REVIEW: ‘Undead Unluck’ Episode 3 — “How To Use My Unluck”

After their introduction to the Union, Undead Unluck Episode 3, “How to Use My Unluck” sends Andy (Yûichi Nakamura) and Fuko (Kahara Moe) off to Russia on a mission to earn their seats at the Union table. Produced by David Production, this hit series is one of the highlights of the Fall 2023 season and continues to get better every week.

The goal for Andy and Fuko is simple: kill the Union member at Lake Baikal, and they will earn their place in the Union. It may be a simple task, but it will not be easy. Right away, they are being hunted down by fighter jets, showcasing more of David Productions’ excellent animation. Seeing the duo speeding away on their boat while being hunted down is exhilarating, and it helps bring out more character development between the two.

Andy is extremely carefree, mainly because he can not die, so why should he care? Fuko is his polar opposite in every way. She is incredibly shy and scared and does not respond well to Andy’s brazen tactics. Andy isn’t just a blubbering idiot, however. In Undead Unluck Episode 3, we see him start to figure out how Fuko’s ability works and how it can be controlled to their benefit. It’s a glimpse at what lies beneath his brash, typically nude surface at a more complex character lying underneath.

There are a few moments where Andy starts to come off a tad creepy again, but they are immediately followed up by him using his well-honed abilities to save Fuko. Just as things start to feel sincere between the two, Undead Unluck Episode 3 makes sure to remind viewers that this is a comedy and delivers some great laughs. It helps that this duo is so drastically different, and when the comedic moments hit right after a bit of sincerity, they are more unexpected. It keeps viewers on their toes and does so with style.

After landing at Lake Baikal, Andy leaves Fuko to go and gather up some of his old war buddies to help them take on the Union. This gives Fuko a chance to reflect on the absolute chaos that has taken place. Undead Unluck Episode 3 does a great job of showing how Fuko went from being a shut-in to traveling to Russia in the span of just a few days. She meets Gina (Aoi Yuuki) and takes some time to reflect on her situation while painting with Gina at the gorgeously animated lakeside scenery.

There is more than meets the eye with Gina, however, which leaves Fuko in a pretty sticky situation. Thankfully, Andy miraculously arrives just in the nick of time. His sudden appearance right as the woman who first captured him 50 years ago reveals herself comes close to feeling like the timing is a little too perfect, but given the overall tone of the series and Undead Unluck Episode 3, it did not feel odd in the moment.

The fact that Gina, otherwise known as Unchange, has a history with Andy sets the stage for a tense showdown. The fact that Andy is forced to confront his past all in order to help Fuko is an interesting premise that teases more character development for him down the line. It is clear that he is more than just a loveable idiot, but Undead Unluck Episode 3 finally starts to unravel more of the depth behind his character.

Undead Unluck Episode 3 is yet another excellent blend of action and comedy that keeps the momentum rolling for this exciting series. Andy and Fuko are such a fascinating duo, and their adventure is only going to get more intense from here.

Undead Unluck Season 1 is streaming now on Hulu.