The final episode of “Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” has aired, concluding the anime adaptation of the light novel series. While the series initially drew attention with its comedic premise and ecchi elements, the finale has left many viewers feeling underwhelmed by its conventional and anticlimactic resolution. The last episode attempts an “ENDGAME”-style team-up but ultimately falls flat, failing to deliver on the initial promise of the series.
A Bland End to a Promising Start
The anime community expresses significant disappointment with how the series concluded. Initial impressions were positive, or at least intrigued by the bizarre premise. However, as the series progressed, especially towards the end, it seemingly abandoned the comedic and lewd elements that defined its early episodes. The finale, in particular, is criticized for playing it too straight, lacking the twists, character development, and tension needed to create a satisfying conclusion.
Episode 12: A Straightforward Showdown
Episode 12, titled “Sacred Blade and Sacred Beast,” depicts the decisive battle against the primary antagonist, Vasago. Tama, Aria, and their allies engage in a fierce battle against Vasago’s monster army. Vasago summons Níðhöggr, a giant S-ranked monster. Tama transforms into his Behemoth form, and together with Aria, intercepts Vasago and Níðhöggr, preventing them from breaking through Alisha’s barrier and invading Lumilus.
Despite the high stakes and action-packed scenario, the episode is described as anticlimactic. The major evil is defeated rather swiftly, even before fully implementing his plans, leaving a sense of unfulfillment. Some viewers feel that the story wrapped up before the final boss battle even truly began.
Community Reception: A Mix of Disappointment and Acceptance
The online community’s reaction to the finale is largely negative, with many expressing their disappointment on platforms like Reddit and Anime News Network.
- Disappointment in the finale: Many viewers felt the finale was bland and generic, lacking the humor and over-the-top moments that initially attracted them to the series.
- Underwhelming conclusion: The resolution of the main conflict was seen as anticlimactic, with the villain’s defeat feeling rushed and unsatisfying.
- Shift in tone: Some fans felt that the series shifted away from its original premise, becoming a more generic fantasy anime with less emphasis on comedy and ecchi elements.
- Lost potential: The series had an interesting premise and charming characters, but the storytelling failed to capitalize on this foundation, leading to a disappointing conclusion.
The Question of a Second Season
Given the lukewarm reception of the finale and the limited amount of source material left unadapted, the prospects for a second season of “Beheneko” appear slim.
- Limited Source Material: With the anime adapting a significant portion of the available manga content, there may not be enough material to justify a full second season.
- Lack of Official Announcement: As of March 2025, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season.
- Alternative Content: For those who wish to continue the story, the manga is still ongoing, though it is reported that the anime skipped much of the fluff and ecchi content. The web novel is also still ongoing, and picks up after the anime at Chapter 113.
Themes and Narrative Shift
Several underlying themes emerged throughout the series, although some felt they were not fully realized:
- Reincarnation and Identity: The protagonist’s journey from a knight to a cat-like behemoth explores themes of identity and adapting to a new life.
- The Power of Kindness: Aria’s compassion towards Tama, despite his monstrous nature, highlights the power of kindness and acceptance.
- The Subversion of Expectations: The anime initially presents itself as a comedic ecchi series but attempts to incorporate more serious fantasy elements as it progresses. However, this shift in tone was not always well-received.
Final Thoughts
“Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” concludes its anime run with a finale that has left many viewers wanting more. While the series had a promising start with its unique premise and charming characters, it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The shift in tone, anticlimactic resolution, and lack of character development contributed to the disappointment expressed by many fans. Whether or not a second season materializes remains to be seen, but for now, the story of Tama and Aria comes to an end, leaving behind a sense of untapped potential.
