REVIEW: ‘The Witch And The Beast’ Episode 2 — “The Witch’s Pastime: Opening Act”

The Witch And The Beast (Majo to Yajuu) anime from Yokohama Animation Laboratory got off to a powerful start. With dreamy animation, violent action sequences, and an aesthetic that hits, the series based on Kousuke Satake’s Kodansha-published manga of the same name made itself one to watch this season. But that quick pacing slows in The Witch And The Beast Episode 2, “The Witch’s Pastime: Opening Act.”

Each episode of the season so far has opened with a storybook, teaching the audience small pieces of lore. For The Witch And The Beast Episode 2 adds clarity to what we assume are Ashaf’s ( Toshiyuki Morikawa) powers as a mage. Items of sorcery that give the wielder access to the magic and strength of witches require sacrifice. It presents an ominous lore dump that is still presented beautifully. But then, the episode then forgets that intro and doesn’t engage with it again.

Instead, The Witch And The Beast Episode 2 is all about setting the scene of Guideau (Yō Taichi) and Ashaf’s next case. However, Guideau’s frustration mounts as witch-related cases prove hard to come by until a string of horrific serial murders answers her prayers. With a body count pushing 40, the duo head to Hayden, the capital city of Pheres, to confront the witch and assist the city’s local police force.

Meanwhile, the city police force’s only mage, Kiera Haines, has her own ideas about the case. With flashbacks of a building on fire, Kiera’s connection to the serial killings isn’t apparent, but it’s clear that they are unlocking something in her. She is dedicated to solving the witch’s crimes and she is isolated because of it. With people Kiera cared for killed by the witch, she is slow to trust Ashaf and Guideau when they show up, and her silence drives the series’ mystery.

“The Witch’s Pastime: Opening Act” is an apt title. There is nothing more than set up in this episode, and somehow it works. The way the series has chosen to show violence and build tension is akin to detective noir stories. Despite nothing happening in The Witch And The Beast Episode 2, the European-esque city aesthetic and the witch’s horrendous acts all stand out.

The animation holds you even if the story doesn’t capture you. Which I can understand since its essentially a misfit duo taking on a new crime each week. I’m not entirely interested in the Order of Magical Resonance. But I am deeply invested in Guideau, her other form, and her grudge. Additionally, this episode gives the audience a deeper look into Ashaf and Guideau’s relationship.

The polar opposite in temperament, Guideau needs Ashaf, and Ashaf obliges with joy. The duo bump heads like people bonded well below the surface. They bicker like people who know each other inside and out. The way the chemistry is handled in animation, as well as dialogue, brings it all home. Right down to Ashaf, giving Guideau a bone to calm her down. It’s adorable and sincere in a very weird way.

The Witch And The Beast Episode 2 is very much a part one. And while it may be a slowed change of pace, its worldbuilding is absolutely superb.

The Witch And The Beast Episode 2 is streaming now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Thursday.