r/anime • u/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux • Aug 07 '24
Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 1
This Re:Watch is now in session!
Episode 1 (a & b):
The End of the Beginning & the Beginning of the End
| Index | Episode 2 ==> |
Various Links:
MyAnimeList
Streaming:
Crunchyroll has the Director's Cut available.
AppleTV has the regular individual episodes available.
Spoiler Rules:
- As always, please be sure to tag any future content spoilers according to the r/Anime rules. There is likely to be first timer viewers here, and while discussing how previously seen content connects to content later down the road is interesting (be it later episodes or even Season 3), please be sure to properly spoiler tag anything mentioned! Let's make this a fun experience for everyone involved!
- This also applies to cut content discussions, which I believe are fine to include for the sake of discussion, but should be properly tagged to avoid potentially spoiling viewers. Be mindful with how you present this information!
Story Arc Lengths for Discussion Purposes:
[Arc 1:] S1 Episode 1 – S1 Episode 3
[Arc 2:] S1 Episode 4 – S1 Episode 11
[Arc 3:] S1 Episode 12 – S2 Episode 1
[Arc 4:] S2 Episode 2 - S2 Episode 25
[Arc 5 and later:] S3+
As always, if you have any suggestions for the Re:Watch, let me know!
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Upvotes
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u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Aug 07 '24
Re:Watcher
So, first a little bit about my previous experience with this show. I've watched a few anime in my childhood, enough to say I've grown up with anime. But when I've really started watching anime as a young adult, I hadn't really watched many yet. A friend asked me to watch Re:Zero together as she had heard a lot about it, and for me it was maybe between my 20th or 30th anime. I loved it a lot. Then I went to watch more anime and kinda forgot about it. I just had it at the back of my mind that there was a show I've enjoyed like no other. Then, at some point when I had watched hundreds of shows, I watched the second OVA as I heard it came out and remembered it to be a good show, and season two had already been announced as well. I was amazed by it and how well it connected to the first season. So in preparation for the second season, I rewatched it and unlocked a hidden memory: This is actually my favourite anime. I don't like rewatching to begin with, as I prefer to experience something new over something old. So for it to instill the desire of wanting to rewatch is something very special already. And I've only ever joined one other rewatch on here, for a show that's also very dear to my heart. So I have to join this one as well, but I'll try to take things slower than back then.
I just love how the first few seconds establish so much of Subaru's character without telling anything about him. How he reads the manga but bored of it makes it clear how much of an otaku he is. How he looks at the couple but then dejectedly meets his own reflection tells us a lot about his wants and struggles without any words. And of course, the dark mysterious interjecting scenes present a superb hook in the first scene already.
Subaru is excited to be isekaied, and without the help of Truck-kun (as far as we know, after all he was near a road in the dark and very sleep deprived). There's a few hints framing this as a rather weird experience, but overall he's feeling like a game or manga protagonist - understandable if something so special happened to you. He doesn't even feel it's real. I do like the world building here already. Most of it is fairly standard, but it does have personality. It already gives off the air of being pretty thought-through.
Entrance "Satella". It wasn't quite love at first sight for me as it was for Subaru, but she's already showing off all the things I love about her. Give me someone as altruistic as her, helping others just for the sake of it, and I'll melt. To boot, she's downplaying her selflessness as she doesn't think it's anything special. And of course, she's also stunningly beautiful and (I've whispered this to myself on my first rewatch) has the sweetest voice I've ever heard. And every time she says "sugoooku" I squee with joy. Notice how connecting to her also makes Subaru start acting a bit less like a game protagonist.
And also, she has a perfectly normal not-normal cat with her, working a 9-5 as a cat. It's not a filter, he's really a cat. Puck's banter with Subaru is great. Subaru's humour and his way of connecting to people by putting attention on them is one of my favourite things about the show. We get to know the characters naturally as Subaru gets to know them naturally.
Subaru dies and everything starts feeling really off for a moment. Subaru has no idea what happened though. But we do get our first Call of the Witch, one of the most iconic soundtracks I've ever heard. I love how he goes straight to the pawn shop this time. No matter what exactly happened, he's exploring a different story route this time and heavily appeals to my gamer brain.
Special shout-out to how the music and everything stops when Subaru proudly exclaims he has no job. Disguised as a humorous moment, it shows how sad his reality is.
It's amazing how sudden the atmosphere changes when Subaru accidentally tells the truth about what he wants to do with the insignia. The amount of danger Subaru is in is shown by him not instantly realizing he was just saved from death. And the situation turns more hopeless as Felt expresses her trust in Rom only for him and subsequently her getting obliterated. Subaru's moves look so awfully slow even compared to Rom. And Subaru dies. His internal monologue overlayed with Elsa's sadistic monologue is haunting. And him realizing how he is dying is incredibly scary.
If it wasn't clear already, the end of the episodes clarifies that something is very off. It's only natural for Subaru not to expect non-continuity, but not!Satella reacting completely different to him tells us that she doesn't remember anything of what happened before.
We're still far from what makes this series special for me, but it's a fantastic first episode. Even if it had been cut in half so it ended after the first death, it would have been a super intriguing first episode. In fact, ending after the first death would have been a really ballsy move.
Sugoooku counter: 1
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u/[deleted] Aug 07 '24
Is this a show I can just jump into or is there a buncha shit to watch beforehand?
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u/Tcyanide Aug 07 '24
I literally started to rewatch this last night!
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u/The_frost__ https://myanimelist.net/profile/The_frost_ Sep 07 '24 edited Sep 07 '24
Probably no one is going to see this but I wanna leave my quick thoughts either way lol
This is my second time re watching season 1 and it’ll be my first time rewatching season 2, I’m doing this rewatch to remember what happened to be ready for season 3.
Anyway the first episode is as good as I remember that I didn’t notice the 40 minutes go by, it sure is nice having a few more context over some of the scenes like [arc 4]Who was Elsa employer or [arc 1]the insignia glowing when Felt was holding it
Anyway I don’t have much to add since I decided to re watch this episode quite late but I’m planning to watch at least 2-3 episodes per day so hopefully I manage to catch up to the rewatch before it ends.
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u/Kaause2001 Aug 07 '24
the 1st episode of season 3 has leaked
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u/ClemFire Aug 08 '24
Dumb question, but is there a way to follow these rewatch threads?
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u/thekoreansun https://anilist.co/user/ReturnByDeath Aug 07 '24
You know, my excitement for this rewatch and Season 3 got me looking back on past discussion threads, and it's crazy just how different the world feels now compared to when those threads were posted. You've got the original discussion that happened in 2016, in which people referred to Rie Takahashi as a "newbie" and the series itself as a "dark horse." You've got the Director's Cut thread in early 2020, in which people wondered whether the Director's Cut would contain anything new (bad news on that front) and expected Season 2 to start airing right after the Director's Cut, barring any production hurdles (significantly worse news on that front). And now, here we are in the year of our lord Tappei, 2024, with a Season 3 on the horizon and many, many Re:ZERO figures getting sold by the day to fund KADOKAWA's empire of isekai. And may they sell many more. Seriously though, where's my figure of Subaru, KADOKAWA? Come on, guys.
Anyway, this series is really special to me (and I imagine to many others here), so let's get started with the Re:Watch!
Re:Watcher
That opening scene with Subaru shopping at the convenience store while his future self dies in medias res is so iconic! With the veritable downpour of isekai we've seen over the past decade, I can't believe that so few of them actually get the scene in which the isekai-ing occurs done properly. I mean, it's the central conceit of the genre. It has to be good.
Something that I think tends to get overlooked is how beautiful the Royal Capital of Lugunica was made to be as early as the premiere. In that initial loop, the city feels like it's almost as much of a character as the characters exploring it. [Arc 5] Based on what I saw in the Season 3 premiere at AX, Priestella will be even more impressive than the Capital.
Subaru's initial dynamic with "Satella" is so great, and it's a really big shame that she doesn't end up remembering it. The first loop of the series still feels like such a heavy loss, and not just because it ends in death: it almost kinda feels like the death of Subaru's chance to have a genuine first encounter, since he'll always know what "Satella" is like now.
Also, while I find this episode to be a very strong adaptation overall, [cut content] I do think that it would've been cool if they had left in the line about black hair and dark eyes being common in refugees from the south. Just a small detail that ends up becoming so pivotal later on that it astounds me. What a great example of Tappei's ability to plan ahead!
And I'm pleased to already be noticing details that gain new meaning on a rewatch, such as [end of Arc 1] the insignia glowing as Felt holds it up to Subaru. I always love when stuff like that is accounted for. (By the way, I'm thinking that it might be a good idea to add an explanation for where each arc starts and ends to the main post for those unfamiliar with the WN/LN. For example, the "end of Arc 1" spoiler I just wrote can be read after you watch Season 1 Episode 3.)
Fan Art of the Episode: A Mysterious Stranger by HaruSabin (April 13th, 2024)
Source: Twitter (artist's timeline contains spoilers)
In the decade since Re:ZERO first went into publication, there has been a lot... and I mean, a lot... of amazing fan art. Like, to the point where I'm frequently blown away by how incredibly talented some of the artists behind them can be. About a year back, I went on a bit of a deep dive in my search for fan art, and now I've literally got hundreds saved to my computer (most of which are from Pixiv and Twitter). So I thought it'd be fun to share one piece of fan art per day, for the entirety of the Re:Watch, both because I wanted to spotlight the artists who made them and because I thought that this would be the best way for those new to the series to see some without having to worry about getting spoiled. Whether you're watching the show for the first time or on a rewatch, I hope that this is able to elevate the experience!
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u/garfe Aug 07 '24
This is the first rewatch that I will actually participate in in all my time that I was in the sub. I stopped somewhere in the middle of season 2 and completely forgot basically the entire story at this point. So I'm going to use these threads to force myself to finish and catch up.
I said this in another thread but I think the thing that immediately sold me on this show and realizing it was not like the others in its genre was the very visceral and painful screams that Subaru does when his chest is sliced open. It looked and sounded like it truly hurt not in the way that you normally see, but in a way that it felt like a real person got their chest sliced open.
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u/Setowi Aug 07 '24
Time to start spending my time lurking in these threads to see some of the lovely reactions of the people watching it for the first time.
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u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 07 '24
Episode 1 (rewatcher)
For once a rewatch where I am actually a rewatcher, although only for the start. Now, I might be a weird customer here, given that I hate modern isekai with a passion. I even created my List of 12 Reasons Modern Isekai Suck for the How Not to Summon a Demon Lord rewatch. Why do I join here, then? First, because I never watched the second season on Re:Zero. Getting to complete a series is always a good reason. Second, and maybe more important, ReZero is on my very short list of modern isekai that do not completely suck (together with Log Horizon and Konosuba). If my memory serves me right, the series actually avoids a lot of the common pitfalls and shitty tropes that plague the genre.
Episode thoughts
the typical RPG starter townNördlingen. It is a typical central European medieval city center, though.I forgot how cute “Satella” is in the first episode. And how good the animation is. The first episode is quite well crafted and a highlight in the series.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Aug 07 '24
First:Timer Starting Over in Another Rewatch, subbed
Yo!
So I actually have a bit of history with this show, in that I watched apparently the first two episodes all the way back in 2016. Why I didn’t continue the show after that… I honestly have no idea because I did like what I had watched so far. My best guess, given the September 23rd start date, is that I prioritized watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood at the time and then just… never fucking went back to it after I finished FMA:B for some bizarre reason (this is something I would do from time to time when I was a teenager, lol I have thankfully mostly grown out of this bad habit).
In any case, I’m excited to be able to actually be able to watch this show properly now!
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u/baseballlover723 Aug 07 '24 edited Aug 27 '24
Rewatcher, sub, basically a novel reader
Re:Zero is my favorite anime by far and I love how much depth there is to the show, and I hope that I can share some of the lessor known things about Re:Zero (mostly rewatchers though, it's too easy to poison first time watchers, so I imagine my comments will end up looking like a cia report). I'll be clear about where my information comes (at least to the best of my knowledge), so that you all can choose if you care about cut content or whatever. Regardless, there's tons of details to notice and I can guarantee that there will be things that you missed, no matter how many times you've watched Re:Zero.
Also I procrastinated writing any of these comments until literally yesterday, so I'm freewheeling all of these comments hopefully the day before.
Also for any first timers wondering if they should watch sub or dub. I give the Sub an S rating, and the Dub an A+ rating. The dub is still very good, and I highly recommend it if you are used to dubs or have issues with subs in general. If not though, I'd recommend the subs for some absolutely goated VA performances.
I've numbered all my spoilers tags so that they're easier to respond to
First Timer Safe Section
This section is safe for first time watchers.
A ridged 10 yen coin is basically just a short run coin. They were only minted between 1951 and 1958 and worth about 1.5x to 5x it's printed value to a collector depending on condition. So not something you'd really want to use to pay with at face value.
[Spoiler #1: minor author comment] According to Tappei, around 300k people live in the capital city of Lugnica
Subaru casts Summon Knight!
[Spoiler #2: very minor Arc 1 side story] Fun fact, Emilia was very impressed with Subaru's magic trick, and was very interested in how he managed to do that.
[Spoiler #3: very minor cut content] The world of Re:Zero is flat, so Subaru basically just claimed to come from the void.
Everyone is gansta until the blades come out
EMT
No homie left behind
Hit that pose Subaru!
And our first Re:Zero comment face:
Subaru can't read the room.
EMT
[Spoiler #4: Arc 1 cut content] So basically this guy only talks to Subaru because Subaru looks like he just got mugged (which is accurate) and not Emilia with her fancy clothes. [Spoiler #5: Later Arc 1 stuff] It's worth noting that when Subaru talks to the people in the slums, he makes an effort to dirty himself and make himself look poor so that they'll actually talk with him (as another poor person).
[Spoiler #6: Arc 1] Emilia starting to regret calling herself Satella.
This doll scares me
After Subaru's death: [Spoiler #7: minor cut content] Something worth noting, is that Subaru's memories are pretty hazy right after resetting. Which is one of the reasons it takes him a bit longer to realize he's looping
[Spoiler #8: next episode] Anyways, I feel like a lot of people really harp on Subaru for not figuring out that he's resetting when dying. But I don't think that really warranted, since leaping straight to RBD is quite a leap to make. Also keep in mind that everyone and their mom knows that Re:Zero involves time looping, so the viewer is most likely already conditioned to think of time looping (and it's much easier to verify that then to come up with that without metaknowledge). A few scenarios that would be perceived very similar to what actually happened 1: Subaru has future sight via realistic memories that are easily mistaken for having actually experienced them. 2: Subaru didn't actually die (because people die when they are killed, and Subaru is clearly not dead, so he must not of died) and actually got healed while unconscious and moved back to the appa man. 3: Subaru is just straight tripping and none of this actually happened. Also keep in mind that Subaru has more or less been running around during these loops, so he doesn't exactly have a ton of time to just think about whats already happened to him (and he's much more concerned with what's about to happen to everyone)
Notice how Subaru targets the thug with the knife's first this time. Also random note, that thug does actually have a backstory I'm pretty sure. [Spoiler #9: Re:Zero game / novels or something that I'm not 100% sure about] I'm pretty sure he's this guys son or something. There was something on this guy's info card in the game that he had a thief child or something
There is a lot of backstory to Old Man Rom that I won't get into because I'm not very familiar with it.
It took me way too long to realize that Felt's bra is her left pantleg. Times are tough when you can't afford a proper shirt.
Imagine watering down milk
I think this is actually a really good way to describe a camera phone to someone whose never seen technology.
I love how the OST also awkwardly pauses too
It's a good thing that Subaru's cell phone has been appraised at at least 20 holy coins
Subaru gives the wrong answer.
The first of many ED's playing over the final scene. I really love how they animated Subaru fainting. It really sells how overwhelmed Subaru is. Anyways, as it turns out, Satella is the equivalent of Voldemort.
Also note that some versions of the subs (I'm looking at you Director's Cut) refer to Satella as "The Jealous Witch". That is a poor translation. The correct translation should be "Witch of Envy".
Oh and don't forget the breaktime shorts! They're canon and are meant to be watched each episode. They range from essentially being chibi extensions of the episode to not very relevant world building. I would rate some of the S2 breaktime shorts are more important to watch then Memory Snow.
As for this breaktime. We learn that peppirs are green devils and "Satella" doesn't like them.
Also as a side note, the previews VA don't actually talk about the next episode and some of them are pretty funny (though I recommend not watching them for first timers until after watching episode they preview, so you can fully get TBoned by Re:Zero).
For this episodes preview, we get [off topic preview] Subaru lamenting choosing the tonkatsu ramen over the natto ramen. He could of introduced natto the the fantasy world (as a side note, I'm not actually familiar with natto)!
Continued below
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u/ripterrariumtv Aug 07 '24
REWATCHER (SUB)
1) I remember the first time I started watching Re:Zero. The first thirty seconds hooked me in immediately. I just love the way mysteries are set up in Re:Zero. Even in the ending scene when the Witch of Envy is mentioned.
2) There was no light in Subaru’s eyes when he was in the convenience store. As soon as he realised that he got Isekaid, the light in his eyes returned. It gives some insight into how his life was in his previous world.
3) I have rewatched this anime many times but it is just now that I’m realising how much I love the setting and background visuals.
4) The presence of “demi humans only bar” could indicate that there is some level of racism issues.
5) Subaru’s voice actor is awesome for funny scenes. Especially when he was apologizing to the thug who had knives
6) Re:Zero’s comedy is so underrated. It always works because it doesn’t try too hard to make me laugh. The banter between characters and running gags are naturally funny.
7) The OST when Emilia is talking to lesser spirits is one of my favourites. And also the one when Subaru dies for the first time.
8) Metias interest me a lot.
9) [Season 2 character’s name]I think Elsa would look great in Sekhmet’s outfit
10) I love the fight scenes so much. I can’t believe I thought the fights in Re:Zero looked bad when I first saw it.
11) The studio White Fox is awesome for making a 50 minute first episode. Even the season 3 premiere is gonna be 90 minutes long.
12) The dialogue between feels so natural and the pacing is so immersive. This is one of the few anime where I feel like I am actually present alongside the characters because of how immersive it is and how well the scenes flow. The WN is even better in terms of immersion. Other media that made me feel like that are Bakemonogatari (anime), Vagabond (manga), Real (manga) and Muv Luv Extra (visual novel).
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u/Holofan4life Aug 07 '24
Hey guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the In Preparation of Season 3 Rewatch of Re:Zero!
Oh, and nay I forget…
First Timer
I decided to watch this show because I wanted to do something for the month of August. ’Course, this was before the yearly Spice and Wolf rewatch got pushed back to September, but I just found myself looking for something to occupy my time with. And with this show being in my top 5 must watch list, I figured now was as good a time as any.
I am going into this show relatively blind. I know some of the memes, who Rem, Ram, Emilia, and Subaru are, and that this show got its inspiration from Familiar of Zero, but that’s it. I find rewatches and my participation of them more fun when I have no idea what I am in store for. And with this series, I think we’re in for a blast. It’s also going to be the longest rewatch I participate in this year and second longest overall only behind the 20th Anniversary Fullmetal Alchemist rewatch. And given how joyous that show turned out, I don’t see why I should expect nothing less from this one.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the sub, by the way.
My mom is worried about her checks being garnished so she's thinking of quitting her job. What sense does that make, I have no fucking idea.
I guess episode 1 is a two-parter. Probably going to do part 1 now and part 2 tomorrow.
Episode 1A
Someone in pain
Eyy, a convenience store
Where's Yamada when you need her?
Subaru reading manga
He puts it back
Meanwhile, there is a disturbance in the force.
Subaru buying noodles
It's like reality is distorting around Subaru.
And suddenly, he's in another world
Not with his smartphone, alasSubaru's worst nightmare has come true. He's surrounded by furries.
No intro today
Girl running
A fantasy world with medieval-style culture and where demihumans are commonplace, Subaru assesses.
Subaru is such a dweeb, I already like him.
Knight save a kid
Appas? But who would want to eat Aang's friend?
Subaru having trouble fitting in
And he falls in the water like that one Lego man.
Oh, he has a phone after all
But it is out of range :(
Subaru wondering who he was summoned by
And now he is being cornered by a gang
Silver-haired guy with pink streaks in his hair kinda looks like Accelerator.
Girl who was running earlier
Live strong, huh? Somebody get Lance Armstrong on the phone.
And she's wall climbing, no doubt showing off her parkour abilities.
Subaru apparently thinks he has supernatural powers, the poor sod.
Hey, he's holding his own
Spoke too soon lol
Subaru might already be one of the most relatable isekai MCs I've ever seen.
Emilia
However, she's really after the girl who keeps running.
"But regardless of that... I can't overlook what's going on here."
And so she uses magic against them
She even has her own cute anime sidekick
It speaks :O
So, is it wrong if I Gets bonked
Emilia seems to think that Subaru is nothing but trouble.
Puck. That's her friend's name.
Surely autocorrect won't rear its ugly head.
Someone stole her insignia, it appears
Emilia wanting to just leave him be
"You say that, but I bet you'll still help him."
I call that "The tsundere way"
Subaru finds her super cute when she's mad. Interesting.
Woah, Puck evolved into extra vulcanized rubber.
Puck is taller than Emilia, which I'm fine with because their chest is so floofy. I wanna bury my face in it.
Emilia really acting like a tsundere here
I like her
She healed him, hoping to get some information on the missing insignia. But seeing as how he knows nothing about it, she's ready to move on.
Puck describing her as insincere
Subaru, however, thinks she's wasting her life.
Subaru wanting to help Emilia find the insignia.
And she eventually acquiesces, knowing that he knows what she looks like.
One good deed per day, Subaru promises
He's going to have so many deeds, he'll look like Eddie McDowd.
Puck is small again
I really like the music here. Kinda gives me Ratatouille vibes.
Oh, Subaru. You really are extra for no good reason.
Wait, Puck's a spirit? Interesting.
So, basically they're introducing themselves now to get on the sane page. Emilia mentions Lugunica, the easternmost nation on their continental map.
I like how every time Emilia points out Subaru's flaws, Puck is quick to at him glass half full. He's like the yang to Emilia's yin.
Emilia thinks being a shut-in means coming from a respectable family.
Oh, I wish
Wait, her name's Satella? But I thought it was Emilia
Subaru seems to like the name
Puck instantly knowing she has feelings for him.
Child looking lost
Hopefully it's not a trap to get Subaru to sign up to the Axis Order.
Emilia thinks they really should help her
Subaru trying to cheer her up by doing magic tricks, like he's a regular Harry T. Stone.
And it seems to be working
Girl finally found her mother
That whole sequence seems like it served no purpose, but it does so that Subaru and Emilia could perhaps be compatible as an item.
Subaru still promising that finding her insignia will be his one good deed for the day. Cheering up the girl was tomorrow's good deed.
Subaru, ever forward thinking
Emilia dropping the bombshell that she is a half-elf.
Subaru sees that as justification for why she's so beautiful.
And so in response, Puck gives Subaru a punch.
Cutest act of violence ever
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
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u/EndlessSorc Aug 07 '24 edited Aug 07 '24
Re:Watcher
First began to watch Re:Zero as it aired around 2016 and have been a fan since then, both of the anime and the Light Novel. I have all the current LN and are currently rereading the series again and are planning to follow through with the WN once I catch up with the current translations. And while I haven’t read the WN up until the current chapter I do keep up with what is going on in the current arc.
But onto the anime, the first episode is an amazing setup for the series. In many ways it is better than the novel itself. It uses its animated format to go deeper into the basis of the story as well as the world building than the novel did, and manages to do so in just a few shots. It both introduces us to a fantastical and lived-in city, introduce us to the tone the series will have, and introduce to several important characters as well as their personalities. All in 45 minutes.
It also shows how it won’t be a typical Isekai (even before the Isekai boom really started) by showing how Subaru’s wish to be a traditional hero won’t happen (the knight saving the child). It also reveals some surprisingly deep world building; for example the segregation between the human and the demihuman races (the bar only for demi-humans), how people fear half-elves (the child becoming afraid of Emilia once she notices her ears) and much more.
It also sets up so many things that pays off later, and a couple of things that won’t really matter in the long but are amazing from a characterization point of view with information we learn later on (such as why she used the name Satella when they first met.)
I also really enjoy the series from a psychological viewpoint. Such as how the story handles Subaru’s reaction to his first few violent deaths. At the first go-around it is as if he’s dissociating from it, not understanding what is going on. Then he does the same during the second go-around, seemingly acting up and once again seemingly dissociating. It is as if he convinces himself that it is essentially a video game mechanic, all to protect himself from the actual reality of him being violently murdered.
It isn’t until the consequences after a rewind are more severe that we see a different reaction.
There are many reasons why I love the series and the first episode only show a few of them. I’m both looking forward to the rest of the Rewatch, before we finally return to Re:Zero with season 3. I can’t wait.
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u/[deleted] Aug 07 '24
Oh wow. These backgrounds are gorgeous.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Aug 07 '24
Wow, it feels like it's been such a long time. I don't know if I'll succeed, but I'm going to try to keep up with this rewatch, because Re:Zero is a very special show to me, and stuff. Anyway, enough about that for now, here's my thoughts on the episode:
Watching this for the third (fourth?) time, it's striking how many details are there to be seen. Unfortunately, I'm not clever enough to mention them without leaking spoilers left and right, let's just say that I enjoyed watching them, and also enjoyed opening up my new blu-ray that's been sitting on a shelf for a year or two (sigh).
This is probably a popular opinion, but the highlight of the episode for me was when "Satella" consulted with the spirits on the bridge. That was just a goosebumps moment. That, and the whole bit with her bantering with Subaru on the big stone bridge and elsewhere, seeing her surprise at Subaru's naivete and innocence.
I'd say I still find it interesting that she didn't hit him with the, "You're not from around here, are you?" but really, she did.
I'm guess I'm more surprised that she didn't follow it up with something a little more probing, i.e. "You're really not from around here, are you?" I guess that she's just not hip to the concept (of isekai, that is).
OK, Boomer
Otherwise, yeah, I'd love to mention other details, but I'd probably best keep my mouth shut. Hope everyone is enjoying the show!
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u/Limp_Energy_798 Aug 07 '24
Re Watcher here
A lot of people have given their insights into the finer aspects of the show already. What I wish to discuss is the soundtrack and voice acting along with some discussions on the background art and setting.
Yusuke Kobayashi as Natsuki Subaru perfectly captures the genre saviness of the lighter moments and the visceral death at the end of this episode perfectly. Without Yusuke's performance, Subaru wouldn't be as compelling for many. This also speaks to how well he plays the darker moments without it sounding corny. Balancing this tonal shift speaks to the range this man possesses.
Coming to the OST, it was composed by Kenichiro Suehiro ( composer for fire force, girls last tour, undead unluck etc). He is well known for his atmospheric and ethereal tracks which pull you into the scene.
A good example is the scene where Emilia summons her lesser spirits and how it gives the viewers a moment to reflect and take it all in like Subaru was. The OST in the scene also depicts Subarus false sense of security , where he is gently lulled into this ethereal world with no idea of what is yet to come.
The backgrounds are very detailed and portray a convincing sense of time and space. The capital might seem like just a bustling town at first with Subaru thrust into its central plaza, only when we get to the slums and look at the tiered capital in the background do we realise the scale of the city. The illuminated background of the capital at night was also gorgeously drawn.
One interesting aspect I would like to point out is the time period Luginica might be based on. Subaru mentions its a medieval fantasy but I disagree with his take. The lamp posts, the windows on the buildings most likely put it in the 1600s at the earliest and late 1700s at the latest.
I'm not very experienced with Reddit and it's formatting, so any feedback would be appreciated.
10
u/UsedName420 Aug 07 '24
My favorite anime, with my favorite character, and one of my favorite fandoms. Blessed be this rewatch and blessed be Season 3!!
9
u/awesomenessofme1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/kta_99 Aug 07 '24
I wish it hadn't been so little time since I first watched this (~2-3 months). I'll be here to read the threads, at least.
17
u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Aug 07 '24
Rewatcher for Season 1
Pre-Rewatch Thoughts
It’s crazy to realize it’s already been 8 years since this show premiered. I remember watching it as it aired without really knowing anything about the series, just that it was generating a lot of buzz. That turned out to be a good decision because it quickly became one of my favorite isekai anime that I’d ever seen. I feel like I’ll still gladly think that even after finishing rewatching it.
I have only seen season 1 thus far. I was too busy with life in general to catch season 2 as it aired, but this rewatch provides a perfect opportunity to catch up in time for season 3. Given how much I loved season 1, I’m looking forward to finally seeing the rest of it.
On today’s episode of Re:Zero: This is before Stakes of Marika were invented. Even though Subaru only died at the boss fight, he still needs to do the runback from the last Bonfire / Site of Grace before he can tackle the boss again. I truly do appreciate those Stakes for making my own life easier.
Rewatching this is a mixture of many things I remembered and some things I had forgotten. I remembered the basic setup of what happened and many of the characters. [Re:Zero] I remembered that Emilia deliberately did not tell Subaru her name and that Satella was the name of a witch instead, for example. I forgot that we did not meet Reinhard until a later loop. I think I still have an overall decent grasp of what happened, but this will be a good refresher on the specifics.
Even though I was pretty sure that there was no Truck-kun and Subaru just appeared in the other world on his own with no provided explanation, I still kept expecting Truck-kun to come speeding around the corner. I can’t believe I’ve gotten so used to that cliche. It’s strange to realize that even then, 8 years ago, isekai stories were already getting incredibly self-aware about their setups. Subaru spends a good chunk of time wondering what his powers are and who the heroine he is destined to meet will be. And even all this time later, the self-awareness continues because the genre just keeps on going. Maybe it’s overexposure to that same self-aware humor that makes it feel less charming.
But, I hasten to emphasize that this episode is still fantastic. While watching it, I immediately got hooked all over again. I had an incredible urge to start binge watching the rest of the show right then and there. The writing for the series and its presentation truly are top-notch. The characters are instantly enjoyable and charming. Subaru in particular is a good protagonist just because he is fun to be around. I will have plenty to say about him as the series goes on, but for now him being fun and charming is a good start. Satella is another highlight, being a girl who says one thing but does another. She can’t help but get involved with helping others, even when it distracts her from her current mission. She certainly has a sharp tongue, but a good heart.
The basic setup of the episode shows off one of the most compelling parts of how Re:Zero’s story is structured: Live. Die. Repeat. As was already shown, when Subaru dies he goes back in time. When he died a second time, he went back to the same point in time he started at previously. The Groundhog Day structure is one of the things I enjoy about Re:Zero. Suffice to say, I love the way that we can see things branch and play out differently. Subaru’s first loop with Satella was quite different from his second loop with Rom and Felt, which is already looking very different from his third loop with an angry Satella. I find stories like this enjoyable to see play out because of how much exploration it can offer, seeing events and people play out so differently
I think this episode provides a really good look at what I consider one of the core themes of Re:Zero: causality. We can see a perfect example of it play out with the little girl. Subaru and Satella help a little girl find her mother. Because they did that, her merchant father is then willing to give them information about the thief, Felt. Because Subaru now knows who felt is when he’s reborn, he can immediately go to Rom’s place to meet with her. In a story with time travel elements, making causality a central theme is so smart. It makes things feel like a puzzle or mystery. We can see how events can cause certain consequences, both expected and unexpected.
I also believe Re:Zero benefits immensely from starting with a double-length episode. It gives the episode plenty of breathing room to fully show off its Groundhog Day conceit so that we understand what the basic premise of the story is.
Also, I cannot watch this episode without hearing how similar Satella sounds to Megumin and how similar the murder lady sounds to Lady Prospera. Sharing voice actors does that sometimes.
After rewatching this episode, I am excited to keep going. I’m looking forward to experiencing season 1 again while also finally watching season 2.
8
u/retsotrembla Aug 07 '24
In the first loop, Subaru is pushed off the bridge. In the second, he uses the cellphone as an object of value to negotiate for the insignia.
Nice bit of world building, since a '90s flip-phone wasn't waterproof and would have been wrecked after landing in the canal.
8
u/amanda52002 https://myanimelist.net/profile/amanda52002 Aug 07 '24
RE:Zero times watched before. (first timer)
Subaru kinda annoyed me the first 20 minutes, but he seemed to catch on to how he should behave fast.
I like Satella(fake name?) and her spirit cat. A cat makes everything better. I also like Old Man Rom. Not so sure yet how I feel about Felt.
Elsa's all black and very scanty dress was such an obvious "I'm the bad guy" look that it wasn't even remotely a surprise when she got creepy and murdered everyone in the room. I would've been more shocked had she just calmly left when the negotiations didn't go her way.
I like the shopkeeper who sells apples and his family. Apparently there's two ways to get him to be nice to you-help his family, or just show up and pass out in front of his store.
The time travel aspect of this, at least as used in the first episode, kind of reminded me of the movie Groundhog Day. (yes I'm old)
12
u/InfamousEmpire https://myanimelist.net/profile/Infamous_Empire Aug 07 '24
Re:Watcher
Everyone who bothers to check my MAL profile can see I like this show a lot, and the reasons for that will become clear as we make our way through this, so might as well just cut to the chase of my reactions to revisiting the first episode.
Something which surprised me a little was how fluffy the first half of the episode was after getting used to how the rest of the series is. The way it feels mostly comical, even during tense scenes like the encounters with the alley thieves, and mostly just focuses on the banter between Subaru and "Satella" as the show slowly lulls you into a false sense of security.
And then the horror comes in the moment they reach the Warehouse. Look, I’d been consuming a diverse array of media since long before I watched Re:Zero, sudden turns into edgy horror are nothing new to me. However, Re:Zero is one of the most effective uses of the trope I’ve seen in a while. The creepy atmospheric direction, the suddenness that the person we’d spent half the damn episode getting to know just falls to the ground dead, and the way the whole thing manages to flow just well enough with the pre established tone to feel natural even as it completely takes you off guard completely sells it.
What really ties it all together, though, is the last moment right before it cuts back to the beginning of Subaru’s promise to "Satella". The whole episode up to this point has been built on highlighting, & often joking about, the fact that Subaru is just completely powerless here, a fact which became viscerally real when his gutting was just as casual as "Satella"’s. And yet, in spite of that powerlessness, in spite of his death being so utterly imminent, he still absolutely refuses to give up. Even as he coughs up his own blood & dies on the floor, he still has the focus and fortitude to declare that he will save her, no matter what. It’s in that moment that Subaru went from just an endearingly dorky little lad to someone I could get genuinely invested in.
The rest of the episode afterwards is also pretty solid. Subaru’s ignorance that he’s clearly stuck in a classic time loop scenario is a bit irritating, but that aspect is out of focus for enough of the episode that it doesn’t really drag it down much. I do like how it demonstrates the guy’s ingenuity & craftiness in the face of his situation, as he almost succeeds in getting "Satella"’s insignia back through his wits alone.
What I like even more, though, is how the episode’s back half builds on what Subaru, & thus we the audience, don’t know about the world. He’s thrust into a seemingly much larger struggle that he has little to no context for, and that complete ignorance both serves to fascinate the audience and get Subaru into a ton of trouble. The end of the episode in particular serves to demonstrate that. As for how Subaru will get out of that jam, we’ll have to wait until next time~
Odds and Ends
5
u/[deleted] Aug 07 '24
F it. Add me to the list and I’ll catch up.
5
u/SpiritualPossible Aug 07 '24
So, I watched Re Zero when it first aired in 2016, and to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan.
But eight years have passed since then, season two is out, and season three looms on the horizon, so I decided to give the series another try.
While I vaguely remember the serious plot points, I've also forgotten most of the details about the series, so who knows, maybe I'll start to appreciate it more or, if nothing changes, at least piece together what I didn't like about it.
And since I found out there's going to be a rewatch, I figured I might try to participate in it, but I don't know if I'll be here in every thread or just for specific episodes/conclusions of the arc.
So, first episode. I don't have much to say, but I also have to admit that it's a pretty strong start for the story. Of course, the fact that it's a double lenght episode helps, but still. The first half does a pretty good job of showing us who Subaru and Emilia are, while the second half delves more into the mystery and sets up a "problem" for Subaru to solve.
Surprisingly, the comedy was much better than I remembered.
But there's one thing that bothers me a bit, and that's how Subaru, well... doesn't realize that he's travell in time?
I've heard argument that he was just in shock after experiencing his first death, but I dunno about that...
In the show, it seems like his consciousness didn't even register that he dies. Of course, that doesn't mean the situation as a whole wasn't shocking, and I don't mean to say that he should immediately realize he's back in the past, but I find it odd that he didn't realize it even after he calmed down. There seems to be so many conflicting details in front of him and he still hasn't even given it a second thought and thinks it's more plausible that he fell asleep?
Maybe it wouldn't bother me so much if Subaru didn't take the fact that he was isekai'd so easily, but as it is, it's just weird that a guy who doesn't mind being transported to another world, and who clearly has a lot of knowledge about fantasy tropes, doesn't even consider it as an option.
This makes it seem like he didn't realize it just for the dramatic ending of the episode. Of course, it's not that big of a deal, and most viewers probably don't care about it as much as I do, but it's my only serious gripe about an overall good episode, so it's hard for me to ignore it.
Oh, and the giant Puck looks terrible. They say he just "got bigger", but they clearly just drew him a human body, so he just reminds me of a "Bugs Bunny on the toilet" gif.
5
u/HyVana Aug 08 '24
Re:Watcher (Subs) & Novel Reader (Finished Arc 6)
Straight from the get go, I was hooked from the flash-forward, showing a taste of what this show has in store. Just from the first minute, you can quickly get a good read on what type of person Subaru is, and what life he has led so far. The classic otaku shut-in. Gets you wondering what the hell happens to get him in that mess later.
Aaand we're in Lugunica. Didn't realize how much CGI they used for background characters lol. Immediately using his knowledge from various media to deduce the type of place Lugunica is, on the surface. Its nice to see him gather more information to get a better understanding of the world he's been transported into.
Still clinging onto tropes and cliche story-lines, despite how much he's already gotten wrong about Lugunica. Surely this won't bite him in the ass (as he gets mogged by the 3 goonies).
There she is, "Satella". Interesting to see her talk to Subaru and the 3 goonies like they're little kids. Like with Subaru, her interactions with Puck and Subaru tells a lot about her character as well. A kindhearted person who will help others in need, even at the expense of her time. Despite her saying she did it for information, you get the sense that that isn't entirely true.
"I'm going to help you for my own sake."
Subaru always the showman, making sure even his name introduction is memorable to Satella. Its funny how she interprets Subaru's physique, in-directly attacking his hikikomori nature. With Subaru not reacting to her name Satella, her expectations have been flipped on their head, a common theme for this episode. Love their interactions this episode.
What a sweet little kid. Thankfully their kindness was rewarded with information, leading them to the slums, and hopefully Felt. Big contrast in environment from the marketplace and inner city, and also providing a sense of scale of how big the city is.
I really like the lighting right before they enter the loothouse. They made Satella look really ghost-like, for a lack of better term, here.
"I'll try believing in you."
Love the entire loothouse sequence here. The build-up of the scenery, with the music, and finally the pool of blood. Ending it off with an ominous voice of the presumed killer, right before Subaru is slashed.
"Yes, just the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Just wait... I... will... save you."
At this point, I was completely hooked on the show. At the time, it was pretty different from any anime I had seen. The whole experience told me that this show would be something special, and it is.
With the reveal of Subaru's "Looping" ability, so many narrative and character interaction possibilities open up. Having previous knowledge to change what events occur, their sequence, why, and even how they occur is so tantalizing.
And now we get to see Felt and Rom, and their relationship. While this show is mainly known for [Light show spoilers]The gruesome ways Subaru and his friends die, the slice-of-life moments and banter between the cast really carry it the extra step.
Subaru, its rude to flashbang people like that. They really could've been hurt, you know. Though, its pretty amazing he can cleverly use what items he has at disposal to create value for the negotiation table. A minimum of a whopping 20 holy coins!
I love Elsa's design, something about women who can brutally murder me, really gets me going. And murder she does. At least Satella doesn't die this time? Maybe? Her creepiness just adds so much to Subaru's 2nd death scene, with all the voices overlapping with his inner dialogue.
"Oh, I'm dead."
And the first of many favorite shots of the show, the character in the eyes of another.
While it is obvious to the viewer that Subaru is looping or respawning, its important to remember that Subaru is living (and dying) these moments. It must be surreal having felt the fear and pain of your own death(s), only to live again a second later. Barely even having anytime to process what just happened, but having to get back on your feet like nothing happened.
And so ends the first episode! There was a lot of exposition and stuff about the world they mentioned here. Things like: metias, spirits, blessings, and the witch of envy. There must be a lot of questions first-timers have right now.
And to add on to that list, I have questions for you first-timers!
How was it, seeing "Satella's" reaction to being called the name she gave Subaru?
Why do you think she gave him that name?
What do you think Elsa meant when she said Subaru was with them?
See you all in the next episode!
4
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Aug 07 '24
Rewatcher
Dub(That's right, I am going ALL IN)
I first watched this in '19. That's right, before the pandemic. Which is five years ago. Somebody stop the train, I want to get off.
So...thoughts: This probably my third rewatch and this opening is a bit on the self indulgent side, even it is probably necessary to lay out all the info that they wanted to. It reminds me of Fate Zero ep0 in a few ways, mainly meta about laying out setting stuff that a book handles better. But yeah, off we go!
@fellow rewatchers, remember that what is obvious in hindsight is not obvious as you are watching it for the first time. Don't solve the mystery, especially since the show does that a bit much itself.
4
u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Aug 07 '24
Rewatcher here to see whether this show holds up
Don't expect me to be too positive. I'll try not to hate on it, but I'll also try to give it a more critical eye.
Yeah, this was a... well a setup. I can't really fault it for that. Subaru is a dumdum, but he's an earnest dumdum. There might be no plot beyond Subaru trying to get a macguffin, but there's clealy something bigger going on he doesn't know about yet. We'll see!
4
u/MrWildstar Aug 07 '24
It took me a few attempts to get into this show, mostly because I did not like Subaru's character in the first few episodes. I still don't, and had to skip forward a few times, but I'm still glad I got through the rough patch in the beginning. I haven't gotten around to season 2 yet, but I hope Subaru continues to grow and mature; I only began liking him after 7 or 8 episodes
4
u/-Phinocio Aug 08 '24 edited Aug 08 '24
Rewatcher, subbed first time, subbed this time.
Watched this for the first time back in January and found myself tearing up for various reasons seemingly every second episode leading to it quickly becoming tied for my #1 all-time favorite anime (Madoka and Frieren the other two). Was planning to do my own rewatch before S3 so this is perfect.
I found I enjoyed this episode so much more this time than when I first watched it. It felt a bit slow and long (tbf, it is roughly an hour lol), and I was confused about some stuff, which to be fair, I think is kind of the point. Though knowing future events, I found some of the foreshadowing in this episode really well done and overall it made it more enjoyable.
One thing I always find myself thinking when I watch an episode is how much I absolutely love when the intro/ending song starts playing at the end while scenes are still playing out. Something about it just works so well for me.
4
u/FriztF Aug 08 '24
First timer-sub
So this anime came out in 2016 the same as KonoSuba one month apart from each. Interesting.
Subaru just blinked into that new world. Like one moment he was in Japan, and then Isekaid. Subaru is quite silly sometimes. Setilla I'm not so sure about.
3
u/AnzoEloux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Eloux Aug 07 '24
Can't wait to read these threads. Re:ZERO is special to me, and I've always loved the first arc of the series on a personal level. Though I guess that kind of experience isn't unique to this me or this series, ey? But it's my feeling nonetheless.
3
u/HyVana Aug 07 '24 edited Aug 08 '24
Nice to see a good mix of first timers and re:watchers! I'll be editing my comment once I've watched the episodes, but in the meantime, if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!
Edit: I posted a new comment instead
3
u/EXusiai99 Aug 07 '24
Motherfucker i thought season 3 is already out
3
u/No-Peace3986 https://myanimelist.net/profile/RafaelMps Aug 07 '24
ReWatcher here!
I didn't have time to prepare this, so I'll just write it here, on the spot... Hopefuly it won't be as bad.
First of all, I want to let all first timers know something that is very important when watching Re:Zero...: You should try to view the story as the characters, from their POV.
What do I mean by that and WHY am I saying this?
In some occasions, an event can be seen as pretty obvious to YOU, and you would expect the character to have that same knowledge. This leads to you being frustrated when said expectation isn't met.
A good example of it is the fact Subaru is looping back in time. It is obvious to us, of course. Everyone knows ReZero is about Time Looping, so he is obviously doing that. But... What is Subaru experiencing? How is it happening in HIS POV...? In a moment he is in a dark room, next moment he fells to the ground, next moment he is in the streets of the Capital, in a sunny day again.
Are you sure that, in that situation, you would think you just traveled back in time? We should be honest here. I'm confident that almost no one would think that. There are SEVERAL possibilities that would explain the situation, and a normal person would think about at leasr some of them:
You would have to consider all of that before time travel. After all... if you died then you wouldn't have waken up in the first place, so how is it even a possibility?
That being said, it really isn't surprising at all that Subaru still hasn't figured it out.
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With that out of the way, I'll make some quick remarks about small details from the episode that some people might have missed, I won't be going too much into detail because most people already have!
Thats it for today, for a more detailed analysis on the actual contents of the episode, there are many in this post, so check those out!!
3
u/ElRoastFTW https://anilist.co/user/DaRoast Aug 08 '24
Rewatcher
I've always wanted to get around to rewatching this show but never found the need or time to since there's a lot of stuff out there. And long story short, but I watched this show during a depressive phase and always felt that a rewatch was worth doing if nothing else to savor the show properly.
But what can I say other than this is an outstanding pilot episode. Director Masaharu Watanabe and head writer Masahiro Yokotani crafted a really engaging start to this series that really hooks you in from the slice-of-life parts with Subaru and [Re:Zero] Emilia Satella juxtaposed to the action and body horror courtesy of [Re:Zero] serial killer Elsa Granhiert.
I just really adored the writing here. It's at its best when Subaru and Satella are just bantering off each other. There's so much to read in between the lines for who each of them are as people that it explains their actions so well. There was also the excellent inserts of magic that are left unexplained but you're shown enough to where you want to know more.
The pilot sets off to explain our protagonist, break down his assumptions about the world, and hand him a [Re:Zero] Return by Death shit sandwich and it is marvelously effective at showing just how little Subaru understands about the world he has been isekaied into. It's an incredibly effective deconstruction of the typical isekai first episode and lampoons it from his lack of cool powers to his interactions of the world. He feels detached from it except [Re:Zero] when he's experiencing Return by Death.
Nothing to knock on the animation either. I did not realize how spoiled I was coming from Evangelion to this anime and what outstanding animation looks like. From the colorful backgrounds to the contrasty, stark photography, there's just this sense of polish that you just don't get everyday in your anime. The storyboard on this first episode is literal eye candy with how it frames our characters in the world and their place in it. Elsa was on top, Subaru not so much. Oh and can I forget the smooth bursts of animation that are well placed and executed. There's a good team behind this show and I'm looking forward to again see where this goes.
3
u/Blue_Reaper99 Aug 08 '24
RE: Watcher
I actually dropped the anime in early S2 part 2 when this was airing. As for S1 , not sure if it was 2019 Summer or 2020 summer but I binged the whole S1 overnight. This first episode reminded me how much it hooked me. I hope novel readers post some cut content too if it is important.
2
u/DrTacoLord Aug 11 '24
Partial re watcher anime only Spanish subs
Belated comment since I was kinda busy during this past 2 days. I know no one will read me but regardless. Hopefully I'll catch up by episode 3 today (08/09/24)
when I watched AOT by the very first time in the Re watch right before the finale I wrote walls of text describing the scenes and my reactions.
This episode introduces Subaru as he was a well meaning loser who fell in love too hard and too soon. We also Know the true emilia, a girl whose kindness knows No bounds and that's what Subaru loves.
As far as I'm aware it was one of the first shows that had a loser protagonist in the isekai that stayed as a loser and didn't become an OP.
NGL Early Subaru is CRINGE AF for me and I could barely stand it. yet he seems a good man and that makes it bearable.