Man, I got caught up right on time, huh?
Season one of Mushoku Tensei really took me by surprise. I’d heard the hype, but I mostly assumed that was because the animation was really good. When it came to the actual writing, I didn’t have exceptionally high expectations. How good could an isekai be?
Very good, as it turned out. Incredible characters, a perfectly paced plot, an interesting world, it had it all. I’m actually glad I waited so long to watch it; it let me go straight into season two!
With Eris and Ruijerd gone, Rudeus is left alone and heartbroken. His only remaining lifeline: the hope to find his missing mother. But without any clues to her location, and with his life seeming to unravel further and further, will he be able to find the will to keep living?
I could’ve just called this the ‘erectile dysfunction’ saga and called it a day.
The first half of this season is pretty brutal towards our boy Rudeus. Depression hits him in one of the most uncomfortably real depiction of it I’ve ever seen. When things get bad for him – and they get really bad – he completely collapses into despair. He doesn’t spout edgy dialogue or anything like that. He just flat-out gives up on living.
Which makes his comeback in the second half all the more satisfying. It’s legitimately inspiring to see Rudy work through his issues and find his equilibrium. Working out, making friends, going to school, it’s all cozy and wholesome.
Aside from him buying a little dwarf girl slave. Because it wouldn’t be a post Shield Hero isekai if our protagonist didn’t support the slave trade.
Rudy isn’t our only main character this season. We also get plenty of time with Sylphie, who is just so adorable. Horny as a bunny in heat, sure. But in a wholesome, innocent way. Her chemistry with Rudeus is a delight in every scene. When their romance meets its climax, it feels like a genuine triumph!
On top of all that, we get more information regarding the teleportation disaster and the link between Rudy’s old life in Japan and his new one. It’s fascinating stuff that will likely have some dramatic consequences in the series at a later date. Mushoku Tensei continues to utilize all the possibilities of the isekai genre in interesting and creative ways and I love it!
In terms of presentation, season two is just as strong as season one was. The animation is gorgeous all-around. Whenever the action kicks up, it goes from a solid ten to an absurd fifteen! And the music is just the cherry on top!
Yes, Mushoku Tensei looks good. Shocking, I know.
This first half of the season was fantastic. Great writing, wonderful visuals, it’s the complete package. This series stands among the best of the genre and I have no doubt it will continue to do so.
See y’all in April!
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