Dan Da Dan’s Most Controversial Scene Has a Heartbreaking Explanation

It didn’t take long to Dan-Dan to establish itself as a shocking, unpredictable, and overall strange series. And as the anime continues to move forward at an impressive and breakneck pace, it also reveals itself to be hiding some truly moving, emotional, and wholesome writing. The romance between Momo and Okarun has already won the hearts of the anime viewing community, despite some controversies surrounding the first episode.

The series received some backlash after its first episode for portraying sensitive subjects, as well as a controversial scene from Momo being almost sexually assaulted by aliens. While this scene remains problematic due to Momo’s age in the series, it wasn’t just fanservice or shock value. Momo’s plight caused Turbo Granny – possessing Okarun’s body – to come to her aid, and the reason for this unusual behavior from a hungry ghost is truly heartbreaking.

Momo’s Controversial Scene in Dan Da Dan’s First Episode Serves a Purpose

Turbo Granny is more affectionate than she seems

Turbo Granny’s first words shocked many viewers who watched Dan-Dan without any prior knowledge of the series. Not only could the ghostly entity run at speeds that rivaled trains and cars, but it was also revealed to have a dangerous obsession with eating “sausages.” However, after Turbo Granny’s defeat in Episode #4, the spirits of several girls and women evaporated alongside the Yokaisignaling that his obsession is rooted in tragedy.

Seiko revealed that Turbo Granny appeared in that tunnel after the senseless deaths of young girls at the hands of abusive and monstrous men, and she acted as a comforting figure to their souls as they passed away. For this reason, when boys or men entered that tunnel, Turbo Granny acted aggressively. While attacking the living is justification enough for Momo and Okarun’s defeat of the dangerous entity, their reason for doing so rightfully garners sympathy from fans.

Turbo Granny purposely saved Momo in episode 1

The dangerous ghost came to rescue another girl

After Okarun’s encounter with Turbo Granny in episode 1, the focus shifts to Momo being held captive in the frightening Serpoian UFO. The scene is not easy to watch and puts Momo in a vulnerable positionbefore Turbo Granny pops out of her cell phone and starts wreaking havoc on the alien lifeforms. Initially, it was unclear why she would come to his rescue, given her usual aggressiveness. But with the added context of Turbo Granny being something of a protector of the girls, it makes perfect sense.

She probably heard what was happening over the phone while possessing Okarun and decided to rescue another girl in need. This proves that while Dan-Dan may make headlines for its scandalous scenes and controversial choices, it’s actually a very careful series that hides a lot behind its turbulent surface. While some fans may still find Momo’s scene in the first episode disturbing, Turbo Granny’s story at least adds some context to it, proving that it wasn’t mere fanservice.