Chainsaw Man’s third episode, “Meowy’s Whereabouts,” continues Denji’s (Kikunosuke Toya) quest to grab boobs. Based on the manga created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, Studio MAPPA’s anime continues to elevate anime. With breathtaking animation, and characters you connect with on a deeper level, the series is a joy to watch. Though the laughs are still there. The episode also shows more of Power (Fairouz Ai)—a Blood Devil in a human’s body—and Denji’s partnership as they pair up to retrieve Power’s cat, Meowy. MAPPA delivers stunning visuals every time. Focusing on characters, Chainsaw Man’s “Meowy’s Whereabouts” combines action with a situation ripe for learning more about Power and the world of devil hunting Denji inhabits.
At the end of the second episode, Power disposes of a devil. Unfortunately for her, bureaucratic red tape lands her and Denji in hot water. Since Power is a part of Public Safety, they cannot kill devils that civilian hunters target, or it obstructs the civilian’s business. Power does what anyone would do—she blames Denji. Power is Denji’s responsibility, and failure on either of their part equals a death sentence for both.
“Meowy’s Whereabouts” Teaches You: Do Not Be A Joiner
This episode reminds you why it is the better choice if you are a loner. Everyone has to answer to the collective group. That includes Makima (Tomori Kusunoki), who explains the situation to her higher-ups—older men. That reminded me of scenes with Gojo navigating meetings with old, stuck-in-the-past men in Jujutsu Kaisen. The frustration lies in their inability to move toward any new solution. They always stick with what works and hinder everyone’s ability to do their jobs. And the way Makima keeps referring to Denji as ‘dog’ or ‘pup’ makes you wonder whether she is a decent human being.
A Fair Exhchange?
Power and Denji’s relationship is off to a rocky start after Power’s lie. Regardless, they have to figure out a way to work together. Power and Denji are not friends, but they join forces; thanks to Power’s proposition to let Denji touch her chest in exchange for his help rescuing Meowy, they join forces. Seeing Denji go from indifference about Meowy to vowing to destroy the devil that took them shows one-track mind Denji still steers this ship. Of course, rescuing Meowy is not going to be that simple. On their way, they talk, trying to find common ground to understand each other. “Meowy’s Whereabouts” fixates on the relationship the journey, and subsequent battle, to rescue the imprisoned cat creates.
Though Denji and Power look at each other as a means to an end, their shared connection to their pets allows something more to blossom. It does not have to be the same pet; a loss is a loss. When Power sees the Bat Devil swallow Meowy, cage and all, she finally understands how Denji feels. Conversely, seeing her quiet sadness lets Denji see her as more than an object with breasts he wants to touch. Still, Denji is livid at Bat Devil for taking Power and her breasts away. So he flips out. The ensuing battle is arresting and a natural progression of what occurs. Plus, the fight includes a little about Denji’s chainsaw abilities if you are watching.
Why Didn’t Power Fight Back?
The only part that is unclear in “Meowy’s Whereabouts” is the difference in strength between Power and Bat Devil. She does not try to fight him, even after he swallows Meowy. Is it shock and pain that keeps her at a standstill? It is possible, but when he first snatched Meowy, she did not attack him then either. Makima’s conversation with Aki (Shogo Sagata) discussing how a devil’s strength connects to the fear people have of their name might be a hint. So, Bat Devil might be more powerful than a Blood Devil Power in a human body. But it is unclear, especially since the show does not reveal how affected Power’s overall strength is by being a fiend.
It Just Gets Better
Chainsaw Man’s “Meowy”s Whereabouts” closes with a visceral battle between Denji and Bat Devil filled with stunning animation. I adored it. But how much flack Denji and Power will get from Makima? Denji might lie to protect Power, if only for the chance to fondle her breasts. Have to admire how focused Denji is on his goal. If you have that kind of focus, you can move mountains or, you know, eviscerate devils. Chainsaw Man’s “Meowy’s Whereabouts” brilliantly tells a human story of people and their pets amidst a backdrop of devils, betrayal, and bloodshed. The series continues to remind me of Jujutsu Kaisen and Devilman Crybaby due to its fight scenes and exploration of human emotions.
