This episode of DAN DA DAN focuses on what happens when the gang attempts to exorcise Evil Eye from Jiji. A ritual is performed by using performers (a rock band known as “HAYASii”) who’s song is able to pierce into the spirit realm without being affected by its influence.
I had no idea what to expect from this episode, but this was definitely a welcomed surprised. The previous episode ended with Jiji transforming into Evil Eye due to Okarun spilling cold soy sauce on his hand when passing it to Seiko. I figured that Episode 18 was going to begin with a battle trying to subdue Evil Eye and changing him back into Jiji, but it ended relatively quickly since Momo had a thermos of hot water at the ready.
The destruction of Seiko and Momo’s home from a single attack shows the immense power that Evil Eye possesses. This wasn’t a prolonged battle which things were destroyed overtime as collateral damage; it happened within a single instance the moment Jiji’s transformation into Evil Eye took place. While initially I wondered why it was necessary for everyone to be present at Momo’s home due to Seiko being there, but it’s obvious Evil Eye grows stronger and soon it’ll be a more enduring effort to change him back into Jiji should carelessness or an accident occurs.
HAYASii was quite quirky, and originally I figured they had no musical talent due to their introduction being an array of dissonance rather than a display of skill. I was sure that Seiko wouldn’t care either way as long as they got the job done. I wasn’t expecting them to kick it into high gear as they began their performance, causing everyone in attendance to begin headbanging and drawing in a massive crowd of spirits that resonated with their music. I wondered whether-or-not HAYASii was Versailles, I feel like their sounds are similar, but maybe that’s just me (and the Visual Kei). The English version is always very well done; I think they’ve really stepped up dubbed in all respects as of late. Ultimately, however, Jiji decided that he did not want to exorcise Evil Eye and Seiko respected his wishes and called off the entire thing.
I didn’t understand this at all, to be fair. While Jiji may be sympathetic to the mistreatment and grim past of Evil Eye, that doesn’t change the fact that he has foul intentions and is a legitimate threat. Not only is he growing stronger and cannot be controlled by Jiji (yet), but has attempted to kill the people closest to him. While Evil Eye did protect Jiji against the Tsuchinoko, it was only within the interest to gain him as a vessel for his own ends. This isn’t a case like in Jujutsu Kaisen where Yuji clearly displays the ability to control whether-or-not Sukuna manifest, Jiji can only be contained due to other’s measures. While in the end Jiji may be able to use Evil Eye’s power, I feel it was a reckless decision which prioritized the life of a murder-hungry spirit who’s been long dead versus the people who you call your friends and loved ones.
Jiji understands the burden this places on others, but trusts his friends and their commitment to be there for him. Okarun puts it beautifully that he isn’t actually strong, but is acting the part in hopes of embodying it. Seiko shows once again why she’s a reliable person, as she never even bats an eye at the fact her entire home could be destroyed and didn’t want Okarun to repay her despite complaining about money in earlier episodes. Wanting to be there for others is not something everyone can do, and that’s because you often take on burdens that were never your problem at the expense of things you cannot afford to lose. Yet you do it anyway. I needed to see this and understand sometimes it’s not about your own peace, it’s about being reliable to those who count on you.
Now onto something not as heavy.
I did find it funny that Momo’s friends dragged Okarun to the maid cafe where she’s working. This is popular within anime, but seeing it in Dan Da Dan hits different because of the very subtle romantic relationship that Momo and Okarun share. While Momo knows how she feels and expresses it quite openly, Okarun holds back for the fact he isn’t quite sure of himself and thus, if Momo’s advances are “real”. It’s obvious that Miko and Muko sees everything as observers and know the impact of bringing Okarun to the maid cafe that Momo is working at temporarily. This is a funny cliff hanger to end off this episode that was fairly serious with a host of uncertainties with the possibility of dire consequences.
Very good episode.
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