Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de [Season 1 Episode 3]

Title: Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de Episode 3 – A Savory Blend of Mystery and Sass

If you’re into detective stories with a side of razor-sharp wit, Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de (or The After-Dinner Mysteries) is a hidden gem that deserves more love. Episode 3, in particular, serves up a deliciously twisted case that leaves fans both satisfied and hungry for more. Let’s dive into why this episode stands out, with a little help from the anime community’s hottest takes.

The Case at Hand

Set in the posh backdrop of Kunitachi City, Tokyo, the show follows Reiko Houshou, a rookie detective with a silver spoon in her mouth (thanks to her billionaire family) and a knack for stumbling into trouble. Her butler, Kageyama, is the real brains behind the operation, though he’d rather insult her intelligence than admit it. Episode 3 revolves around a murder tied to a baseball player, a fan’s obsession, and a tragic misunderstanding that spirals into violence.

Without spoiling too much, the case takes a dark turn when a young woman’s misguided loyalty leads her to cover up a crime she didn’t commit—only for the truth to unravel in a way that’s equal parts heartbreaking and clever. Fans on MyAnimeList praised the twist, with one user noting, “It fooled us all. That was a good one!”

Kageyama: The Sass Master

Let’s be real—Kageyama steals the show. His dry, brutal honesty is a running gag, and Episode 3 doesn’t disappoint. Whether he’s subtly roasting Reiko’s detective skills or dropping truth bombs over dinner, his presence elevates every scene. One fan hilariously pointed out:
“Kageyama: I’m not gonna call you a Moron 😊
Reiko: Okay ☺
Kageyama: But I must resist laughing at the absurdity you’re spewing about this case 😊
Reiko: THAT STILL COUNTS 😡”

The dynamic between Reiko and Kageyama is a highlight, but some fans wish Reiko would step up her game. As one viewer put it, “I hope with future cases, Reiko at least tries to make some deductions herself before the butler cleans up shop.”

The Emotional Punch

What sets this episode apart is its emotional weight. The culprit’s backstory—tied to financial struggles and youthful mistakes—adds depth to what could’ve been a straightforward whodunit. A fan on MyAnimeList summed it up perfectly:
“I was so ready to justify the killer’s actions… but knowing the victim was apologetic and trying to make amends? Fuck. Literally 10 more seconds, and this would’ve been a completely different story.”

The tragedy of miscommunication hits hard, making the resolution bittersweet rather than just another “case closed.”

Room for Improvement?

Not everyone was sold, though. Some critics felt the detectives’ competence was questionable, with one user joking, “The intelligence level of the detectives is pretty low… not to notice the girl is a fan of the baseball player.” Others found the wealthy backdrop (cough Reiko’s privilege cough) a bit grating.

Still, the pacing and storytelling won over most skeptics. As one fan raved, “This has been the best episode so far!”

Final Verdict

Episode 3 of Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de delivers a compelling mystery, sharp humor, and emotional depth—all wrapped up in Kageyama’s signature sass. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to balance lighthearted banter with darker themes.

If you’re sleeping on this anime, wake up. As one fan passionately declared, “This show is being so underrated, and I hate it.” Give it a shot—just don’t blame us if you binge the whole season in one sitting.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A must-watch for mystery lovers who appreciate a side of sarcasm.

What did you think of Episode 3? Drop your hot takes below!