In Dan Da Dan episode 2, Momo and Okarun have a moment of reflection before encountering another alien opponent. This marks the introduction of several key worldbuilding aspects as well as Okarun’s Turbo form. Let’s dive into this action-packed episode!
"Dan Da Dan" Episode 2 Recap
We pick up where we left off in the first episode, with Momo flustered about Ken’s real name. To avoid swooning every time she says it, she gives him the nickname “Okarun.” Through a stylized montage and goofy banter, they make their way to Momo’s place, but Okraun can’t enter because a talisman on the torii gate prevents evil spirits from stepping foot on the grounds.
Momo tears off the talisman and leads him to her room so she can change and lend him clothes, too. With a moment to catch their breath, Okraun apologizes for imposing his interests on Momo when they first met. Hearkening back to the first episode, he opens up about how lonely he’s been and how Momo’s acknowledgment was the first time he felt like he could make a friend. It’s a very touching scene made all the more poignant as Okraun is framed in Momo’s mirror, symbolizing his detachment and how boxed in he feels. Momo tries to cheer him up, in her own blunt and “gauche” way, as Okraun puts it. This only leads to more comedic bickering.
In the midst of their conversation, the doorbell rings, but not one Momo has ever heard. When she investigates, she realizes she forgot to replace the talisman, so it’s likely an evil spirit has found them. When they try to escape, they discover the property has been sealed shut by a mysterious wall. Then they meet the cause of the disturbance, a sumo obsessed Flatwoods Monster.
Important World Building
The fight that ensues in Dan Da Dan episode 2 demonstrates a few key worldbuilding aspects. First, aliens and ghosts seem to operate by similar rules, evidenced by the doorbell, the talisman, and even Momo’s ability to suppress Okarun’s curse. It’s a smart detail that blurs the line between occult and science fiction, but in doing so the story can easily incorporate aspects from both genres and still feel cohesive. Second, the wall that erects itself around Momo’s house is clearly the result of alien technology. It seems to create a pocket dimension inaccessible and unseen from the outside. Oddly enough, it also repairs any damage done to the interior. This will probably be how most fights going forward will be handled.
Third, Okraun accesses his Turbo form for the first time. With Momo’s help, he’s able to use Turbo Granny’s unnatural speed while mostly keeping control. With a killer design and stark red accents that really pop against the monochrome backdrop, we see that a ghost’s power can be harnessed by the person they possess. This will be very important as the story continues.
Momo and Okraun defeat the Flatwoods Monster with some awesome teamwork and clever goading. It’s great seeing two characters work together so well. Their relationship really carries the show in these first couple of episodes. But the danger hasn’t passed yet. When Momo faints from exhaustion, her hold on Okarun’s curse loosens and Turbo Granny is free to go on a rampage.
Final Thoughts on the Episode
Dan Da Dan episode 2 was another great episode with silly gags, stellar action, and touching moments. It feels like the story moves at a break-neck pace, but it never feels overwhelming. A lot happened in this episode, but the flow from one story beat to the next was pretty seamless. I think the reason is because every choice the anime makes is in service to the themes and identity of the source material. With a concept as whacky as “ghosts vs. aliens,” it’s impressive how well Dan Da Dan pulls it off.
Dan Da Dan streams every Thursday, in both Japanese with subtitles and in English dub on Crunchyroll.
Occult Corner: Flatwoods Monster
The Flatwoods Monster: First sighted in the town of Flatwoods in Braxton County, West Virginia. On September 12, 1952, eye witnesses reported seeing a bright object fly through the sky. When they went to investigate, they saw a large human-like figure with some kind of hood-shape encircling its round red face. The witnesses also said they smelled a pungent mist that left them nauseated. There have been few sightings since the initial encounter, but the Flatwoods Monster has been ingrained in the local culture, becoming a tourist icon for Braxton County. The obsession with sumo seems to have been an embellishment to fit the Japanese locale.
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