Once Upon a Witch’s Death [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Once Upon a Witch’s Death” Episode 1 Review: A Bittersweet Beginning

The much-anticipated anime Once Upon a Witch’s Death kicked off its first episode with a premise that’s equal parts enchanting and heartbreaking. Produced by Studio EMT Squared and premiering on April 1, 2025, the series introduces us to Meg Raspberry, a 17-year-old apprentice witch who receives the grim news that she has only one year left to live. The only way to break the curse? Collect tears of joy from 1,000 people.

A Quick but Emotional Start

The episode wastes no time diving into the core conflict. Within minutes, Meg’s carefree life is upended by her teacher, Faust, who drops the bombshell about her impending death. The pacing is brisk, and while some fans felt the story was straightforward, others appreciated how it immediately set the stakes. One MyAnimeList user noted, “The story kicks off quickly, immediately establishing the main goal.”

Meg’s mission—collecting tears of joy—sounds simple, but the emotional weight behind it is anything but. The first episode sees her attempting to gather these tears from a grieving father and his daughter, blurring the lines between happiness and sorrow. This duality sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers found it poignant, like the fan who said, “First ep already made me cry a bit, anime seems pretty promising.” Others, however, felt the execution was muted, with one critic remarking, “The tone and the emotional through line feels overly muted, maybe a bit bungled.”

Meg: A Protagonist Worth Rooting For

Meg’s character design and personality have been points of discussion. While some found her introduction lacking depth, many warmed up to her charm. A fan compared her to Bocchi the Rock!’s protagonist, joking, “Main is just Boccchi :)))”—a nod to her quirky yet endearing demeanor. Others praised her likability, with one commenter saying, “Meg is the key to all of this, and she was surprisingly likable.”

Her voice acting also received praise, especially from those who recognized the talent behind her character. The blend of whimsy and vulnerability in her performance adds layers to Meg, making her journey feel personal.

Themes and Comparisons

The show’s premise drew comparisons to other anime, particularly Kobato., where the protagonist collects fragments of human hearts. One viewer noted, “It gives off a similar vibe to Kobato, where they have to collect people’s fragments to fill a bottle.” This familiarity might work in its favor, as fans of emotional, character-driven stories are likely to stick around.

However, not everyone was sold on the execution. Some felt the comedy didn’t land, while others wished for a more serious tone. “The comedy part isn’t for me, but I like the mc otherwise,” admitted one fan. Another pointed out the potential for deeper storytelling, speculating, “I truly wonder if Meg is truly about to die in a year or if Faust is lying to motivate her.”

Visuals and Atmosphere

Visually, the episode didn’t blow anyone away, but it didn’t disappoint either. The art style is cozy, fitting the fantasy-adventure vibe. Some fans wished for more dynamic designs, with one saying, “Boring designs so far.” However, others appreciated the simplicity, noting that it allowed the emotional moments to shine.

The soundtrack and ambiance also played a role in setting the tone. A particularly touching scene—where Meg witnesses a father and daughter reconciling—was compared to emotional heavyweights like Violet Evergarden and Clannad: After Story. One fan quipped, “Hey let’s rip open some old wounds by combining Violet Evergarden ep10 with Clannad afterstory flower field in the first episode.”

Final Thoughts

Once Upon a Witch’s Death Episode 1 is a solid start, balancing whimsy with emotional depth. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it offers enough charm and intrigue to keep viewers invested. As one fan put it, “This ain’t bad. I wasn’t too sure after reading about the premise, but it struck the right balance for me.”

With 11 more episodes to go, the series has plenty of room to explore Meg’s journey, her relationships, and the mystery behind her curse. If it can maintain this balance of heart and adventure, it might just become one of the standout shows of the season.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A promising debut with room to grow.

Are you watching Once Upon a Witch’s Death? What did you think of the first episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!