A Transformation and a New Face
Episode 4 of “Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” titled “Awaken – Behemoth!”, marks a significant shift in the narrative, moving away from the previously established comedic tone and delving deeper into the lore and character development. The episode sees Tama, the reincarnated knight now a cat, undergoing a dramatic transformation to protect his companion, Aria. This pivotal moment is triggered when Aria is poisoned, requiring a rare antidote obtainable only from a powerful earth dragon. Unable to defeat the dragon in his kitten form, Tama evolves into a massive Behemoth, a form more befitting his true S-Rank monster status. This transformation is not just a display of power; it is a turning point that raises the stakes for the series and sets the stage for more intense confrontations.
Tama’s Behemoth Form and the Earth Dragon Battle
The episode showcases Tama’s struggle to control his new behemoth form. The battle with the earth dragon is a visceral demonstration of Tama’s raw power, which he was previously unable to access in his smaller cat form. The animation here is notably enhanced, effectively conveying the sheer scale of Tama’s new form and the ferocity of the earth dragon. The earth dragon fight highlights the vast difference in power between Tama’s kitten and Behemoth forms, emphasizing how far Tama has come.
Introduction of Stella: A Dragon’s Desire
Beyond the action-packed battle, episode four introduces a new character, Stella, a dragon who, like Tama, has undergone reincarnation. Stella retains much of her simple-minded dragon nature, which manifests in her direct and somewhat aggressive desire to reproduce with a strong mate. This leads to a bizarre but surprisingly clever situation where she expresses a clear desire to mate with Tama. This introduction brings a new layer of complexity to the story, hinting at the possibility of a love triangle or at least a complicated dynamic involving Aria, Tama, and Stella. Stella is the only one who can understand Tama via telepathy, adding another dimension to their relationship.
Lore and World-Building
Episode 4 is rich in lore reveals, exploring the mechanics of reincarnation within the world of Beheneko. It’s revealed that reincarnation is not a random event but rather a skill that can be acquired. Moreover, the show clarifies that both humans and beasts can undergo this process, reincarnating into either humanoids or beasts, respectively. This revelation deepens our understanding of the world, establishing a foundation for future narrative developments and adding intrigue to the characters’ backstories. This information explains why Tama retains his knightly traits, and why Stella acts like an animal even in humanoid form.
Character Development and Shifting Dynamics
Aria’s Backstory and Motivations
The episode also delves into Aria’s backstory, providing insight into her motivations and character. We learn about her traumatic past, witnessing her village being attacked, which drives her desperate need to become a top adventurer. This vulnerability adds depth to her previously portrayed overprotective and somewhat obsessive attitude towards Tama. It also provides a potential, albeit slightly skewed, context for her intense affection for cats. While there is a hint at her near-death experience contributing to her ‘fetish’, the show downplays this idea, focusing on her personal growth. This revelation adds a new dimension to Aria, portraying her as more than a one-dimensional character. She’s no longer just the “elf girl” obsessed with her cat; she’s an individual with a past and strong motivation for success.
The Dynamic Between Aria and Tama
A notable shift in the dynamic between Aria and Tama occurs in this episode, focusing on more wholesome moments, like their shared picnic. While there are still some moments of comedic cat obsession, the show seems to be moving away from the explicit weird humor that dominated the initial episodes. Instead, the narrative opts for more cute and heartwarming interactions, like Aria acting motherly and territorial, showcasing her increasing affection for Tama as more than just a pet.
Overall Impression: A Promising Development
“Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” episode 4 is a notable improvement over the previous episodes. The episode manages to balance action with character development, providing a compelling narrative that is engaging for viewers. The introduction of Stella and her unique dynamic with Tama adds a new layer of comedic and romantic intrigue. The show also does not shy away from its more ecchi elements with Stella’s more animalistic desires, but handles it with a surprising amount of cleverness. The episode successfully navigates away from some of the more explicit, potentially off-putting, humor of the first three episodes, focusing more on world building and character depth.
Highlights of Episode 4
- Tama’s Behemoth Transformation: A powerful visual spectacle and a significant turning point for the series.
- Introduction of Stella: A new character that adds complexity and intrigue.
- Lore Reveals: The nature of reincarnation is explored, deepening the world’s mythology.
- Aria’s Backstory: Providing context and depth to her motivations and character.
- Shift in Tone: A move towards a more balanced mix of action, comedy, and character development.
This episode sets the stage for a more dynamic plot moving forward, with the potential for interesting conflicts and alliances. The question remains how Tama will navigate this new attention, especially with the added complication of Stella’s unusual desires. The dynamic between Stella, Aria, and Tama will likely be at the forefront of the next episodes. Overall, episode 4 is a must-watch for fans of the series and a promising sign for the show’s future direction.
