Episode 1 Review: Alicia’s Journey as a Historic Villainess in I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History

I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1, titled “The Villainess and Working Out,”premiered on October 1, 2024, as part of Crunchyroll’s Fall 2024 anime lineup. This series is an exciting addition to the popular villainess isekai subgenre.

The debut episode introduces the main villainess and protagonist, Alicia, alongside the various romance routes intertwined in the narrative. While the main antagonist, identified as the heroine, has yet to be unveiled, it’s clear that this story takes a different approach compared to traditional “good routes”often found in villainess tales.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1.

The Villainess and Romance Routes in I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History Episode 1

Episode Highlights

Alicia and the main romance routes as shown in the anime (Image via MAHO FILM)

In the opening of I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History episode 1, we hear a heartfelt monologue from the protagonist who expresses her admiration for the villainess Alicia’s resilience and ambition. She reveals her aspiration to be reborn as Alicia. The story then shows seven-year-old Alicia awakening with memories of her past life as the protagonist, vowing to become the greatest villain in history.

Alicia’s journey unfolds as she sheds her previously lazy lifestyle, adopting a more proactive approach. She persuades her brother to teach her swordsmanship and immerses herself in knowledge at the library. Later, she is introduced to the suitors in the story, including Duke Seeker, the son of the current king and the crown prince.

Duke Seeker as shown in the anime (Image via Studio MAHO FILM)

During her encounter with Duke Seeker, Alicia impresses everyone while securing her place as a swordsmanship apprentice. A year later, she meets the royal family’s heirs and the king himself. In a pivotal scene, the king seeks her advice regarding the political and economic situation of the realm. Alicia, deluding herself into believing this is a trial of her villainous essence, delivers shrewd responses to shape her reputation as the “greatest villainess.”

The king finds his conversation with Alicia intriguing, but is soon distracted by breaking news of the “Golden Rose,”heralding the arrival of the main heroine. The episode concludes with hints that the union of Duke Seeker, the blue rose, and the heroine will have significant implications for the kingdom, albeit at a considerable cost.

Review of I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History Episode 1

Alicia, as shown in the anime (Image via MAHO FILM)

This opening episode of I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History effectively sets the stage for Alicia’s ambitious quest to become the most formidable villainess. It adeptly introduces her various romantic interests, including significant contenders vying for her affection.

Animated by Studio MAHO FILM, known for previous adaptations like By the Grace of the Gods and In the Land of Leadale, this series employs a familiar art style characteristic of recent anime. Despite its fast pacing—a common trait of light novel adaptations—the character design and visual aesthetics do not notably stand out amidst the crowded Fall 2024 anime landscape.

The sound design and thematic elements lack distinction, with a soundtrack that gives a somewhat dated impression. However, there is still hope that upcoming episodes will present a more compelling narrative, which is especially important for a villainess anime where the protagonist aims to embrace her villainous side.

Final Thoughts

I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History joins the ranks of the ever-growing villainess isekai genre that has seen an influx of similar titles in recent years. These narratives often feature a “heroine”who ultimately reveals herself as the true villain rather than the designated villainess.

The first episode clearly indicates that the primary conflict revolves around the heroine and hero’s union rather than the heroine’s inherent nature. It’s plausible that I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History will carve its niche by introducing a unique conflict dynamic.

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