Since the last episode, Madoka and Sayaka lament over Mami’s death while facing a tough decision for their wish so they can become a magical girl. Meanwhile, another witch stirs troubles in front of Madoka after she follows a group of people possessed by it. (Image Source)
With Madoka and Sayaka left behind after Mami’s death, the girls fell into depression. During their depression, Sayaka learns that her childhood friend, Kyousuke won’t be able to use his hands ever again. Therefore, he loses hope and hates music until Sayaka comes up with a wish to help him out and become a magical girl. Sayaka’s wish is shown towards the end with her childhood friend regaining his ability to use his hands shown in a somewhat creepy manner.
When I saw Madoka, it was depressing to see her so sad. While losing a friend from an unfortunate event could be difficult to get over, it should of motivated her to become one so she can help out. After Madoka visited Mami’s apartment, she finds and walks with Homura. She reveals that Mami is considered missing forever since she died in the witch’s world. This basically means that if any magical girl dies in the witch’s world, their body and their existence will be gone forever.
Ever since episode three aired, there are speculation and conspiracy theories in the fandom that Kyubey might have the deal with the devil. This is explained when he forces girls to sign a contact and become magical girls. Eventually, he sees them get killed by the witches when they mess up or too inexperienced. On top of that, his smile never moves and the red eyes make him look creepy, especially when he peeks out of the window in pretty dark areas. Perhaps Homura has some good intentions to defeating Kyubey so that he can’t recruit. This way, girls don’t have to be forced into this dangerous job with the possibility of being missing forever. While Homura have good intentions, it’s unclear what side she is actually on.
As for the witch in this episode, it’s really creepy. Basically, many people are possessed by the witch including Hitomi walks like zombies. She drags Madoka along to a factory. In the factory, they try mixing bleach and ammonia to create a deadly gas for suicide, which you shouldn’t try at home. Fortunately, Madoka throws the bucket out of the factory window and then lock herself in the room that has a witch. Shortly after, Madoka is sucked into the witch’s world. When I saw the witch, it was really weird. The witch is a bunch of computer screens from the 90s that shows various scenes from episode three. The witch basically stretches Madoka like a sheet. Fortunately, Sayaka using her magical swords defeats the witches rather quickly.
I still think Madoka Magica continues be great with all the surprises, twists and degree of scariness. I’m still surprised that Madoka has yet to transform into a magical girl while her friend, Sayaka did after 4 episodes. I suppose that she will decide on the wish next episode if the tsundere Kyouko were to attack Sayaka. Whatever the case, I’m curious of the future events on that will happen to the girls.
Kyousuke is not Sayaka’s brother, he is her childhood friend. It’s clear that she has a crush on him. That’s why she accepted Kyubei’s contract.
Silly mistake… Thanks for pointing it out.
Kyubey is starting to remind me of the floating white creature from Bokurano (I think his name is Coemushi). Don’t know if you’ve ever watched Bokurano, but he is basically the one who coaxes the children to fight with the robots and kill other robots. His constant smile of jagged teeth told the viewer that he is not one to be trusted. Kyubey somewhat gives off this vibe as well through his constant smiling, but it’s not as scary as Coemushi’s, in my opinion.
I keep wanting Kyubey to not be so heartless as to throw magical girls to the wolves, (he’s too cute to do something like that), but his actions just show how dark his true intentions are…
If you watch episode 5, you find out Kyubey’s true colors with Kyouko causing a fight with another magical girl… I won’t spoil it, but its pretty evil.
Watching Madoka be stretched was one of the creepiest things I’ve ever seen.
And the thing with Sayaka’s childhood friend was kind of intense, and I was both shocked and not shocked when Sayaka showed up having made the contract.
I thought the witch was super creepy this episode as well. And the whole mass suicide thing is a bit too dark for my tastes. Still, the series is quite refreshing and unpredictable to watch, and that’s fun. I’m curious what Kyoko’s role would be in the coming episodes.
I agree with the witch being creepy, especially with the mind control in forcing people into suicide… The events in episode three and this witch in episode four makes the show look different compared to other mahou shoujo, which the villains hardly threaten the person’s life. I guess Shinbo wants to make Madoka have a darker feeling to make it feel fresh and interesting.