Lycoris Recoil [Season 11 Episode 1]

“Lycoris Recoil” Season 1 Episode 1 Review: A Stylish, Action-Packed Debut

When Lycoris Recoil premiered in July 2022, it immediately caught the attention of anime fans with its unique blend of high-octane action, slice-of-life charm, and a duo of protagonists who couldn’t be more different. Produced by A-1 Pictures and written by Asaura, the series introduces us to a world where orphaned girls are trained as elite assassins under the secretive “Lycoris” program. The first episode, titled “Easy Does It,” sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling ride—and if the online discussions are anything to go by, fans are already hooked.

A Dynamic Duo: Chisato and Takina

From the get-go, the chemistry between the two leads—Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue—steals the show. Chisato, the cheerful and seemingly carefree top agent, contrasts sharply with Takina, the disciplined and no-nonsense newcomer. Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums couldn’t stop gushing about their dynamic.

One user summed it up perfectly: “Chisato is an absolute badass, no wonder she’s called the best Lycoris. If those were lethal rounds, those arms dealers would have been a bloody mess. Takina is pretty badass herself, though her approach is more reckless.”

The episode wastes no time throwing them into action, with Chisato showcasing her incredible reflexes (bullet-dodging, anyone?) while Takina struggles to adapt to her new partner’s unorthodox methods. The tension between their ideologies—Chisato’s non-lethal approach versus Takina’s “ends justify the means” mentality—adds an intriguing layer to their partnership.

Aesthetic and Animation: A Visual Treat

A-1 Pictures delivered stunning visuals, and fans took notice. The character designs, vibrant colors, and fluid animation were repeatedly praised. One Reddit user raved, “The animation was so crisp. Looking forward to this action CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cool Things).”

The café setting, LycoReco, also stood out. It’s not just a backdrop but a central part of the story, blending the mundane with the extraordinary. Some fans even compared it to Love Live!’s Honoka’s café, adding a cozy contrast to the high-stakes espionage.

Tonal Whiplash or Perfect Balance?

The episode’s mix of lighthearted moments and intense action sparked debate. Some viewers loved the contrast, calling it “a mix of slice-of-life and spy-like espionage.” Others, however, found the tonal shifts jarring.

One critic noted, “The setting and story is kind of a huge mess. A city literally swarming with terrorists, and the happy-go-lucky secret police made up largely of child assassins who fight them.”

Still, most agreed that the balance worked in the show’s favor. As one fan put it, “This was great, I didn’t know what to expect but I really liked it. The setting is interesting and the story has its fair share of cute and action-packed moments.”

The Soundtrack and Voice Acting

The voice acting, particularly Chika Anzai’s performance as Chisato, received high praise. Some fans did find Takina’s delivery a bit stiff, but overall, the cast brought their characters to life.

And then there’s the ED by Sayuri—“a banger,” as multiple fans declared. The music perfectly complemented the episode’s energy, leaving viewers eager for more.

Final Verdict: A Promising Start

Lycoris Recoil Episode 1 delivers a strong opening, introducing a world that’s equal parts charming and dangerous. The dynamic between Chisato and Takina, the stunning animation, and the blend of genres make it a standout debut.

As one fan excitedly wrote, “Great start! Can’t wait to see more of it. Especially Chisato. I love her cheerful energy a lot.”

If the rest of the season maintains this momentum, Lycoris Recoil could easily become one of the year’s most talked-about anime.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A stylish, action-packed premiere with a duo you won’t forget.

What did you think of the first episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!