Arne no Jikenbo [Episode 5]

Arne no Jikenbo Episode 5: When Whodunnit Meets Vampire Brawls (and It Kinda Slaps)

Let’s cut to the chase: if you went into Arne no Jikenbo Episode 5 expecting a slow-burn whodunnit, you got a whole lot more—like, “wait, when did this turn into a vampire boss fight?” kind of more. But honestly? For most fans, that’s not a bad thing. This episode wraps up the show’s first arc with equal parts eerie detective vibes and over-the-top supernatural chaos, and while it’s messy, it’s the kind of messy that sticks with you.

First, let’s recap the setup (for anyone who binged the first four eps or forgot): Louis Hartmann, a teen whose detective dad was killed by the “Grave-Digger Vampire,” teams up with Arne Neuntöte—a laid-back, self-proclaimed detective who’s definitely hiding something—and his assistant Lynn. The mystery? A string of murders linked to a vampire, with everyone in the mansion (butler, maids, the works) as suspects. Episode 5 finally drops the bombshell: the butler, Gordon, was the vampire all along. Shocker, right? Well, kind of—some fans saw it coming (“I suspected Gordon to be the killer but didn’t expect him to be a vampire,” one MyAnimeList user admitted), but the reveal still lands with a punch.

What makes this episode stand out is how it blends two totally different vibes. The first half feels like a stage play—tight, dialogue-heavy, with that classic “who did it?” tension. Arne’s calm, almost smug detective work shines here; he’s the kind of character who knows more than he lets on, and watching him piece clues together (even if some fans thought the anime skipped game-only hints) is satisfying. But then? The second half goes off the rails—in the best way. Gordon transforms into a monstrous vampire (Nachzehrer, for the lore nerds), and suddenly we’re in a full-on fight scene with organ-heavy OST that slaps so hard, one fan raved, “THE OST THE EVERYTHING WHY DID SILVER LINK COOK SO HARD LIKE OPM S3 YOU HAVE NO MORE EXCUSES.”

Let’s talk about the fight, because it’s the episode’s biggest divisive point. Some fans loved it: “That was a pure cinema episode and I love it! Arne is too much cool and this fight was incredible!” Others? Not so much. One user called the shift from mystery to boss fight a “cop-out,” complaining, “Going from whodunnit moment to a boss fight out of nowhere was… ridiculous?” Fair enough—if you’re here for Sherlock-level deduction, the sudden action might feel jarring. But let’s be real: this is an anime about vampire detectives. Did we really expect no supernatural brawls?

The animation here is a highlight, too. Silver Link (the studio behind Bofuri and Chivalry of a Failed Knight) brings their A-game—even if the fight isn’t hyper-kinetic like Demon Slayer, the eerie atmosphere and smooth character movements sell the tension. The mirror twist (where Zisye can’t see Gordon in mirrors but can see Arne/Lynn? Wait, no—another fan clarified: “it’s literally stated that Zisye can’t see Arne through normal mirrors; only the pocket one Arne carries”) adds a fun layer of lore, even if it confused some viewers.

Lynn’s arc also gets some closure here. She loses everything but gains a new life as a vampire with Arne, and her quiet resolve (“Lynn lost everything but her life as a vampire with Arne has just started”) gives the episode heart. Arne, meanwhile, remains the show’s MVP—cool, collected, and just a little bit mysterious. Fans can’t get enough of his dual persona: “I like both his both side the vampire and the detective, always relaxed.”

Of course, it’s not perfect. Some fans were bummed Nachzehrer (Gordon’s vampire form) was “offed so quickly” (“A little disappointed Nachzehrer was offed so fast,” one user sighed). Others thought the pacing was wonky, and a few even dropped the show over… well, let’s not get into that one weird “woke bs” comment (we’re ignoring that). But overall, the episode sticks the landing for the first arc.

So, who’s this episode for? If you love mystery with a side of supernatural chaos, if you dig characters who are equal parts clever and badass, and if you don’t mind a little genre whiplash, Episode 5 of Arne no Jikenbo is a must-watch. It’s not the tightest mystery ever, but it’s fun, stylish, and leaves you hyped for what’s next. As one fan put it: “Nice episode and nice conclusion for this arc.”

Final thought? Whether you’re here for the detective stuff or the vampire fights, this episode delivers. Just don’t go in expecting a straight-up whodunnit—because once the fangs come out, all bets are off. And honestly? That’s what makes it so entertaining.

Now, let’s wait for next week to see what Arne and Lynn get into next. If it’s half as wild as this episode, we’re in for a ride.