Potion, Wagami wo Tasukeru [Season 1 Episode 11]

Potion, Wagami wo Tasukeru Episode 11: The Giant Slime, a New Friend, and That Ending Cliffhanger

Let’s cut to the chase: Episode 11 of Potion, Wagami wo Tasukeru (or I Saved Myself with a Potion!, if you prefer the English title) was equal parts chaotic, cute, and so frustrating—frustrating because that ending left us all hanging. If you’re here, you probably just finished the episode and are scrolling for takes, so let’s dive into what went down (and why fans are losing it).

First off, let’s recap the basics for anyone who might’ve binged the first 10 episodes last night (no judgment—this show’s 13-minute runtime makes it way too easy to marathon). Kaede Yakumo is our 17-year-old high school protagonist who woke up in another world with nothing but her backpack and a mysterious potion-making book. By Episode 11, she’s already befriended a talking wolf named Cardeno, survived goblins, and now… she’s dealing with ghosts and giant slimes. Yeah, typical isekai stuff, but with way more heart.

The episode kicks off with Kaede following a ghost’s “helpful” tip—only to end up face-to-face with a huge green slime monster. Wait, remember that slime from the opening credits? The one we’ve been seeing since Episode 1? Yep, that’s the guy. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to point this out: “Ah, the monster from the OP!” one user wrote, and honestly, same. It’s always satisfying when a show pays off those little hints. But let’s be real—the ghost’s idea of “help” was sending Kaede into a death trap. Rude much?

But here’s the thing about Kaede: she’s the nicest protagonist in isekai history. Even after almost getting eaten by a slime, she’s over here buying a wallet for Cardeno. For real—Cardeno’s been her loyal companion this whole time, and Kaede decides he needs a proper place to keep his (probably nonexistent) coins. Fans loved this moment: “Kaede was so nice to buy a wallet for Cardeno and for looking after her,” one commenter gushed. Another added, “Keada being nice even being a wallet for her Cardeno.” (Side note: “Keada” is just a typo—we all know it’s Kaede, but let’s roll with it.) It’s these small, human moments that make the show stand out; in a genre full of power-hungry heroes, Kaede’s superpower is just… being kind.

Then there’s the new character: the cat woman. She popped up this episode, and fans are already obsessed. “I like the cat woman who is now one of the characters since she seems to be more ‘sane’ and on the side of Kaeda,” a MyAnimeList user noted. Let’s be honest—most of the other characters are either chaotic (looking at you, Cardeno) or straight-up dangerous, so having a “sane” ally is a breath of fresh air. She’s the type to see a giant tentacle holding someone upside-down in a pond and go, “Hmm, that pond isn’t normal”—which, as another fan joked, is “an astute observation” (understatement of the year).

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: that ending. The giant slime (we still don’t know its name, but let’s call it Gary for fun) wraps its tentacles around Kaede, and just as things look dire… the screen cuts to black. Cue the credits. Cue fans screaming. “We’ll have to wait another week to see what happens,” one user groaned. “Will there be 13 episodes? Will there be a second season or another cour?”

Wait, speaking of that—how many episodes is this show? The official info says it’s a “TV Short” from Imageworks Studio, airing this Fall 2025. But fans are split: some think it’s 13 episodes (since Episode 11 is out and we haven’t hit a finale yet), while others are asking, “This seems to have 2 cours?” For non-anime fans, a “cour” is a 12-13 episode block—so two cours would mean 24-26 episodes total. If that’s the case, we’ve got way more Kaede adventures coming, which is great news. But if it’s only 13 episodes? That ending better wrap up fast.

Another big question: When will Nina and Cardeno meet? Nina’s Kaede’s other friend (the one with the pink hair, if you forgot), and fans are dying to see the two sidekicks interact. “Guess things are looking good but i still want to see a meeting between the Nina and the Cardeno,” one commenter wrote. Same—their banter would be iconic.

Let’s not forget the animation, either. AniDB mentions this show uses “distinct, alternative animation” unlike other contemporary anime, and Episode 11 leaned into that. The giant slime’s squishy, neon-green tentacles were weirdly satisfying to watch (even if they were trying to kill Kaede), and the cat woman’s design was sleek and fun. It’s not the flashiest animation out there, but it’s unique—and in a sea of generic isekai art styles, that’s a win.

So, what’s the verdict? Episode 11 was a solid addition to the series. It gave us cute character moments (Kaede + Cardeno = OTP), a callback to the OP (Gary the slime!), a new ally, and a cliffhanger that’s going to make the next seven days feel like seven years. Fans are loving the show’s mix of humor and heart—like when Kaede deadpans, “That pond isn’t normal” while a tentacle flails in the background. As one user put it: “Enjoying it though, and I like the cat woman who is now one of the characters since she seems to be more ‘sane’ and on the side of Kaeda.”

If you’re not watching Potion, Wagami wo Tasukeru yet, what are you doing? It’s short, sweet, and perfect for when you need a break from longer, more intense anime. Just be prepared to yell at your screen when that ending hits.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rewatch the OP to see if there are any more slime hints. See you next week—pray Kaede survives Gary the slime.

Final Score (for Episode 11): 8/10
Points deducted for the cliffhanger, but extra points for the wallet scene.

P.S. If you’re wondering about the voice cast, the show stars Kôichi Sôma, Kazuki Kyan, and Tomoe Ai—all doing a great job bringing these characters to life. Just saying.

— A fan who’s already counting down to Episode 12
P.P.S. Will there be a second season? Let’s hope so. Kaede’s potion book still has a lot of recipes left to try.