Aru Majo ga Shinu Made [Season 1 Episode 3]

Episode 3 Review: Aru Majo ga Shinu Made – A Witch’s Laugh in the Face of Death

If you’ve been following Aru Majo ga Shinu Made (Once Upon a Witch’s Death), you know it’s a show that balances heart-wrenching stakes with absurd, laugh-out-loud comedy. Episode 3, titled “The Witch Who Doesn’t Bathe” (okay, I made that up, but it fits), takes a lighter turn compared to the emotional gut punches of the first two episodes. And honestly? It’s a breath of fresh air—even if that air is slightly tainted by Inori’s questionable hygiene.

The Plot Thickens (Or Doesn’t, Because Meg Is Procrastinating)

Produced by EMT Squared and set to premiere in April 2025, Aru Majo ga Shinu Made follows Meg, a 17-year-old apprentice witch cursed to die in a year unless she collects one thousand tears of joy. Episode 3 introduces us to Inori, the “Witch of Wisdom,” who, despite her title, seems to have skipped a few chapters on personal hygiene. The dynamic between Meg and Inori is pure gold—part sibling rivalry, part chaotic mentorship, and 100% hilarious.

Fans on MyAnimeList pointed out how Meg’s nonchalance about her impending doom is both baffling and endearing. One user joked, “Meg’s like an old dude with straight adult jokes. Love her.” And it’s true—her deadpan reactions to Inori’s antics (and smell) are a highlight. Meanwhile, Inori’s introduction adds depth to the world, showing that the “Seven Sages” aren’t just powerful witches but also… kind of weirdos.

Comedy Over Tragedy (For Now)

After two episodes of emotional heaviness, Episode 3 leans hard into comedy. The banter between Meg and Inori is rapid-fire, with jokes ranging from feet (so many feet jokes) to Meg’s questionable life priorities. One fan noted, “This week had even more comedy than usual, and very little drama, for once.” Another quipped, “Stinky witch…. Haha I really liked Inori, she’s a nice character, hope to see more of her.”

The humor isn’t just for laughs, though. It serves as a clever way to explore Meg’s character. Despite her curse, she’s not rushing to save herself—instead, she’s cracking jokes and vibing with witches who may or may not shower. As one Redditor put it, “She doesn’t seem to be in much of a hurry to save her own life.” It’s a refreshing take on the “race against time” trope, making Meg feel more human (or witch-y) than your typical doomed protagonist.

Worldbuilding and Whimsy

The episode also expands the show’s lore. Inori’s meteor shower display isn’t just pretty—it’s a flex of her power, hinting at the scale of magic in this world. Fans debated whether the meteors were comets (they’re not, as one pedantic viewer clarified), but the spectacle itself was universally praised. “Dam Inori went full blown Radahn and summoned a shower of comets,” one user wrote, referencing Elden Ring’s infamous boss.

The mix of modern and magical elements continues to intrigue. References to climate change and international politics pop up unexpectedly, adding layers to what could’ve been a straightforward fantasy. As one fan observed, “For what looks like a character drama/comedy, this anime is putting a surprising amount of effort into worldbuilding and magic systems.”

The Verdict: Sticking Around for the Chaos

Episode 3 isn’t perfect—some fans felt the writing could be tighter, and the foot fetish jokes were… a choice. But overall, it’s a strong entry that proves Aru Majo ga Shinu Made isn’t just a one-note tearjerker. It’s a show with heart, humor, and a protagonist who’s as likely to roast you as she is to save the world.

As one MyAnimeList user summed it up: “This is so good—the mixture of fantasy, goofy comedy, and theme of mortality reminds me a little of Frieren.” High praise, and well-deserved. If you’re not watching yet, now’s the time to jump in. Just maybe don’t sit too close to Inori.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A hilarious, heartfelt episode that proves Meg’s journey is worth following, even if she’s not in a hurry to finish it.

What did you think of Episode 3? Let me know in the comments—or just yell about Inori’s feet. I won’t judge.