‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Episode 11 review: “The Test in Serpentback Cave”

With the finale on the horizon, Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 continues to forward while introducing Richeh’s background in a way that doesn’t overtake the primary narrative. The balancing act between these two works perfectly; marrying the plots together so that even with the world building focus, the magic still comes through.

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 puts Richeh in the driver’s seat

At long last, Richeh gets her moment in the spotlight. Of Qifrey’s apprentices, she’s the quietest, often speaking only when necessary and she doesn’t say much. It’s only when pushed that Richeh explains exactly why she doesn’t enjoy the reading part of studying magic. True freedom (a recurring series theme) is hard to come by for pointed hat witches. For Richeh, studying other spells doesn’t click with her — which is quite relatable.

Not every method of studying works for everyone, but especially when the person already feels trapped by the world they’re living in. For Richeh, magic is about being herself rather than copying others’ spells; something she makes clear to Coco in that magical cave she made.

Quality teaching is a skill

This conflict of his goes hand in hand with Richeh’s struggles with Qifrey as her teacher. And while underhanded, Qifrey tricking Richeh into taking the second test shows just how much he cares about her. It’s clear that at the end of the day, Richeh is a skilled witch and Qifrey knows that. That’s why his own struggle is the push-pull between teacher and supporter. His intentions are good, but they might not come off that way to her and cause tension between the two.

Even with Qifrey’s quirks, one thing that makes him a great teacher is the respect that he has toward the girls. While this is something that Witch Hat Atelier has touched on in previous episodes, “The Test in Serpentback Cave” highlights this dynamic by introducing Euini and Kukrow. Their relationship is quite the opposite, with Kukrow berating and loudly talking about how disappointed he is in Euini as a student.

Additionally, whenever Qifrey speaks to one of the girls, he tends to get down on one knee so that they’re eye level with each other. It’s a simple show of respect between them that stands out when Kukrow talks down to Euini — but Kukrow leaving the test hammers the point home. The lack of compassion towards someone who he should to be guiding through this process is hard to watch and suggests again that the world of magic has issues.

Environmental studies

There’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 that brings up an important topic of its world. Magic, especially in the time before the pact, destroyed part of the natural habitat for Myrphons and because of that, the pointed cap witches now must guide them to their breeding spot. It’s a subtle nod at how they take responsibility for the destruction that came at their hands — a rather timely topic to nod at with the current state of the world.

Kamome Shirahama bringing this topic to life in Witch Hat Atelier is a great way to introduce a topic that’s so prevalent in the world we’re living in through a fantasy lens. Her ability to take this topic and break it down into something readers and watchers can digest is something more manga authors should try in their own works.

The top tier production work continues

It can’t be understated that Bug Films brings Shirahama’s work to life with such carefully crafting hands. The animation in season one is nothing short of top-tier from start to finish. It’s beyond obvious that the animators care about the source material. This makes such a difference when it comes to animating a series like Witch Hat Atelier because the whimsy can’t afford to be lost in the adaptation.

The standout moment from Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 is when a giant brushbuddy appears, only to be revealed as Alaira wearing a magical clock. As silly as it sounds, there is a smoothness to her transition from brushbuddy to human that would have been stilted in another anime. Hats off to Bug Films for nailing it.

Prepping for the finale

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 builds on the groundwork laid in the previous episode. With both Agott and Richeh taking the test, “The Test in Serpentback Cave” refocuses on the girls and the struggles they’re facing. The stakes for them are high, and you can’t help but root for them as their test starts even as the darkness of the cave creeps in. The final two episodes are sure to pack a punch with the direction this last arc is heading, and I can’t wait to see it on screen.

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 7 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

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Images courtesy of Crunchyroll.