Ep 5. E 5

In Puella Magi Madoka Magica season 1 episode 5, titled "There's No Way I'll Ever Regret It", we see our beloved characters going through a phase of introspection. Mami, who had taken Madoka and Sayaka under her wing and promised to protect them, has died. This tragic event sends shockwaves through the magical girl community and leaves everyone feeling vulnerable and alone.

Every girl has their own way of coping with the loss of Mami. Homura, distant and cold as always, takes it upon herself to investigate the mystery that surrounds the witches' labyrinth. Madoka, feeling guilty for not being able to save Mami, seeks comfort from her family and contemplates giving up her dream of becoming a magical girl. Sayaka, who had always admired Mami's strength and grace, is struck with a sense of hopelessness and feels that being a magical girl is not worth the risk.

Meanwhile, Kyubey, the cute and fluffy mascot of the show, continues his quest to convince the girls to form a contract with him and become magical girls. He argues that Mami's death was a result of her overconfidence and lack of teamwork, and that by working together, they can avoid such tragedies in the future. However, Kyubey's true intentions remain shrouded in mystery, leaving the girls to wonder if he can be trusted.

As the episode progresses, the girls' inner turmoil reaches a climax when they are faced with a powerful witch. In a stunning display of animation, the girls fight bravely, but their lack of coordination and teamwork puts them in danger. It is at this moment that Madoka, realizing the importance of fighting together, steps up and gives a speech that would make any shonen protagonist proud. She inspires her friends to work together and, with their efforts combined, they defeat the witch.

In the aftermath of the battle, the girls realize that they need each other and form a bond that will only grow stronger as the series progresses. While the tragedy of Mami's death still weighs heavily on their minds, the girls now have hope that they can make a difference as magical girls. The episode ends with a sense of optimism, but also with the reminder that the world of Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a dark and dangerous one.

Overall, "There's No Way I'll Ever Regret It" is a powerful episode that showcases the strengths of the show. It delves into the emotional side of being a magical girl and explores the themes of teamwork and friendship. The animation is breathtaking, and the battle scene is one of the best in the series. Most importantly, the episode sets up the rest of the season and leaves the viewer eager to see what comes next.