Plus-Sized Elf episode 3 review: Naoe’s Fantastic Encounters Keep Viewers Hooked

The third episode of Plus-Sized Elf, titled The Sweaty Ogre and Turquoise Scales, premiered at 12:00 am JST on HIDIVE and was later aired on channels such as TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X. The show continues to impress, with each episode introducing new and interesting characters. In the most recent episode, Naoe and Elfuda encounter a variety of fantastical individuals who are all seeking assistance in their weight loss journeys.

The anime is an adaptation of Synecdoche’s Japanese manga series. It was first released on the Comic Gum website, which is owned by Wani Books. A second installment is currently being serialized in Akita Shoten’s Dokodemo Young Champion magazine.

Please note: This article contains spoilers.

An Ogre, a Merrow, and a dog show up in Plus-Sized Elf episode 3

Plus-Sized Elf Episode 3: A Brief Synopsis

Oga as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 3 (Image via Elias)

In the third episode of Plus-Sized Elf, Naoe invites Elfuda to join him for a trip to the spa and shares the legend of the ogre that is said to inhabit the area. Excited by the prospect of losing weight, Elfuda willingly agrees to go.

Afterwards, Elfuda is relieved to discover that the spa is unoccupied. However, her peace is quickly disrupted by the arrival of Kuroeda. A heated debate ensues, but eventually the two elves decide to go to the sauna together. As it turns out, Kuroeda had also heard about the ogre and was hesitant to enter the spa alone. Elfuda takes advantage of the situation to playfully tease her companion.

As they step into the sauna, the intense heat immediately overwhelms them and they start to complain. Suddenly, a voice from inside interrupts, belonging to the ogre Oga, who sternly demands them to be quiet.

Upon speaking with the elves, Oga discovers that her frequent presence at the sauna during nighttime was causing a decline in customers. Her initial intention for being there was to shed some pounds, but her excessive alcohol consumption had led to weight gain instead.

In episode 3 of Plus-Sized Elf, Elfuda and Oga engage in a competition to test their endurance in the sauna. The stakes are high, with the loser having to foot the bill for the winner’s feast. As predicted, Elfuda is unable to withstand the intense heat, resulting in Oga indulging in a few drinks at her expense. Just then, Naoe appears and is asked by Elfuda to purchase some fries for her since she had already exhausted all her funds.

Mero as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 3 (Image via Elias)

The following day, Naoe brings Elfuda to a fish market, despite her being a vegetarian and not enjoying the sight of fish being sold. Naoe attempts to convince her to incorporate fish into her diet as it is known to aid in weight loss. Mero, the fishmonger, also joins in and shares the various health benefits of consuming fish.

Despite Elfuda’s impoliteness in pointing out Mero’s flabby arms, Mero confesses that they are a result of her decision to quit swimming and consume excessive amounts of fish. It is later revealed that Mero is a merrow who utilizes a potion to transform her fish-like lower body into human legs.

Upon receiving some helpful exercises from Naoe and Elfuda to work on her arm muscles, Mero expresses her gratitude by gifting them with the finest salmon roe. While feeding Elfuda, Mero playfully teases about feeding her own eggs, causing Elfuda to playfully faint and request fries from Naoe.

Plus-Sized Elf: Episode 3 Review – Story, Animation, and Pacing

Elfuda and Kuroeda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 3 (Image via Elias)

Episode 3 of Plus-Sized Elf is a charming combination of fantasy and comedy that effectively portrays the daily struggle of maintaining a healthy physique. The characters’ ongoing battle with self-control is a recurring theme throughout the story.

The problem is that their excessive eating habits are resulting in weight gain, and they are now faced with handling the consequences. Additionally, the majority of the characters possess quick tempers and are not fully dedicated to shedding the extra pounds, making them somewhat one-dimensional.

Despite being only the third episode, Plus-Sized Elf maintains a consistent level of quality in its animation and pacing. It can be described as decent, neither exceptionally good nor mediocre. However, it remains enjoyable and easy to watch, aided by its shorter length that prevents it from becoming tedious. There is nothing groundbreaking to be said about the show’s animation or pacing, but it remains a decent and enjoyable watch.

In addition to its comedic elements, Plus-Sized Elf episode 3 also offers valuable information on weight loss. It features step-by-step guidance on performing a lymphatic massage, as well as effective bicep and tricep exercises and pushups.

The episode successfully delivers humor, especially when Mero tries to prank Elfuda by tricking her into eating her own eggs. The series appears to be increasing in comedic value with each new episode. The installment ends on a mysterious note with the introduction of a dog, leaving viewers curious about its potential significance in the next episode.