I’m sure someone has dropped Madoka before this episode but that would be surprising. After the last episode, who wouldn’t be eager to find out what happens next?
Anyway, the story resumes one day after the events of Episode 3, with Madoka and Sayaka mourning over Mami’s death and once again deciding on becoming magical girls. Sayaka is shaken but she’s able to keep her grief to herself. Madoka, however, is having a hard time. She almost breaks down during breakfast and just when she could certainly use some emotional support from her family, she’s forced to cover up her grief.
As for becoming a magical girl, Madoka is too scared to go through with it. In a symbolic move, Madoka leaves her sketches behind at Mami’s place, effectively conveying that her dream died alongside Mami. After all, Madoka’s best motivation in becoming a magical girl was simply so that Mami wouldn’t have to walk her path alone. With Mami gone and now that she’s fully aware of the danger, what reason does Madoka still have in continuing through with her plans? Madoka feels bad that she’s backing out, calling herself a coward. I suppose that’s an apt term. The most noble thing would probably be becoming a magical girl in Mami’s memory. In her defense however, anyone in her shoes is bound to feel that way.
After Madoka visits Mami’s place, she is approached by Homura. The veteran magical girl appears desensitized to Mami’s death. She attributes that to having seen countless pers die time and time again. While walking with Madoka, Homura explains that Mami had no close relations so no one else is aware of her death. She also elaborates that when someone dies in a witch’s domain, their body can’t be recovered once the pocket dimension fades away. At best, Mami’s “disappearance” will be reported but it’ll end up as a cold case. Poor Mami getting the axe was alarming enough but the lack of a legacy for her hammers in just how thankless being a magical girl is. All that heroism and selflessness and barely anyone is aware of it. Mami will soon fade into obscurity.
In response, Madoka resolves to remember Mami and Homura so that their services won’t go completely forgotten. Homura then warns her that she’s far too kind for her own good. We immediately see what Homura means in the next scene, where Madoka notices that Hitomi and some passerby have succumbed to a witch’s thrall. Right as the group attempts to commit suicide with some chemicals, Madoka risks her life and thwarts their plan (I won’t lie, the flashback where she learns how dangerous the chemicals are is pretty dumb). For someone who considers herself a coward, she sure takes action when need be. Madoka might say she wants out but her personality is denying that. Perhaps Homura is right about Madoka. She’s far too kind for her own good.
Obviously, Madoka doesn’t stay away from the world of magical girls and witches for very long. After talking to Homura, she notices that Hitomi and some passerby have succumbed to a witch’s thrall. Right as the group attempts to commit suicide with some chemicals, Madoka risks her life and thwarts their plan (and I won’t lie, the flashback where she happens to learn about the chemicals is pretty dumb). For someone who wants to back out of becoming a magical girl, Madoka sure keeps herself involved in their business. And for someone who considers herself a coward, she sure takes action when need be. Madoka might say she wants out but her personality is denying that.
Fortunately, Sayaka comes to the rescue. And yes, she bites the bullet by wishing for Kyosuke’s hand to be cured and becoming a magical girl in the process. Though certainly a selfless move on paper, one has to wonder what ramifications will arise from it. No doubt, Sayaka’s relationship with Kyosuke will change but would it be for the better or for the worse? I suppose if she spilled the beans to him, Kyosuke would be thankful and grow closer to her. Conversely however, you get the impression Kyosuke isn’t all that appreciative of Sayaka’s company. He’s so fixated on his injury and resents his friend for having him listen to music that he himself ultimately can’t play anymore. When you think about it, how much chemistry do these two really have with each other? Deep down, Sayaka knows that their relationship could go either way and yet, she still goes through with her wish. Perhaps she thinks just helping Kyosuke is enough to make her happy but that is quite a gamble to make.
There’s another consequence to consider. With Mami dead, that apparently leaves her area up for grabs. Kyubey ends up finding a replacement though things are now awkward with Sayaka around. That somewhat puzzles me as you technically still have Homura guarding the area. It’s not like there was a power vacuum left behind by Mami. Then again, I guess Homura has her own agenda and it’s not like she and Kyubey are on friendly terms. Regardless, we have another magical girl in town and she isn’t keen on sharing spoils with Sayaka.
This post was originally published on January 29, 2021
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