Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka V: Houjou no Megami-hen

Characters

Bell Cranel

MAIN

Syr Flova

MAIN

Hestia

MAIN

Freya

MAIN

Hedin Selland

SUPPORTING

Ryuu Lion

SUPPORTING

Heith Velvet

SUPPORTING

Mia Grand

SUPPORTING

Van

SUPPORTING

Daphne Lauros

SUPPORTING

DanMachi Season 5 Episode 1 Review: A Promising Start to the Goddess of Fertility Arc

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (DanMachi) Season 5 Episode 1, titled the Goddess of Fertility Arc, premiered on October 3, 2024, on ABEMA Premium in Japan and HIDIVE for international audiences, with a TV broadcast following on October 5, 2024. Produced by J.C. Staff, this episode marks the beginning of one of the most anticipated sequels of the Fall 2024 anime season, diving into volumes 16-18 of Fujino Omori’s light novel series. With a blend of slice-of-life charm, emotional depth, and brewing conflict, the premiere sets a compelling tone for the season while shining a spotlight on Syr Flova and her mysterious ties to the Freya Familia.

A Slow but Engaging Opening

The episode opens with a poignant scene featuring Syr Flova, a tavern waitress and Bell Cranel’s friend, standing in a field of flowers, dressed in a white gown and weeping. This visually striking moment, paired with her inner monologue, reveals her deep feelings for Bell and hints at a shocking truth: Syr is a goddess in disguise, yearning to discover if her love for Bell can free her from the “shackles of goddesshood.” This sets the stage for the season’s emotional core, focusing on Syr’s psyche and her connection to the Freya Familia, a narrative thread that promises to drive much of the conflict.

The story then shifts to a lighter tone, with Bell and the Hestia Familia celebrating the level-ups of members Haruhime and Liliruca at the tavern where Syr and Ryu work. The episode briefly recaps the events of Season 4, where Bell and his allies narrowly escaped the dungeon’s depths, but it avoids heavy exposition to maintain a brisk pace. While this choice enhances engagement, viewers unfamiliar with the series or needing a refresher might find the lack of detailed context slightly disorienting.

Syr’s Spotlight and the Love Triangle Dynamic

The episode’s heart lies in its exploration of Syr’s feelings for Bell, which are complicated by her mysterious connection to the Freya Familia. A key moment occurs when Syr delivers a letter to Bell, inviting him to a date at the upcoming Goddess Festival, a fruit festival celebrating fertility in Orario. This bold move shocks Bell, Hestia, Haruhime, and Liliruca, setting up a mix of comedic and dramatic tension. The episode also introduces a love triangle, as Ryu, another tavern worker with a shared history with Bell from Season 4, grapples with her own budding feelings. In a heartfelt confrontation, Syr acknowledges Ryu’s emotions but firmly declares her intent to pursue Bell, adding depth to both characters and teasing future romantic conflicts.

While the premiere isn’t action-heavy, it compensates with character-driven moments and subtle foreshadowing. A brief altercation between Bell and Ryu, sparked by embarrassment over past intimate moments, adds a touch of humor and humanity to their dynamic. Meanwhile, the episode hints at the Freya Familia’s formidable strength and their looming clash with the Hestia Familia, setting up the season’s central conflict: Freya’s obsession with claiming Bell for her own Familia.

Production Quality and Adaptation Choices

J.C. Staff delivers a visually solid premiere, with vibrant slice-of-life scenes and emotionally resonant moments. The animation, while not groundbreaking, effectively captures the festival’s lively atmosphere and Syr’s introspective scenes. The opening theme, “Shōnen” by Gre4N BOYZ, and the ending theme, “Hydrate” by Sajou no Hana, complement the episode’s tone, with the latter particularly evoking Freya’s emotional complexity.

From an adaptation perspective, Episode 1 covers parts of volume 15 and the beginning of volume 16 of the light novel, focusing on the Goddess of Fertility Arc. Original author Fujino Omori noted on X that significant portions of volume 15 were cut to maintain pacing, a decision that keeps the narrative focused on Syr and the Freya Familia but sacrifices some supplementary stories. Despite this, the episode remains faithful to the source material’s core, laying the groundwork for the season’s exploration of Freya’s schemes and Bell’s emotional resilience.

Reception and Expectations

The premiere has sparked enthusiastic discussions among fans, particularly regarding Syr’s identity and her ties to Freya. Posts on X highlight the episode’s ability to balance lighthearted moments with intrigue, with some fans already speculating about the Freya Familia’s next moves. The episode’s focus on Syr has been praised for giving her character the depth she’s lacked in previous seasons, though some critique the pacing for feeling slightly rushed.

Looking ahead, DanMachi Season 5 is set to run for 15 episodes, with the final episodes (12-15) scheduled for February and March 2025 due to production delays. These episodes, dubbed the “Great Faction War Climax,” will depict a massive War Game between the Hestia and Freya Familias, promising intense action and emotional stakes. Fans can expect Bell to face significant challenges, both mental and physical, as Freya’s obsession escalates.

Where to Watch

DanMachi Season 5 Episode 1 is available for streaming on HIDIVE for viewers in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with subbed episodes airing simultaneously with Japan and dubbed versions added later. In Japan, episodes are available on ABEMA Premium, Tokyo MX, BS11, and other platforms like Bilibili Global, Aniplus TV, and Laftel in select regions.

Final Thoughts

DanMachi Season 5 Episode 1 delivers a strong, character-focused premiere that sets the stage for an emotionally charged and action-packed season. While it may not dive straight into the high-stakes battles fans might expect, it excels in establishing Syr’s pivotal role and teasing the Freya Familia’s threat. With J.C. Staff’s reliable production and a faithful adaptation of Omori’s light novels, the episode is a promising start to the Goddess of Fertility Arc. As Bell navigates love, loyalty, and looming conflict, fans are in for a thrilling ride.

For those eager to catch up, all previous seasons, OVAs, and the Arrow of the Orion film are available on HIDIVE. Stay tuned to the official DanMachi website and X account for updates on the remaining episodes, and prepare for the epic War Game that lies ahead.