Once Upon a Witchs Death [Season 1 Episode 2 The Witch Apprentice and the Lapis People]

“Once Upon a Witch’s Death” S1E2: A Whimsical Yet Heartfelt Journey

“Once Upon a Witch’s Death” is shaping up to be one of those anime that sneaks up on you—starting with a seemingly simple premise but quickly revealing layers of emotion and charm. Season 1, Episode 2, titled “The Witch Apprentice and the Lapis People,” continues the story of Meg, the young witch cursed with a death sentence unless she can collect 1,000 tears of joy.

The Plot Unfolds

In this episode, Meg’s friend Fine asks for her help in fixing a broken watch—a precious gift from her late grandfather. Meg, eager to prove her worth as a witch, decides to turn back time on the watch, restoring it to its former glory. But as fans quickly pointed out, messing with fate never goes smoothly. Faust, Meg’s enigmatic teacher, isn’t thrilled about her meddling, and the consequences of her actions ripple into unexpected places.

The episode also introduces Flare, an elderly woman carrying her own curse, and a mysterious tree that seems to hold secrets of its own. The narrative blends whimsy with melancholy, a combination that’s already resonating with viewers.

Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Feels

Diving into fan discussions (mostly from MyAnimeList), it’s clear that “Once Upon a Witch’s Death” is sparking a range of emotions. Some viewers are already bracing themselves for an emotional rollercoaster.

• “This is going to be a rough watch… and I have a feeling I already know how it ends,” one fan lamented, referencing the show’s inevitable bittersweet tone.
• Others compared it to “Wandering Witch: Elaina” but without the narcissistic protagonist, or “Burn the Witch” for its magical world-building.
• The mix of gag comedy and heartfelt moments has been a point of contention. While some find it endearing, others feel the execution is a bit awkward. One user noted, “They seem to be awkwardly balancing the comedy and the heartwarming stuff.”

Despite the critiques, many are hooked by the premise. The idea of collecting tears of joy—something so simple yet profound—has fans speculating about how Meg will achieve her goal.

• “Will she have one big event that makes hundreds cry at once, or will it be a slow grind?” pondered one viewer.
• Another joked, “I’d just hang out at weddings every day. Where else do people cry from happiness?”

Animation and Art Style: Love It or Leave It

The show’s visual style has also sparked debate. Some fans feel the animation is serviceable but not standout, with one user admitting, “If the art and animation were better, I might have stuck with this one.” Others defended it, arguing that it’s far from the worst of low-budget anime.

Personally, I think the art suits the story’s tone—soft and dreamy, with just enough detail to bring the magical world to life. It’s not Demon Slayer levels of polish, but it doesn’t need to be.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start

Episode 2 solidifies “Once Upon a Witch’s Death” as a show with heart. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. The emotional stakes are clear, the characters are likable, and the premise is just quirky enough to stand out.

If you’re a fan of magical slice-of-life stories with a touch of melancholy—think “Somali and the Forest Spirit” or “The Ancient Magus’ Bride”—this might be your next favorite. Just keep some tissues handy.

Rating: 7.5/10 (So far, so good!)

“Once Upon a Witch’s Death” is streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes dropping weekly. Will Meg succeed in her quest? Only time (and tears) will tell.