Moriarty the Patriot – OVA [Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into Moriarty the Patriot – OVA [Episode 1], titled “Reminiscence of Lilies.” First off, this OVA is a standalone episode from the Moriarty the Patriot series, which reimagines Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes universe from the perspective of Professor James Moriarty, the criminal mastermind. Produced by Production I.G, the original series aired in 2020-2021, and this OVA dropped later, giving fans more of that Victorian-era intrigue they love.

The plot kicks off with a seemingly minor incident: a noble painter’s white lily paintings get vandalized in Bath, a famous hot spring town in England. William James Moriarty, our sharp-witted protagonist, notices the news and feels a strange familiarity with the artwork. So, he heads to Bath to check it out—only to run into Sherlock Holmes, who’s also there investigating the case. Classic Holmes and Moriarty, right? Always crossing paths, even in a relaxing spa town.

Now, let’s talk about what fans are saying. A lot of viewers pointed out that the case here is “mellow” compared to the main series’ high-stakes schemes. Instead of grand heists or political upheaval, we get a smaller, more personal mystery. But that’s not a bad thing! One fan noted, “It’s a Bath episode! 😉 The case was rather mellow compared to the usual things happening in this anime but pretty interesting story overall.” Another added, “This episode would have been great in the anime series, the word ‘friend’ would have more meaning. Holmes and Liam together!!! kekeke.” The dynamic between Holmes and Moriarty is still electric—they’re secretive, never fully revealing their thoughts, but there’s that unspoken respect. As one comment put it, “Holmes & Moriarty are so secretive, never letting the other know what they are thinking.”

What really stood out to fans was the attention to historical detail. The lead poisoning subplot? Genius. The artist used lead white pigment, which was common in Victorian times despite known health risks. “I was wondering how a small painting gave someone lead poisoning, but it turns out the artist made large paintings with lots of lead white. That can’t be good! lol. Victorians knew lead was bad for health, but they still used it to create white pigment, so it was a nice detail,” a viewer explained. Sherlock’s deduction about the vandal’s dominant hand was also a hit—simple but clever. “Sherlock’s deduction in the carriage was fun and all. Especially about the dominant hand of the vandaliser. (It’s very easy to figure out the dominant hand of people who don’t have much control of brushes),” someone laughed.

The setting of Bath itself was a highlight. Fans loved the “onsen episode” vibe—yes, even in a Victorian detective series! “Manly bath time with a case in it” and “onsen episode xD they managed to put it into this kind of series xD but i actually liked the plot in here too” were common reactions. It’s a fun twist to see these serious characters unwind a bit, even if there’s a mystery brewing. The ending, where William, Louis, and Sherlock interact more casually, had fans squealing: “UGHHH!! WILLIAM, LOUIS AND SHERLY ARE VERY FUN AT THE END OF THE EPISODE!!”

Visually, Production I.G doesn’t disappoint. The animation is smooth, capturing the elegance of Bath’s architecture and the tension in Holmes and Moriarty’s exchanges. The white lily paintings, with their delicate details, add a touch of beauty to the otherwise gritty detective work. And let’s not forget the voice acting—both the Japanese and English casts bring their A-game, making every line feel sharp and engaging.

Is there anything to critique? Some might say the mystery is too straightforward. One fan mentioned, “A preference for simplicity. ‘The simplest solution is most likely the right one’” which sums up the case’s resolution. But that simplicity is intentional. It’s a breather, a chance to explore the characters’ personalities outside of life-or-death scenarios. As another viewer noted, “The case was rather mellow… but pretty interesting story overall.”

In the end, Moriarty the Patriot – OVA [Episode 1] is a delightful addition to the series. It’s not about changing the world; it’s about two brilliant minds clashing (and maybe bonding a little) over a painting and a spa day. The historical accuracy, the banter between Holmes and Moriarty, and the small, personal stakes make it a must-watch for fans. Whether you’re here for the mystery or the character dynamics, this OVA delivers. So grab your detective hat, sit back, and enjoy a relaxing (but still thrilling) trip to Bath with the world’s most famous criminal mastermind and his greatest rival. You won’t regret it!

P.S. If you’re wondering where to watch it, it’s available on platforms like AnimeKAI with English subs. Just search “Moriarty the Patriot OVA Episode 1” and dive in! 🕵️♂️🌸