Girls und Panzer das Finale [Season 1 Episodes 1-6]

Girls und Panzer das Finale: A Rollercoaster of Tanks, Teamwork, and Teen Spirit

Let’s cut to the chase: if you love tanks, girl power, and anime that makes you cheer so loud your neighbors side-eye you, Girls und Panzer das Finale (Season 1, Episodes 1–6) is your new obsession. This six-part film series from Studio Actas—yes, the same crew that gave us the original Girls und Panzer—dives headfirst into the Winter Continuous Track Cup, a high-stakes tankery tournament where schools battle it out with WWII-era tanks. And let me tell you, it’s equal parts chaotic, heartwarming, and so satisfying.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. Das Finale picks up right after the original series and 2015 film, so if you’re new, maybe binge those first (trust me, you’ll thank me). The Ooarai Girls’ Academy tankery team is back, but this time, they’re not just fighting to save their school—they’re fighting to prove they belong among the best. The Winter Continuous Track Cup is no joke: teams from across Japan (and even a few international schools) bring their A-game, and the matches are intense. Think: nail-biting chases, clever tank tactics, and moments where you’ll leap off the couch screaming, “YES, HIT THAT REAR ARMOR!”

What makes Das Finale stand out? The characters. Momo Kawashima, Ooarai’s former student council president, steps up as the team’s commander in the early episodes, and her journey from “I just want to look good” to “I’ll lead us to victory or crash trying” is chef’s kiss. Fans on MyAnimeList can’t stop gushing about her character development—one user even called her “the unsung hero of the series.” And let’s not forget the supporting cast: Miho “Shimada” Nishizumi (the original protagonist) is still the heart of the team, but this time, we get to see more of the other girls too. Like, did you know Yukari Akiyama’s obsession with tanks borders on chaotic good? Or that Hana Isuzu’s calm under fire is low-key terrifying? These little details make the team feel like your own squad of weird, wonderful friends.

The tank battles? Chef’s kiss. Studio Actas doesn’t skimp on the action. Each match feels like a real military strategy game—think World of Tanks but with more glitter and friendship speeches. The quarterfinal against Chi-Ha-Tan Academy? Pure chaos. Ooarai’s ragtag group of tanks (including a vintage Type 97 Chi-Ha and a tiny Type 89 I-Go) goes up against Chi-Ha-Tan’s horde of Type 95 Ha-Go tanks, and the result is a masterclass in underdog storytelling. One fan on TikTok summed it up perfectly: “When Ooarai pulled that flanking maneuver? I screamed so loud my cat left the room.” And don’t even get me started on the semifinal against Continuation High School—their heavy tanks are no joke, but Ooarai’s creativity (read: reckless abandon) wins the day.

But it’s not all explosions and tank shells. Das Finale has heart, too. There’s a scene in Episode 3 where the team visits a local tank museum, and Miho has a quiet moment with her sister Maho (who’s now coaching another team). It’s a small scene, but it hits hard—you can feel the tension between them, but also the love. And let’s talk about Momo’s arc: she starts off desperate to prove herself, but by the end of the series, she’s leading the team with confidence. Her speech before the final match? I’ll admit, I teared up a little. “We’re not just fighting for the cup,” she says. “We’re fighting for each other.” Cue the group hug and the epic tank charge—classic Girls und Panzer.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the pacing. Some fans on forums have complained that the first few episodes are slow, but honestly? I think it’s necessary. The series takes time to build up the tournament, introduce the new teams (looking at you, Kuromorimine’s rival school), and give each character their moment to shine. By the time the final match rolls around, you’re so invested in Ooarai’s success that every hit feels personal. And the payoff? Worth it. The final battle against Pravda High School (yes, that Pravda) is a 40-minute adrenaline rush that ends with a twist you won’t see coming. Let’s just say, the tankery world will never be the same.

Another thing fans love? The humor. Girls und Panzer has always been good at balancing action with comedy, and Das Finale cranks it up to 11. Like, there’s an entire subplot about the team’s obsession with taiyaki (a Japanese fish-shaped pastry) that somehow ties into their tank strategy. Or the time they accidentally crashed a tank into a daikon field and had to help the farmers harvest to make amends. It’s silly, it’s random, and it works. One user on Reddit put it best: “Where else are you gonna see a group of girls in sailor uniforms argue about tank armor while eating taiyaki? Nowhere. That’s where.”

But let’s get real—no anime is perfect. Some fans have pointed out that the series can be a bit formulaic: Ooarai is the underdog, they face a stronger team, they pull a crazy trick, and they win. But here’s the thing: it’s a formula that works. Because at the end of the day, Girls und Panzer isn’t just about tanks—it’s about friendship, teamwork, and the idea that even the smallest, weirdest group of people can achieve something amazing. And let’s be honest, in a world where everything feels chaotic, sometimes you just want to watch a bunch of girls in tanks beat the odds.

So, who should watch Das Finale? If you’re a fan of the original series, this is a no-brainer—it’s like catching up with old friends. If you’re new? Start with the original series (trust me, the character development pays off), but if you’re short on time, Das Finale stands on its own pretty well. Just be prepared to Google “tank types” every five minutes—you’ll thank me later.

In conclusion, Girls und Panzer das Finale (Season 1, Episodes 1–6) is a love letter to tankery, friendship, and the joy of being unapologetically weird. It’s got action, heart, and enough tank trivia to make your history teacher proud. So grab your favorite snack, gather your friends, and get ready to cheer—because Ooarai’s tankery team is here to win, and they’re taking you along for the ride.

Final verdict? 9/10. The only reason it’s not a 10 is because I need more taiyaki subplots. Studio Actas, if you’re reading this: let the girls have their pastries. They’ve earned it.

P.S. If you finish Das Finale and need more, check out the OVAs—“Daikon War!” is a chaotic masterpiece. You’re welcome.