REVIEW: ‘Chainsaw Man,’ Episode 3 – “Meowy’s Whereabouts”

After having his first patrol with Power, MAPPA’s Chainsaw Man Episode 3 sees Denji and Power take on a new project. Namely, to retrieve Power’s cat Meowy from the clutches of a vicious devil. And maybe get Denji some time with Power’s chest.

This week’s episode opens with Denji and Power answering Makima about the events of the last episode’s final moments. Namely, the part where Power dropped a blood hammer on a devil’s head. While this seems like a good thing, as with any government-run agency, some procedures must be upheld, and Power failed to follow the rules. This leads to a sibling-like back and forth over who is to blame for the failure.

This opening back and forth begins Chainsaw Man Episode 3‘s narrative focus on building up Power and Denji’s relationship. After they get done dealing with Makima, the duo agrees to set out to save Power’s cat. On their way, the two share some quiet moments where we learn about Power.

As a full devil, Power’s views on things are different from Denji’s. What she values and who she cares about comes from a somewhat different place. This first look into Power’s thoughts and past is interesting, as it greatly helps flesh out the character from her moderately abrasive initial appearance.

The only time Chainsaw Man Episode 3 shifts its focus away from the duo is when it catches up with Makima and Aki. Makima has been called before a committee to get an update about the more significant world climate surrounding the devil problem, as well as deliver an update about the workings of her “special unit.” This sequence serves well to both continue building out the structure of the show’s world and give the viewer a change of pace from Denji and Power.

The episode wraps its time with Denji and Power’s confrontation with the devil holding Meowy hostage. This conflict doesn’t go the way either Power or Denji expects, as some surprises shift how the moment plays out. Beyond simple curveballs to shock the audience, these moments help flesh out motivations and highlight how Denji isn’t the only one whose biggest dreams are not so big. This surprise helps Denji feel less like an outcast in some ways, as others are shown to be clutching small hopes and dreams just as he is.

The visuals throughout this episode highlight the gorgeous presentation MAPPA is known for. The lighting is amazing, and every movement the cast takes feels mesmerizing, right down to the close-ups of shoes touching down on the ground at the end of a step.

When the fighting starts, Chainsaw Man Episode 3 ups the ante as this battle sees rivers of blood and viscera pouring through the streets. This sequence is hack-and-slash in its most accurate form and prepares viewers for the even bloodier battles to come.

Chainsaw Man Episode 3 does a solid job of what it sets out to do. It continues building up its characters and their world while delivering the gorgeous visuals MAPPA has become synonymous with.

Chainsaw Man Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes streaming every Tuesday.