best to stay strong. Their banter—especially Meg’s recurring (and slightly sus) marriage proposals—adds a layer of humor that keeps the tone from getting too heavy.

But the real gut-punch comes in the second half. Granny Flare, an elderly woman nearing the end of her life, becomes the focus of Meg’s mission. The way Meg orchestrates a final reunion between Flare and her estranged family is nothing short of beautiful. One fan put it perfectly: “Bringing Flare’s son and granddaughter back to her was the best gift Meg could’ve given her.” The scene where Flare passes peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, had viewers reaching for tissues—myself included.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

What makes this episode stand out is its ability to balance humor and heartbreak. One moment, you’re laughing at Meg’s owl struggling with math (why use a phone when you can flex your magical pet?), and the next, you’re tearing up at the raw humanity of Flare’s story. Some fans compared it to Violet Evergarden in its episodic, emotion-driven storytelling, though opinions are split on whether it hits the same highs.

A recurring theme in the discussions is whether the show is too emotional. One user joked, “Will I be tearing up every week until this anime is done?” while another admitted, “I came in thinking this would be more chill, but nope—it’s already out here playing with my emotions.” The show’s ability to evoke such strong reactions in just two episodes speaks volumes about its potential.

The Weaknesses?

Not everyone is sold, though. Some critics argue that the emotional beats feel forced, especially if you’re not already invested in the characters. “Why should I care about Fine’s grandpa’s watch? Why should I care if Granny Flare dies?” one user questioned, comparing it unfavorably to Violet Evergarden’s more organic tear-jerking moments. Others found the pacing slow, with one commenter calling the first half “meaningless fluff.”

But even the skeptics admit that the show has charm. The animation is gorgeous, the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful (that ending theme is already a fan favorite), and Meg’s chaotic energy is infectious. As one fan put it, “Meg being all ‘I guide the dead’ while also ‘please don’t let me die’ is peak chaos.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 2 of Aru Majo ga Shinu Made proves that this anime isn’t afraid to explore heavy themes—mortality, friendship, and the fleeting nature of life—while still keeping things light when it needs to. Whether you’re here for the feels, the humor, or just Meg’s adorable owl, there’s something for everyone.

If the rest of the season maintains this balance, we might be looking at one of the standout anime of 2025. Just keep a box of tissues handy—you’re gonna need them.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A touching, beautifully animated episode that proves this witch’s tale is more than just magic and curses. It’s about the people we meet and the lives we touch along the way.

(Word count: 850)

What did you think of Episode 2? Did it make you cry, or did you find it too cheesy? Let me know in the comments!