Dad is a Hero, Mom is a Spirit, I’m a Reincarnator [Season 1 Episode 8]

Dad is a Hero, Mom is a Spirit, I’m a Reincarnator: Episode 8 Review – Family Drama and Periodic Table Magic

Let’s cut to the chase: Episode 8 of Dad is a Hero, Mom is a Spirit, I’m a Reincarnator is like that one family dinner where everyone’s trying to pretend everything’s fine… until someone spills the tea (literally, in this case). The episode dives into the messy side of Ellen’s extended family, and honestly? It’s both chaotic and weirdly relatable—even if your cousin isn’t a half-spirit alchemist who can make medicine out of thin air.

First off, let’s recap the basics for anyone who’s been living under a rock (or just binged the first seven episodes): Ellen is an 8-year-old with the brain of a Japanese scientist (thanks, reincarnation!) and the power to manipulate the periodic table. Her dad’s a legendary hero, her mom’s a spirit queen, and together they’re raising a kid who can turn carbon into diamonds like it’s no big deal. Episode 8 picks up right after Ellen overexerts herself making medicine for the mining town’s sick workers—because saving lives is just another Tuesday when you’ve got a PhD in chemistry and a side of spirit magic.

The real drama, though, hits when we meet Ellen’s cousin Rafilia. Rafilia’s dad is Sauvel (Ellen’s uncle, who’s basically the human equivalent of a wet blanket), and her mom is Aria (who’s low-key losing her mind). Rafilia’s stuck in this strict “proper lady” training that’s sucking the life out of her, and Aria? She’s so stressed she throws a glass of water at her maid. Yikes. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it, “Uncle needs to step up or he’s looking at 2 failed marriages.” Truer words never spoken. Sauvel’s been ignoring his wife and kid to fawn over Ellen, and it’s clear the family’s falling apart at the seams.

But here’s the thing: the show doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s a good thing. Let’s be real—if this was a dark, gritty drama about a reincarnated chemist, it’d be a total snooze. Instead, it leans into the chaos. Ellen’s “I’m 8 but I know quantum physics” vibe is goofy, but it works. When she’s mixing up meds in her little lab, you can’t help but laugh at how seriously she takes it—like a tiny, pigtailed version of Walter White, minus the meth.

The fan reactions are split, which makes sense. Some people love the lightheartedness. One MyAnimeList user said, “The show is goofier than I expected, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.” Others? They’re side-eyeing the reincarnation angle. “God forbid the author has to actually write a back story for her character instead of hand waving it away as an isekai,” another fan ranted. Fair point—Ellen’s past life as a scientist feels like a cheap way to give her super smarts without building it up. But let’s be honest: if she wasn’t a reincarnator, would we get scenes of her explaining chemical bonds to her spirit mom? Probably not, and those moments are gold.

What really stands out in Episode 8 is the family dynamics. Rafilia’s resentment of her strict upbringing? Relatable. Aria’s breakdown after being pushed too hard? Same. Even Sauvel’s uselessness as a dad/husband—we all know that guy. The show doesn’t sugarcoat it: families are messy, even when your in-laws are spirits or heroes. And when Ellen finally steps in to help (because of course she does), it’s not with some big, flashy magic trick. It’s with a hug and a promise to fix things. That’s the heart of the show—under all the periodic table jokes and spirit drama, it’s about family.

But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the royal family’s curse. The spirits are still mad about something the royals did centuries ago, and no one will just say what it was. It’s like that one aunt who’s still mad about a fight from 1998 but refuses to explain why. Fans are frustrated—“All that and it still won’t say exactly what it was they did to get cursed,” one user complained. But hey, mystery keeps us coming back, right?

Overall, Episode 8 is a solid addition to the series. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re into isekai with a side of family drama and science jokes, this is the show for you. Just don’t expect a deep dive into the periodic table—unless you count Ellen making diamonds as a chemistry lesson.

Final verdict? 7/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun. And in a world of dark, edgy anime, sometimes fun is exactly what you need.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to Google “can you make medicine from quartz” because Ellen’s got me curious.

Dad is a Hero, Mom is a Spirit, I’m a Reincarnator Season 1 is streaming now—catch it if you need a break from all the serious stuff.