REVIEW: ‘Jaadugar: A Witch In Mongolia’ Episode 8 – “Great Khatun Boraqchin”

Just as soon as Fatima (Akira Sekine) and Töregene (Ami Koshimizu) set their machinations against the Mongols into motion, things start to fall apart. Jaadugar: A Witch In Mongolia Episode 8 establishes that the other players in the background of Mongol politics aren’t as straightforward as they might seem at first. And Fatima may just have played too much of her hand. 

Early on in “Great Khatun Boraqchin,” things generally seem to be going Fatima’s way. Möge (Ayaka Asai) proves to not be able to see the vision that Ögedei (Hiro Shimono) has for the future, nor is able to keep tabs on Fatima. She may not be an idiot, however, as much as what is learned about knowledge being hoarded like a resource by Tolui (Ryota Suzuki)‘s house. It’s another crack in the foundations between the sons of Genghis Khan, one that Fatima wastes no time trying to exploit. 

It’s a reinforcement of one of the earlier themes of Jaadugar: that the pursuit of knowledge being intrinsically good. Fatima is taught that all good Muslims pursue knowledge as a virtue, which leads to her genuine shock at learning that Tolui is entitled to it. But she also doesn’t hesitate at taking advantage of what she believes to be those less learned than her.

Jaadugar: A Witch In Mongolia Episode 8 show the cracks in Fatima’s plans. 

Ironically, Fatima clearly demonstrates why power structures do try to limit the knowledge of those on the bottom rungs: limited information becomes a point of leverage and manipulation. It’s not as if the girl who was once Sitara was being educated prior to the stroke of fate that put her in the hands of her late mistress. The brief flashback to those days is a great reminder of how long her leash was. As a result, she creates a Boraqchin (Kujira) shaped blind spot for herself. 

Jaadugar: A Witch In Mongolia Episode 8 also introduces cracks in the arrangement between Fatima and Töregene. The latter is clearly attached to her new attendant, which does lead to one of the things that Jaadugar hasn’t made much time for: levity.

The awkward glances from Töregene as they meet with Boraqchin are the first genuine joke from the series in a while. Her later dejected behavior – pulling up her blanket, her reaction to using the jada stone, the longing looks when Fatima is called away – are cute and do a lot of telling about her emotional state. 

The interpersonal tension raises the stakes in “Great Khatun Boraqchin.”

Töregene still isn’t being afforded the same liberties as other characters, and that does not look to be helping her mental state. Prior to finding a kindred spirit in Fatima, her behavior was practically manic. Could it be possible seeing that kindred spirit spend time with the other wives is sending her back in that direction? 

Fatima sure isn’t helping herself in that regard. While it’s clear she cares about Töregene and respects her position, she’s flippant towards her. By not prioritizing her relationship to her new master, the door is now open for Boraqchin‘s gambit in the final moments of the episode. Now, a potentially unstable Töregene is at the mercy of the Great Khatun that might be trying to drive a wedge between her and Fatima. 

Credit to the production team for really appreciating the rising tension, represented by holding the episode title card for this final moment as the camera pulls out. It’s a very thoughtful way to answer the question the episode raises a few times – why is Boraqchin the one who became Great Khatun? Her out-maneuvering of Fatima is exactly why and Fatima being certain Boraqchin is a vain fool played directly into it.

Asami Murakoshi and the team at Science Saru establish a strong visual balance.

Of course, the Science Saru team has always had a good handle on what kind of series this is. Jaadugar: A Witch In Mongolia Episode 8 plays with more than title card sequencing. The shifting of colors previously used to indicate the changing of the seasons is now a clear indication between the safety of the camps and the harshness of the battlefield. 

It’s a simple decision, but by draining much of the primary colors for battle the action scenes fit more into a series that doesn’t have many. In particular, the focus on the shot of a single arrow from the Mongols spinning through the air is exciting but would fit into some of Science Saru’s shonen and adjacent works. Preparing the viewer with a color tone shift helps with the rest. Episode director Asami Murakoshi (The Colors Within) shows some good instincts, possibly enhanced by Murakoshi being the lead on storyboards for this episode. 

Continuing an incredible hot streak, Jaadugar: A Witch In Mongolia Episode 8 is doing a lot. The intensity ratchets up higher than it’s been since the first entrance of the Mongol Empire. With thoughtful direction and pacing, it’s an episode that sticks a perfect landing on a cliffhanger set up. Waiting for the next episode is going to be excruciating. 

Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Episode 8 is streaming now, exclusively on Crunchyroll.

Previous Episode | Next Episode