REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Episode 4 — “Kicking Turbo Granny’s Ass”

The battle against Turbo Granny reaches its climax in DanDaDan Episode 4, “Kicking Turbo Granny’s Ass,” as Momo and Okarun face her head-on. Their partnership gets the ultimate test as they face an incredibly tough challenge against Turbo Granny.

Right away, we get to see Momo and Okarun play off each other quite well. They have reached the dark, mysterious tunnel and are both afraid to go first. There is a really fun bit of interplay between them, and the underlying feeling that they care about each other is on display even amidst their childish behavior.

It is nice to see them waver from being frightened to showing unnatural bravado. Both Momo and Okarun are obviously scared of Turbo Granny, but they put on a brave face to overcompensate. This makes the reveal of the giant version of Turbo Granny even funnier, as it scares the life out of them.

It also sets the tone for how they are going to have to work together. They both lack full control over their powers and have to help each other in order to succeed. Okarun needs Momo to release the hold on his curse, but when that makes him get down on himself, he then needs her support. DanDaDan Episode 4 does a great job of putting these two characters into a position where they have to rely on each other, and the visual component of the tunnel and the frightening Turbo Granny help make their support of each other feel more organic.

Momo takes the advice of her grandmother and challenges Turbo Granny to a race. Turbo Granny is unable to resist a challenge so she agrees to a race where the two human opponents get a head start. The bit where Turbo Granny counts down in a completely irrational way is quite funny and makes the tense situation a little more absurd. Okarun calls back to the first episode about suckling teats and it’s full of laughs even though the moment is supposed to be super serious.

The ability to switch between serious and funny on a dime is what makes DanDaDan Episode 4 so enjoyable. There is this visually frightening monster and a seemingly impossible situation, and just when viewers start to feel the characters’ anxiety, they drop a joke or two. It is a great way to keep viewers on their toes while staying true to the absurdist approach to the story.

When Turbo Granny takes over Okarun it gives the two characters another chance to support each other. Momo is trapped but uses her psychic powers to keep hold of Turbo Granny and Okarun. She could barely control her powers at all at the beginning of the show, but now that it is a life-or-death situation, she is slowly starting to get better at it. It is a perfect way to have a character organically grow stronger without feeling out of place.

Dan Da Dan Episode 4 really takes off once the battle leaves the tunnel. Even just with the characters running down the highway, there is this great visual sequence with a flashing red spirit demolishing the tunnel and bursting out that is so visually striking. I was not expecting a giant crab to come popping out, but given what the series has done so far, I should not have been shocked.

The action just keeps ramping up, and Science SARU flexes its visual muscles for the audience as the battle approaches more populated areas. Buildings explode and power poles come crashing down as Momo and Orakun keep running away. We also get a nice little tidbit about how normal people can’t see the giant crab spirit. It is a hint that will surely come up later in the series as these paranormal adventures affect more and more populated areas.

It is impressive that the action and absurdity continuously ramp up throughout the entire episode. There is rarely a chance to breathe, which makes the action have more impact. When the viewer feels as frantic as the characters, it is easier to understand what they are going through. It is also just cool to see how they manage to keep finding new ways to up the ante in this giant race to the death.

All of this ramps up a climax that is as rewarding as it is entertaining. Momo and Okarun get to show off their ingenuity and teamwork and how far it has progressed. Seeing the two of them grow individually and as a pair in a tangible is much appreciated. It also does not feel like a cheap ending but instead is earned thanks to their actions throughout the entire prolonged chase sequence.

DanDaDan Episode 4 is a fast-paced adventure full of absurdity and genuine character growth that builds on the great episodes that came before it. Momo and Orakun continue to grow into loveable characters and learn more about themselves and each other.

DanDaDan Episode 4 is airing now on Netflix and Crunchyroll.