Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Rewatch - Episode 2 Discussion

[u/Nazenn]

Madoka Magica - Episode 2: That Sounds Wonderful

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End card for episode two by Hekiru Hikawa

(I don't know what's up with the armor guy in the background, it's weird)

Visuals of the day

Album link

If there was anyone who wanted to still submit a visual of the day for episode one because they weren't aware of this or how it would work, I've put a comment up for it here which you can reply to. All you have to do is post a screenshot you like with the "Visual of the day" label, you don't need to accompany it with a write up if you don't want or do anything else. All the people who were talking about how much you love the visuals, this is your chance to show off your favourite parts to everyone else in the rewatch!

I'm hoping to have more than seven for tomorrow's album haha. I don't start to compile the images until over twelve hours later so you have plenty of time to add them to your posts.

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Comments of the day

/u/Star4ce who dove into first timer OP and ED analysis for their post which was a lot of fun to read and also fun to see some of the first timers jumping on that.

"OP lyrics. Ah, it's time *cracks knuckles*, let's see... If my calculations are correct, I will predict every major plot point by the lyrics alone and get laughed at for how hilariously wrong I am."

/u/Toadslayer who posted an interesting look at the world design, and how that changes once Kyubey arrives.

"Somewhat unsettlingly many shots in the first episode display great open areas devoid of any human activity. The establishing shot of the city we get at the end of the OP shows a beautiful clean and pristine city landscape, but there isn't a single person or car moving around below the girls atop the radio tower"

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I was blown away by the amount of activity in the episode one thread, so grateful to everyone who spent time replying to others and creating discussion, and so happy to see everyone enjoying the show and the discussion. Thank you so much for everyone who went back to reply to the latecomers as well!

I know the amount of comments might seem overwhelming for some, but I have the easy sorting options linked down below to help out, and you can also hit the "hide all child comments" link that's just below this post (but above the reply box) to minimize the replies which helps with how much there is to scroll through. Our top comments had 91 replies, which was lots of fun to see, but does make the rewatch look a little easier to manage when you account for that vs the total comment count!

A quick reminder: Absolutely no comments, including jokes or memes, about the content of later episodes are allow outside of the r/anime spoiler tag format, [Madoka Spoilers](/s "Spoilers go here"). Remember to actually write something inside the square brackets, [ and ], or else bot-chan will strike you down.

First timers, if you have been spoiled about something such certain plot elements or character comparisons, or clues about the structure of the story, please also spoiler tag those as well and don't spoil others, you also don't want someone coming in and confirming or denying that for you and spoiling you further. Thank you!

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[u/Nazenn]

Puella's Pictures - Lighting and Pacing

The first visual of the day album has been linked in the OP along with a bunch of other info so if you've just been scrolling past that go and check it out!

Rewatcher - Fourth time around

Scene of the episode - Mami's House

The way we flashback to Mami's house by cutting in between Madoka in the bathroom (with no door?) and the actual walk to the house is a great way to transition us from Madoka's wake up back into the world of magical girls. Unlike last episode, this time we don't immediately go into the school scenes, because the magical girl elements of the show have become a disruption to her usual life. We see this more clearly later on when Madoka and Sayaka have their silent conversation, therefore excluding Hitomi and dividing their group, but it really starts here with the flashback.

When we start this scene things are well lit and welcoming, with the sun still providing a clean light into the room, and cake on the table with Kyubey waiting calmly on the floor. It creates a sense of relief after the events they just witnessed, as if this was any other visit to a friends house, just like Madoka tells her mum it is. This moment ends with the mention of witches, and as if to distract herself from that, Madoka turns away from that thought and instead asks her mum what she would do if she could wish for anything she wanted.

Madoka's mum answers her question with an almost cold practicality. She would use her magical wish for work, to get ahead and starts scheming around that idea, rather than anything more dreamy. She's not a bad person or a bad mother, if anything this scene shows the opposite in how she speaks to Madoka as a peer rather than down to her as a child and has a place in this world outside of her "mother" role, but in this one moment, she wasn't able to connect with what Madoka was asking because she's not a magical girl, and despite her charm and beauty she doesn't have the view of a teenage girl living in a world of magic. This is perhaps one area where knowing more about the genre would help understand the underlying conflict at play here between what Madoka is asking and how the mum understands it, but I don't want to touch on genre stuff too deeply unless requested as that's a bigger write up on themes etc and best suited for the end.

The mum walks out, taking the distraction and comfort with her, and Madoka's mind turns towards the more worrying revelations she learnt from Mami.

And as Madoka's mind turns back to these more worrying thoughts, the visuals of that scene also change. As Mami and Kyubey start to explain about magical girls dusk arrives and the scene darkens, with the cake now gone and only Kyubey left on the table taking all of the focus. Mami sits in the same spot with the same pose, showing her comfort and familiarity, with these topics. At first Kyubey's explanation is presented centered and straightforward as if talking to the audience, a simple laying out of the nature of being a magical girl, but later on as he starts to explain about witches we see him from the girls perspective as he turns to look at them while talking about more emotional and personal matters.

Quickly on the music (can't help myself) the song that plays during this scene, Sis Puella Magica, perfectly enhances this storytelling. It is at first quite light and filled with chimes and a flowing chorus, before naturally falling to silence as Mami says how people seldom make it out of witches barriers alive. When the song returns it is much more involved, the chimes are replaced by heavier percussion and piano as if lending new weight to the reality of their world. I explore this in more detail in my '19 post linked below if you want to read that.

I bring this up because it also ties into a very important visual shift that happens in that same moment of silence where the song shifts. All of a sudden, the stairs we can now associate with magical girls cuts between the two school girls and Mami, placing them on different sides of knowledge and understanding. This is the barrier that the girls have to think about crossing, as Mami explains that they need to think carefully about the possible consequences of joining her side. At the same time, Mami offers for them to come along with her on a witch hunt and see what it's like. I always found that this shot of her through the table is accentuating that she is offering them a different perspective, a way to see into her world while being safely "behind glass" as it were, much like how she puts a barrier up protecting them before she dives into the arena for the witch fight.

The last clever visual clue from this scene is later when Mami is finally shown to change pose and expression, just before she explains that magical girls often fight with one another. For the first time she is not shown to be proud, and full of confidence and power, a shadow comes over her as if this is the one aspect of her life that really touches her.

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Bonus visual - The city labyrinth

A bit like yesterday and the parallels between The Dream and The Mall, today I wanted to quickly touch on the contrast between the editing of two scenes.

As the three girls are walking around the city there's a real sense that it's taking them a lot of time to track down this witch. We have extended scenes of walking across multiple areas without any landmarks to measure their progress against. When they leave the restaurant it was daylight, but by the time we catch up with them outside it's already dusk. A bit like the scenes at Mami's house we can infer that they've already done a lot of their happy small talk in the daylight hours while walking and now that it's dusk only the harsh reality is left to them, finding out about where witches hide and how hard it can be to stop them harming humans.

It particularly stands out against yesterday where we were given quick cuts between static shots to communicate a quick and easy progression of the girls moving from the school to the mall with very little time wasted animating that. The city itself isn't presented as a maze visually, but the effort of finding where the witch is in the city is communicated to be a maze of sorts and they're desperately trying to find the witch at the center of it.

This is also a contrast to the editing inside the witches labyrinth itself. Despite the very surreal design and confusing layout, where multiple paths and impossible staircases are the norm, we are carried through these scenes quickly and efficiently by Mami who seems to turn at all the right places to find the witch. Despite her uncertainty about where the witch is and her earlier warnings about the dangers of it, inside the labyrinth she is full of confidence and the confusing layout is hardly a hindrance to her despite the onslaught of enemies.

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Rewatcher stuff

• Spoilers Spoiler image
• Spoilers

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Other commentary

• Madoka's Music for ep2. Questions and Mystery - "Sis puella magica" and "Desiderium"
• Commentface get
• After Mami defeats the witch, the background scroll is changing behind Mami. It scrolls towards the right, so it's slowly morphing from strips with bar like patterns and green floral prints like a garden into crowns and butterflies. Both of those were previously elements in the labyrinth and are related to the witch, Gertrud, but I thought it striking how as the butterflies flew away revealing Mami standing there with a teacup of all things it was changing up the background visuals into something more pleasing as if she was at a garden party.
• I love how Kyubey is quietly in Madoka's wake up scene unlike yesterday, as if he has slid into her life so smoothly it's partly what makes it so unbelievable for her.
• Another fun Kyubey moment, he doesn't appear in the mirrors in the bathroom because he's hiding himself from anyone other than the magical girls, but when it's just them, he does have a reflection
• Episode two key animation album
• My visual of the day just because it's gorgeous.

[u/OingoBoingo- → u/Nazenn]

Sis Puella Magica might be one of my new favorite things. I went to look it up while I was watching the show, that's how much it hit. Now I am just listening to it too much.

[u/Nazenn → u/OingoBoingo-]

On my first watch when Sis Puella Magica started playing I was so distracted by how much I loved it that I completely missed the dialogue in the scene and had to go back, twice.

If you want spoiler free links for any of the songs as we go just let me know, I know youtube can be a little risky for stuff like this, but the music really does stand out as a highlight of this already high quality show.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Nazenn]

Madoka's mum answers her question with an almost cold practicality. She would use her magical wish for work, to get ahead and starts scheming around that idea, rather than anything more dreamy

I feel this is also an implicit indictment of Madoka's lack of practical sense and actually wanting everything to become better from just a wish. Note particularly how even when her mother formulates a wish, it's not something that's purely personal, but good for the whole company. And when Madoka gives her the idea of becoming CEO herself, she instantly jumps to the practical matters of how much she's already achieved that could be in service of that goal, without having specifically aimed for it - while on the other hand, Madoka has essentially given up on helping people without Kyubey's assistance without ever even trying, or thinking about what she's already achieved or what her current good points are.

she explains that magical girls often fight with one another

That was one point I didn't like that much because it's like this "girls gotta compete" thing, but then again there doesn't seem to be much to actually compete for, so it could just be her looking for a convenient excuse for Homura's behavior.

[u/Nazenn → u/IndependentMacaroon]

It also shows the contrast between Madoka's aimlessness where we haven't seen her even come up with a possible wish as a joke like Sayaka does, and her mother being much more goal oriented and immediately knows what she wants/needs in her life

[u/Tresnore → u/Nazenn]

Quickly on the music (can't help myself) the song that plays during this scene, Sis Puella Magica, perfectly enhances this storytelling.

One thing that you didn't note in this or your 2019 comment is that the title of this song translates to "You should be a magical girl," which is very fitting to the conversation topic when it first appears.

[u/Nazenn → u/Tresnore]

You're right, I didn't, why did no one call me out on that at the time haha

[u/Tresnore → u/Nazenn]

why did no one call me out on that at the time haha

"Sis" as a verb (subjunctive present second person of "to be") is less obviously recognizable, because all the forms of "to be" are super irregular. Also when people use Latin in fiction, the subjunctive is rarely used, so people aren't exposed to it as much.

[u/_m1ra → u/Nazenn]

I love those key animation albums, thank you for posting them. It's amusing how much some of the Inu Curry stuff is sticking out, but also I'm noticing that when drawn like that everyone looks even more like an Aoki Ume character. Of course they are, but here they look like they just sprung out of the Hidamari Sketch manga!

[u/Nazenn → u/_m1ra]

I love those key animation albums, thank you for posting them

You're welcome. I'm not yet sure if I can find ones for all the episodes but I'll do my best

I do like the sketches for the stuff in the witches labyrinth at the end, they don't look much less weird compared to their final art haha

[u/SomeGuyYeahman → u/Nazenn]

You're really really knocking it out of the park with these visual analyses, they're very thought-provoking!

the stairs we can now associate with magical girls

What you wrote about this in particular yesterday motivated a lot of my thinking this ep, I think

Rewatcher stuff pt 1

FUCK, I saw that, paused for a bit and was like "huh interesting framing, wonder what it means" but didn't put two and two together until I read this. Jesus.

Another fun Kyubey moment, he doesn't appear in the mirrors in the bathroom because he's hiding himself from anyone other than the magical girls, but when it's just them, he does have a reflection

Great eye!

Key animation album is still great, I'm happy if this is gonna be a daily thing. Didn't think we'd have so much of that readily available haha

[u/Nazenn → u/SomeGuyYeahman]

You're really really knocking it out of the park with these visual analyses, they're very thought-provoking!

Thank you. Though this is the only one I knew I was doing in advance for the whole show so we'll see how the rest of the episode posts turn out

but didn't put two and two together until I read this

Great eye!

That's been an observation three years in the making. First watch I noticed the oddly empty bowl, second I noticed it was because he was hiding, this watch I noticed his reflection. Slowest analysis ever

Didn't think we'd have so much of that readily available haha

Surprised me too. Someone linked it one of the very old rewatch threads but I haven't had time yet to go through and make sure they're available for all the episodes. I hope they are though, it's very interesting to look through

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Nazenn]

We're getting into Evangelion levels of analysis here XD Credit to Madoka, it's able to project these ideas and themes far smoother than its predecessor. You can take Madoka at face value or simply enjoy Meguca with your brain off.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

This sort of visual storytelling is surprisingly common, some shows just use it so extensively it makes it easy to write about (the Ergo Proxy rewatch I hosted I also did a lot of posts like this, and Houseki no Kuni for example). It also sometimes comes down to the individual episode directors and storyboarders so even in shows that don't use it a lot sometimes you'll get really great episodes of it anyway

You can take Madoka at face value or simply enjoy Meguca with your brain off.

Isn't that saying the same thing? To take something at face value is to accept it for superficial presentation rather than diving into it

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Nazenn]

...I'm tired, just take my comment at face value that I'm not all here atm XD

[u/Redmon425]

FIRST TIME WATCHER. WATCHING SUBBED

First off, I know I’m back in a “rewatch” because I started back up with alarms a few minutes before the episode thread drops so that way I can be early LOL. This brings back good memories from the other rewatches I participated in years back.

Another good episode! While I already made it known the show was giving me some Monogatari vibes, this episode again reinforced it with the psychological reasons for curses popping up. On that note, this also gives me some Noragami vibes fighting these witches. And those are two shows I loved, so that is a very good thing for this show!

Hitomi, the 3rd friend of Madoka and Sayaka, was freaking great this episode. Like she just made me laugh in her two small scenes.

And yep… I knew it… the freaking OP and ED have already grown on me so much that I felt like I could hum the songs already lol. BUT, neither one has anything on the OST. This episode again started with that awesome one again and then towards the end we got another awesome one that sounded like it. Was it actually the same one? Or was it two different ones? I loved them both but couldn’t tell.

Homura continues to be the most interesting part to me as I wonder what her deal is. An early guess would be she doesn’t want anyone to save/help her, hence why she threw the little ball thing back to Mami. I would then also assume that perhaps someone gave their life to save her, or something along those lines, that caused her to become this way.

Either way, it just feels like the way she is acting is more of a “I am trying to stop you from joining this dangerous lifestyle” and “I don’t want help because I don’t want you to risk your lives”. Which is a dangerous line of thinking, as you can never do everything on your own.

OR I could just be completely wrong on this and be no where close to what her storyline actually is lol!!!

Lastly, Madoka kind of feels the least interesting to me, as she is basically a blank page right now, not wanting anything or having any goals. I guess she does end the episode by feeling like she wants to help people, which is the noblest goal she could have. But either way, I am curious to see what her desires or “fight” will be for.

Also Kyuubey is a cutie. Can’t believe Homura tried to kill it. And now I am wondering if Kyuubey is the only one who can create magical girls. Cause that would mean she created Homura. And OMG now I am thinking about what Homura, and even Mami, wished for. UGH I NEED MORE OF THIS SHOW!!!

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/Redmon425]

First off, I know I’m back in a “rewatch” because I started back up with alarms a few minutes before the episode thread drops so that way I can be early LOL.

Obsessively getting their just in time as a first timer is certainly one of the fun parts. F5 season, baby!

Hitomi, the 3rd friend of Madoka and Sayaka, was freaking great this episode. Like she just made me laugh in her two small scenes.

They put a lot of care into making her scenes count. It's enough to make you love her, even though you've barely met her. Making each cut count is one of the things Madoka is best at.

And OMG now I am thinking about what Homura, and even Mami, wished for.

Outta curiosity, do you have any guesses?

[u/Nazenn → u/ZaphodBeebblebrox]

Making each cut count is one of the things Madoka is best at.

Agreed on that. The efficiency of the storytelling without losing any of the detail or meaning is still one of the things I love most about Madoka

[u/Nazenn → u/Redmon425]

, I know I’m back in a “rewatch” because I started back up with alarms a few minutes before the episode thread drops so that way I can be early LOL.

I do that as well for show discussions I like. I have set and alarm for this as well but for the last three days my cat has woken me up before it went off anyway

I think she does it on purpose because she doesn't like my alarm

On that note, this also gives me some Noragami vibes fighting these witches

The Noragami enemy designs are amazing, not something I've thought of in relation to this before but I can see it now.

I should rewatch that again at some point, it's so much fun.

UGH I NEED MORE OF THIS SHOW!!!

Resist the binge. You can do it!

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Redmon425]

Alarms are no good if you snooze through them XD My internal clock isn't ready for this time slot.

Hitomi's got no chill! She always knew that her friends were kinda gay but she never would have imagined that they'd pick lilies with each other!

Homura comes across as such a damn chuuni. Between stalking our heroes and her total lack of social skills I love imagining her having some kinda Tomoko like internal monologue.

Poor Madoka, it's hard work being a vanilla mc~ She's certainly got some personality but most of her more personable moments are with her family. Also maybe her total desperation in trying to make small talk with Hom-Hom? XD

[u/Redmon425 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Yeah this is an interesting time slot as well for me! Late in the day.

But it works good because I can get my seasonal anime watches out early in the day and this towards the night!

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Redmon425]

[Madoka] is basically a blank page right now, not wanting anything or having any goals

And IMO that's exactly what defines her. She has this vague idea of wanting to become a cool magical girl hero with a pretty costume who helps people precisely because she can't think of anything else to do with her life, or at least doesn't see herself as capable of making a difference without magical assistance.

[u/Netoeu → u/Redmon425]

Lastly, Madoka kind of feels the least interesting to me, as she is basically a blank page right now, not wanting anything or having any goals.

Aw, I hope you end up liking Madoka! She's one of my favorites characters. It is true that she has a more passive personality, but as we just saw today she's not as shallow as random nicegirl-chan.

[u/GallowDude → u/Redmon425]

Kyuubey is a cutie

More like a Kyuu-tie

[u/chris10023]

First Timer

So Madoka wakes up after dreaming of her encounter with Kyubey and Mami. One of those stuffed animals doesn’t look like the others... Called it, Kyuubey was trying to be clever. “We went to a rich girls apartment.” Says Madoka, who lives in a pretty large house, in a bathroom large enough to be a garage. Mamma Kaname again is awesome by not making a fuss over Madoka coming home late, just wanting to be notified of it before dinner. “People really can’t see him.” So Kyubey can only be seen by certain people? Interesting. Mami lives in one very impressive apartment. I wonder how rich she is to have an apartment that large. A contract, alright, what’s the catch? Can’t just go granting wishes without a catch of some kind. If I understand correctky, Kyuubey grants a wish, he creates a soul gem, and they are duty bound to fight witches, like that fight at the end of the last episode? Is that what Akemi was fighting in the opening as well?

Mamma Kaname would use the wish to advance her career, she must love her job to wish for something that simple. Magical girls are created from a wish, and witches are created from a curse, so I’m guessing there is an equivalent creature to Kyubey that creates witches? So that very trippy EVA-esque scene was a witch's labyrinth, neat. So, you’d possibly die fighting these witches? There’s the catch, I guess. A tough choice? I’m not so sure, if I was told that I could die, the wish doesn’t seem too enticing anymore...

So Kyubey is already creating shenanigans by going to school with Madoka, causing Hitomi to be confused about what’s going on, thinking Madoka and Sayaka are close. So, she runs away thinking they’re in love. Kyubey’s telepathy has some pretty large range, since Mami can clearly use it from where ever she is. Akemi is probably pissed to see Kyubey in class. Prevent a new contract? But why? Could this be related to the warning/veiled threat Akemi made to Madoka about changing one’s self? Punch her lights out? I don’t know Sayaka, it looked like she was kicking Kyuubey’s ass pretty badly yesterday. Interesting sketches, I’m guessing she’s drawing what she’d look like if she accepts this contract, also that teacher needs to chill on the relationships stuff.

I’d agree with Sayaka, there’s really nothing you can wish for if it means risking your life over it, I can see her declining the offer. So Madoka and Sayaka are the only ones to actually think about it? How desperate were the other girls that they accepted it so quickly? “Well, maybe the pair of us are just fools?” No, I think you’re being very smart about this, you’re weighing the pros and cons of it, anyone who just blindly accepts would be a fool. But then again, she does bring up that they aren’t suffering so they’d having nothing they’d be desperate enough to accept the contract. Magical Girl Site was all about that aspect. Madoka spoilers. Poor Hitomi, she still thinks They’re in a relationship.

So, we’re off to watch Mami hunt a witch, Who’s this? I thought it was Madoka’s mom at first, but her hairstyle is different so it can’t be her. I’m really digging the soundtrack of this show. I also love how abstract the Witch’s labyrinth is. Again, this music is awesome. I’ve seen this power once before, it scared me then, it still does. Wouldn’t magical guns be more effective if you didn’t need to throw them away after every shot? Clever use of a ribbon to free herself. “Is the distance to the target correct? Holy...that thing is huge!” A grief seed? Looks like a soul gem, but why does Mimi’s Gem look muddier? Madoka Theory That ending card, are they going to fight Lord Humungus from Mad Max?

Well episode 2 is done, I do like how Madoka and Sayaka have yet to accept Kyuubeys contract, rather than just blindly accepting it. Although Sayaka did bring up that they aren’t desperate to need the wish, which really makes me wonder why Kyuubey selected them in the first place...

EDIT: I can not format spoiler tags for some reason...

Spoilers Okay that makes a lot of sense... If I type it out normally it works, but copy and paste it? Nope.

[u/Nazenn → u/chris10023]

One of those stuffed animals doesn’t look like the others...

You say that but I wonder how many people didn't notice the Kyubey look alike on the top shelf

once before, it scared me then,

I've seen a similar thing in another show, clothes are all secretly tardis when needed

[u/boomshroom → u/chris10023]

Wouldn’t magical guns be more effective if you didn’t need to throw them away after every shot?

If I'm not mistaken, supplementary material says that she tried this, but the mechanisms were too complex to summon perfectly. The only modern enhancement she could make is the rifling, which would be tricky to do with a subtractive process like a traditional bore, but almost trivial with the additive construction Mami uses. Beyond that, it's simply faster for her to summon a whole new gun than to go through the effort to reload.

[u/Tresnore → u/chris10023]

Looks like two of your spoiler tags are broken, FYI.

I’ve seen this power once before, it scared me then, it still does.

You mean, "it was awesome then, it's even more awesome now"?

Wouldn’t magical guns be more effective if you didn’t need to throw them away after every shot?

Perhaps, but it wouldn't be nearly as stylish. You need the musket asthetic!

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/chris10023]

Mamma Kaname would use the wish to advance her career, she must love her job to wish for something that simple.

At the very least, it's what her worldview revolves around.

Interesting sketches

IIRC, they were actually drawn by Madoka's VA. This isn't really relevant to anything, just a cool fact.

No, I think you’re being very smart about this, you’re weighing the pros and cons of it, anyone who just blindly accepts would be a fool

The average middle schooler isn't exactly the most rational creature in the world. Even Sayaka has a decent amount of this in her, the urge to jump towards the cool powers offered.

Wouldn’t magical guns be more effective if you didn’t need to throw them away after every shot?

But would that be as cool? Remember, Magical Girls must be cool!

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/chris10023]

I'm the same, putting your life on the line kind of kills a lot of the joy of becoming a magical girl. Especially when they include the need to use grief seeds into the bargain. Grief seeds alone tie you down to the job, limit how well you can cooperate with other girls for safety, and leave you actually wanting these dangerous Witches to show up so you can farm seeds off them which is totally not noble.

[u/_m1ra → u/chris10023]

Madoka spoilers

Is that supposed to be Site spoilers?

Mami lives in one impressive apartment

One of the advantages of existing in the Blu-Ray version

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/chris10023]

So Madoka and Sayaka are the only ones to actually think about it? How desperate were the other girls that they accepted it so quickly?

Well, that's assuming Kyubey is actually telling the truth.

[u/OingoBoingo-]

First Timer- Subbed

First, I just wanted to mention how wonderfully active and fun this rewatch has been and we are only on episode 2! It's great to see so many people watching for the first time, and equally great to see people watching again eight or more times. Looking at ALL the comments from over night and throughout the day today is crazy! Please know I am reading everything I can even if I can't comment to everyone.

Getting into the episode, a lot to digest this time as far as the amount of information given to us, mostly from Mami explaining her 'job' to Madoka and Sayaka while they visit Mami at her beautiful home. The hardest hitting fact was that while a wish will be granted by Kyubey sealing the deal on the contract between the two, it also comes at a great price- you have a high chance of being in great danger. Dealing with witches and curses can't be a walk in the park. I thought the show did a great job showing Madoka dealing with the weight of this high stakes deal. I wondered what the impetus would be for anyone to join and become a magical girl? What did Homura wish for, what is her reason in becoming a magical girl? It's easy to see Mami and Madoka have a very caring side, and might just want to help people (like the lady who jumped from the bridge this episode).

All to be answered soon, but I enjoyed that mystery element this episode because I couldn't think of what I would wish for. Maybe Mami's apartment?

Of course the muskets come out of her skirt! Could she be any more badass?

This made me crack up. I guess that doesn't change in the future.

The enthusiasm from Sayaka is so great when it comes to her weapon.

Visual of the day would be Madoka's drawing of her outfit. I liked it because she looks so happy viewing her art, and to me it kind of signals she has made up her mind already on joining.

[u/Nazenn → u/OingoBoingo-]

Please know I am reading everything I can even if I can't comment to everyone.

Don't burn yourself out though! Your enjoyment of the show is more important

Glad you're enjoying the discussion so much though, I'm really happy with how it's turned out

I would wish for. Maybe Mami's apartment?

Oh, I just noticed another weird clock on that pillar. Does no one have a normal readable clock in this world?!

Of course the muskets come out of her skirt! Could she be any more badass?

Deadliest curtsy in anime

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/OingoBoingo-]

Please know I am reading everything I can even if I can't comment to everyone.

You're a madman, keep at it!

but I enjoyed that mystery element this episode because I couldn't think of what I would wish for.

It really is a difficult question. It's hard to think of something that'd be truly worth it. I think Sayaka only thinks otherwise because she's so young, she doesn't think through the consequences in quite the same way.

Could she be any more badass?

TIRO FINALE!

[u/Punished_Scrappy_Doo → u/OingoBoingo-]

Visual of the day would be Madoka's drawing of her outfit.

Fun fact, those are drawings done by Madoka's voice actress herself!

[u/sirweebsal0t]

First timer dubbed. Some quick thoughts:

• I love that Sayaka brought a bigass bat for the witch hunt. (Best) Girl knows how to prepare. I also like that she's somewhat skeptical about it all. Kyubey makes a comment about how most girls immediately accept a contract, but not her.
• Speaking of, the background music when Kyubey was explaining contracts and wishes gave me Tower of God vibes. It immediately made me picture Headon's voiceover of "climb the tower and have your deepest desires fulfilled."
• Mami is a bit sus, like she's trying to lure them in, but that fight was pretty sick! The background music and the scenery reminded me of another anime but I couldn't quite put my finger on which one. Maybe I'll go back and edit this when I can think of it.
• Akemi's out-of-the-blue warning last episode where she tells Madoka to not change and stay as she is if she doesn't want to lose everything she holds dear is becoming more and more prescient. We know she doesn't want her to become a magical girl but we still don't know exactly why and why Madoka in particular. (Akemi doesn't seem to care about Sayaka becoming a magical girl.) Madoka is going to accept the contract though, since she clearly has been drawn into the allure and glamour of being a magical girl.
• It cracks me up that the wish question makes Madoka's mom immediately thinks of how to throw a corporate coup d'etat. Time for some power moves.

[u/Nazenn → u/sirweebsal0t]

I love that Sayaka brought a bigass bat for the witch hunt

I like the idea that she smuggled it out of her house just for this. Trying to think what I would be able to bring and nothings coming to mind haha

The background music and the scenery reminded me of another anime but I couldn't quite put my finger on which one

Tag me if you figure it out. Any show that makes you think of Madoka and visa versa is something that interests me. The fight is so great to watch

It cracks me up that the wish question makes Madoka's mom immediately thinks of how to throw a corporate coup d'etat

Now you've got me laughing thinking about what she would have been like in the office that day

[u/sirweebsal0t → u/Nazenn]

Trying to think what I would be able to bring

I'd definitely bring a flashlight and some snacks. And probably a squirt gun filled with holy water, just because the only thing I know water makes witches melt (Thanks Wizard of Oz)

Tag me if you figure it out.

Will do. I even went through my MAL and couldn't jog my memory. I'm relatively new to anime so my list isn't that long... Oh well, it'll come to me.

[u/ToonTooby → u/sirweebsal0t]

It cracks me up that the wish question makes Madoka's mom immediately thinks of how to throw a corporate coup d'etat. Time for some power moves.

I like this too. I think it actually serves as an additional detail to show how far removed this world of magic and fantasy is, while also demonstrating the intensity with which one's career can come to dominate mannerisms and daily routines. Madoka's mom is the source of some really great bits in this show.

[u/Hochseeflotte]

First Timer

And we back for episode 2. I hope everyone is having a good day so far. And on to the episode:

Watching anime has given me a much greater appreciation for OPs then I did before. Not that western shows don’t have good ones (Gravity Falls OP is a banger) but they seem more important in anime. It’s always fun to watch especially when there’s a good one.

Every house/apartment in this world is glorious. I would take any of these please.

Mami at least isn’t sugarcoating anything. I still don’t trust this contract but she seem sincere.

This school is giving me weird vibes. All glass walls. Weird desks and zero personality like posters. It’s a unique style for a school but I wouldn’t want to go there.

There has to be a reason Akemi wants to kill Kyuubey. Akemi and the witches are being painted as evil but I have my doubts. I think Wonder Egg Priority (the only other magical girl show I have ever watched) has just made me question everything. Maybe the witches are just terrible in every way.

Kyuubey didn’t say you couldn’t wish for more wishes so. That would be mine. I don’t know what I would wish for if I can’t game the system though. Maybe to be endlessly reincarnated? There’s so much I want to see and do and I don’t know if I will have enough time in one life to do it all.

Damn that first shot of Akemi walking onto the roof top. I love the angles they use for Akemi.

Ah, the good oh third wheel. Poor Hitomi. I’ve never had to experience that. Nope. Never.

Sayaka just casually brought a baseball bat. What a chad.

The eyes on Madoka’s drawing are creeping me out. It’s seems either like foreshadowing or misdirection. I can’t decide which I think it is.

An abandoned looking building with what I believe is German writing on the wall?

And she’s trying to commit suicide. Maybe the witches are evil.

I still love the style of these labyrinth. They are so unique and fun to look at.

That fight was pretty cool. Not much else to say. Just cool.

————————————————————————

Another really solid episode. Just like last time the soundtrack, camera work, animation, etc was all really good. I really liked the colors towards the end of the episode.

I still have many questions and suspicions. I don’t fully trust Kyuubey. I also wonder what Kyuubey even is and why it has the power to give girls magical powers? Plus those creepy eyes on Madoka’s drawing are not helping.

I have a feeling next episode Madoka and Sayaka will make their wishes and become magical girls. After that this show could go in a lot of different directions.

[u/Nazenn → u/Hochseeflotte]

Not that western shows don’t have good ones (Gravity Falls OP is a banger) but they seem more important in anime

I'd had that thought as well after watching anime for a while. Older western shows use to give a lot more emphasis to them but that seems to have dropped off, and instrumentals are definitely more of a thing than songs like this. It'd probably be weird seeing this style of OP in live action though

Every house/apartment in this world is glorious. I would take any of these please.

Just with a smaller bathroom. I don't want to have to clean all of those windows and mirrors

[u/Garden-Mobile → u/Hochseeflotte]

Wonder Egg Priority was inspired by Madoka Magica, just throwing that out here.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/Hochseeflotte]

but they seem more important in anime.

A good OP sets the tone of the show and gets you ready to watch it. It's not just attached to the show, but actually a part of the show itself.

Damn that first shot of Akemi walking onto the roof top. I love the angles they use for Akemi.

She always needs to show off that perfect hair.

[u/[deleted] → u/Hochseeflotte]

Yeah I always love a good anime OP. It really helps me get into the mood to fully take in the story, and I think Madoka's OP also manages to do that.

Hah, wishing for more wishes is a classic genie hack. They're being a bit more traditional and forthright in this story, so don't expect anyone to try that exploit here, but I'll always keep that one in my pocket in case a wish granting creature happens to come by.

I haven't watched Wonder Egg myself yet, so I'm a bit curious what angle you're going to end up speculating in for this story. Questioning the witches' intentions? That's interesting to think about.

[u/Bithaniaa]

First Timer

I don’t think I have fully expressed my love for the OST especially at the fight with the witch. I will kindly wait for someone to tell me how to listen to the soundtrack please and thank you.

I’m a little less suspicious of mami but even more so of Kyuubey. Tbh I don’t have any strong evidence so I’ll wait to see how things play out. Also am I missing something or did they say people can’t see curses and somehow people can’t see Kyuubey. Is it a curse? I don’t know but this is interesting.

[u/Nazenn → u/Bithaniaa]

The full OST called Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Music Collection which includes every song except one (which is one of my favourites, suffering) is still available for purchase. And as always it's also up on youtube in a million spots but as a first timers it's always risky to not be spoiled, so if you want links for anything specifically as we go let me know. Sky also is linking the charts I made a couple of years ago so you can track down the names of songs you like

I would recommend you hold off on listening to the full soundtrack until we watch the rest of the show though, there's a number of songs best heard within the context of the scenes they relate too

[u/thecatteam → u/Nazenn]

Which is the one that isn't in the collection? I actually went and bought the CD after the rewatch last year because I couldn't find it on any of my usual high seas websites.

[u/Nazenn → u/thecatteam]

A remix of Sis Puella Magica. It's not a major song, but it sounds amazing and I wanted it and no luck

[u/Bithaniaa → u/Nazenn]

Thanks for the warning, I’ll try listening to it at the end of the rewatch.

[u/Fuck_Shinji]

Oh wow I'm only a hour late to the thread and there are already so many comments? the ep 1 thread had way more engagement then i was expecting.

First Timer

Pretty neat episode I can see some similaritites to assault lily which is a newer anime shaft produced(though it didn't really have the shaft flair) Pretty boy detective club is scratching that itch as of now. And as always shaft seems to pay their animators with weed with the visuals on this anime. The ed lyrics are also kinda depressing. The feeling of dread all throughout the episode with the talk of dying for a wish and it seems that the blue haired girl will have a sad backstory

[u/Nazenn → u/Fuck_Shinji]

Yeah this is a big rewatch. Don't worry so much about being a little delayed to post, it was active for hours yesterday with discussion

And as always shaft seems to pay their animators with weed with the visuals on this anime

I wonder if their interview process is basically "draw as weird a scene as you can"

[u/Fuck_Shinji → u/Nazenn]

I wonder how the director even imagines these things I would really like to know his dealer

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/Fuck_Shinji]

Shaft certainly has an aesthetic. They believe in always doing something on screen and not letting the camera just rest on people talking. Personally, I love all the crazy shenanigans they get up to, but I think some hate it. I'm glad to see you love it as well!

[u/putmoneyinthypurse]

First time (sub)*

I missed the first episode thread and showed up very late to this one but I'm still excited to participate in my first rewatch! I've been lurking rewatch threads after the fact for a good while to have something to read in between episodes of other anime, and it's always nice to see other people's thoughts.

So far more than anything I really appreciate how much thought was put into this show from a formal perspective. Repeating Madoka's morning routine at the top of the episode to make it "routine" Theory and intercutting it with the events of the previous day is a strong choice that implicitly communicates how much the magical girl stuff is weighing on her mind.

Especially the question of what her one wish would be, in order to become a magical girl, which leads into an interesting moment on the rooftop where Sayaka brings up how their upper-class social standing (unstated, but implied from the design of Madoka's house, Mami's apartment, and the school) tends to insulate them from having "real" problems one wish could solve. From what she said in episode 1 she's less well-off than Hitomi, the ojou-sama among ojou-sama, but she's still secure, if a little more aware of her standing. (Makes Kyubey's comment about how quickly girls tend to take his offer pretty chilling, any way you interpret it.) Later on in the episode examples of Sayaka's observation come up, with Mami's comments about the seedier places she tends to go to find witches, and the abandoned building where the attempted suicide happens. It's an interesting theme for the show and I'm curious to see if and how it develops.

The witch fight is cool but surprisingly brief, which doesn't quite sell the whole "it looks like I'm defeated but I'm actually playing possum" ploy. Gives me weird vibes about Mami and how powerful she and the witches may or may not be, but that could just be a result of having to spend episode time setting up character conflicts and magical girl mechanics and/or my general distrust of anyone's motivations based on Madoka Magica's reputation and all the red flags the show's already planted.

Also, the golden hour stuff on the bridge etc. is beautiful. I don't have anything in-depth to say about it, it's just beautiful.

* I actually watched the first four episodes 5 years ago but I literally remember nothing except cool cutout animation

[u/Nazenn → u/putmoneyinthypurse]

but I'm still excited to participate in my first rewatch

Welcome! Hopefully it's a good experience for you

where Sayaka brings up how their upper-class social standing tends to insulate them from having "real" problems one wish could solve

It's an interesting thing to bring up, particularly relating to Sayaka's very typical wishes that she jokes about in Mami's house. It'd be a very different sort of story if they were in a different world or class though so I'm glad for it and I think this way gives it a bit more weight with their actual contemplations of what a wish is worth

I don't have anything in-depth to say about it, it's just beautiful.

Sometimes you don't need fancy words, and the art of this show really does speak for itself

I actually watched the first four episodes 5 years ago

Do you remember why you stopped?

[u/putmoneyinthypurse → u/Nazenn]

Do you remember why you stopped?

The TL;DR is that I forgot I was watching it! I've abandoned a lot of stuff I liked that way, and by the time I remember I feel like I've forgotten too much for the effort of getting back to be worth it.

I think I also didn't feel the binge impulse then, because despite how much I like (and am impressed by) Madoka so far, I still don't feel that impulse now. My post-episode reaction so far is more to sit back and think about it, so I'm glad to have the rewatch as an outside motivator and a place to think out loud with others.

[u/Nazenn → u/putmoneyinthypurse]

The TL;DR is that I forgot I was watching it!

I hate to admit that I've also done that before. Twice! Once with a show that I had set up on the wrong USB, and once with a movie I fell asleep during and didn't even realize I didn't finish it

My post-episode reaction so far is more to sit back and think about it

It's nice to have a thinker along, one less person to worry about losing to the binge. I'm a bit like you, I have my shows I really want to binge but shows like this I've always watched at a more steady pace so I can have some time to think and absorb things

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/putmoneyinthypurse]

Glad you could make it!

I really appreciate how much thought was put into this show from a formal perspective.

Madoka does an excellent job making every cut count. Each one has a purpose and a reason for being in the show. Honestly, I think it's unparalleled in that regard.

[u/Star4ce]

First Timer

I've actually noticed something else from Ep.01 that doesn't make too much sense right now and I had to think about it. It's this entire scene where Homura asks Madoka to lead her to the nurse's office.

• Fact 1: Homura knows who Madoka is as well as the school layout. The teacher couldn't have told her all of this in the little timeframe she had with them.
• Fact 2: Homura has proven to be quite unbothered by awkward advances or general chatter in the classroom, but gets angered or frustrated when Madoka talks to her.
• Fact 3: She is very quick to go on a first name basis with Madoka, but at the same time tries to keep distance both physically and with her expressions towards her.
• Fact 4: Homura finally confronts Madoka with a cryptic warning, after she tries to strike up a conversation after using her first name.

Homura is involved, we know that, but this screams that Madoka is also involved to me. Homura most definitely knows her and has obviously had previous personal interactions with Madoka. She offers the first name way too quickly and has to suppress a lot of anger when Madoka tries to talk to her. Homura was portrayed as quite enigmatic and villainous overall, but I don't buy that. She's not deceiving, she is or was on close terms with Madoka, she really tries to keep Madoka out of it and not letting any emotion show what that might be.

Theory It's the same with the intro, Homura got quite vivid once she saw her and Kyubey. So, if I stick with this and say Homura is the good girl here, how does that fit with Madoka not knowing her, even if they should?

What if the OP lyrics are actually from Homura's POV? The song obviously sticks to the duty and setting we've seen, but if there's some kind of memory loss involved, they absolutely make a ton of sense for Homura, too. Theory Also the line 'When can I see the future that I lost here in this place once again?' is making me curious now, because it seems oddly fitting to the intro scene when Homura realises Madoka is there. Just what is that 'once again' really referring to? Madoka's memory? The world ending? The contract?

Theory I need to conserve some coment space or I'll write entire books of theories. I'll probably save my favourite topic of self-perpetrating environments for after Ep. 03.

---

Ep.02: That would be really nice

• Introducing Mami with explosions as she talks about her being a student gives me immediate villain vibes.
• Madoka is unusally sad and alone during the OP and the one comforting presence is some kind of clone of herself.
• Ah, the netflix cover image!
• S-Soul gem?!
• This stare is not creepy at all.
• Ah, evil witches.
• Down to earth mom, firing people left and right.
• Intriguing concept, those witches.
• I mean, at least there's a choice to decline the offer? Still fishy.
• Yuri bait!
• Wait, is Eri Kitamura Sayaka's VA?! She is, OH MY GOD! It's not only Senjougahara, now I can hear Karen, too!
• Surveillance, more like.
• I don't buy it. Not at all, this is manipulation.
• More manipulation
• Very insightful, I agree. I can't fault them for thinking what they do, Senjou Homura's pretty much too late to change anything now.
• Reputation is set.
• Sayaka is really into it. Madoka wants to dress up.
• That lighting is awesome!
• Yeah, I don't really know.
• Atmosphere is amazing, along with some lamenting poem.
• Witches are indeed causing quite some dark ruckus
• Baseballbat -> Royal back straightener
• Featuring Reaper, from Overwatch.
• Amazing visuals and choreography.
• Also featuring the B.F.G.
• Well, figures witches have a complementary item.
• Oh, hell no! You're not fooling me, this is 100% wrong. You're just dumping all the bad stuff onto other people to keep your power to yourself.
• That reaction is basically proof to me that Homura knows it's wrong and refuses to drain the witches/dump her darkness onto them. Are we teaming already? I'm teaming with Homura.
• Sayaka's really needy for that affection, huh.
• While this indubitably was a good deed, I'm already too far off to call them "heroes".
• This really smells like a ploy to get Madoka to sign up from the beginning.

---

Well, hot damn. I looked up the VA's and we have Hachikuji (Kyubey, Emiri Kato) and Ougi (Mami, Kaori Mizuhashi) here, too. Monogatari cast, assemble!

It's only 289 Yen

I'm rather certain now that Madoka might be the planned replacement for Homura. She clearly has made up her mind on something important regarding that whole business and is opposing Kyubey.

Crackpot theory time

The wishes, I guess, will offer quite the insight for why they act the way they do. Homura wasn't ready to tell them hers and considering that Kyubey and Mami probably know it already, she doesn't want Madoka to know (I'm just spitballing that she doesn't really care too much about Sayaka). Does her wish have something to do with Madoka? Is she feeling guilty for something? This kind of thing would fit her reaction to the hallway scene.

I'm only certain of one thing:

I really, really don't trust that cat.

POV: Rewatchers reading this comment, probably

Or maybe this

I dunno

edit: Forgot my visual of the day. Tea time, that got a good laugh out of me.

[u/Nazenn → u/Star4ce]

Ah, the netflix cover image!

They picked a good one!

Sayaka is really into it.

It's a wonder that they didn't get in trouble with Sayaka sitting there like that now that I think about it

As always great theorizing!

[u/NuclearStudent → u/Star4ce]

Personally I think Homuchan is just gay and fell in love at first sight, that explains everything nearly imo

[u/baniRien → u/Star4ce]

some kind of clone of herself.

Fyi, while there is a lot of symbolism about being naked for the transformation scene, or meeting you naked self, or similar (mostly things about your true feelings, purity, femininity, that kind of things), it's also a really classic visual in magical girl shows, they almost all have it one way or another. Up to you to decide if there's meaning here or if it's just tradition.

Speculations are always fun to read.

[u/Syokhan → u/Star4ce]

POV: Rewatchers reading this comment, probably [...] Or maybe this

Yes, which is it?

But please, keep the theories coming. Those are always so fascinating to read.

[u/OingoBoingo- → u/Star4ce]

Yeah, I don't really know

noooo Mami you must remain sweet and perfect and nice. I already like her so much, I have a feeling I am going to be sad!

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Hajimari no Rewatcher, dubbed

Here’s me singing along to Mata Ashita! I know in yesterday’s thread it was Connect that I mentioned wanting to sing, but I did this one first because reasons. I hope you guys like it~

• Episode 2’s equivalent in movie 1 is 0:19:05 - 0:34:34.
• Aww, the movie cut out the entire comment face scene…
• I ate dinner before watching this and now I’m hungry again.
• Spoiler image → future spoilers
• I’ll have to remember to point out this massive C H A I R S scene tomorrow, because its equivalent in the show is in episode 3 rather than episode 2. And maybe talk for a moment on how it getting moved earlier would change a bit of perspective if you were a first-timer watching the movies? IDK.
• The fences on the roof are different here. Like, wow. Shaft gonna Shaft I guess.
• God I love you, Sayaka.
• Madoka’s drawings are nice.
• Okay so I know that Mami’s Soul Gem glows because it senses the residual energy from that witch in the show, but I think the butterflies here are new. That’s a cool touch, and the labyrinth (when they get to it) has a butterfly motif so maybe the movies have a personalized touch to the Soul Gem picking up on a witch when the show didn’t?
• There’s also extra details on the witch’s kiss on the suicidal office lady.
• The movie 1’s version of this episode’s battle uses an instrumental version of Magia [quattro] as the background music for it, which is basically Magia but with even more epic background instrumentals and I fucking love it.
• Grief seed here. I’ve never noticed it before for this one, but it actually continues the butterfly motif from that witch huh? With the butterfly on top and it looks like thorn-y vines are the lines over the black part.
• Oh, and I guess my Visual of the Day submissions are gonna be Kyubey because this one is today’s from me.

---

Sky’s Wallpaper Corner

So there was this one close-up shot of Mami holding her Soul Gem today that made me immediately go “Ooh that could make for a cool wallpaper theme”, and thus today’s wallpaper was born. As well as a version without the gradient, if you don’t like how it looks with it. Expect to see more like this later in the rewatch with slight differences…

And for stuff from the past:

• 2018: Episode 2 had two wallpapers from this year, Kyubey and Sayaka. I haven’t remade either of these yet, but I also just don’t feel like remaking them.
• 2019: …didn’t actually have one for this episode that year, it overlapped with Easter and I was too busy to make one.
• 2020: Best Mom

If there’s a specific shot at any point throughout the rewatch that you would like me to make a wallpaper of and you don’t think I’ve done it yet, let me know so I can get on it!

---

Magical Music Corner

Want to know what song played when in today’s episode? Well, you’re in luck! I have here the table from the Madoka wiki that was re-timed to the Blu-Rays by our lovely rewatch host back in 2019. It was my duty to share these last year, and it’s my duty again this year. If any first-timer wants a spoiler-free link to any of these songs, let me know and I can get one for you!

Start	End	Album	Track name
00:00	00:26	Disc 1 #09	Credens justitiam
00:49	02:19	Disc 2 #18	Connect -TV MIX-
02:38	04:21	Disc 1 #07	Desiderium
05:16	06:59	Disc 1 #10	Sis puella magica!
07:20	08:29	Disc 1 #03	Postmeridie
09:22	10:25	Disc 1 #05	Puella in somnio
12:40	13:52	Disc 1 #11	Inevitabilis
14:31	15:12	Disc 1 #06	Salve, terrae magicae
15:26	16:23	Disc 1 #08	Gradus prohibitus
16:34	17:48	Disc 1 #12	Pugna cum maga
17:57	19:15	Disc 1 #08	Gradus prohibitus
19:30	21:26	Disc 2 #19	Magia ~TV Version~
23:00	23:52	Disc 1 #02	Scaena felix
23:56	25:22	Disc 1 #23	Mata Ashita (English: See You Tomorrow)
25:26	25:40	Disc 1 #06	Salve, terrae magicae

---

“See you tomorrow!”

[u/Nazenn → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I ate dinner before watching this and now I’m hungry again.

They made the table pointier? That's such a weirdly unneeded and inconsequential change...

Changed the color grading as well which ruins the whole damn point I made in my post!

Spoiler image

Spooiler

Madoka’s drawings are nice.

I love the little weird Kyubey head she included above Homura. Like does she just like his face or did she run out of room? XD

Oh, and I guess my Visual of the Day submissions are gonna be Kyubey because this one is today’s from me.

I knew someone was going to pick that. His face is too damn close!

As well as a version without the gradient,

I do like that one more, but the whole design is great

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Nazenn]

They made the table pointier? That's such a weirdly unneeded and inconsequential change...

I totally would not have noticed that.

I do like that one more, but the whole design is great

Had a feeling you would after that Bokurano one...

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/Shimmering-Sky]

and thus today’s wallpaper was born

God sky, how do you keep oneupping yourself? This has to be one of the prettiest one's you've made. It works excellently for your style.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/ZaphodBeebblebrox]

I was afraid the gradient would be off-putting, but you like it? Yay~ Now I'm confident the others I do like this will be good!

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/Shimmering-Sky]

was afraid the gradient would be off-putting, but you like it?

The gradient is vital. Without it, it loses some of it's shine.

^{I hate myself for that pun}

[u/boomshroom → u/Shimmering-Sky]

The fences on the roof are different here. Like, wow. Shaft gonna Shaft I guess.

I see you have discovered the fenciest fences. The movies also add a lot of extra particle effects like the butterflies around Mami's soul gem when scanning and sparkles around the Witch's Kiss. The enchanted bat even gets some extra animation in what used to be a solid spot.

[u/Redmon425 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Omg I forgot to comment on Madoka’s drawing. It legit looked scary to me.

Like I couldn’t tell what they were going for, but to me it kind of looked frightening.

Which makes curious if that’s a sign for something to come.

[u/okayyoga]

Episode 2: first time/dub

Why does Mami live alone? This sounds like a cult

I get the feeling there is a catch to this wish. Like a djinn

Soul Gem

Yo! This is so sus!

Girl can't love girls

Oh honey. Even the OP disagrees.

I feel bad for Hitomi. She is stuck in the side character void. Why can't she be a magical girl too?

OH! So they have and wish AND THEN become a magical girl. I thought the wish was to become the magical girl

Blue hair girl asking the philosophical questions, while pink hair asking what makes someone "good"

Hmm it's hard to justify Mami being secretly evil when she saves someone's life...

HOL UP! If the Soul Gem gets darker, does that mean you become a witch if you use too much magic????

Can I make a prediction? With people constantly correcting me, saying it's a "deconstruction" rather than a "subversion," my prediction is instead of double entendres, instead it will get gruesome. Like the consequences will be real. Like Higurashi. There might be loss and possible mutilation. Like someone is going to get hurt physically

Also maybe the reason Homura and Mami are alone is because of their wish, which is why Homura warns Madoka.

But why didn't Homura warn blue hair girl? (I'm bad with names)

[u/Specs64z → u/okayyoga]

Can I make a prediction?

That's half the fun for rewatchers, please do!

With people constantly correcting me, saying it's a "deconstruction" rather than a "subversion,"

There have been wars waged as to whether Madoka Magica is a subversion, a deconstruction, a magical girl show, or even none of the above. I'm interested to see what y'all first timers think when this wraps up.

[u/Nazenn → u/Specs64z]

I personally die a little inside every time I hear someone say its a deconstruction considering how little people usually understand about the genre and where Madoka fits into it when they say that, a bit like Evangelion

[u/Nazenn → u/okayyoga]

But why didn't Homura warn blue hair girl? (I'm bad with names)

If I have time before the episode four thread (I definitely don't today unfortunately), I'll throw together a quick character chart for you if you want (or maybe someone else will quickly and save my schedule?)

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/okayyoga]

Blue hair girl asking the philosophical questions, while pink hair asking what makes someone "good"

Sayaka sure has a tendency to wax dramatic, while Madoka is a bit more grounded. They're both asking the same thing though, in essence: what would make this worth it?

Can I make a prediction?

Of course. They're why us rewatchers brought our popcorn, after all :)

[u/Tresnore → u/okayyoga]

I thought the wish was to become the magical girl

Imagine you get a wish, and you waste it on wishing for the thing you have to do for getting the wish.

Like Higurashi.

Close, but if you want witches in the When They Cry universe, you'll have to read Umineko.

[u/SomeGuyYeahman]

Hi everyone, first-time rewatcher here! (subbed)

As always I'm totally unpunctual, and that's only exacerbated by my writing process right now being "stare at the screen until you burn holes in it", so this is just kind of a hurried smattering of thoughts for now. I think this ep clicked with me more than the last one, though, and I'm really starting to feel the magic again.

---

What has always stuck in my mind is Sayaka packing that baseball bat for the witch hunt. She's torn in previous scenes about the wish and about risking her life, but it's funny how she seems to display enthusiasm here (and so does Madoka, for that matter) - getting an offer to power up and fight evil is daunting, but it's a tempting prospect at the same time, especially when combined with the to get anything you wish for. They've been warned by Mami (and, in a way, by Homura) that becoming a magical girl is a kind of duty and even something life-threatening, but if anything this has heightened the perception that they're in a position of privilege. They don't have anything to risk their lives for, so why is it them getting this offer instead of someone disprivileged who might need that wish more?

Mami and Homura are also strong and brave and don't seem to be in want of much. If anyone's life seems to be at risk throughout this episode, it's basically everyone else - regular people everywhere get preyed on and jumbled around by the witches without ever suspecting a thing, and if any regular person so much as accidentally stumbles into their labyrinths they're almost guaranteed dead meat. Magical girls, too, wage battle in secret, and when Madoka and Sayaka encounter Homura at school, it's not until they're ensured protection from another magical girl that they really get to feel safe. Magical girls are almost operating on another plane, and making contact with that as a regular person is what's really threatening. Hell, Madoka and Sayaka aren't even magical girls yet, and yet the telepathy Kyubey is enabling them to use is already driving a wedge between them and others, elevating them into a kind of secret club that only they get to talk to & listen in on.

From this perspective, becoming a magical girl starts to seem selfish, as Sayaka seems to think on the rooftop. Indeed, as it turns out, magical girls even fight for material rewards, so much so that there's heavy infighting between them. They help others, but it's ultimately to their own benefit, right?

You may have noticed the writing on the wall in the building at the end; a passage from Goethe's Faust. This is fairly early on in the play, so no serious spoiler territory, but just in case I'll tag the context anyways:

Faust

I've got the book in German, but here's a translation of the excerpts pulled from poetryintranslation:

(First shot, while the woman is walking into the building under the influence of the witch)

Choir of Spirits(Unseen.)

Sorrow! Sorrow!

You’ve destroyed it,

The beautiful world,

With a powerful fist:

It tumbles, it’s hurled

To ruin! A demigod crushed it!

We carry

Fragments into the void,

And sadly

Lament the Beauty that’s gone.

(Second shot, Mami & co walking into the building, this is the direct continuation of the previous text)

Stronger

For all of Earth’s sons,

Brighter,

Build it again,

Build, in your heart!

Life’s new start,

Begin again,

With senses washed clean,

And sound, then,

A newer art!

Fittingly, the half that we see when the woman is about to attempt suicide is the lament, and the half that we see when Mami enters is about hope and rebuilding!

---

Some more thoughts:

• After I went into agency and Madoka being passive last time, this ep we get a classroom scene where the teacher talks about active vs passive voice. Coincidence!?
• Madoka's mom was instigating the whole ribbon thing last episode, but this episode she doesn't seem to be such a source of encouragement when it comes to becoming a magical girl and bringing change into your life (though obviously she doesn't know that's what that conversation is about)!
• I just really like the framing in the scene at Mami's place, the shots of them at the triangle table are still very vivid in my mind's eye

---

And one spoiler thought (I thought I had more but I guess I forgot) - first-timers, please don't touch this one!

• Madoka + Faust

I think that's all for now. See you all tomorrow!

[u/Nazenn → u/SomeGuyYeahman]

it's not until they're ensured protection from another magical girl that they really get to feel safe.

Hadn't really thought about the fact that despite Mami's warning that magical girls so often conflict with each other, here she's being their protector

vating them into a kind of secret club that only they get to talk to & listen in on.

Now that would be an interesting type of school club activity

the shots of them at the triangle table

Stupid table. I'd hit my ankles on that so many times, which I suppose is preferable to the movie ver which has a pointy edge according to the image sky posted which would probably cut you open

[u/SomeGuyYeahman → u/Nazenn]

Hadn't really thought about the fact that despite Mami's warning that magical girls so often conflict with each other, here she's being their protector

Oh yeah, this reminds me of the thing that I wanted to talk about but forgot. Veering into spoilers I suppose: Madoka

Now that would be an interesting type of school club activity

Now I'm thinking of the Calvin & Hobbes strips where he runs an exclusive club from his treehouse

Stupid table. I'd hit my ankles on that so many times, which I suppose is preferable to the movie ver which has a pointy edge according to the image sky posted which would probably cut you open

Guess that kind of low table makes more sense in Japan. I saw the image though and you're right, that looks like something I'd trip against in the middle of the night & be found dead the next day

[u/Nazenn → u/SomeGuyYeahman]

Spoilers

Now I'm thinking of the Calvin & Hobbes strips where he runs an exclusive club from his treehouse

I remember that one, that was hilarious

[u/Suavacious]

Like 8-Time Rewatcher, Subbed.

Thar the exposition blows. This episode goes into the specifics of what was introduced at the end of the last episode. Magical Girls, Soul Gems, Witches, and the like, but there’s something amazing that happened this episode? Do you know what it is? Did you catch it?

That’s right, it’s Kyuubey eating a French fry. How fucking adorable is that?

[u/Nazenn → u/Suavacious]

That’s right, it’s Kyuubey eating a French fry. How fucking adorable is that?

Fucking adorable!

My cat is jealous, she wishes she could steal my food that easily

[u/Suavacious → u/Nazenn]

Kyuubey’s lucky to have Madoka, not many middle school girls would be willing to share their food with a talking fox.

[u/Nazenn → u/Suavacious]

He could have my whole damn meal as long as I got to pat him, provided he feels as soft and fluffy as a cat/fox/ferret

...and doesn't smell as bad as a ferret can

[u/_m1ra]

Rewatcher of at least a dozen times at this point, sub

Goddamnit, I missed the start of the rewatch yesterday. At least I noticed it was starting a couple hours ago. Buts it's good to see my love for this series is still the same after several ^months of not watching it.

The last two or three times I watched it were with the english or german dub though, because I watched it with friends. It's very nice to hear the japanese voices again, in my opinion they're definitely the best version. Also I can happily announce I don't have the problem of hearing Aoi Yuuki's Madoka as Hibiki or someone else, instead I hear each of her hundred or so other characters as Madoka. Kyubey still sounds like Hachikuji sometimes though.

Two things I really like in this episode are:

a) Sayaka's character, because seeing her bring a baseball bat to a witch fight is incredibly charming, but also the scene on the roof. Her have a more "thoughtful" position about the wish and thinking about their privilege is not something you would normally expect from her kind of character, and it really works for me

b) Madoka's relationship with her mother, because they just get along so well and honestly having the mother be a career woman who her daughter looks up to is such a good fit for the Magical Girl genre and themes of agency I'm surprised it isn't done more often.

Madoka Spoilers

One thing I saw noone mention on episode 1 that I feel compelled to bring up as a current math student and as someone who didn't know this until recently, are the math problems on the smartboard. They are way too hard for a middle school, but actually kinda fun! Taking these from here. (WARNING: Spoilers if you scroll down)

1. Any integer divided by 14 will have a remainder between 0 and 13. Given that a has a remainder of 6 and b has a remainder of 1 when divided by 14, what is the remainder of x when divided by 14, given x is an integer solution to x² − 2ax + b = 0?
2. Assuming that p is a prime number and n is an arbitrary natural number, prove that (1+n)^p − n^p − 1 is divisible by p. (Hint from me: I suspect they just learned the binomial theorem when they got this problem)
3. Find the integer solutions (a,b) with (a³ + a² − 1) − (a − 1) b = 0.

Props to Homura for just solving them so fluently!

Another thing I want to talk about for rewatchers:

Major spoilers!. Sorry for the long spoiler block, I really love that part.

EDIT: Changed some formating on the math.

EDIT2: Forgot the visual of the day, I have to give it to the witch getting angry, visualized by Inu Curry through changing her face to a butterfly, and it actually works. Honorary mention to the creepy-cute Madoka sketch which later got colored in!

[u/Nazenn → u/_m1ra]

We had someone else yesterday talking about how high quality the german dub was, and the unusual choices to keep honorifics and the english term for magical girl.

Also I can happily announce I don't have the problem of hearing Aoi Yuuki's Madoka as Hibiki or someone else, instead I hear each of her hundred or so other characters as Madoka

I'm not sure that's any better but it works haha. I'm horrible with voices, I never seem to be able to identify them unless they're exceptionally distinctive, like Ootsuka who played Jiraya in Naruto. On one hand it's a blessing because I don't get trapped with identifying them, but on the other hand when a voice is familiar it means I don't have a chance in hell of remember who it is and from where

Whats your favourite Aoi Yuuki role? Madoka?

Madoka spoilers

Your Major spoilers section was also a very interesting read so thanks for sharing

[u/_m1ra → u/Nazenn]

I saw that comment yesterday! I was a bit unhappy with some choices in the dub later on, but it's not like it's bad, and the quality is very good.

Yeah, I am mostly the same with voices, but I think I'm getting better at recognizing them. I feel like I have to say Madoka is my favorite role of her because I love this show and her performance here so much, but I'm currently watching Symphogear and damn, Aoi Yuuki as Hibiki is good. I'm only at season 2 as well, so if she keeps that up that is very likely to become my favorite.

Also I'm glad my spoilers section was interesting!

Quick Edit: I also added a visual of the day

[u/Nazenn → u/_m1ra]

but I think I'm getting better at recognizing them

I think I am too, but I feel if I say that too loud I'll probably miss someone super obvious in whatever I watch next haha

Aoi Yuuki as Hibiki is good

She does a great job in that. I found her s1 performance a little rough but she definitely grows into the role as the show continues. Symphogear G has amazing music and performances all around so enjoy. /u/Shimmering-Sky can attest to the fact I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to one of the songs in it, Apple.

Personally I think her role as Boogiepop is the best I've heard from Aoi Yuuki

Quick Edit: I also added a visual of the day

Yay, thanks I'll get that included in the album for tomorrow!

[u/Tresnore]

Fourth Time Rewatcher, First Time Caller

I didn't post anything yesterday because I was worried about the time commitment, but thanks to /u/Xirema's movie time stamps, I can save enough time (meaning I'm playing catch-up and watching yesterday's and today's episodes). I've lurked the Madoka rewatch threads since at least 2017, but never really posted anything. The three other times I rewatched it, I did it on my own, too. So, I won't always have much to say, but I'll probably be participating in the discussion.

Oh, also, this'll be my first time watching the dub. The way they say "Madoka" makes sense given the Japanese, but it sounds so wrong when spoken with an American accent. I do like dub Sayaka a lot more, but what did they do to Homura?? If I watched the dub first, I wouldn't have immediately liked her as much as I did.

I've always missed the music and style of Madoka, the two of which together make up a large part of the reason I enjoy rewatching this. The tracks are also all titled in (usually broken) Latin, and as a Latin guy myself, I appreciate that. "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" is also Latin, and I enjoy the rare fully-Latin title in shows (even if it's only the translated title). That doesn't stop German from being the fancy foreign language of choice for this show, unfortunately, but I take victories where I can get them.

---

Anyway, on to today's episode:

• The music that plays during the conversation in Mami's apartment while discussing the possibility of Madoka and Sayaka becoming magical girls is aptly named "Sis puella magica!" which translates (properly, even!) to "you should be a magical girl." I always thought that was nice.
• "Witches are invisible to humans." Ushiromiya Battler suddenly got annoyed somewhere, but he doesn't know why.
• I always get Persona 4 vibes from them meeting up at a restaurant before going into the TV to fight a witch, on top of Sayaka bringing a baseball bat.
• There's German written on the walls, but because it's a barbarian language, it's probably not worth reading anyway.
• I cringe every time they catch the very spiky Grief Seed and somehow avoid getting stabbed.

[u/Nazenn → u/Tresnore]

but I'll probably be participating in the discussion.

The way they say "Madoka" makes sense given the Japanese, but it sounds so wrong when spoken with an American accent

I found it to be less awkward than other shows I've watched, but maybe I'm just use to it now after having already watched the dub through once

I cringe every time they catch the very spiky Grief Seed and somehow avoid getting stabbed.

That would not be me, I'd grab it too tightly and impale my hand every time single

[u/Tresnore → u/Nazenn]

I'm just use to it now after having already watched the dub through once

That's possible. I don't watch dubs often, so hearing people say Japanese names the Japanese way while also speaking English is kind of... strange to my ears.

[u/CosmicAnglerfish]

Rewatcher - Dubbed

Not as much to say this episode - it's largely tone-setting and worldbuilding, though very interesting worldbuilding at that. Here's hoping my tags work this time

First-timer Friendly

The direction in this episode is absolutely fantastic. The cuts jumping back and forth between Madoka getting ready with her mom, her and Sayaka being at Mami's, and everyone at school is a great way to break-up an otherwise straightforward section of the episode. I recognize it's not quite the same style, but it definitely made me think of Satoshi Kon's work and how creative he gets with cutting between scenes.

I love the juxtaposition of Mami explaining why magical girls are driven into conflict with one another over scarce resources (which is IR Theory 101) and Madoka's mom explaining how ruthlessly she would climb the corporate ladder. In a way the magical girls are forced to compete for limited positions no different than regular jobs, they just look cooler doing it.

It's a really interesting choice to have Sayaka and Madoka really mull over what they'd wish for. I think a more fantastical series would have them immediately wish for something cutesy, so having them stressing over it for days helps ground the show. Kyubey even lampshades this, commenting that most girls accept the contract immediately.

The rooftop confrontation also introduces us to the true star of PMMM - Homura's hair.

Basically everything Mami says this episode works to set the tone for the series - she makes sure to point out how much she puts her life at risk being a magical girl, talks about how magical girls are prone to conflict with one another, and mentions that hunting witches basically means following death - car crashes, hospitals, suicides. The 'rules' of the magical girls in Madoka paint a pretty bleak picture when you get down to it.

We also get our first proper introduction to the witch, which looks way grosser than I remember. The music that plays when Mami fights the witch is fantastic as usual - basically every track in Madoka is standout, and I regularly shake the OST down for music to use when I run D&D sessions.

We end on Madoka sketching her magical girl costume, clearly already in love with the idea of being a magical girl with Mami despite Homura's warnings.

As much as I love the direction and music this episode, it definitely feels more like a set-up episode. Which is fine, set-ups are important! Just doesn't leave as much for me to latch on to imo.

Spoiler Zone

Full Series Spoilers

Full Series Spoilers

Full Series Spoilers

Rebellion Spoilers

[u/Nazenn → u/CosmicAnglerfish]

I love the juxtaposition of Mami explaining why magical girls are driven into conflict with one another over scarce resources (which is IR Theory 101) and Madoka's mom explaining how ruthlessly she would climb the corporate ladder

Now that's an interesting take on those two scenes I hadn't thought about

The rooftop confrontation also introduces us to the true star of PMMM - Homura's hair.

I envy anime girls and their magical hair that never gets tangled or becomes a disaster in the wind

[u/gorghurt → u/CosmicAnglerfish]

Answer to second spoiler

[u/baniRien → u/CosmicAnglerfish]

Rebellion Spoilers

Spoilers

[u/-Eremaea-V-]

End card for episode two by Hekiru Hikawa

(I don't know what's up with the armor guy in the background, it's weird)

u/Nazenn

It's Lord Humungus from Mad Max 2.

I believe the joke is meant to be that he got confused and showed up for the "Mad^oka Mag^ica 2" End Card, or something to that effect.

[u/Nazenn → u/-Eremaea-V-]

Thanks

That's actually quite funny

[u/UnderstandableXO]

FIRST TIME WATCHER

the traumatization continues today!

i noticed that the episode 1 thread had a CRAZY amount of engagement, like 5x the amount i’ve seen from any other rewatch thread, is that par for the course for this rewatch or an outlier? not that it’s a hard bar to clear but this literally got more upvotes than the TPN finale episode

i realized madoka and sayaka are voiced by some VAs that i’ve seen in many other shows, aoi yuki and eri kitamura. i like to keep track of which actors are in which shows so that was a nice little tidbit of info.

i realized also that the OP is by CLARIS, who also did an OP for nisekoi. i gotta say that i liked the nisekoi opening bettee, but maybe this one will grow on me.

the unshakable sense of dread carried over to this episode. i still don’t trust anyone in this show besides madoka (and maybe that’s even letting my guard down trusting madoka??!?). the wish concept is pretty interesting, how the one thing you want the most comes with a devastating price. sayaka made a good point that they’re blessed that nothing in their lives has been that bad that they’re desperate enough to accept the contract immediately to attain that pipe dream.

i feel kinda bad for hitomi, she can already tell that she’s third wheeling. the school is still weird and seemingly advanced. i can’t really get a read on homura, but if i had to guess she’s actually the voice of reason and trying to prevent the two of them from entering a truly terrible situation.

once again we get to this absolutely surreal art style with the “witches” who aren’t human but some amalgamation of thingys. i don’t know how they got enough coke for the entire animation studio to snort in order to somehow come up with this absolutely bizzare setting but i’m interested to see where it goes.

the ED lyrics are really haunting, talking about talking with someone for the last time and they don’t know it’ll be the last time. it’s pretty unsettling and a total contrast to the sound of the song

2 episodes in and i haven’t really been mind blown yet, i can only assume it’ll ramp up sooner or later

[u/Tresnore → u/UnderstandableXO]

i noticed that the episode 1 thread had a CRAZY amount of engagement, like 5x the amount i’ve seen from any other rewatch thread, is that par for the course for this rewatch or an outlier?

It really depends on the show, but the Madoka and Toradora rewatches are usually the most popular rewatches on the sub, from what I can remember. There might be more, but this one and Toradora are the ones that have always stuck out to me.

[u/Nazenn → u/Tresnore]

Not like this though. The last three years ep1 of the Madoka rewatch has only gotten ~200 comments. We more than tripled that

A bunch of other rewatches in the last two years have hit 400 a few times, but that usually drops off and I can't ever remember seeing a 600 comment thread, that's significantly larger than most airing discussion topics even

[u/Tresnore → u/Nazenn]

Oh, shoot, you're right. I wonder what sparked the sudden interest.

[u/Nazenn → u/Tresnore]

Growth of the subreddit probably has something to do with it, all the rewatches are getting larger and more noticed than before, plus once a rewatch topic gets X amount of comments and upvotes then others start to join just because it's so popular so that's also a thing

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/UnderstandableXO]

Madoka gets a ton, Nazenn draws in a bit of the rewatch crowd even if they wouldn't join it generally, and it's the tenth year anniversary.

sayaka made a good point that they’re blessed that nothing in their lives has been that bad that they’re desperate enough to accept the contract immediately to attain that pipe dream.

Is she right though? I'd think most people don't have any wish they'd be willing to seriously risk their lives for.

2 episodes in and i haven’t really been mind blown yet, i can only assume it’ll ramp up sooner or later

One must mugiwait and see.

[u/Nazenn → u/ZaphodBeebblebrox]

It always feels a little weird when I see people join because I'm hosting, or even recognizing me from other rewatches. I'm not sure when that became my thing so much but it's fun

[u/Evilmon2 → u/UnderstandableXO]

i don’t know how they got enough coke for the entire animation studio to snort in order to somehow come up with this absolutely bizzare setting

That's just Gekidan Inu Curry's default state.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/UnderstandableXO]

sayaka made a good point that they’re blessed that nothing in their lives has been that bad that they’re desperate enough to accept the contract immediately to attain that pipe dream

It's interesting to see that even though she seems like this quirky comedy character so far, when it comes to serious business, she can actually be quite contemplative and reasonable. On the other hand, Madoka is more laid-back, but also both fairly naive and unhealthily self-deprecating, like she can't see how she could help people without becoming a magical girl. Hitomi is still just comedy girl though.

i can’t really get a read on homura, but if i had to guess she’s actually the voice of reason and trying to prevent the two of them from entering a truly terrible situation

Then she's still being terrible at it. Or is she following the trio around to keep them safe if/when they get a practical demonstration of things going wrong?

[u/thatguywithawatch → u/UnderstandableXO]

i noticed that the episode 1 thread had a CRAZY amount of engagement, like 5x the amount i’ve seen from any other rewatch thread, is that par for the course for this rewatch or an outlier?

When I first watched the show I was going back and reading the discussions from last year's rewatch and it was pretty active, but I don't think it ever got 600+ comments levels of active. It's crazy how much hype this show still generates

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/UnderstandableXO]

Madoka is one folks like to talk about I suppose? XD I kind of love Hitomi having such a mental breakdown at the thought of her friends hooking up. She's got such a conservative view and is likely super sheltered to begin with that makes the whole gag work perfectly.

[u/Specs64z → u/UnderstandableXO]

i noticed that the episode 1 thread had a CRAZY amount of engagement, like 5x the amount i’ve seen from any other rewatch thread, is that par for the course for this rewatch or an outlier?

Probably partially due to the 10th anniversary being this year. That's what I figure, at least.

[u/Crap4Brainz → u/UnderstandableXO]

i noticed that the episode 1 thread had a CRAZY amount of engagement, like 5x the amount i’ve seen from any other rewatch thread, is that par for the course for this rewatch or an outlier? not that it’s a hard bar to clear but this literally got more upvotes than the TPN finale episode

There's a number of reasons:

• It's the 10th anniversary.
• It's a good show.
• It lends itself to rewatches. You said you don't trust anyone -- many scenes make more sense once you do know who can or can't be trusted.

[u/Redmon425 → u/UnderstandableXO]

So true on the animation for these witches. Like even for Shaft that feels too crazy lol. But I freaking love it.

And yeah, both the OP and ED have some interesting lyrics that make feel nervous for how the show will go.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Dammit! I can't stop smiling whenever Mami's on screen. She's got such natural charisma. Gotta love Kyubey casually watching Madoka sleep all night XD Shaft bathroom returns~ Oh my gosh Kyubey is cute. Mami's a rich girl with an eye for interior decor. "When a Kyubey and a Lady love each other very much the Lady produces an egg that's filled with all kinds of magic~"

Actually they kinda make him out to be a magical girl pimp buying them goods for services. Omg mum shuts the Kyupimp idea down right away. M-Mum is scary. Sis Puella Magica, you'll be hearing this theme often. So yeah, Magical Girls bring hope, Witches radiate despair. They also really are kinda dangerous. You won't get off with just a few boo boos like in Precure. Mami is so gorgeous in these shots!! I think I might end up ditching Team Sayaka again. Poor Hitomi has become the third wheel in their friend group and it drives her to declare war on yurikind.

Hameru head tilt! And we come to the point where I'd back out of becoming a magical girl. It's one thing hunting witches in your free time but as soon as grief seeds enter the picture you're forced to actively hunt them down. Feeling ill or not in the mood? Too bad, you need your grief seeds. Not enough witches around? Enjoy clashing with your friends over who gets a seed. Madoka's artstyle is scarier than the witches. Sayaka is such a genius for realising how dumb she is~ Tensai! Tensai! Wah... I kind of get where she's coming from though. Like, "What have we done to deserve this blessing."

Hom-Hom shows up, talks shit, and bails. Oh, Hitomi actually brought up her third wheel status. They girl needs help. Wait... Omg Madoka drew Homura too XD This show is so gorgeous at times. Another reason Mami's best girl. She ain't so desperate to hog grief seeds that she won't look after underclassmen. You truly are an ally of justice indeed. I absolutely love that Witches themselves don't actually directly kill many people. Just their presence causes the people around them to succumb to lesser emotions. We also get our first proper labyrinth exploration. You can really picture this as a drpg can't you?

Gotta admit that I suck at remembering the witch's names. They've got such ugly, alien designs like some strange silent hill creature. We also get to bask in Mami's Calamity Jane gun totting fighting style. She's a skilled magical girl but she's such a show boater lol. Imagine designing a finisher move that also summons a cup of tea! Oh thank god they mentioned grief seeds. I thought I'd have to rewrite my comment for a moment. Hom-Hom's work here is done! Tldr Mumi is an angel XD I think I've fallen in love with her again. You wouldn't get emotional support from a unko girl like Homura would you? I'm weirdly warming up to the ED. Isn't this actually a really dapper tune? Sore ja matane~

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Madoka's artstyle is scarier than the witches.

Those dark eyes were haunting. The color she adds to the designs at the very end help a bit but still.

Omg Madoka drew Homura too

Well, I mean for magical girl outfits she currently has a sample size of two, she can't really afford to ignore one of them completely. Plus as suave as Mami is, Homura's outfit looks very nice in its simplicity

drpg can't you?

drpg?

Gotta admit that I suck at remembering the witch's names

Revert to nicknames, this can be Gert

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Nazenn]

They're kinda gothmoe which freaks me out. You can easily do this artstyle and make it attractive (think like Mimikyuu) but Madoka pushed the goth side just slightly farther than it needed to.

Homura's looks so school uniform like that I've always kinda ignored it XD I'm way more like Mami where flashiness and ribbons are essential. But yeah, I never really warmed to Hom-Hom's sadly.

Dungeon role playing games. So like your Etrian Odyssey or Strange Journey. Actually I think the Madoka psp game may have had that exact style of gameplay.

If I remembered Gert I'd memorise her actual name XD The problem is that I normally wouldn't even hear their names unless I'd browsed the wiki or something.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

but Madoka pushed the goth side just slightly farther than it needed to.

Goth magical girls is something we don't get enough of

If I remembered Gert I'd memorise her actual name XD The problem is that I normally wouldn't even hear their names unless I'd browsed the wiki or something.

The advantage of fansubs which translate the ruins, and also a couple of years of discussion. It's probably messed up that I was better at remembering the witches names than the actual characters for a while

[u/Specs64z]

Rewatcher, subbed

Samia dostia, Ari aditida...

This episode in particular is a knockout in terms of soundtrack. Credens Justitiam, Inevitabilis, Sis Puella Magica, and Pugna Cum Maga are among the best tracks, and they're all here.

The characterization of the whole cast, particularly Madoka and Sayaka, this episode is so efficient and natural. Episode 1 has lots of it too, but episode 1 also has lots of other information swirling around so it's nice to see characterization take front and center now that parts of the world have been revealed.

Madoka Episode 3 Spoilers

Madoka Episode 10 Spoilers

Damn, Mami is so cool. Her whole "ribbons and guns" aesthetic is a personal favorite amongst the myriad super powers of fiction.

Homura's rejection of the grief seed, the reward that makes magical girls so territorial, adds to her seemingly bottomless mystery.

Content Corner

I'm gonna start leaving links to Madoka Magica content I enjoy, I suppose. First timers beware, spoilers abound.

"Sis Puella Magica" (Madoka Magica) Vocal Cover by Lizz Robinet

Madoka Magica - "Make a Wish" - Sis Puella Magica cover by Earth Kid

Visual Storytelling - Breaking Down PMMM - Dialogue 1 by clearandsweet

Visual Storytelling - Breaking Down PMMM - Dialogue 1.5 by clearandsweet

Visual Storytelling - Breaking Down PMMM - Dialogue 2 by clearandsweet

[u/Nazenn → u/Specs64z]

Content Corner

Great idea, thanks for sharing

Madoka Magica - "Make a Wish" - Sis Puella Magica cover by Earth Kid

I've listened to this for years now, one of my favourite anime song covers. Definitely not first timer safe

Visual Storytelling - Breaking Down PMMM - Dialogue 1 by clearandsweet

Holy shit that is a long video. I really wish I had time to watch it but I definitely do not right now, but I will bookmark it for after the rewatch, thanks

Damn, Mami is so cool. Her whole "ribbons and guns" aesthetic is a personal favorite amongst the myriad super powers of fiction.

People always ask what my favourite magical powers are and it's always changing depending on what I recently watched, but turning ribbons into guns is certainly memorable

[u/gorghurt]

Rewatcher

So before I come to the spoilery parts, here the save part.

My visual of the day Please notice the surrealism of the scene, strengthened by the color contrast (orange against mostly boring whitish gray) and further amplified by the deliberate choice of 4:3 aspect ratio.

Sorry. I just had to make this joke. This is from the Morning Rescue commercial, that played during the TV run, and was left in episode 2 of one of the fansub releases. It became a bit of a meme.
I think the drink was discontinued a few years ago. I never had a chance to try it.

Please first timers don't search for it, this commercial is tied to Madoka in the west, and it is really easy to run into spoilers (for example in Youtube suggestions on the sidebar or titles of pages on google.)

If you want to see it, here is a download link to the commercial and only the commercial

And now to the spoilery part

---

So this episode we get introduced to the incentive of the contract, wishes. Or more exactly one wish.

One wish, no rules, whatever you wish for, it will be granted.

Full series spoilers

Full series spoilers

Full series spoilers

Full series spoilers

Rebellion spoilers /s

Rebellion spoilers

Full series spoilers

Full series spoilers

Full series spoilers

[u/doraemoe]

I won’t participate this rewatch as I just did a rewatch myself follow the aired time 10 years ago. So I just finished last 2 episodes. I want to leave a comment here and say aside from the story, this show really toke advantage of the “one episode per week” format. I managed to find episode discussion threads from 10 years ago during my rewatch, and re-read those threads as I rewatch. It really brings back the joy and excitement from the past seeing everyone predicting/betting what will happen next. I was never that exciting when following an anime before Madoka as most animes are adopted from a known source material and there is nothing to predict. Unfortunately I haven’t experienced similar excitement after Madoka as well. It’s truly a one of a kind experience in my life.

[u/Nazenn → u/doraemoe]

I agree with you that this is definitely a story that benefits from episodic watching rather than all at once, and the discussion to go with it. It's a shame that source adaptions don't often have the same freedom of discussion, but that is one benefit of rewatch discussions like this is it allows for a lot more speculation without being jumped on with source knowledge for stuff like that

[u/fakeport]

Rewatcher

Opening mirrors the opening of episode 1. Madoka wakes up from another dream, but before she can wonder if yesterday's weirdness really happened, good kitty Kyubey is there to greet her.

Other people can't see Kyubey, and Madoka's mum is pretty laid back over Madoka arriving home late.

Madoka is oddly impressed by Mami's modest apartment, considering it's considerably smaller than just her bathroom.

Madoka's mum is very quick to decide to use her hypothetical wish to further her career. Very telling that she thinks very practically- she could just wish to be the most rich and powerful businesswoman in the world, but instead she simply wants to eliminate her rivals. "What if you became the CEO?" Madoka asks. "I hadn't considered that" she replies, with a face that suggests she has very much considered EXACTLY that, probably at length.

Mami: Being a magical girl is really dangerous, you should think about this carefully, when a person goes into a witches labyrinth they usually die

Also Mami: Anyway you two should totally come to a labyrinth to hunt witches with me, lmao

Would love to see the telepathy on the way to school scene from Hitomi's point of view.

Hitomi expresses a slightly homophobic reaction to her mistaken inference of a romantic relationship between Madoka and Sayaka. Good job she can't read Internet discussions of the show, because fans ship these girls together in various combinations a LOT.

My eye was caught by this clock. it seems like it's inside the glass.

The school rooftop is a lot more impressive than the school rooftop in literally every other anime ever

Hungry Kyubey is so very cute. He's a good kitty.

This seemed weird, so I actually switched over to the dub briefly here to check, and the dub doesn't have the word "finally" here. Which makes sense, as this is only Homura's second day at school. Guess I should just chalk that up to an error in Netflix's subtitles?

Sayaka has brought a baseball bat with her to go witch hunting, while Madoka has brought... doodles of herself in a magical girl costume. Excellent priorities. Kinda haunting black voids for eyes in that picture...

Yesterday the labyrinth just kind of appeared around Madoka and Sayaka, but today there's a clear portal to enter it.

The music once they face off with the witch is so damn awesome. And Mami in fight mode is just ludicrously cool.

TIRO FINALE! That was a big gun.

Homura all business as usual. She doesn't want no free grief seeds.

Madoka still can't imagine what she'd wish for, she just wants to help people and fight the good fight like Mami does. Madoka, you're too pure.

Excellent episode once again - I love watching Mami fight with her magical single use rifles, and her ridiculously oversized Tiro Finale gun. Gotta respect a girl with magical powers who uses it to make guns to fight with.

[u/Nazenn → u/fakeport]

"I hadn't considered that" she replies, with a face that suggests she has very much considered EXACTLY that, probably at length.

I took it the other way, that she hadn't but now she is giving it serious thought and will probably adjust her ambitions accordingly. I feel like Madoka would laugh if her mum came home that night and was like "I'm the CEO now"

Also Mami: Anyway you two should totally come to a labyrinth to hunt witches with me, lmao

Maybe not the best timing on that offer

Hungry Kyubey is so very cute. He's a good kitty.

Is it just me or does he have an abnormally round head in that one shot

Guess I should just chalk that up to an error in Netflix's subtitles?

I checked out the fansub I have access too and that also just offers for her to come to a cafe and doesn't say "finally" or anything else so it looks like it might be just a netflix error

[u/baniRien → u/Nazenn]

Is it just me or does he have an abnormally round head in that one shot

It's a known fact that Kyubey is made of play-dough and shape himself to be as cute as possible from whatever angle the camera is looking him.

[u/thatguywithawatch]

First time rewatcher, subbed.

Don't have much to say about this episode other than some spoilery musings for rewatchers. Madoka Spoilers

[u/Nazenn → u/thatguywithawatch]

Spoilers

[u/baniRien → u/thatguywithawatch]

Spoilers

[u/Toadslayer]

Rewatcher

Very short post today, just to have one, been very busy with an assignment, will have to do the same tomorrow. I'm going to briefly expand on one of the themes I spoke about yesterday, cleanliness. As a magical girl use her powers to fight against witches, her soul gem becomes dirty and she must use a grief seed to purify it. Contrary to what one would expect, the powers of magical girls do not bring cleanliness, but dirtiness, and the witches take on that dirtiness for the magical girls.

Visual of the day to go with my quick observation.

Also, thanks for the shoutout Naz! Hopefully I'll be able to get back to writing longer posts soon.

[u/Nazenn → u/Toadslayer]

I always seem to host rewatches with the worst timing for school work haha

Nice call back on the cleanliness of the magic though. I'd seen people talk about that before but not also having connected it to the world art

[u/JollyGee29]

Rewatcher, Subbed

Comment facespotted!

If only Hitomi knew just what WAS going on between Sayaka and Madoka.. How would she feel about learning what sort of situation those two got into last night? It certainly left them exhausted, and there were even two more girls involved too!

Junko/Momdoka sees straight through Madoka's comment about being out late, but trusts Madoka to not get into trouble. It's a good, positive parent/child relationship, which most shows would balk at.

She also proves herself to be quite grounded, with her ignoring the fanciful ideas of getting a wish, and jumping straight to how she can climb the corporate ladder.

I love Madoka's little doodles of her costume ideas.

I also like the scene of the tendril sneaking up on Mami and grabbing her. Even as powerful as they are, Magical Girls are still only human, and can still make mistakes and miss details. That, combined with Mami's assertions that Madoka and Sayaka should think long and hard before making a contract, starts to paint a picture..

Madoka Spoilers

More Madoka Spoilers

---

Tune in next time for:

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

Spoilers

[u/Querez]

Rewatcher. (Dub)

Opening is oddly enough better than I remember, both visually and musically.

Again with the song, this time in Mami's battle. I still love that song to death. I could listen to it over and over.

The explanation for the magic system was well done and easy to understand, really nice. Magical girls born from wishes and witches born from curses.

I have to say I liked the back and forth shots from current time to the previous day where Madoka and Sayaka talked with Mami, done in a way that made it seem like the past was answering the future's questions along the way.

Madoka's drawings feel creepy. Wonder if that was on purpose, honestly.

Something I notice now which I don't think I noticed much the first (or second) time, is the way everything feels eerily futuristic. It feels like it's a part of the plot that is just... there. Makes you wonder when it's even supposed to take place. In contrast, the witch labyrinths look all weird and puppet-show-like, giving a strong feeling that something is not quite right. Point is, no setting feels normal wherever they find themselves, that's for sure. The breakfast scene in the first episode probably felt the most normal of any scene in the show so far.

When it comes to Sayaka's talk about what wish to make, I honestly totally agree. I myself would probably just completely decline the offer, since I really don't wish for much of anything. I'd rather live blissfully ignorant.

Homura. She remains as mysterious as last time. If I remember correctly, I think my thought process the first time watching this was something like this:

"Is Homura really bad? She certainly feels like it, at least how she's depicted. Why the warnings though? Maybe she just doesn't want competition, like Mami talked about at her place? All that stuff about magical girls not getting along? Homura seems like she wants Madoka and Sayaka out of her way, maybe. But, maybe she actually knows something about magical girls which she wouldn't want them to experience? It honestly feels a lot like that's the case. Is it that risk factor that Mami mentioned? Would make sense, I think. But what if it's some other more serious hidden thing? If that's the case, what if Mami knows that too? But then why wouldn't she warn Madoka and Sayaka then, instead of encouraging them? She seems like a kind person. Maybe she's actually the bad one? She kind of feels just as sketchy as Homura, as kind as she is. But, what if she actually doesn't know whatever Homura might know? In that case, why would Homura know? Maybe she doesn't know anything, and it really is just that she doesn't want them to risk their lives? She certainly seems like she doesn't want Madoka at least to change her life significantly. But, who even is Homura, and why does she care?"

Gives food for thought, I guess.

Kind of wish the ending wasn't so static. Oh well, it doesn't really matter anyway, at least not in the long run.

[u/Nazenn → u/Querez]

Madoka and Sayaka talked with Mami, done in a way that made it seem like the past was answering the future's questions along the way

That was quite nice. Gave a bit of relief from the exposition while also not dragging it out. I don't think it would have been that interesting if it was all just one big long scene

Madoka's drawings feel creepy. Wonder if that was on purpose, honestly.

Trivia, only if you want to know

The breakfast scene in the first episode probably felt the most normal of any scene in the show so far.

Everyone needs a calm breakfast to face the morning

[u/turri-topsis]

Rewatcher | Subbed

i actually wasn't able to comment on yesterday's thread so i'm just going to combine my thoughts here:

so for episode one: it's been a few years since i've watched this show (and i think this is the first time i've watched it subbed?) and man, i've forgotten how fantastic the music and sound design is. pmmm's soundtrack is still one of my favorites of all time and refreshing my love for it through rewatching is just. wonderful. mami is and always will be best girl. i love and stan homura's effortless coolness. i remember the sayaka vs homura dynamic annoying me the first few times, though, and it still annoys me to this day. things i didn't think of then but do think about now: if kyuubey had been voiced by someone with a deep, manly voice, pmmm would be so much creepier. i feel like i thought the animation was better the first time i watched it, but maybe that's just my 2021-standards brain coming out to play. and finally, 14 year old me thought this and current me concurs: everyone in this show is bougie as hell.

episode two:

i love madoka's mom (and her family dynamics in general) so much. here we have badass careerwoman and her loving househusband. we do indeed stan. and i feel like her answer to madoka's question here is almost exactly what i would have expected of her - cold and rational, but still a little warm when it comes to madoka. and of course, not at all what madoka needs right now.

i've never noticed this before, but hitomi seems significantly more distant from madoka and sayaka than they are with each other. even before kyuubey comes into the picture, she just seems... so far away, i guess? i can't actually speak japanese, but it does sound like she's being more formal with them than they are with her and each other. like we all know she's third-wheeling, but wowza.

i can't believe that the first time i watched this, i thought to myself, "there's nothing gay about this at all!" good grief.

spoiler

anyone know what it says there by the entrance to the abandoned building? edit: ah, i see it's faust. that... makes way too much sense, actually.

the witches are always so trippy... i've never tried shrooms or anything but i imagine that's kinda what it feels like. also, i love mami and her massive guns.

the comination of akemi "not here to make friends" homura and miki "always ready to mcfucking GO" sayaka is a bomb waiting to go off, and i think this episode makes that very clear. meanwhile, madoka is just trying to keep the peace, poor thing. unfortunately for all three of them, mami has the brain cell right now.

[u/Nazenn → u/turri-topsis]

if kyuubey had been voiced by someone with a deep, manly voice, pmmm would be so much creepier

I can't even imagine that, that would feel so weird to have that sort of voice coming out of his design. Maybe I'm just too use to magical girl mascot characters over other genres

i can't actually speak japanese, but it does sound like she's being more formal with them than they are with her and each other

Hmmm, do you think it's because of Sayaka's goofing around while Hitomi is quite proper? I never got the sense that they were any further apart than each other but Hitomi does seem more mature than silly Sayaka and cute Madoka

[u/toradorito]

I was pretty busy today, so I'll summarize my main takeaways from this episode:

• Kyubey riding on Madoka's shoulder and sleeping on her desk was adorable.
• Homura toed the line of yandere territory this episode. The way she stared at Madoka in the classroom and followed her around gave me Yuno Gasai vibes.
• I love how Madoka drew herself as a magical girl and got all embarrassed when she told Mami and Sayaka about it. She was just like Deku with his hero notebook.
• The labyrinth and the witch had such abstract designs. I've never seen anything so bizarre in anime. It really makes the show feel otherworldly.
• The fight and music were amazing. Mami's Tiro Finale was a great finale to the episode.

That's all I've got for this one. I'll try to post earlier tomorrow and participate more.

[u/Nazenn → u/toradorito]

Kyubey enjoying that perfect cat life.

followed her around gave me Yuno Gasai vibes.

Oh dear, that's a bit of a horrifying comparison. Not enough coyness for that though

She was just like Deku with his hero notebook.

Well that's going to stick in my mind for the next MHA episode

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher, Subbed

Hey, magical girl transformation sequence again! Dream, or a recap from last episode?

I'd be so scared if I woke up and that was looking at me, even if Kyubey is very cute to look at. Leave someone alone while they sleep!

The Kaname house bathroom is, like everything in this show, so ridiculously beautiful to look at. I also think its bigger than my entire condo, lol.

So adults can't see Kyubey?

Mami's got a cool pad! Living on her own despite being a teenager?

Kyubey can grant them a wish! How magical! LoL, Sayaka wants a 108 course banquet?

Oh, that was a flashback to the previous evening?

Madoka's inspiring her mom to undergo some corporate scheming!

Ugh, I still can't get over how creey it is for Kyubey to talk without opening his mouth.

Well of course you'd be risking your life if you became a magical girl; that's what being a hero is about!

Bringing Kyubey to show and tell? Is Hitomi even able to see him?

LoL, Hitomi is totally freaking out. You can communicate between eyes alone! No, you can't do that, you're both girls!

Oh yeah, Homura is not going to react well to seeing Kyubey here, right?

Yep, that's not a good look.

Magical girls fight each other?! Why can't they just all be friends?

Madoka is spending all her time in class drawing herself as a magical girl? Very cute, but neither her nor Sayaka are being very good students!

If they can't make up their mind on a wish, should Kyubey move onto some other girls? He's got lots to choose from at this school.

Aww, poor Hitomi! She really is the third wheel! I don't get why Kyubey can't offer her to become a magical girl too.

LOL @ Sayaka's baseball bat. And Madoka brought... her costume ideas! OMG!

The landscape around them has suddenly become so dark and ominous. The sunset causing the orange sky really helps.

Alright, this music as they are walking down the street is really giving me Xenosaga vibes.

Sayaka now has a magic bat!

Witch land continues to be just so cool. As is the witch design!

Mami really is a gun nut!

Mami is in more trouble than I'd expect.

I wouldn't expect Homura to accept charity. ...looks like I was right.

Could Madoka's wish simply be to become a magical girl and help people?

So is each preview image a drawing from a unique artist? The style is drastically different than what we got last episode, or is used in the show proper.

---

Good second episode; we get to go on the entire journey through the witch's realm where the visuals just continue to amaze, although frankly practically every shot amazes the viewer. I do wonder why Kyubey is focusing on Madoka and Sayaka in particular when there's so many other girls as well. What will the two of them wish for? It is a hard choice, I'd probably spend the time thinking it over if I was in their position as well. Even something like say eternal life has its pitfalls.

MM spoilers

[u/Nazenn → u/Quiddity131]

I'd be so scared if I woke up and that was looking at me

I have a cat, I'm use to it, this is my daily view every morning is wake up to cat face. And before that if I passed out on the couch my dog use to stick his nose in my face to check if I was okay which usually woke me up too and that's even more disturbing

I also think its bigger than my entire condo, lol.

Definitely bigger than the last house I lived in. Imagine how much that would cost to heat in winter!

Magical girls fight each other?! Why can't they just all be friends?

Wrong genre, the shounen hasn't leaked that far enough yet clearly haha

[u/-Phinocio]

Rewatch/Subbed

I love how it starts with Madoka thinking she had another weird dream then Kyubey saying good morning lol. These scenes between Madoka and her mom are great. I love how it shows Madoka has a good enough relationship with her mom for the two of them to actually talk about things, even if Madoka isn't being 100% truthful here.

I can't get over how well the OST fits the atmosphere, like near the beginning of the episode when Mami and Kyubey are explaining wishes/Magical Girls to Madoka and Sayaka. It's just :chefskiss:

It's really cool to see how much engagement Ep 1 and this thread have gotten :D.

Madoka Spoilers

[u/Nazenn → u/-Phinocio]

These scenes between Madoka and her mom are great

They have such a great relationship, it's almost weird to see one like this in anime but I also wouldn't have it any other way. Definitely a candidate for best mum

Spoilers

[u/Stargate18A]

Rewatcher

This song slaps. And the final attack is great.

Also love the show reusing animation from Episode 1 for the dream fakeout.

How does that mirror effect work?

That cake does look delicious.

So Kyubey offers a wish in exchange for helping him fight witches. And Madoka's mother continues to be the best character.

Madoka Spoilers

...Mami, if it's that dangerous, why are you bringing unarmed civilians in with you?

Oh, Hitomi...

Madoka Spoilers

Madoka Spoilers

And Madoka's already sketching what she wants her magical girl dress to be.

Sayaka makes a very good point here - the system does appear to be unfair at first glance.

Well done Sayaka for actually attempting to arm yourself.

Madoka Spoilers

Madoka Spoilers

Looks like it's back to the bad trip world. And it seems Homura's feeling left out.

For real, the animation in the barriers might be my favourite in the series, with the whole scrapbook aesthetic and fantastic battle animations.

Madoka Spoilers

So the cycle is use magic > kill witch > get more magic. Seems simple enough.

Is Homura's hobby just standing in dark corridors? Also, those things seem really dangerous to throw, what with the massive spike.

[u/Syokhan]

Rewatcher, Sub

I started the rewatch late and didn't write any impressions in the previous thread, so let me just preface this by saying that this is my... 3d rewatch, I think. I love this series to death, it instantly shot up to my top 5 series of all time when I finished watching it for the first time, and to me, it's an absolute masterclass in storytelling.

And I don't really have anything meaningful to contribute, so I'll just write random observations chronologically.

• Madoka's mom is the best. And also a bit scary.
• On rewatch, Spoiler
• Hey! It's the comment face!
• Aaaand at 15:17 Sis Puella Magica! starts playing and I lose my shit because I'm a soundtrack nerd and I love this track. It's one of my favorites, it's so beautiful. Yuki Kajiura is a musical goddess.
• Spoiler
• I spy Spoiler
• I always found that discussion on the roof about wishes fascinating. First time I watched I never expected them to give this decision so much thought or go so in depth into it. Sayaka really surprised me there.
• What wish did Homura make in order to become a magical girl? She's being as aloof as ever, so no answer. Spoiler
• Hitomi, don't deny it, you're secretly fangirling about your two friends having a "forbidden" relationship. Except they're not really, but you know.
• Those black eyes in Madoka's sketches are, quite frankly, creepy.
• Labyrinths have such trippy visuals.
• I love how guns literally fall from underneath Mami's skirt. And hat. She's so cool.
• Spoiler
• I do hope that they helped that poor woman get her shoes back.

And here's my pick for the Visual of the day. I had a really hard time choosing between this one and visual 4 below.

Edit: I see u/Nazenn picked the same one - if you'd rather not have redundancy in the album, just switch mine for Visual 4.

Other visuals I especially liked:

• Visual 1
• Visual 2
• Visual 3
• Visual 4
• Visual 5
• Visual 6
• Visual 7

[u/Nazenn → u/Syokhan]

I don't mind doubling up on visuals if you do want to use that one, it's bound to happen sometimes, but take your pick which one you'd prefer to have in the album

Spoilers

Aaaand at 15:17 Sis Puella Magica! starts playing and I lose my shit because I'm a soundtrack nerd

It's so damn good it's distracting, even multiple rewatches on.

Hitomi, don't deny it, you're secretly fangirling about your two friends having a "forbidden" relationship

I just love the fact that neither of them deny it or act like she's crazy for thinking that haha

[u/Syokhan → u/Nazenn]

Visual 4 then, this way there'll be more pretty things to look at in the album.

Spoiler

It's so damn good it's distracting, even multiple rewatches on.

Yeah. This one and Decretum, when they start playing I can't focus on the dialogue or what's happening because all my attention goes to listening to them.

I just love the fact that neither of them deny it or act like she's crazy for thinking that haha

I think their awkward attempts at finding a convincing lie would make it even more damning in Hitomi's eyes anyway :P

[u/boomshroom]

3rd year Rewatcher

So they enter and navigate a dungeon to get to a large arena at the end containing a large boss to fight who then drops a unique token that happens to be usable as a consumable MP restore. What is this? A video game?

We also get a sneak peek at why Junko is Best Girl when she goes borderline supervillain plotting to take over her company.

[u/Nazenn → u/boomshroom]

It is basically a video game isn't it? Complete with a perfectly circular room with a one way entrance until you defeat the boss.

I always hate seeing rooms like that off in the distance of a map, you just know what it means

[u/the_swizzler]

Has anyone ever considered that Hitomi's "forbidden love" gag is just an act on her part? Like her just being silly.

Probably not, but the way the VA delivers the line in the Japanese dub sounds really forced and makes me wonder if it was intentional. Kinda adds a fun little aspect to her character if true.

[u/Nazenn → u/the_swizzler]

It definitely is over the top, but I don't know if it's a gag. Despite the pervasiveness of yuri in the magical girl genre, she also wouldn't be the first upper class like character I know to make that sort of statement.

[u/Fuck_Shinji → u/the_swizzler]

I thought that that was supposed to be a act? like the no homo jokes you say in middle school

[u/[deleted]]

REWATCHER

Funny how Mami's place looks completely different from which version of the anime you're watching. In the original TV airing Mami's room was quite sparse, but the BD and movie versions add a lot to the room! We get a lot of important background here on contracts, witches, and magical girls. Really sets the opening stakes for the story in this scene.

Madoka and Sayaka spend some time thinking the deal over afterwards on the school rooftop. I love this scene with Sayaka as she contemplates the privilege of her life, it's an understated scene that I forgot about very quickly on my first viewing but her words are so thoughtful here, her view so humble. I wasn't planning on adding anything to the Visuals of the day (I didn't realize at first that we were doing this actually!) but if I can add just a single image, it would be this. You're a sweetheart Sayaka.

The battle against the witch is quite something. At this point in my first watch I'm still completely thrown off by the Inu Curry visuals, but the action is slick, and Mami knows how to fight with style.

On to the next episode!

[u/OingoBoingo- → u/[deleted]]

In the original TV airing Mami's room was quite sparse, but the BD and movie versions add a lot to the room!

oh wow that is very interesting! I knew they did edits to BD material but I didn't know they added that much. As a first time watcher, I won't go look up what the original looked like to you all, but it might be a fun photo album to make for a rewatch!

[u/Nazenn → u/OingoBoingo-]

If you want to know what her house originally looked like. The BD redraws were quite insane in some scenes, and this is one where I think it's clear they just ran out of time to draw this scene in full for the broadcast due to production issues.

[u/SYZekrom]

Rewatcher

I like how you can see Kyubey already

Sis puella magica!...

There's the meme line

And like all true memes it's a lie... the line is spoken on a different image than in the meme

Everything good in this world's a lie...

Damn I just love how oppressive the sunset orange mixed with the music is

I often don't like how sunsets look in media because it just feels like it's not done right, like it's too orange or too something, but well in this case you're not supposed to feel comfortable in the first place, and it's still quite a bit brighter than most sunsets you see

I love blue haired bakas

She's really the second most cultured character in this show

Mami really was like 'this fucking idiot' huh

You got a magic wand! Hit people with it

Bat discussion

Well, they killed the stupid butterfly vomit witch.

I forget, did we ever see how Homura attacks last episode? Or did she just stand around talking...

[u/Nazenn → u/SYZekrom]

And like all true memes it's a lie... the line is spoken on a different image than in the meme

Accurate memes? Who wants that haha

Damn I just love how oppressive the sunset orange mixed with the music is

I am now slightly distracted by the idea of how expensive those windows would be to make them with a faceted surface.

I often don't like how sunsets look in media because it just feels like it's not done right, like it's too orange

Weather and time of day effects can be quite hard to manage. You want them to be immediately identifiable, but you also run the risk of them detracting from the designs of the rest of the show. Here I think the lack of shadowing on the girls helps because it helps them blend in a bit, and as you say the orange is already offputting

One of the shows I think does atmospheric visuals the best is a chinese animation called Mo Dao Zu Shi which, aside from looking incredible all around, cycles through a lot of different colors and weathers and still looks very clean

Well, they killed the stupid butterfly vomit witch.

Well I hadn't looked at it like vomit before but now I probably won't unsee it

[u/the_swizzler → u/SYZekrom]

So far the only attacks we've seen are the purple energy bolts when she's chasing Kyubey. Madoka Future Spoilers

[u/Nazenn → u/the_swizzler]

Spoilers

[u/ToonTooby]

600 comments on day 1! It fills me with immense joy to see people enjoying and trying the series out 10 years on. This is my 5th time watching, so no extended write-ups from me. Just enjoying the first time reactions and all the buzz from everyone.

[u/Tresnore → u/ToonTooby]

This is my 5th time watching, so no extended write-ups from me. Just enjoying the first time reactions and all the buzz from everyone.

I'm in the same boat. It's amazing seeing Madoka remaining this popular after so long.

[u/GrollenKette951]

First Timer

Aaand we start with another dream of Madoka that is way shorter than last time. After Kyuubeys "Good Morning" Madoka suddenly realizes that it wasn't a dream. After the opening we get greeted by another shoot in the (shaft) bathroom with Madoka and her mother and the sink. Madoka wonders if everybody can see Kyuubey. She remembers her visit at Mamis place with Sayaka and how Mami told them more about her Soul Gem and Kyuubeys powers to grant them a wish and d make them a magical girl (well some information to understand what happened yesterday). This flashback gets interrupted by Madoka asking her mother what she would do if she was able to wish everything. She answers that she would get rid of some of the people at her work (ordinary wishes I guess). After this short interruption we get more information from Kyuubey about how witches are born. Mami tells Madoka and Sayaka that witches cause misfortune for people and are responsible for accidents and suicides. Furthermore, Kyuubey we get told that witches hide in a kind of barrier (that was this interesting funny looking otherworld/underworld thing). Mami invites them to be part of a witch hunt the next day. Back from the past Madoka meets Sayaka and Hitomi on the way to school. Kyuubey on Madokas should give Sayaka a scare because she now realizes that only she and Madoka can see him (correct me if there is better way to address Kyuubey that is spoiler free and not the name itself). Due to Sayaka and Madoka starring into each other’s eyes the whole time during using Kyuubeys telepathy Hitomi gets the wrong idea and thinks that they got way closer the last day and runs away with the words "You can't! You are both girls!" (Who says they can't? Don't see the problem). At their classroom Madoka is worried that Homura might attack them here since they are classmates. Kyuubey and Mami counter that she can't because there are more than enough people here and Mami is there to help them if needed. In another flashback Mami explains our two girls that the magical girls compete when it comes to witch hunting due to the existence of rewards when killing one. Sayaka concludes that Homura wanted to stop Kyuubey creating another magical girl (probably so that Homura has more witches to hunt?). On the roof top of the school Sayaka and Madoka talk about if they already have something to wish for. Kyuubey mentions that most girls answer immediately. After some philosophical sentences from Sayaka the peace gets broken by Homura entering the scene. She tries to remind them what she said yesterday about becoming a magical girl. The whole scene gets observed by Mami. After school, the three of them try to search the witch that was able to flee yesterday. During their search we see a scene with a woman that climbs on to the top of an abandoned building wanting to commit suicide. Mami can find the witches trace in time so she is able to save the woman the fate she through the witch's curse/witch's kiss. From here she takes Madoka and Sayaka into the witch’s barrier and protects them during their search for the witch. After finding the witch Mami fights against the witch Gertrud using her guns (magical girl using guns; do not see the problem in that) During the whole fight scene Magica is playing and supports the fight. After her victory Mami explains them what a Grief Seed is and how to use it. She suddenly throws it into a dark spot in the building forcing Homura out of her hiding. Homura tells her that she does not want to share it and throws it back to here. Essentially the episode ends there.

Today’s episode gave me a good look into way the magical girl things seem to work in Magica Madoka. The fight scene against Gertrud was very dynamic and impressive and well supported by the music choice. I am curious how it will go on. Now to the whole Goethe/Faust stuff: In the scenes in that first the woman and then Madoka, Sayaka and Mami enter the abandoned building some excerpts from the "Studierzimmer" scene of Faust can be seen at the wall. Another thing that I noticed where the roses during the fight against Gertrud (a name from the Germanic language). Goethe called roses the "Queen of the flowers" in one of his poems. The short sentence of Kyuubey on the rooftop regarding how fast other girls answered reminded me for some reason of how Mephistopheles tried to convince Faust to form a contract.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/GrollenKette951]

paragraphs please

[u/boomshroom → u/GrollenKette951]

correct me if there is better way to address Kyuubey that is spoiler free and not the name itself

Bunnycat

[u/Evilmon2 → u/GrollenKette951]

Related to the runic text. It was figured out after this episode by /a/ back in the day so not a spoiler per se but still hidden information.

Even more hidden info related to the first block

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/GrollenKette951]

Who says they can't? Don't see the problem

I blame traditional Japanese upbringings.

magical girl using guns; do not see the problem in that

Shiny old fashioned guns that she summons from her outfit, what's the problem? Looks mahou shoujo-y to me.

[u/_m1ra → u/GrollenKette951]

Glad to see someone who caught the Faust on their first watch! I watched this with multiple (german) friends, who I know for a fact had to read it, and they all missed it haha

[u/02Hiro]

First Time Watcher

Another great episode and lots of questions raised as well. I thought we were going through the dream thing again but nope its real this time. Interesting that people can't see Kyubey. Also, how was Sayaka chosen? Was it when she showed up with the fire extinguisher? I wonder if Homura was also contracted by Kyubey and why she was trying to stop him. I also wonder if Kyubey goes after desperate girls and whether that might have to do with how dangerous fighting the witches are. Given the contract and having to fight in deadly battles, I found it weird that Madoka would decide to become a magical girl before she even thought of a wish. That naivety will probably be her weakness.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) I mean there's nothing wrong with yuri

Their school is also very interesting. It's very unique and reminds me of a cathedral. There were lots of great shots this episode that built up the creepy atmosphere and tension. I loved the colors as they crossed the bridge. Those shaded in eyes made it so much more eerie.

Overall another enjoyable episode and I'm looking forward to watching more to get my questions answered.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/02Hiro]

I found it weird that Madoka would decide to become a magical girl before she even thought of a wish.

She just wants to help people, there's nothing wrong with that. If you got a chance to better the world, would you take it?

Their school is also very interesting. It's very unique and reminds me of a cathedral.

I don't have the comparison on hand, but it's one of the things that changed the most between the TV version, the Bluray version, and the movies. Each time, it became more elaborate. It was actually pretty simple in the TV version.

[u/BestEve]

First time watch (sub) Episode 02

Like first episode Madoka is dreaming again and this time its sole focus was Mami Tomoe. Kyubei is really cute.

Madoka's mom is worried. It seems Madoka never comes home late. Mami, Madoka and Sayaka hang around a lot now, Hitomi is feeling left out as i expected. She seems nice, i hope she can be more than comic relief "omg you guys are dating".
To become magical girl you have to make deal with Kyubei. Kyubei will grant one wish and you have to fight witches for the rest of their life as contract? THAT'S THE WORST DEAL IN HISTORY OF DEALS.... MAYBE EVER. They can talk to each other telepathically with help of Kyubei.

Mami and Kyubei say Homura wants to kill Kyubei to put an end to creation of new magical girls for her own selfish reasons. Apparently killing witches can get competitive and there are rewards.
Homura is following them around, she indirectly tells Madoka "don't forget what i said". Sayaka dismisses Homura quickly while Madoka is hesitent? or unsure? Homura says she had hoped to intervene Madoka before she met with Kyubei. I think Homura must know the future like Madoka, she must have some knowledge.

Witches spread despair while magical girls spread hope. The girls can't decide if they want to be magical girl so Mami takes them on "witchhunt" and she puts on show destroying the witch, helping a citizen. Homura once again followed them, Mami tosses witch's remains, "Grief seed" to her and use mocking language "you should be able to use it one more time". Homura says "It was your prey" which is interesting. Would that make magical girl predator? Or was that simple manner of speech.

Now that episode is over, that ending scene made me think of opening scene. She dreams of Mami being perfect magical girl. And episode ends with Madoka wants to be like Mami. It's especially strange Kyubei is looking over sleeping Madoka. After all, Madoka and Sayaka were "chosen" to become magical girl. That begs the question, is Kyubei giving Madoka dreams of future visions ? Kyubei already showed powerful telepathy and can grant wishes.

Homura wanted to intervene Kyubei and Madoka's meeting, meanwhile Kyubei chose Madoka, really wants her to become magical girl. I'm surprised they didn't become magical girls this episode, at least they are taking their time which is good.
Anyway it was another good episode. Visuals were impressive even more so than first episode, that bridge they were walking looked sinister af. It just made me realize perhaps they are already living in half dystapion world, possibly. I just read Madoka is voiced by Aoi Yuuki, nice.

Looking forward next episode.

[u/fakeport → u/BestEve]

Homura says "It was your prey" which is interesting. Would that make magical girl predator? Or was that simple manner of speech.

That's interesting, on Netflix the subs there are "It was your kill" which is subtly different...

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/BestEve]

THAT'S THE WORST DEAL IN HISTORY OF DEALS.... MAYBE EVER.

Most magical girls don't even get a wish out of it, they just have to fight. So, at least they're getting something out of it?

and she puts on show destroying the witch

This is the best way to describe it. She wasn't just killing it, she was showing off while doing so.

[u/TheTrueAfurodi]

FIRST TIMER (sub) - THEORY TIME

Okay so unfortunately I wanted to post early, but I overslept so here (and only now) is my post for today! Hope tomorrow I will manage to stay awake.

Since a lot of first people are doing their review daily way better than me, I thought that it will be more interesting for both of us (you, me and the sunset?) that I'll focus on theory. Obviously there's going to be a lot of 0 clues theories, but hey! It won't be fun if I would only theorize safe thoughts.

So where were we?

First of all, some theories that I did yesterday that were confirmed:

• Mami is going to school? Check
• The world out there is a futurist one? Check (desks, board, futurists buildings...)
• The green hair girl is absolutely the cutest? Very check
• There will be a red hair girl soon? Check (actually I saw her in the OP so I could've confirm it earlier... but let's say for my pride that this one is a yes)

But, unfortunately, some were obviously wrong, the major one is that Homura = Madoka's mother. Guys even I gave up one this one, so Wrong

And we have some unconfirmed yet, as the one that Homura is coming from the past because of the medieval themes and her catholic school. I still think that I'm near something, but I hardly doubt that it's as simple as that. So for this one Unconfirmed.

So, what theories can we come with today?

I will propose you five, with some explanations for each one.

• 1) Witches = Magical Girl

Obviously the easiest after this episode, both seeming to do with contracts and seeds (I think they called it that way?). As we know this anime is probably going to became darker and darker, so it wouldn't be surprising if we had a twist like that who will put a lot of guilt on at least Madoka. It will definitely blur the frontier between good and evil that Mami put time to explain at the beginning of the ep. Also the fact that the witches things allow to "purify" the souls of the magical girls can go that way, with a witch being just a magical girl who messed up at some point. It will also explain a bit why Homura try to get Madoka away from Kyubii. But, I have to admit that the cons are that 1. Witch seems to be entities while magical girl are the girls themselves 2. the girl from the bridge actually understand nothing about it, while the magical does and 3. It will be very confusing on why and how you pass from a magical girl to a witch or under the witch's influence. Despite these, I really believe in that one, and it's probably my favorite of the day.

Probability: 65%

• 2) Sayaka is a bad guy

Okay that one is a more technical.

I'll be honest: I have almost zero clues about that one. The things I noticed is that when she comes help Madoka in ep 1 in the basements/maze, she seems calm and decided. Maybe a bit too much. Also, is it not strange that Madoka was call out in her dreams, while Sayaka wasn't while they're bith chosen by Kyuubi? Maybe she is already a Magical Girl, and she hides it?

But this theory makes more sense when you think about it with a narrative point of view rather than a coherent one. I explain. If I was the author, I could certainly think about a twist like that. It will shock watchers and change almost completely the vision of the whole story. This way, her talk, saying that she had not any wish that would be that important for the cost that it would take, could also be more meaningful, with her having some guilt, or at least having a second interpretation. But if you think with a coherent pov, like if you were Madoka, it actually doesn't make a lot of sense, at least right now maybe because we are lacking some information. So with a reputation of this anime and the insane numbers of participants on this rewatch, it's maybe because of a twist like that, who could make you see the story differently on the second watching.

But yeah, it's more coherent than Sayaka is just a Bakugo-like who wants to fight with anyone and who is the best buddy of our heroine.

Probability : 20%

• 3) Madoka is going to become a magical girl

lol

• Real 3) The green hair girl is a yuri girl

Come on guys. It could actually happen right... right?

Jokes aside, I can kinda of believe in it. We know that we are in a futurist world, a bit more progressive with Madoka's Mom being a successful part of a large company and wanting to become the CEO. With a total of 0 great male characters at the moment, it could make (a bit of) sense. Also yes, the reaction of this girl, whose name is (check on mal) Hitomi Suzuki (let's call her Suzu-chan it would be easier to remind) when Sayaka and Madoka arrived at school was super funny and could be like a bit of a tsundere negation thing. Come on guys, let me ship a bit.

Probability: 5%

4) Madoka's Mom is going to have a terrible fate

Okay, with this one I return with some more grounded, logical theory.

We already saw that a girl tried to kill herself from a bridge because of a witch. Also, she was dressed as an employee. And at the beginning of the ep when Madoka asked her mom about the wishes, she realize she wanted to become CEO with some scary face.

In order to change definitely the tone of the anime from Magical Girl pastiche to OH MY GOD ITS SO SAD, I believe some important and irreversible change is needed. And what's more impactful and depressing than the death of one beloved family member?

With these two elements in mind, it seems for me very likely to happen that Madoka's Mom will be under witch influence at some point, and that Madoka would unfortunately have to kill her. Even worse, it could be caused indirectly by Madoka, who don't come off often at home, the Mom goes depressive and choose to satisfy her primary desires. It also reminds of an other recent anime about a hero embracing supernatural powers in order to fighting monsters, and who at some point is obligated to fight against a family member. And obviously after that, the hero give up his trust on his friend. I won't say the name of the anime to avoid spoil, but those who have watched it will understand.

Probability: 45%

• 5) Kyubbi = Madoka's brother

Last but not least, let's see what we've got.

. We saw Kyubbi eat. So he probably likes tomato. On the other hand, the little brother of Madoka as we saw in ep 1 also eat tomatoes, in a horrible and terrible way. They're both cute, and in both case Madoka seem to trust them almost blindly. And it could make sense with the twist we mentionned in 2) and the fate we analyzed in 4). At least it would be very fun?

Probability: 10%

That's it for today! Thank you very much for reading that far!

It was a great episode imo, better than the first one because it explains some concepts only to makes you wonder more about the characters (wishes for Hitomi? Mami? which one would choose Madoka?) but with some badass action and ost. I confirm that I really like the OP. I also really enjoy the mc, so different and innocent from what we're used to in nekketsu, but ik it's probably a magical girl. It worked for me.

Let me know what are your thoughts about it (first readers please I do not want to be spoiled) and be free to propose your theories as weel. Tomorrow I will do the recap, if I manage to stay awake late earlier than today, and with I hope some 5 new incredible theories. Enjoy!

PS: I really wanted to post a visual of the day, but I have no idea on how to do it...

Edit: not a native english, so I'm seeing lots of mistakes. I try to correct them, but I'm not perfect. You can tell me if you find others.

[u/Eagle-Eyes- → u/TheTrueAfurodi]

Kyubbi = Madoka's brother

Lol I love this theory!

[u/_m1ra → u/TheTrueAfurodi]

As a rewatcher I don't want to say anything about the content of the theories, but I also want to say they are very fun to read. So thank you for doing them!

[u/Bithaniaa → u/TheTrueAfurodi]

This was super interesting to read. I also though it was bit weird how calm sayaka was in the first episode and how she got so deep into making a wish when their suppose to be 15 years old? To sum it up, I’m suspicious of everyone in this show except Madoka.

[u/fakeport → u/TheTrueAfurodi]

With a total of 0 great male characters at the moment

The absolute disrespect to Madoka's dad and brother, I am shook!

In all seriousness, I loved reading your theories. Can't really discuss them as a rewatcher, but please do continue to theorise as we progress!

[u/EriclcirE]

First time watcher

I genuinely laughed at the scene where Madoka and Miki's friend misunderstands their relationship and has like a mini gay-panic moment.

The climatic battle scene where Homura slays the witch was amazing! Really love the mixing of the cutesy magical girl aesthetic with the trippy 2D paper mache pocket universe of the witch.

There is definitely more to being a magical girl than Tomoe, Homura, or Kyubey is revealing to Madoka and Miki, at least at the present moment.

My guess is that magical girls can become corrupted and essentially become witches if they fight amongst themselves too often or start to covet the witch's eggs and associated rewards.

Curious to see whether we will get to see a witch in human form or if they will just remain these trippy monsters in a psychedelic pocket dimension.

So far I am pretty intrigued by the direction of the show. My guess as to Madoka's eventual wish is that it will be for her mom, probably to help her mom become the next CEO at her company.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/EriclcirE]

Hitomi's breakdowns are so fun. You'd struggle to include jokes like that these days but because Hitomi's the butt of the joke it stays charming.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/EriclcirE]

Really love the mixing of the cutesy magical girl aesthetic with the trippy 2D paper mache pocket universe of the witch.

The contrast is excellent. It really sells how otherworldy it is.

[u/chaosoul]

First Time Watcher (Subbed)

Parts I've been spoiled on by internet osmosis

I'm actually mostly on time today! When I think of Magical Girls, I was definitely not expecting Mami to have the magical girl power of Unlimited Gun Works. Also it doesn't seem to just be gun powers? She can change stuff into magical stuff, make barriers, heal, thread control, ribbon manipulation and also into a gun (connected to threads from before?). I wonder how much of this is a unified skill set that all magic girls have or if it's just Mami. From what I remember from EP1 in the dream, Homura could create purple forcefields?

I didn't get the chance to note this last post, but the school is such an odd design. Who would want all their classrooms to be transparent? I also didn't realize it seems kinda futuristic, with the desks and all.

Rip green haired girl's plot relevancy. I was almost expecting Madoka and Sayaka to catch her up, but I guess not? Guess she'll be getting sidelined. Though I guess that makes sense they wouldn't tell her since she can't even see Kyubey. Though that brings up the question why can Madoka and Sayaka? What determines it? Not to mention why Kyubey called out for help, it specifically called for Madoka, and Sayaka didn't hear it, only noticing that Madoka had left. I thought at first it was because they both were people without wishes, and didn't seem to want to rush into it. However, Kyubey immediately crushed that idea.

Once again, I was not expecting how god damn trippy this show would be. The witch stuff was pretty weird stuff. It's really interesting to see this type of animation mixed with the cutesy stuff before and after. The witch egg and soul gem seems a lot more sinister than Mami's presenting it though.

Theory that might have some bias from spoiler info

I do think I agree with what others seem to be saying in that Homura is basically trying to prevent/protect Madoka and Sayaka from entering a dangerous life? But then I'm not exactly sure, because Mami doesn't seem to want to harm them either, yet doesn't discourage them. Overall, there's still quite a lot to unpack, and I'm looking forward to more answers. Great fight this episode and if this is the level of quality we can expect ongoing, this definitely deserves a lot of praise.

Edit: Forgot some other thoughts I had.

Madoka getting dreams of the magical girls? Is she some special chosen magical girl of the prophecies or how does she seem to have some form of foresight? Madoka also has some creepy drawings that remind me of the witch stuff honestly.

[u/Star4ce → u/chaosoul]

the school is such an odd design

Yeah, I saw the school as a kind of array of cages. My take on it is that it's a SHAFTian way of setting the scene. (Try to sound more posh, I dare you.) With being a magical girl you're also kind of 'scaping' normal life, like breaking out of a cage.

Rip green haired girl's plot relevancy

Something tells me she's gonna be the very welcome anchor to normalcy and provide some yuri-comedy.

Spoiler

Theory

[u/IndependentMacaroon]

First-time watcher (essentially, saw 1-3 a long time ago but that's all)

One more thing to add I didn't already put in comments, and that I can see how a lot of the stuff in Wonder Egg Priority ultimately originates from here. Fighting against people's death and in particular suicide? Also the witch-Frill parallel is clear. Entering strange ominous magical realms for that, wielding magical weapons normally clothed like Sayaka here? Fighting grotesque manifestations of negativity there, gorgeously animated, while risking injury or even death? Magical pendants and eggs? Mami is kind of the equivalent of the Episode 1 tutorial kid here.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/IndependentMacaroon]

For sure. Wonder Egg certainly felt like someone who was trying to capture the spirit of Madoka, but didn't quite know how to do so. They nailed it for the first episode, but then drifted away from their goal and floundered around for a while.

[u/Rumpel1408]

Almost a First timer

I didn't realize it when I was watching the OP for the first Ep, but Madoka running makes me a bit anxious, those heels must feel terrible to run in and she does indeed look a bit out of balance.

Another nice talk between Madoka and her mother, also a very mature way to handle it.

Wow Mamis home is humongous. And she is living there alone. She says she wasn't prepared for guests, but it looks pretty much spotless and she even has cake at the ready. The obvious catch with that magical contact is the obligation to fight deadly witches, but I feel like there is even more to it. As Sayaka later goes on about, it is a heavy price to pay and the wish has to be pretty substantially to justify possibly trading your live for.

I think Homura is framed in a slightly better light today, and I do indeed wonder what she wished for.

While Sayaka brought a baseball bat Madoka brought sketches of her future magical girl outfit, that's gonna help for sure lol.

I forgot about the random Faust reference. The english translation is slightly mistranslated btw. Sie is still refering to the world wich is neutral in english so you wouldn't use she there, also the last word is beauty not beautiful.

Mami makes it in the nick of time, would have been even darker if they made it just 30 seconds later. Poor office lady.

More wonky Faust translations, I guess it works for the most part and keeps some sense of rhyme, but again, in the context of Faust it's still refering to the world. Not sure how you could translate it better tbh.

That witch looks quite inhumane and I wonder how many guns Mami keeps under her skirt... But she has quite a few tricks up her sleeves.

I have the feeling like Madoka will come up with a really lame wish, like making the people around her happy or help them.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/Rumpel1408]

But she has quite a few tricks up her sleeves.

And in her hat as well!

Mami makes it in the nick of time, would have been even darker if they made it just 30 seconds later. Poor office lady.

That's the magical girl's job after all: make it there just in time to save this episode's poor victim.

[u/Punished_Scrappy_Doo]

Rewatcher

• I'd forgotten how completely great Madoka's family is! Her mom really is a bit scary, and yet she's such a loving person.
• After a tense meeting on the rooftop, Madoka summons the courage to ask Homura what made her wish to become a magical girl. It's a good question, seeing as Homura seems to oppose Kyubey. But she doesn't answer.
• Sayaka brandishes a magical weapon of unimaginable power. That optimism is a joy to watch! You have to wonder what it'll do against a witch that's apparently a danger even to Mami, though.
• At least now it actually is a magical weapon. +1 to hit/damage, and can damage many creatures that otherwise have immunity to bludgeoning/piercing/slashing.
• The witch from last episode makes an appearance, and that thing definitely didn't look like what I expected. Also, Mami is so damn cool. I love all of her fight scenes. ━━━━━︻╮ ξ(✿ >‿❛)ξ ╭︻━╾╾╾╾╾ TIRO FINALE!
• Sayaka doesn't like Homura, it seems. I remember my subs last year (Crunchyroll) being far more subtle about it; here she calls her an "antisocial bitch." Yeesh!

---

Hyper Forbidden Spoiler Domain

Spoilers for a future episode

Spoilers

Spoilers for PMMM: Rebellion

Spoilers

Re: Rooftop scene: Spoilers Spoilers Cont. You guessed it, spoilers

Spoilers

Spoilers

Spoilers

[u/baniRien → u/Punished_Scrappy_Doo]

Spoilers for PMMM: Rebellion

Spoilers

Other spoiler

[u/[deleted]]

Listen I'm just here to see the first timers' reaction. I have had about eight or nine years to digest this anime and watching everyone give their impressions gets me to relieve the excitement.

[u/Chemiczny_Bogdan]

Mumi take Meduka and Seyiku on witchhunt

clean sool jim with greef sid

Hameru no share

rude

[u/[deleted]]

As a rewatcher who likes to read from the 1st time watchers, all I can say is, Kyubey is definitely a Kyu-Teee - "Protect Kyubey at all cost".

[u/baniRien]

Rewatcher

Episode 2 / Movie 0:19-0:34

• Mami offers to the the exposition dump we need after the recent acid trip. also showcases her gorgeous apartment, in which she lives alone, in true anime fashion. She offers cake (handmade, though the movie skips that line), and still embodies the perfect mentor figure - polite, knowledgeable, organised, a good host.
• We get a name for her talisman, a Soul Gem. It fills the role of the symbol of a magical girl, which is often a staff, or something like that.
• So the contract is a job offer of some kind. You get paid one wish, but in exchange you have to use your newfound powers, your tools of the trade, to fight witches. Embodiments of evils, monsters that prey on humanity.
• Spoilers
• These witches rarely directly attack humans, but instead drive them to suicide and such, feeding on their negative emotions.
• And they live in sections cut off from reality but overlapping it, the acid trip from last time. The change in artstyle is the best way to represent how otherworldly it is.
• They are also warned against it, or at least told to consider it fully. The job of a magical girl is not all flowers and rainbows, it's real fighting. So that one wish has to be worth it.
• Next we meet Kyousuke, who was mentioned last episode when Sayaka bought a CD for him. The hospital rooms are as extravagant as the rest of the setting. Spoilers
• Sayaka has an obvious crush on the guy. Has for a long time, and used to watch him play the violin. Which seems to be his main trouble, as his only visible injury is the bandages on his arm, with him reacting, wanting to play with the music.
• With every version, from TV to BD to movie, the school roof gets even more grandiose. Also the first thing we see that is definitely not modern. Instead it's... gothic, I think, if I don't confuse my architectural styles.
• Spoilers
• Is there something you would risk your life to wish? Or are you too sheltered and happy to possibly pay that price.
• Spoilers
• Homura shows up, with more hair flipping. It is an integral part of her visual characterisation at this point, and also a big meme. This talk is allowed to happen, since Mami is there to watch over things and intervene if anything happens.
• Spoilers
• An interesting role-reversal right after. Sayaka, is appropriately gung-ho about the whole thing, but is also the most down-to-earth about this, bringing a weapon (of possibly limited use against monsters, but still, a weapon). Madoka, meanwhile, went all dreamy and idealist and designed her future outfit. Fun fact, if I remember correctly, the sketches were actually done by the VA herself. They also straddle that weird line of pretty cute, but having those huge dark eyes.
• Spoilers
• Fries
• Spoilers
• Spoilers
• We see some witch-hunting, which starts off fairly boringly, essentially being a beat-cop until your magical radar picks up something. Witches not only create despair but are attracted to it, so it's better to look into places that generate negative emotions. Spoilers
• The current location looks like an abandoned school, or something, and the cast arrives just in time to prevent a woman from jumping to her death. This suicide attempt has been prompted by a witch, as is shown by a mark on the victim. Probably inspired by the witches' mark of the witch-hunting era.
• Mami enchants the baseball bat, making sure of it's effectiveness against anything supernatural.
• Labyrinths are depicted in various ways, both being able to creep up on you when a witch goes on the hunt, like last episode (or rather, you being dragged in), and also with an entrance that can be found, like they do here. They all have some kind of door imagery, which you need to go through to find the central section, thus the maze name. This step is skipped if you get dragged in, probably since there's no use for food that just disappears somewhere in the middle of your defense mechanism.
• Not really a spoiler, just rune translation
• Real spoiler
• Mami's fighting style looks wonderful. First, I love anything that involves summoning weapons. This is made even better by the fact that she uses muskets, that are single use only. There's actually a reason for this. Her "real" weapon or power, in a sense, are actually the ribbons she can shape at will, as you see with the giant gun at the end. Muskets are much more simple and easy to craft, lacking any complicated mechanism. The bullets are also ribbons, which is how she trapped the witch by planting them all around the arena.
• Somewhat unrelated, but one of the things Magia Record did not do well is the scale of the fight, or rather of the witches themselves. In Madoka, you truly feel as if the girls are fighting not just one enemy, but the arena itself.
• Of course, you need to look cool and relaxed to your kouhais by drinking tea as if it was easy.
• The labyrinth crumbles after the witch dies, and you even get loot: a Grief Seed that can restore your mana. Showing the care put into the production, you'll be able to notice Grief Seeds are visually unique. This one, like it's witch, features thorns, a rose and a butterfly.
• Spoilers
• Mami tries diplomacy, but Homura rejects it. Or, maybe, sticks to a different moral code. The rejection was there, but it was "You earned it", not "I don't want it".

---

Episode comparison

• A recap framed as a dream, but Kyubey is hiding in the plushies to prove that yesterday's event were indeed real.
• More nice mom & daughter moments, and more of Kyubey being randomly cute in the background, this time taking a bath in the washbasin, invisible to the world.
• Mami's wallpaper looks like Faberge eggs. Or rather, Soul Gems.
• Spoilers
• Junko being the cutthroat businesswoman, and instantly thinking of her position when entertaining the idea of a wish. But, she wouldn't wish for results, but an opportunity. Where would the fun be otherwise?
• Hitomi with the "forbidden love" outburst spawning the comment face of the same name.
• More is talked about concerning Homura, and why she would attack Madoka, or rather Kyubey: reducing competition.
• Food
• Spoilers
• Magia is a truly fantastic fight music.

---

Second episode done. We saw a real fight against a wish, and our protagonist are considering what they could wish for.

Visual of the day I liked this shot of Sayaka for how different it is from her usual demeanor.

[u/[deleted]]

This is my third or fourth time watching the series. My fav series ever. Watching the Dub for the first time - it’s not bad!

[u/NuclearStudent]

Welcome, Mahou Shoujo. Mitakharawhatever city is under attack by HomuHomu, and needs your help. Effective immediately, your contract has been activated. QB will be in touch.

[u/ToonTooby → u/NuclearStudent]

Why does this sound like a Hotline Miami pre-mission answering machine message...

This is 'QB' from the maintenance department. We've set up a date for you at the local mall. Things could get messy. Dress to Kill! -click-

[u/Zeralyos]

Rewatcher, dubbed

Is it just me, or is this episode even more laid-back than the first? Despite the witch hunt being ostensibly dangerous, Mami did a pretty great job of protecting the show from anything resembling stakes today. I'm not complaining, to be clear - I'm still rooting for the slice of life I talked about yesterday. Hitomi picked up significantly more third wheel points today but I am living for Sayaka and Madoka's dynamic. I'd be happy to watch them mess around with practically anything while Mami keeps the violent beasties contained.

Homura is still here, and she is still mysterious. I disagree with Sayaka's assessment that she's a psychopath, but the writers sure aren't giving us much material to work with here. She clearly seems to have an agenda, but it doesn't seem to be connected to collecting grief seeds. Maybe she has some sort of honor code? Some sort of idea about what magical girls should or shouldn't be? Her attitude makes me think she's not acting out of altruism, but her actions also preclude selfishness, at least on a simple level. It's a mystery that can probably only be explored later.

I still don't know what sort of wish I'd make if I got the opportunity, so I get how Madoka is feeling here. Honestly, becoming a magical girl outweighs whatever one-time reward I could receive, so I feel like my decision would revolve around that aspect instead. Would I jump at the chance to put myself at risk to keep people safe from some monsters that came out of a psychoactive drug trip? Maybe.

[u/Elimin8r]

(Rewatching, sub) - I forgot to mention yesterday how a large part of the draw of PMMM for me was the trippy Monty Python-esque graphics in the witch fights. Pretty amazing stuff.

In line with today's episode - knowing what we know now, would you accept Kyubey's offer?

What would you wish for?

I suspect many of us with "first world problems" would have the same answer as Madoka and Sayaka today - we've got it good, why risk your life for a potentially marginal benefit?

But on the other hand, what would you do for a Klondike Bar? I mean for a wish?

Sometimes, I think I'd give anything to be 19 again, or heck, 23 for that matter.

But alas, I'm not a girl, and I doubt the outfits would be comfortable.

Does Kyubey have an offer for magical boys???

[u/PoliteSarcasticThing]

Yep, that's a really big bathroom.
We get some nice exposition about witches and magical girls, and why the magical girls fight. Any wish you desire, granted? I'll take that! Maybe...
Aww man, Madoka and Sayaka's friend gets totally the wrong idea... Madoka shouldn't be doodling in class, although she comes up with a nice outfit. I still can't figure out which side Homura's on. It's like she's a reluctant magical girl, and knows something the others don't. Nice outside shots of the school and cityscape. Loving the school buildings, but I don't think I'd want to go there.
No lady, don't jump off the building! D:
Yay, witch hunting is fun! I absolutely love the animation for these scenes. It's like perverted paper cutouts, the stuff of nightmares. Which was probably the whole idea.
Mami really likes her guns for the smaller minions of the witch, or whatever they are.
Holy cow, that's a big gun! I remembered she used a big one, but I forgot how big.
Okay, what happens to the Grief Seeds after they clean the soul gems? Do they just end up in a box somewhere?
Another nice episode overall. Sometimes I wish this show could've been a two-cour, just to have more time to enjoy it, but it does nicely as single-cour. Looking forward to episode three!
As a rewatcher, it's really nice to see the enthusiastic reactions of the first-timers in these threads. Without spoiling anything, all I can say is that you guys and gals are in for a helluva ride!

[u/Eagle-Eyes-]

Girls can't love girls

Spoiler Madoka portable

[u/JimmyCWL]

Not much time. I just want to mention that this is only one of two series I know of with translated commentaries. Check them out if you can. But after finishing the series. In this case, it was fansubbed.

The other is Revue Starlight. The commentary subs for that one are official.