Episode 4 of “From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!” titled “Dad Summons a Beast,” premiered on January 31, 2025, and has already sparked considerable discussion among fans. This installment significantly deviates from typical isekai and villainess reincarnation narratives, introducing a creative twist that deepens the overarching plot.
A Month at the Academy
The episode picks up a month after Kenzaburo Tondabayashi began his new life as Grace Auvergne in the world of “Magical Academy: Love & Beast.” The students are preparing for the highly anticipated Summoning Ceremony, a rite of passage where they hatch magical familiars from eggs received upon enrollment. For Grace, this ceremony promises to be anything but ordinary.
The Summoning Ceremony Surprise
As Grace performs the summoning ritual, an unexpected event unfolds. Instead of a typical magical beast, Grace’s egg produces chibi versions of both Grace and Kenzaburo. This bizarre occurrence is followed by the appearance of a mysterious magic circle, leaving everyone present utterly confused.
Adding to the strangeness, an unfamiliar voice echoes through the hall, identifying herself as Hinako Tondabayashi, Kenzaburo’s daughter from the real world. This reveal confirms suspicions that Hinako and Kenzaburo’s wife, Mitsuko, play a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative.
Beyond the Game: A Family Affair
Episode 4 unveils a crucial element of the plot: Kenzaburo is not simply trapped in a world based on the otome game; he is literally inside the game itself. Similar to “Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte,” the anime establishes that Kenzaburo’s consciousness resides within his daughter’s console, allowing his family to observe his adventures on their television. In the “real” world, Kenzaburo remains in a comatose state, his mind active only within this digital realm.
This revelation raises intriguing questions about the potential series resolution. Will Kenzaburo eventually return to his original body, leaving the “real” Grace to awaken with a ready-made harem? Or will his experiences as Grace permanently alter her personality and memories?
A Non-Standard Familiar
The surprises don’t end there. When the chibi versions of Grace and Kenzaburo appear, mystical pink hands emerge from a ghostly floating TV screen, merging the two figures. This fusion results in the creation of an unconventional familiar: a dual magic-wielding Ancient Dragon with the powers of both fire (presumably from Grace) and water (from Kenzaburo).
It is later revealed that the mystical hands belong to Hinako, who eagerly seizes the opportunity to assist her father in his new guise. Hinako’s involvement highlights the strong bond between father and daughter, adding a heartwarming dimension to the isekai narrative.
The Geek Family Dynamic
The anime subtly emphasizes the Tondabayashi family’s shared passion for geek culture. Mitsuko, Kenzaburo’s wife, readily accepts the notion that her husband’s soul now inhabits the body of a fictional villainess. This acceptance underscores the family’s unique dynamic and their shared understanding of the fantastical. Kenzaburo’s musings about reloading the world to obtain his desired magical beast further solidify his image as an avid gamer, adding another layer to his character.
Episode 3 Recap: Setting the Stage
To fully appreciate the impact of Episode 4, it’s helpful to revisit the events of Episode 3, “Dad Makes a Pun!”. This episode introduced the Student Council, an elite group of students destined for influential roles. Grace (Kenzaburo) humorously noted that the romanceable characters possessed distinctive hairstyles, with Virgile presenting the most challenging romantic conquest due to his analytical nature.
During a review of academy finances, Virgile expressed admiration for Grace’s unexpected numerical skills. A sparring match followed, during which Grace earned Auguste’s respect by sparing a beetle. Later, Grace and Richard bonded over puns. The episode concluded with Grace questioning her role as a villainess, hinting at the character development to come.
Where to Watch
For viewers in North America, “From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!” Episode 4 is available on HIDIVE via Sentai Filmworks. Those in South and Southeast Asia can tune in to Muse Asia’s YouTube channel. Additionally, Crunchyroll offers the episode worldwide.
A Unique Isekai Experience
Episode 4 of “From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!” delivers a compelling blend of comedy, heartfelt family moments, and unexpected plot twists. By revealing Kenzaburo’s connection to the real world and introducing his daughter as a key player, the anime transcends typical isekai tropes and offers a fresh perspective on the genre. The episode’s clever writing, engaging characters, and creative premise make it a standout installment in the series. The introduction of the Ancient Dragon familiar, born from the fusion of Grace and Kenzaburo’s essence, promises exciting developments in future episodes.
