In the small hours of Kamigoe City, the dynamic duo of Momo Ayase and Okarun, otherwise known as Ken Takakura, find themselves at the heart of a supernatural storm. Episode 2, "That's a Space Alien, Ain't It?!" , takes us on a wild ride where the lines between reality and the paranormal blur, and the duo's resilience is put to the test.
The episode picks up with Momo in a state of disbelief over Okarun's name, sharing the moniker with her legendary actor crush. In a light-hearted moment, she insists on calling him Okarun, a nickname that he reluctantly embraces . This early scene sets the tone for the episode, blending humor with the looming supernatural threats that await them.
As the sun rises, Momo speculates whether the ghostly presence of Turbo Granny will be less potent during daylight. However, this reprieve is short-lived, as they soon realize that the supernatural does not adhere to the same rules as the natural world . Their plan to rest at Momo's home is thwarted when they arrive to find a talisman, meant to ward off evil spirits, still removed from the family gate.
Okarun's attempt to cross the threshold results in a comedic yet harrowing scene where he is engulfed in flames, only to be rescued by Momo's psychic powers, which she uses to hurl him into a nearby rice field . This incident reveals the presence of a barrier against spirits, a detail that adds depth to the lore of the series and the Ayase family's role in it.
Inside the house, the duo is met with another shock: the disappearance of Okarun's private parts, a consequence of Turbo Granny's curse. This bizarre twist adds a layer of absurdity to the narrative, while also highlighting the gravity of their situation . The argument that ensues between Momo and Okarun over the bet that led them to this predicament is interrupted by the ominous sound of the doorbell, signaling the arrival of an evil spirit.
The arrival of the Flatwoods Monster, a towering paranormal entity, marks a significant escalation in the story's tension. Trapped within a stone wall that suddenly appears around Momo's house plot, they are forced to confront the alien threat head-on. The monster's appearance and the ensuing chaos are a testament to the series' ability to weave together elements of horror, comedy, and action seamlessly.
Momo's quick thinking and psychic powers are pushed to their limits as she tries to suppress Okarun's transformation into Turbo Granny while also battling the Flatwoods Monster. Okarun's suggestion to release part of the curse to fight the alien is a desperate gamble, one that could cost him his humanity . The scene where he transforms, wielding Turbo Granny's power, is a visual spectacle, showcasing the series' commitment to high-octane action and visual flair.
The battle that ensues is a rollercoaster, with Momo and Okarun working in tandem to outmaneuver the Flatwoods Monster. Momo's realization that the creature is standing in a sumo wrestling stance leads to a clever strategy to force it to touch the ground, a move that could spell its defeat . However, the creature's resilience and Momo's waning strength make for a cliffhanger that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.
The episode concludes with a desperate act from Momo, who, in a final bid to defeat the Flatwoods Monster, uses her psychic powers to stick the talisman back on the gate, incinerating the creature in a burst of flame . The cost of this victory is high, as Momo faints from the strain, and without her powers to suppress it, Okarun transforms completely into Turbo Granny.
"DAN DA DAN" Season 1, Episode 2 is a masterclass in pacing, balancing character development with high-stakes action. The episode leaves us with more questions than answers, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of Momo and Okarun's supernatural adventure. As they navigate the complexities of their newfound powers and the ever-present threat of otherworldly entities, one thing is clear: their journey has only just begun.