The inaugural episode of Dan Da Dan opens with our female protagonist, Momo, confronting her boyfriend. He desires more from their relationship, urging her to "give in" to his wants, but Momo firmly refuses.
The altercation escalates, leading to a breakup. Momo later discusses the breakup with her friends, revealing that she only dated the guy because he resembled Ken Takakura, a celebrated figure in her world. She leaves class and takes a stroll through the hallways, where she encounters several bullies tormenting her classmate, Okarun. Just as the situation intensifies, Momo steps in to intervene.
She grabs Okarun’s book and starts flipping through it, only to find it unremarkable. Disinterested, she leaves the scene. Okarun follows her into the hallway, wondering if Momo harbors an interest in the occult. She denies believing in aliens or UFOs and dismisses his obsession with such things. Before she walks away, Momo expresses regret for her harshness towards him and offers a rare moment of kindness.
Okarun, in turn, dismisses her gesture, claiming that ghosts are merely figments of imagination. Momo counters by mentioning her grandmother, a spirit medium. This revelation does little to sway Okarun, and the two continue bickering. Eventually, they wager a bet: If either of them can prove the existence of their beliefs, the other must become their servant.
Later, Momo makes her way to Nagi General Hospital. Okarun calls her, sharing chilling details about the hospital’s eerie UFO lore. Meanwhile, he ventures into a tunnel rumored to be haunted, despite Momo's warnings about the dangers of such a venture. She also admits that she has never witnessed a ghost firsthand, which frustrates Okarun. Momo recounts a childhood memory in which she was ridiculed by boys for performing a good luck ritual on her way to school, a ritual she did as a way of honoring her grandmother. This bullying, particularly the teasing by the boy she loved, soured her view of the boy and strengthened her bond with her grandmother.
Okarun is left puzzled as Momo explains that this experience is why she believes in ghosts. When she asks him why he believes in aliens, Okarun remains silent. However, the conversation takes a sudden turn when Okarun spots an old woman in the tunnel. The elderly lady offers Okarun a strange proposition, promising to engage in illicit acts if he reciprocates. Panicked, Okarun flees, calling Momo for help.
Momo, with her usual wit, informs him that the old woman is known as Turbo Granny. She warns Okarun that he will be cursed if Turbo Granny defeats him in a race. However, before Momo can offer further assistance, she loses contact with him. The lights in the hospital flicker and go out, and Momo is suddenly confronted by three mysterious men who overpower her and bind her to a chair.
One of the men identifies themselves as Serpoians—beings from the distant planet Serpo. Unfazed, Momo demands that they release her, but the Serpos explain that their planet consists only of males and that they use advanced "clown technology" to reproduce. They make a disturbing demand: to procure human "bananas" and engage in acts with Momo before extracting organs for research. Momo, refusing to submit to their desires, struggles to escape.
Utilizing their psychokinetic abilities, the Serpos attempt to manipulate Momo, but before they can complete their sinister intentions, Momo’s phone rings. Okarun’s voice emerges from the device, and he immediately attacks one of the Serpos, hurling him into a wall. He reveals that Turbo Granny cursed him. The Serpos, enraged by Okarun's interruption, demand he relinquish his "banana" as well. Okarun engages in combat, defeating another Serpo.
The final Serpo demands the same, but Okarun, revealing his long-standing desire to connect with aliens, agrees to comply. He opens up about how he was neglected by aliens in his youth, and how Momo is the only person who has shown him kindness. Okarun begs the Serpo not to harm Momo, but the Serpo responds harshly, declaring that their race seeks only to mate with female humans.
While the Serpo uses his powers to manipulate Momo, we flashback to Momo’s grandmother teaching her how to release her chi. Back in the present, Momo’s dormant psychic abilities awaken, and the Serpo finds that his powers have no effect on her. Momo kicks him across the room, realizing she and Okarun have been inside the Serpos' UFO the entire time.
Okarun, now freed from Turbo Granny's control, lands on Momo. Momo uses her powers to momentarily release him from her influence. Turbo Granny taunts Momo, claiming possession of Okarun’s “banana” and demanding they visit her tunnel if they wish to reclaim it. The UFO crashes through the hospital and lands on a highway, and Momo and Okarun escape, now sharing a mutual belief in each other’s superstitions. Momo insists that they must work together to break Okarun's curse, while Okarun proposes to confront the tunnel alone.
Despite his wishes, Momo insists on sticking together. Okarun hands her some clothes and, to Momo’s surprise, recites a line from Ken Takakura. When she asks his name, Okarun responds, “Ken Takakura.” The episode closes with Momo in shock as the UFO behind her explodes.
The Episode Review
The premiere of Dan Da Dan leaves audiences with mixed reactions—some excited, others perplexed, and a few perhaps even repulsed. Yet, it effectively establishes the wild and unpredictable tone of the series. Much like Regular Show, it begins with a mundane setup before spiraling into madness.
The school-related conflicts, combined with the thrilling, often absurd, attempts to protect the characters' innocence, will surely captivate fans. Moreover, the way the episode tackles bullying in a meaningful way adds depth to both Momo and Okarun's characters.
Their personal connections to the world of sci-fi and the supernatural are excellently woven into the narrative, giving it emotional weight. The animation and art style are top-notch, reminiscent of works produced by Gainax and Trigger Studios. While the episode's mature themes and humor may not be for everyone, the other elements presented here will surely resonate with many.
I look forward to seeing how Science Saru Studios adapts the rest of this series.
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