Ep 1. Magical Girl

In Strike Witches, season 1 episode 1, titled "Magical Girl," we are introduced to a world very similar to our own, with one key difference: humanity is at war with an alien race called the Neuroi, who have been attacking their cities and killing their people. To fight back, the people have turned to a special force of young female warriors known as Strike Witches, who have the ability to use magic to fly and wield powerful weaponry.

As the episode begins, we are introduced to a new recruit, a teenage girl named Yoshika Miyafuji. Yoshika has always been hesitant about joining the Strike Witches, despite the fact that her father was a legendary fighter pilot who died in battle against the Neuroi. However, when she receives a letter from a mysterious girl named Mio Sakamoto inviting her to join the force, Yoshika decides to give it a try.

After arriving at the military base where the Strike Witches are stationed, Yoshika is quickly thrown into her first battle. She is paired up with a no-nonsense veteran named Gertrud Barkhorn, who is determined to train her in the ways of combat. Gertrud is immediately put off by Yoshika's lack of experience and lackadaisical attitude towards fighting, but decides to give her a chance anyway.

As the two take to the skies, they are quickly confronted by a group of Neuroi fighters. Yoshika freezes up, unable to use her powers effectively, while Gertrud fights them off with ease. However, in the heat of battle, Gertrud is injured and incapacitated, leaving Yoshika as the only one who can stop the Neuroi from destroying the base.

With no other options, Yoshika taps into her magical powers and takes to the air, unleashing a powerful beam of energy that obliterates the Neuroi in an instant. As she lands safely back on the ground, she is hailed as a hero by her fellow Strike Witches.

From there, the episode takes a more lighthearted turn, as Yoshika settles into life at the base and gets to know her teammates. We meet a variety of colorful characters, such as the tomboyish Lynette Bishop, the serious-minded Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, and the bubbly Perrine-H. Clostermann. We also learn more about the world of Strike Witches, including the fact that their magic powers come from a special core that is implanted in their bodies.

Throughout the episode, there is a sense of impending doom, as the Neuroi remain a constant threat. However, there is also a sense of hope and camaraderie among the Strike Witches, as they band together to defend their world against the alien invaders. In the end, "Magical Girl" sets up an intriguing premise for the rest of the season, as we follow Yoshika and her teammates on their mission to save humanity from the Neuroi threat.