Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster! Season 1 – A Whimsically Absurd Isekai That Pushes Boundaries

“I’m a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl’s Pet”—the title alone is a wild ride, and Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster! Season 1 delivers a chaotic, genre-bending experience that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and unapologetically bizarre. Premiering in July 2024, this anime adaptation of Nozomi Ginyoku’s light novel series (illustrated by Mitsuki Yano) takes the isekai formula, tosses it into a blender with fantasy, comedy, and a dash of questionable taste, and serves up something that’s as polarizing as it is unforgettable. This review dives deep into what makes Beheneko Season 1 a next-level, never-before-seen spectacle, exploring its strengths, flaws, and the audacious choices that set it apart in a crowded genre.

---

The Premise: A Knight, a Cat, and a Whole Lot of Cuddling

Beheneko follows a proud knight who, after dying in battle against evil forces, is reincarnated as a baby behemoth—a monstrously powerful S-ranked creature that, inconveniently, looks like an adorable house cat. Named Tama by his new “master,” a naive and curvaceous elf adventurer named Aria, our protagonist is thrust into a dungeon-filled fantasy world where he’s both a fearsome beast and an unwilling pet subjected to excessive cuddling. The show chronicles Tama’s efforts to protect Aria, navigate his new feline form, and unravel the mysteries of his reincarnation, all while dodging her… let’s say, overly affectionate tendencies.

The setup screams classic isekai: a human reborn as something else (we’ve seen spiders, slimes, and vending machines, so why not a cat?). But Beheneko distinguishes itself with its unapologetic embrace of absurdity, blending action, comedy, and fanservice with a wink at its own ridiculousness. It’s not trying to be high art—it’s trying to be fun, and it succeeds more often than it fails.

---

What Makes Beheneko Unique? A Genre-Defying Rollercoaster

1. A Fearless Blend of Tones
   Beheneko juggles tones like a circus performer with flaming torches. One moment, Tama is shredding dungeon monsters with godlike power; the next, he’s being squeezed into Aria’s bosom while she coos about how cute he is. The show doesn’t shy away from leaning into its comedic roots, with slapstick gags and fourth-wall-breaking humor, but it also attempts emotional depth, particularly in later episodes exploring Aria’s backstory and Tama’s struggle with his lost humanity. This tonal whiplash could be jarring, but Beheneko makes it work by never taking itself too seriously. As Anime News Network noted, “The comedy continues to take a backseat to the incredibly generic plot” in later episodes, but the show’s self-awareness keeps it engaging even when the story stumbles.
2. Fanservice That’s Both Shameless and Subversive
   Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the cat—in the room: Beheneko is not subtle about its fanservice. Aria’s revealing outfits and the show’s fixation on her “assets” are front and center, especially in early episodes. A Fapservice review called it “probably our most site-worthy series this season” for its focus on Aria’s physique, and Reddit threads buzz with comments about the show’s “furry rather than fluffy” vibe. Yet, Beheneko subverts expectations by making Tama, the cat, the straight man in this dynamic. His internal monologues—equal parts exasperation and chivalric duty—add a layer of irony that keeps the fanservice from feeling gratuitous. The show knows it’s being cheeky and invites you to laugh along.
3. A Surprisingly Rich World
   Beneath the absurdity, Beheneko builds a vibrant fantasy world. The dungeon-filled city of Lumines, Aria’s birthplace, is a bustling hub of adventurers, monsters, and political intrigue. The show introduces a colorful cast of side characters—like a cross-dressing rogue and a demon lord named Vasaago—who add depth to the setting. Plot points like the Philosopher’s Stone and Tama’s evolving behemoth forms hint at a larger mythology that’s only partially explored in Season 1. While some critics, like those on Reddit, argue the characters lack depth (“all characters had their souls sucked out of them”), others praise the show’s world-building for its potential.
4. Tama: The Behemoth with a Knight’s Heart
   Tama is the show’s anchor, a knight trapped in a kitten’s body who balances raw power with a code of honor. Voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka, his performance conveys both stoic resolve and comedic frustration, making Tama a standout protagonist. Whether he’s battling an Earth Dragon to save Aria from a poisoned dagger or grumbling about being petted, Tama’s duality as a cuddly cat and an S-ranked monster is the show’s heart. His growth from reluctant pet to loyal protector is surprisingly moving, especially in episodes like 11 and 12, where his bond with Aria takes center stage.

---

Standout Episodes and Moments

• Episode 3: “The Earth Dragon’s Eye”
  When Aria is poisoned, Tama ventures alone to slay an Earth Dragon, showcasing his behemoth powers in a thrilling action sequence. This episode balances humor (Aria’s obliviousness) with stakes (Tama’s determination), setting the tone for the series.
• Episode 5: A Breather from the Weirdness
  As Anime News Network noted, this episode avoids the more controversial elements (like Aria’s questionable affection for Tama) and focuses on world-building and character dynamics, offering a glimpse of what Beheneko could be without its excesses.
• Episode 12: “The Philosopher’s Stone” (Finale)
  The season culminates in a battle against Vasaago, with Tama unlocking his third behemoth form. While Anime News Network called the finale “decent” but unable to “salvage the unfulfilled promise,” it’s a satisfying climax for fans invested in Tama and Aria’s relationship.

---

The Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre

The Good:

• Animation and Soundtrack: Produced by Zero-G and Saber Works, Beheneko boasts vibrant visuals, with fluid action scenes and expressive character designs. The soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, complements the show’s whimsical tone.
• Humor: The comedy lands when it leans into Tama’s deadpan reactions or the absurdity of his situation. Moments like Tama accidentally obliterating a dungeon boss while Aria cheers him on as her “cute kitty” are pure gold.
• Heart: The bond between Tama and Aria, though complicated by the show’s fanservice, has genuine moments of warmth, especially in scenes exploring Aria’s naive optimism and Tama’s loyalty.

The Bad:

• Pacing and Plot: The show struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, particularly in the back half. Anime News Network criticized Episode 11 for its “incredibly generic plot” and failure to “stick the landing.”
• Character Depth: Outside of Tama and Aria, most characters feel one-dimensional. Reddit users echoed this, with one saying, “The writer did not bother give characteristic ideas to any character.”
• Controversial Elements: The fanservice, particularly Aria’s fixation on Tama, alienated some viewers. A Reddit thread called it “too ‘unique’ for me,” with others uncomfortable with the implied romantic undertones.

The Bizarre:

• Beheneko doesn’t hold back on its weirdness. From cross-dressing side characters to Tama’s existential crisis as a cat, the show revels in its oddity. It’s not for everyone, but for those who vibe with its energy, it’s a riot.

---

Cultural Impact and Reception

Beheneko has sparked lively discussion online. On Reddit’s r/Isekai, it garnered 272 votes and 147 comments, with fans split between those who found its boldness refreshing (“I’m here for it. It’s just the kind of in-your-face stuff we have been lacking”) and those who dropped it for being too outlandish (“Yeah, not watching this anime… Too ‘unique’ for me”). Anime News Network’s reviews were mixed, praising individual episodes but lamenting the show’s inability to fully capitalize on its potential. IMDb user reviews ranged from an 8/10 for its charm to scathing critiques of its forgettable characters.

Streaming on HIDIVE and the HIDIVE Amazon Channel (with no free options as of July 2025), Beheneko has found a niche audience willing to embrace its quirks. Its uncensored simulcast, as confirmed on Reddit, caters to fans who want the full, unfiltered experience.

---

Why Beheneko is Next-Level

What sets Beheneko apart is its refusal to play it safe. In a genre saturated with predictable tropes, it takes risks—some successful, some not. It’s a show that dares to be both a heartfelt fantasy adventure and a shamelessly silly comedy, all while flirting with the boundaries of good taste. Its unique premise (a knight-turned-cat) and willingness to lean into its absurdity make it a standout, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing.

For fans of isekai like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime or Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, Beheneko offers a fresh spin with its blend of action, humor, and heart. It’s not perfect—its pacing issues and shallow supporting cast hold it back—but it’s a bold experiment that pushes the genre into delightfully weird territory.

---

Final Verdict: 7.5/10

Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster! Season 1 is a chaotic, polarizing gem that’s as endearing as it is absurd. It’s not the deepest or most polished anime of 2024, but its unapologetic weirdness and infectious energy make it a must-watch for those craving something different. If you can stomach the fanservice and embrace the madness, Tama and Aria’s journey is a wild ride worth taking.

Where to Watch: HIDIVE, HIDIVE Amazon Channel, or purchase on Amazon Video.
Recommendation: Perfect for fans of quirky isekai and those who don’t mind a side of fanservice with their fantasy. Approach with an open mind and a sense of humor.

---

*What do you think of *Beheneko? Did its bold choices win you over, or was it too much for you? Let me know in the comments, and stay tuned for news on a potential Season 2!