Witch Hat Atelier episode 6 slows things down for Coco and the other witch apprentices, offering a nice break following the dramatic events of episode 5.“A Light on a Rainy Day” is casual and cozy, expanding on Coco’s magical teachings while also introducing the last member of the main ensemble. The coziness that manga readers know and love shines despite the rainy weather the characters deal with.
Deescalation is important.
It would be easy to dismiss Witch Hat Atelier episode 6 as a filler episode, but it does a lot to show a bump in Coco’s magical journey. The other girls have years of experience and could do a lot more than she did against the dragon. Because of this, she feels depression over her lack of ability despite having only recently beginning her studies. This insecurity is relatable to people who pick up a hobby or pursue a career later than their peers. Coco is trying her best, but she’s aware that she’s far behind the other apprentices, causing her to exhaust herself during practice.
Qifrey thankfully Coco manages to get out of her spiral. As odd as Qifrey is, he knows how to handle these sorts of things in a way that doesn’t cause the girls to succumb to their worries while showing that he cares. In telling Coco about the journey to his own magic, she learns that it takes time to figure out what her magic is and that it’s okay. The kitchen scene is one of the biggest lessons in the whole of Witch Hat Atelier: there is no one path to learning; because it’s a personal thing for each individual. And if they’re lucky, sometimes, they’ll learn a way to have a picnic despite the rain.
Witch Hat Atelier episode 6 introduces one more resident.
The picnic scene is a nice pause for the atelier, minus Agott, who doesn’t join. This scene in particular makes the episode worth watching, but even the beauty of the sequence can’t wrestle the spotlight away from the latest arrival. Olruggio absolutely steals the spotlight in “A Light on a Rainy Day.” He is a long awaited character, and his introduction doesn’t doesn’t disappoint.
Serving as the ateliers’ Watchful Eye, a pointed hat who makes sure that ateliers far from the Great Hall are not using forbidden magic, it’s clear that he runs a stricter ship than Qifrey. Because of this, his reaction to Coco becoming Qifrey’s apprentice isn’t surprising. But what is surprising is why Olruggio warms up to her.
Coco isn’t the only one getting over their hang ups.
The stepping stones that light up when pressed on are the reason Coco fell in love with magic in the first place. Getting to their creator is a dream come true for her. This moment between the two shows that, at its core, magic is what connects people to one another. It bridges gaps in understanding and bring people together unexpectedly. Kamome Shirahama knew what she was doing by putting these two in the same atelier.
Speaking of characters who got off on the wrong foot with Coco, Agott gets her backstory introduced while the storm rages just outside. She is clearly driven with a solid plan for her future, even if the audience isn’t aware of what it is just yet. And, at the end of the day, she’s still a kid. Anime watchers who might have disliked Agott for her attitude toward Coco are in for a surprise with that cliffhanger Witch Hat Atelier episode 6 ends on.
The amazing production value continues to shine
The animation in “A Light on a Rainy Day” is top-notch. Because there isn’t much action in the episode, the animators focuses effort into the smaller moments; such as Coco baking in the kitchen with Qifrey or when they’re all on the picnic under the bridge and Brushbuddy is snacking with them. It can be easy for moments like these not to have the same priority from the studio and might not look as great as the bigger moments, but Bug Films keeps the magic going.
Composer Yuka Kitamura (Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Bloodborne) once again brings the episode together with her score. Her ability to craft the coziness needed for Witch Hat Atelier episode 6 is what makes it so special. It creates the necessary atmosphere for an easygoing episode that focuses on the things that make the atelier comfortable. Without her, Witch Hat Atelier would be a completely different anime.
Witch Hat Atelier episode 6 is the necessary breather following “The Dragon’s Labyrinth.” Its slower pacing, combined with the world building, makes “A Light on a Rainy Day” an enjoyably casual episode. Call it a filler episode if you want, but it’s a strong part of the season in how it fleshes out the characters and how they view magic. The smaller moments are what make the Witch Hat Atelier world that much more whimsical and enjoyable to dive into. Who doesn’t want to see Brushbuddy stuffing their little face?
Witch Hat Atelier Episode 6 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Images courtesy of Bug Films and Crunchyroll.
-
Witch Hat Atelier Episode 6 - 8/10
8/10
Made up of feminism, sports, and cheap wine.
Questions, comments, inquries please be sent to kaylamchu@gmail.com
