The Unrivaled Brilliance of Undead Murder Farce's Debut Mystery
A vampire's wife is brutally murdered, plunging the grieving family into despair In a stroke of brilliance, the father enlists the renowned detective trio to unravel the captivating mystery behind the heinous crime
Caution: Minor spoilers ahead for Undead Murder Farce, Episode 2, "Vampire," and Episode 3, "The Immortal and the Oni," now available on Crunchyroll.
Although the three-episode test is commonly used to gauge interest in an anime series, a captivating debut can greatly influence a viewer's commitment. Undead Murder Farce's second episode is remarkably effective in setting the stage for the story, offering skillful exposition, setup, and an irresistible enigma.
An Ingenious Time Skip
Introducing Aya Rindo, a remarkable detective with an eternal life, on a quest to locate her vanished body. Assisted by the enigmatic Shinuchi, who possesses half-oni features, and the deadly yet reserved maid Shizuka. Our assessment of the premiere commended the masterful visual storytelling and captivating character development, deeming the series' beginning as "sophisticated" and "overflowing with elegance."
The season premiere of Murder Farce focused on the union of the main trio, delving into their contrasting personalities and revealing glimpses of their inner complexities through witty banter. Ultimately, they decided to collaborate and embarked on an adventurous quest to confront a mutual enemy. However, the second episode, aptly named "Vampire," promptly jumps ahead in time during this escapade. Fortunately, the outcome is genuinely extraordinary.
In the first major storyline of the season, we delve into the lives of a vampire family who coexist with humanity as allies. Despite their efforts to integrate, they face social rejection due to their vampiric nature. The already strained peace is put to the test when Lord Godard, the father, uncovers his wife's murder. This tragic event attracts media attention, leading the family to face intense scrutiny. However, Lord Godard has enlisted the help of a renowned detective known as the "Cage User."
The new storyline begins with a captivating cold open, meticulously portraying the dynamics within the family and the challenging circumstances they endure. The audience follows along as the family pieces together the clues surrounding their mother's death, each revelation building upon the last. This introductory sequence is skillfully crafted, offering a patient, intricate, and undeniably captivating start to the story.
Moreover, as the narrative progresses, it offers insight into the lives of the primary trio following the initial episode. It divulges their undertakings in solving previous enigmas, thereby shedding light on the abundance of imaginary beings that inhabit this whimsically fantastical contemporary world. From merfolk to golems, a vast array of fictional creatures is unveiled to captivate the audience. Naturally, vampires are also a part of this enthralling realm.
When the main trio takes the stage, they captivate the audience just as much as they did in the premiere. However, the exposition adds an air of mystery and intrigue to their already alluring presence. Everyone already knows about their adventures, but the revelation of Rindo's disembodied state shocks even their own family. The directing brilliantly captures their perspective as they contemplate the source of her voice. Although the audience might already be aware, witnessing others uncover the truth is still highly entertaining.
This is dramatic irony at its finest. On top of that, the chemistry between the characters that was established in Episode 1 remains just as charming. Their banter feels natural and as if they've been together for a long time. They have formed distinct patterns that reveal a lot about their relationships. While Shinuchi and Shizuka still have their differences, they also share a similar sense of humor with Rindo, highlighting the playful dynamic they have.
A Captivating Mystery
Each tiny detail in any mystery show is crucial, and it is a testament to Omata's directing skills that every little aspect carries significance. This invites the viewers to actively participate, whether it is in deciphering clues or observing how each action shapes the characters and their personalities. Moreover, the time jump allows us to witness how the characters have instinctively adapted to their work.
In Episode 3, titled "The Immortal and the Oni," Rindo interrogates the family members at the dining table to determine their whereabouts during the time of the murder. As Rindo doesn't have a physical body, she relies on Shinuchi to rotate her cage and confront the suspects face to face. This seemingly minor detail could have been comical depending on the framing, but it instead appears commanding and impressive. Shinuchi's familiarity with Rindo enables him to execute the movement flawlessly.
The tension among the main trio, the family, and the few human servants escalates as suspicion shifts towards those within the household, rather than an external party. Goddard finds the idea that one of his own family members is the murderer absurd, yet it becomes more and more implausible that an outsider is to blame. Clues swiftly accumulate, but the delivery of these clues never becomes overwhelming.
The ending of Episode 2 was surprisingly abrupt, leaving a sense of disbelief. The pacing was captivating, effortlessly drawing in viewers and making them lose track of time. This anticipation for the next episode is heightened by the fact that the wait will be all the more enjoyable. While those familiar with the mystery genre may find it predictable, the combination of modern fantasy elements and visually stunning direction makes it difficult not to appreciate this well-executed story.
As Episode 3 concludes, it hints that the "farce" is nearing its resolution, suggesting that the upcoming fourth episode will finally unveil the answers to the mystery. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this development are justified. Undead Murder Farce may not be at the top of many people's "must-watch" lists this season, but given its unexpectedly enjoyable nature, it arguably deserves to be. Hopefully, the forthcoming episodes will maintain the promising momentum without disappointing.
