REVIEW: ‘Fena: Pirate Princess,’ Episode 5 – “Coordinates”

Fena: The Pirate Princess is a joint Crunchyroll/Adult Swim exclusive adventure anime from Production I.G. Having received a new destination from the Burgermeister, the crew of the Bonito now head for Orleans as they seek to uncover the origins of the stone. But they may not be the only ones making this trip in Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 5.

While the last episode widened the scope of the mystery surrounding the stone entrusted to Fena, this week’s episode deepens that mystery. The various moments, hints, and twists that come in Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 5 are rapidly making me wonder just how much of what I thought I knew about the show is actually true. From the unexpected and ominous opening to the roll of the credits, this installment in Fena’s story drew me into its developing narrative in a way I didn’t expect.

Following an intro I can’t bring myself to talk about, the Bonito arrives in Orleans to search for the next clue that will lead them closer to their final destination. Following a map given them by the Burgermeister, the crew comes upon a network of caves with many entrances. With no clear indicator of which path is the right one, the crew opts to follow Fena’s gut as she seems to have an uncanny level of intuition.

Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 5 takes on a genuine Tomb Raider vibe as the crew explores the caverns. But as their journey takes them deeper underground, something seems to change in Fena. What could be happening to the young woman? And what secret lays at the end of the cavernous trail?

While the unfolding mystery is what this episode is built around, the show continues to buttress this strong narrative hook with wonderful characters. Little quirks about the ship’s crew come to light, and the characters’ banter continues to be top-notch. Their inherent understanding of each other and their strengths gives the crew’s interactions a genuinely natural feeling. And when the situation turns dangerous in the final portion of the episode, that familiar bond heightens the tension of the moment beautifully.

Along with the evolving story, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 5 also continues to evolve the pacing of the story. While the show’s opening entries gave the impression of a high-tempo adventure, the last couple has shifted the focus to the story over the exciting adventure. While I’ve loved what the last couple of episodes have given us, I hope we get to see more of the excellent action that we got glimpses of in the show’s earlier episodes soon.

The animation in this week’s story delivers the mystery and character of the episode skillfully. The journey through the tunnels, along with the brief moments of levity between the character therein, are all handled splendidly. The moment at the heart of the maze is infused with an energy that brings the discovery right to the viewer, making them feel almost a part of the moment. As if they too have journeyed to this moment.

When all is said and done, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 5 delivers another wonderful entry into the series. With the story always evolving, I find myself eagerly waiting to learn where this mystery will take Fena and her valiant crew next.

Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 5 is on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim.