Episode 7 of Always a Catch! gives fans the moment the show has been teasing for ages: Mimi finally pulls out that hair pin and uses it like the close-combat weapon it clearly always wanted to be.
And yes, it is as ridiculous and satisfying as it sounds.
The episode leans into the comedy hard, including a very silly fart gag, but the bigger win here is how neatly the story threads come together. Mimi’s earlier encounter with troubled villagers, the bandit problem, Renato learning one Annovazzi family technique, and Raimondo being pulled into the mess all pay off in a way that feels properly planned instead of random.
For a light romantic comedy, that structure matters. A lot of anime in this lane can coast on cute reactions and one-joke character dynamics, but episode 7 shows Always a Catch! is actually keeping track of its emotional setup.
The headline moment is Renato using Number 38, the single move Mimi taught him before leaving. It is not just a gag about a prince suddenly throwing hands. It directly answers Duke Annovazzi’s worry about whether Renato is strong enough, or adaptable enough, to be Mimi’s future husband.
Renato may not have grown up as a physical fighter, but this episode proves he can learn. More importantly, he wants to learn for Mimi. That gives the romance a stronger foundation than the usual “he accepts her because she is quirky” setup. Here, Renato is actively trying to meet Mimi halfway.
That is the part Malaysian and SEA anime fans will probably vibe with most. We love a chaotic heroine, sure, but the better romance hook is seeing both sides put in effort. Mimi is not being asked to tone herself down, and Renato is not treated as useless just because he is not naturally built for brawling. The relationship works because both of them adjust without losing who they are.
Visually, the episode also seems to put extra care into this turning point. The review highlights Mimi reaching desperately, Renato’s footwork, and the emotional charge of him preparing to act. For a series that often focuses its animation energy on comedy beats and exaggerated movement, this more serious sequence stands out.
That makes sense. If you are going to spend your budget or attention anywhere, spend it on the scene where the romance becomes real in action, not just dialogue.
There is also a side story involving Veronica, the supposedly missing villager. Instead of being kidnapped, she has run away with the son of a local lord because his father wants him to marry a noblewoman. Mimi, instead of getting annoyed that her rescue mission was built on a misunderstanding, immediately switches into “protect true love” mode.
That is peak Mimi energy. Whether she is punching bandits, defending romance, or getting dragged into absurd village drama, she treats her strength as something to use for other people.
The episode’s big question now is whether Renato mastering Number 38 will be enough to impress Mimi’s father. Knowing this family, one good punch may not be enough — but bro, it is a solid start.
For viewers following Always a Catch! week to week, episode 7 looks like one of those mid-season payoffs that rewards patience. It is funny, romantic, and just dramatic enough to make the couple feel more believable.
Source: Anime News Network