Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen [Season 5 Episode 3]

Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen – Episode 3 Review: A Dark Descent into Ciel’s Past

The fifth season of Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler), titled Midori no Majo-hen (Emerald Witch Arc), has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and Episode 3 takes things to a whole new level of intensity. Directed by Kenjirou Okada and produced by CloverWorks, this season adapts the eighth arc of Yana Toboso’s manga, and it’s clear from this episode that the stakes are higher than ever.

A Recap That No One Asked For (But We Got Anyway)

The episode kicks off with a bizarre choice—a nearly three-minute recap. Fans were quick to point out how unnecessary this felt, especially since it’s only the third episode of the season. One MyAnimeList user joked, “Okay, maybe a three-minute recap isn’t the best way to start an episode. Not even the premiere had one!”

Thankfully, the recap doesn’t overstay its welcome, and the episode quickly dives into the heart of the story. Ciel and Sebastian are deep in the “Werewolf Forest,” investigating the mysterious deaths tied to the Emerald Witch. But things take a dark turn when Ciel’s past trauma resurfaces in a brutal way.

Ciel’s PTSD: A Heartbreaking Breakdown

This episode is a gut-punch for anyone who’s followed Ciel’s journey. The young earl, usually composed and calculating, is reduced to a terrified child as his PTSD overwhelms him. His face swells grotesquely, and he loses his sight—a shocking moment that left fans reeling.

One fan noted, “Seeing Ciel’s flashbacks now feels so different from ten years ago. This work is legendary.” Another added, “Every time it shows glimpses of his past, my heart breaks.”

The flashbacks hint at something even darker—a possible split personality or repressed memories. One Reddit user theorized, “The flashback implied Ciel might have a split personality. The way he reacted to the adults around him… it’s chilling.”

Sebastian’s Dilemma: A Temporary Change of Master

Sebastian, the ever-loyal demon butler, is forced to step back as Ciel’s condition worsens. Instead, he finds himself serving Sieglinde Sullivan, the Emerald Witch’s apprentice. Fans loved this dynamic shift, with one commenting, “Lady Sullivan MVP! I don’t remember liking her this much in the manga, but she’s stealing the show.”

Wolfram, another key character, also gets some spotlight, with his jealousy over Sebastian’s temporary allegiance adding a layer of humor to an otherwise grim episode. “Wolfram was really not being subtle about somehow being related to actual ‘wolves’ with that outburst,” a fan joked.

The Miasma Mystery and Future Implications

The episode also delves deeper into the forest’s deadly miasma, which nearly kills Ciel. Some fans speculated that the poisonous gas is linked to the eerie flowers in the forest, while others believe it’s a metaphor for Ciel’s suffocating past.

One thing’s for sure: this episode sets up major plot points for the rest of the arc. As one fan put it, “This is where the arc really starts to shine. The foreshadowing is insane.”

Final Thoughts: A Heavy but Necessary Episode

Despite the odd recap choice, Episode 3 delivers a powerful narrative punch. It’s a turning point for Ciel’s character, forcing him (and the audience) to confront the horrors of his past. The animation remains stellar, and the voice acting—especially during Ciel’s breakdown—is phenomenal.

As one fan perfectly summarized, “Depressing episode with Ciel’s PTSD going crazy. Start of some important plot points… Man, I read this part of the manga back in middle school and never thought I’d see it animated. It’s kind of crazy.”

If you’re a Kuroshitsuji fan, this episode is a must-watch. Just be prepared—it’s not for the faint of heart.

Rating: 8.5/10
“I wanna protect our Bocchan… poor him.” — A sentiment we all share.