The latest episode of “Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” sees Gladstone under siege by an army of the undead, even as the mysteries surrounding Reiss and his connection to the town deepen. Episode 7, titled “Undead on Approach – Dark Tales of the Earl,” premiered on February 8, 2025, and is now available for streaming.
The Search for Feri and Lily
The episode picks up with Aria, Stella, and Tama searching for the missing Feri and Lily. Their quest leads them back to Gladstone, where they encounter Vulcan. She warns them about rumors surrounding the Earl of Gladstone, who is said to be kidnapping beautiful women.
Playing the Earl’s Game
Aria and her companions decide to use these rumors to their advantage. They deliberately attract the Earl’s attention, hoping to gather information about the whereabouts of Lily and Feri. This sets the stage for a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as they attempt to uncover the Earl’s secrets without falling victim to his alleged predations.
An Army of Undead Descends
Just as Aria’s group begins their investigation, an unforeseen crisis erupts. An unknown summoner unleashes an army of undead upon the town of Gladstone, throwing the city into chaos. The sudden attack forces Aria, Stella, and Tama to shift their focus from investigation to defense, as they battle the encroaching skeletal horde.
Reiss’s Connection to the Undead
The appearance of the undead army raises questions about Reiss’s involvement. Hints throughout the episode suggest a possible connection between him and the undead forces. This connection is further fueled by Reiss’s declaration to a portrait of Eliza, where he states his intention to bring her back to life.
Flashback and Motivations
Episode 6, titled “Girls of the Wandering Woods”, showed Reiss giving Aria lily of the valley, his late fiancée Eliza’s favorite flower, and mentioning an impending war and the need for raw materials. It also revealed Feri and Lily providing a potion and key to Aria’s group in a labyrinth and Reiss recognizing the potion as a powerful truth serum. Feri and Lily are then kidnapped, and Reiss, speaking to Eliza’s portrait, declares he can bring her back.
Reiss’s Dark Plan
Reiss’s actions suggest a descent into necromancy, driven by a desire to resurrect his deceased fiancée, Eliza. He appears willing to sacrifice others, as he kidnaps Feri and Lily and drains their mana. His connection to the Earl also becomes clearer, as it’s revealed he believes the Earl is responsible for Eliza’s death.
Truth Potion Payoff
The truth potion obtained in the previous episode becomes a key element in uncovering Reiss’s motivations. Although some find it a convenient plot device, the potion serves as a catalyst for revealing the truth behind Reiss’s actions and his connection to the unfolding events.
Critical Reception
Early reviews of Episode 7 have been mixed. One critic at Anime News Network expressed disappointment, stating that the episode “managed to truly bore me.” They criticized the episode’s serious tone and reliance on generic plot points, noting the lack of comedy and levity that had been present in earlier episodes. The reviewer also pointed out the vague details surrounding Reiss’s motivations and the absence of context for his relationship with his deceased wife.
Praised and Criticized Elements
Despite the criticisms, the review did acknowledge a positive aspect: the payoff with the truth potion. However, this was tempered by the fact that it felt like a lazy resolution to the plot point. Some found the setup predictable, while others felt that it didn’t work.
Overall Impression
The episode is seen as a departure from the earlier lighthearted tone of the series, with a greater emphasis on serious plot developments. This shift in tone has divided viewers, with some finding the episode boring and uninspired.
Where to Watch
“Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” is available for streaming on HIDIVE. International audiences can also watch the series on Muse Asia’s YouTube channel.
A Knight Reborn
The anime follows the story of a knight who dies in battle and is reincarnated as a baby behemoth, a powerful monster that resembles a cat. He is adopted by Aria, an elf adventurer, who names him Tama.
Synopsis
In the city of Labyrinthos, where monsters roam in a maze-like dungeon, a knight is reincarnated as a kitten. However, this kitten is actually an S-rank monster known as a Behemoth. Aria, a D-rank adventurer, discovers the injured kitten and takes him in, naming him Tama. Tama, touched by Aria’s kindness, vows to protect her.
Main Characters
- Tama: The protagonist, a knight reincarnated as a baby behemoth.
- Aria: An elf adventurer who adopts Tama.
- Stella: A member of Aria’s party.
- Vulcan: Another adventurer who provides information and support.
- Reiss: A key character with connections to the undead and a hidden agenda.
Key Themes
The series explores themes of reincarnation, the bond between humans and animals, and the responsibilities that come with great power. It also touches on themes of loss, revenge, and the dangers of obsession.
Production
“Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” is produced by Zero-G and Saber Works, with music by Flying Dog.
The Road Ahead
With Gladstone under attack and Reiss’s true motivations coming to light, Aria and her companions face a daunting challenge. Episode 7 sets the stage for a confrontation with the undead forces and a deeper exploration of Reiss’s past and his plans for Eliza’s resurrection. The remaining episodes promise to be filled with action, suspense, and further revelations about the characters and their world.
The question remains whether the series can recapture the humor and charm of its earlier episodes while maintaining a compelling narrative. As the mysteries surrounding Reiss and the undead army deepen, viewers will have to tune in to see how Aria, Tama, and their friends will confront these challenges and protect the city of Gladstone.
