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The Dawn of the Witch Episode 5 Review – Quick Summary
In The Dawn of the Witch episode 5, “I Decide Who’s Worthy,” Cervil and Roux learned that they faced the formidable Zero. That legendary witch had a simple proposition for Cervil: Join her as her source of infinite magic or face the consequences. To sweeten the deal, Zero promised to spare Roux, since Zero’s Mercenary had already eaten Holt. Facing such a powerful foe, unable to control his magic properly, what choice did Cervil have? Especially since Zero brushed aside Roux’s attacks with ridiculous ease.
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from The Dawn of the Witch Episode 5
I don’t want to say he deserved it, but, well… Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
This quote is my favorite in a “WTF” sense. Because I can’t imagine ever saying something like that to a boss. Or anyone, for that matter!
Albus had understandably been nervous about sending Cervil, Holt, and Coudeau to the village. After all, the last batch of students they had sent had failed the exam (more on that in a moment). So the headmaster had been anxious since they left.
After the ordeal with Zero, she received a witch’s letter (which was a cool effect!) that shared the news of their success. She let out a whoop of exhilaration.
Her servant (Holdem, I think, but I had a bit of trouble tracking him down) burst into the room. Being either not very astute or a complete idiot, be blurted out (11:36), “Did you just go into labor? You weren’t hiding a pregnancy from me, were you?”
He deserved her throwing a book at his head and the title, “third-rate servant.”
Best in Show Moment for The Dawn of the Witch Episode 5
Cervil didn’t understand until Holt explained it to him. Can’t say that I blame him! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: Power Corrupts, and That Matters
The old saying goes, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I forget which science fiction writer qualified that by saying no, it’s absolute immunity from prosecution that corrupts absolutely, but you get the idea. That’s a common truth about the human condition, don’t you think? I mean, there are way too many examples of what happens when individual humans obtain and wield power. My favorite moment in this episode reflects the impact of that common truth.
I’ve often wondered why we don’t see more chaos in series with powerful characters. It sounds like The Executioner and Her Way of Life explores that idea, but I just don’t see many series take it seriously. Sure, we see an occasional character go all evil and stuff, but what about small irresponsible uses of power? Wouldn’t that be rampant?
A world full of powerful individuals would need powerful protections and controls. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
In other words, how do these societies maintain order? How do they ensure that a witch or mage or whomever doesn’t just go nuts? Why don’t we see more magical organized crime? Though we do see sentient trafficking in shows like The Rising of the Shield Hero, which, though distasteful, was realistic.
Delivery: Zero’s World Protects against Corruption
In this show, we got a glimpse of one of the social control mechanisms. Zero seemed to tempt Cervil with the offer of becoming her personal battery. In return, he’d live a life of luxury. All he had to do was accept the sacrifice of his friends. Zero did a credible job of acting when she made the offer. She did an even better job defending against Roux’s attacks. So when Cervil’s own attack failed (miserably, I might add – poor guy seriously needs training!), he decided all he could do was stand between Zero and Roux. He bowed his head to accept death rather than submit.
Cervil stood between Zero and Roux in a futile attempt to save his teacher. Turns out, that was the right choice. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
At that moment, he passed the test. But it was so confusing to him that it took Holt, who was obviously not dead, telling him (09:25), “If you had agreed to join Zero, you would’ve been expelled on the spot.”
Yes, it’s a little thing. But it’s the sum total of those little things that build a world. This world is coming together quite nicely!
What did you think of how Roux figured out it was a test? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
The Dawn of the Witch Episode 5: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: Mahoutsukai Reimeiki – Episode 5 discussion
- J Reacts: ALL THE TWISTS! | The Dawn of the Witch episode 5 Reaction (魔法使い黎明期) (YouTube)
- Its SpoRTan: BLACK WITCH?! The Dawn Of The Witch Episode 5 Reaction (YouTube)
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 1: The Remedial Student and the Witch of the Staff
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 2: Don’t Call Me a Traitor
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 3: Beyond the Stream
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 4: I’m Not Afraid to Die
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 5: I Decide Who’s Worthy
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 6: Knowledge of Ignorance
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 7: I Can’t Save Anything
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 8: Respective Costs
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 9: A Stone Cast Into the Pond
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 10: Snack Time
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 11: Determination to Kill
- The Dawn of the Witch Episode 12: The Beginning of the Adventure
You’re right; that’s Holdem. I’d have forgotten him if I hadn’t rewatched Grimoir of Zero after episode one. It’s in character for him to say such things. He’s technically her servant, but he’s also been her protector (of sorts) from childhood until he lost sight of her (and found her again during the events of the show). He’s been in love with her mum and chose to be a bestfallen to protect her mum, so he’s personally invested in her well-being. He’s also not the… cleanest personality (decadent noble type). So, yeah, that’s something he’d say.
I’ve often wondered how the events of the show would have felt if I hadn’t seen Grimoir first (or even if I hadn’t recently rewatched it, since I’ve forgotten a lot). I mean it was very obviously a set-up to me. No doubt at all in my mind. But if you’ve not seen Grimoir, you simply don’t know what makes Zero and Youhei tick, so there might have been a lot more suspense here. Same with Holdem; I just thought, yup, his old idiot self (maybe a little more overdone?), but if you don’t know him (or don’t remember him – as I didn’t before rewatching Grimoir), you wouldn’t be able to think that.
Thanks for the confirmation!
I’d even watched the original series and remembered the character, but for some reason, I thought his fur had been darker.
You’re right — having seen the original series, I could not see Zero doing what it looked like she was doing. Much more so for the Mercenary eating Holt. But I did enjoy the ruse, Both Zero and Mercenary did a good job selling it!
I didn’t go back to check, but I’d say you’re right. Holdem’s fur was far greyer; he looks almost white in this one. Mabe the job made his hair go white, heh.