In the last episode, Mami saved Madoka and Sayaka from the bizarre world. After Madoka saved Kyubei, the magical ferret, it chose her and Sayaka to risk their lives to become magical girls so they can have their wish granted. In addition, the girls learn more about the magical girls, witches and their rivalry with Homura.
The girls finally discover what magical girls is all about when they went to Mami’s apartment the same night. Apparently, they are supposed to defeat the witches, the nightmarish creatures that hide in a concealed labyrinth and a barrier. The witches essentially influences people to suicide they come into contact with. After they are defeated, they leave this Grief Seed, which is similar to the Jewel Seeds, but harmless unlike the witches. The magical gem detects the location of the witches, thus the location of the Grief Seed.
As for Homura, she is a magical girl that is in competition with Mami. She attacked Kyubei so she can prevent Madoka and her friend becoming a magical girl. In my opinion, she is playing dirty to keep Mami from getting more girls to help her. Or maybe she doesn’t Madoka to become a magical girl since she can’t trust anyone. In addition to that, she doesn’t accept the Grief Seed from Mami. Whatever the reason, it will be revealed in future episodes.
The main feature of this episode is Mami’s battle against the witch, which was amazing. While there are some really freakish moments from the first battle, Mami was badass with unlimited guns. Eventually, she takes out the biggest gun possible to defeat the witch. After defeating the witch, she takes a cup of tea and drinks. It makes me wonder how she was able to hold a gun that big and still able to use it. Who knows!
Lastly, there are some hints on Sayaka’s and Madoka’s magical girl outfit and the choice of weapons. Madoka is the most enthusiastic about it that during class, she draws a pretty cute dress as a concept design. When she shared it with the other two girls, they laugh at her. On the other hand, Sayaka wants to use a bat as a weapon, but has yet to decide on an outfit. Seems reasonable enough, since they are just beginning to become one.
Overall, this episode of Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica carried the same expectations from the first episode and more. The magical girl element continues to remind me of Nanoha, but a bit darker and more nightmare fuel. As for poor Hitomi, she mistakenly takes Madoka and Sayaka as a couple and becomes jealous as they are hanging out with her less and more with Mami. This causes her to run away frantically that causes me to laugh pretty hard. Basically, this was one of the best moments out of the whole episode besides the battle.
So I’ve decided to give Mahou Shoujo Madoka another chance (i.e. un-drop it) and I think wasn’t wrong. Definitely some nice new developments in the storyline, which appears to be a lot more mature than say Nanoha, even though the latter is labeled as ‘seinen’ while this show isn’t. And yeah, I deem the visuals to be pretty good after all; that cake-eating scene was really cute and well-made. Still not digging the papery-alternate-witch-hunting-universe though. I also found the yuri joke to be distasteful, even if expected from this genre, let’s hope they keep it at that…I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel right when the girls are this young. Why can’t cute be enough for otaku audience? 🙁