The Eminence in Shadow (陰の実力者になりたくて!) is an anime that got its adaptation from the light novel of the same name on October 5th 2022. The moment it started, it became one of the most sought-after series this season for sporting a popular concept with a refreshing touch.
The Eminence in Shadow Episode 3 Overview
This series has garnered quite the hype after its release. And the credit surely goes to good animation, a relatable male lead and a bunch of beautiful anime girls who are sure to start waifu wars.
The anime is directed by Nakanishi Kazuya, who is also famous for his work with Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, Trinity Seven, Strike the Blood, etc. Nexus studio is handling the animation, which despite not being very famous in its field, is delivering satisfactory results as of now.
I have tried my best to keep the review as spoiler free as possible, but there are certain elements that I had to mention to give proper feedback.
The Eminence in Shadow Episode 3 Review – A New Entry
This season many Isekai animes have dropped, and The Eminence in Shadow is not just another one of them.
The Isekai harem genre is so prevalent and famous that it is only natural that every season, we will get one to grace us. And honestly speaking, this anime does not bring something entirely different to the table if we consider its base.
But Cid, as a protagonist, is a different breed altogether. He thinks that he is only pretending to be a Chūnibyō, which he actually is, but does not realise himself. He is effortlessly lying and deceiving people left and right to create this grand image of himself, and almost everyone around him falls for it.
With an overpowered MC and a bunch of female characters vying for his attention and admiration, this anime, too, at first, plays along the stereotypes. But we get caught off guard when in the first episode, we see it going in directions that Isekais normally does not go.
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The third episode essentially starts off by answering the questions of all who wanted to know what happened after the last cliffhanger. And we meet with a brand new cast altogether.
The best part of this anime is definitely the comic timing. The comedy here actually makes you laugh, and the punches land nicely as well. Just like the scene where Cid proposed to the most popular girl as he lost a bet and things did not turn out as he expected.
I also got to see that our MC is not the only one who can mask his true colours. There are others as well who can equally carry two faces like him.
I liked the fact that we are finally progressing to a different setting from where we were left in the last episode. Now, Cid is all alone without the support of his maidens, ready to begin a new journey and face new problems.
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One thing about this anime that I really appreciate is its fast pace. It doesn’t take the audience for granted nor does it employ cheap tricks to capture its viewer’s attention. But again, I am not sure as of yet how this anime will eventually turn out in the end. And can only hope that it holds its pace and keeps itself distinct from similar shows in the same category.
Verdict
Till now, the show is good enough for even a non-Isekai watcher to enjoy. I saw new characters in this episode and also witnessed pretty hilarious situations. So I do expect a good episode ahead as well, with the last twist that this episode delivered. If you have not watched it yet, watch it on Netflix.
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Don’t care about the more serious adaptation, Kana Hanazawa’s acting is freaking beautiful