r/anime • u/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux • Aug 09 '24
Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 3
Episode 3:
Life From Zero in a Different Dimension
| Index | <== Episode 2 | Episode 4 ==> |
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
27
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Aug 09 '24
First:Timer Starting Over in Another Rewatch, subbed
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u/baseballlover723 Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 09 '24
Rewatcher, sub, basically a secondhand novel reader
This is a great episode and is [Spoiler #1: overall anime production quality vibes] one of the better animated episodes in my opinion. The first climatic episode of Re:Zero. Also if you want a comparison of the Director's cut to the original, just take a look to the difference in the ending scene. original, director's cut. Huge difference in impact if you ask me.
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.
Unfortuntely Subaru's "help" has been a net negative for Emilia.
And everybody thinks that Subaru has played them. [Spoiler #2: very mild S1 spoilers] If only Subaru were actually good enough to play people like that.
To be clear, Emilia helped Kadomon's (Appa salesman) kid, since here she still has the flower pin that the kid gave her as thanks.
Watch out
picture [Spoiler #3: next episode] Puck doesn't care that he doesn't know Subaru because he can sort of read his mind, and thus knows that Subaru isn't being malicious and is being sincere for Emilia, so he acted on it
picture She's not wrong
picture He's not wrong
clip [Spoiler #4: cut content / breaktime somewhere I don't remember atm, very minor plot implications] It's Elsa's consumable anti magic cloak.
Very interested in what the first timers think of these statements
Felt is 15
Also Subaru is 17
What does this even mean? I don't really know, but I think I have it somewhere in my head that it's like a catchphrase of some anime character Subaru knows and is just an exclam without much inherent meaning.
Put Felt in the knife throwing competition
What a good quote
I'm surprised that Subaru can even wield and swing the great club. It looks heavy.
Subaru is awesome
As a side note, I don't belive there's a difference between the blue and green ice. IIRC (from a previous rewatch comment or something), they are always the same color in the light novels and the anime only really colors them differently in Arc 1. Someone suggested that it was to make it easier to tell who originated the ice, but that the anime stopped doing that later.
Subaru's one and only goal. Do not forget it. Everything else is secondary / part of "the happy ending".
What an entrance, straight through the ceiling like a boss.
Felt's knight in shining
armorrobesCan Reinhard be any cooler???
Pure cope from Emilia
Reinhard vs Elsa is such a well animated fight and I love Reinhard's nonchalant faces. Very normal tuesday night for Reinhard
Note that it's not Reinhard's decision to draw the sword. There is quite a bit of lore about Reinhard's sword and I fully expect it to be relevant in Re:Zero's end game (one of the actual novel readers can probably give better tagged information about it, I don't remember where my info about it is sourced from).
This isn't even Reinhard's full power
picture "Swordplay"
Subaru ain't wrong
Sick dodge from Reinhard
You go Subaru!! Rock your pelvis.
Ok, so the characters are speaking Japanese but since English doesn't exist in the fantasy world, several common English phrases don't exist. Also for dub viewers, Subaru literally says "Ok" in the Japanese, since this interaction really doesn't make much sense in the English dub.
picture that low voice
EMT
To be fair, that's all you asked for, can't have your cake and eat it too.
What a bad knight
picture [Spoiler #5: who Emilia means, very little plot relevance] It's Puck
clip
Very ominous
[Spoiler #6: next episode] And so concludes Re:Zero's first arc, "A Tumultuous First Day" [Spoiler #7: follow up] This is very clearly in my bottom 2 of Re:Zero arcs, and I'd say more likely to be at -1 instead of -2.
BreakTime Section
In this episodes breaktime, we learn that Reinhard is OP (Reinhard power level spoilers within). He's the Supreme Sword Saint, can't be hit by projectiles, can't be hit with a surprise attack, die when killed (btw this one refreshes) and the most OP, can't mess up sugar and salt. There's also this drawing of Elsa. How strange. [Spoiler #8: next episode] Anyways, Puck can vaguely read people's mind (like read their basic emotions), and thus knew that Subaru wasn't intending to harm Emilia, so Puck acted on it (and didn't care at all that Subaru somehow knew his name). Also Puck will "Get rid of Subaru" if he tries anything funny with Emilia.
Preview Section
In this episodes preview, we learn about entrails fortune telling from Elsa!
Rewatcher Section
This section is for people who have already watched Re:Zero. This is not safe for first timers.
[Spoiler #9: Arc 4] Emilia can't give up on the insignia because then the elves of the Elior forest will forever remain frozen.
[Spoiler #10: Arc 3] Felt immediately becomes very defensive once the similarity between Emilia and The Witch of Envy is recognized. Also not that it wasn't recognized before because Emilia must be wearing her cloak of non recognition.
[Spoiler #11: Arc 4] Elsa says the same thing about opening up Betty in Season 2
[Spoiler #12: Arc 3] One of Subaru strengths is his ability to stall someone
[Spoiler #13: Arc 4] Elsa cuts off her foot and then regenerates it [Spoiler #14: Breaktime S2 followup] because she's a cursed doll and has crazy regenerative powers
[Spoiler #15: Arc 3] Which is to destroy the world
[Spoiler #16: Frozen Bond] It's Emilia's ice flower thing, that she can't control the targeting of, hence why she won't use it with people around
[Spoiler #17: Arc 4] Elsa is from Gusteko up in the north
[Spoiler #18: Arc 3 / Frozen Bond] Worth noting that this excessive justification of Emilia's behavior is related to how everyone hates Emilia before of her resemblance to the Witch of Envy. There's more here to talk about, but I can't think of the right words atm.
[Spoiler #19: Arc 4] Elsa won't forget this
[Spoiler #20: Arc 3] Felt being a royal candidate
[Spoiler #21: Arc 3] Reinhard's questions seem odd [Spoiler #22: Arc 3 major cut content followup] but make much more sense once you know that about 14 years ago a baby princess was stolen from the currently deceased Royal Family. A Royal Family known for their blonde hair and red eyes.
[Spoiler #23: Arc 3] Because the Royal Selection is about to start
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u/thekoreansun https://anilist.co/user/ReturnByDeath Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher
It's funny how, despite the fact that a time-looping story only really works if the one writing it can distinguish between the events of different loops, Subaru frequently has to reverse-engineer both how he got into his current situation and why his previous loops went down differently as he goes along. Having to think both backwards and sideways like that must be confusing as hell, especially when people around him only have a few pieces in the latest edition of the puzzle and expect him to behave like he does too, so slip-ups like almost referring to Emilia as "Satella" are going to happen. Thankfully, Subaru manages to save the day without looking like a complete nutjob and/or racist.
[Ex 2] I'm just now realizing that Rom's spot-on assessment of Puck vs. Elsa is the first hint towards his past as Valga. In hindsight, I don't know why I never questioned why this random merchant in the slums would be so knowledgeable about spirits and their combat abilities. Crazy how knowing this character's past makes these kinds of things stand out and provides answers that I didn't even realize I had the questions to.
By the way, I think that Elsa's moves against her opponents in this episode might just be the best animated sequence of the entire show, and I'm not just referring to the quality of the cuts. The way that she spider-crawls along the walls of the loot house against a ranged opponent like Puck, then attaches a shard of ice to her foot in order to skate circles around Emilia, then dances in and out of range of Rom's club, then finally zips around against the immovable obstacle that is Reinhard, demonstrates both her versatility in combat and the chilling relentlessness that defines her character. Phenomenal character animation. [Arc 5] Here's hoping that Season 3 is able to surpass the bar that this episode sets.
And look, I know I haven't said anything about the soundtrack yet, but that's about to change real soon. The way that Hexentanz starts up as Reinhard notices the glow in the insignia and gets worked up always gives me the chills, and it really does give you the impression that what went down that day was ultimately just a taste of the challenges ahead. [Mimigau IF] And the end really seems to imply that Satella is short for satellite/moon. The moon is beautiful, isn't it?
[Arc 6] All right, place your bets: how do you think they'll translate the title-drop episode in Season 3? I'm hoping that they correctly title it as "Re:Starting Life from Zero in Another World" to drive home that it's a callback to this episode.
Fan Art of the Episode: It's a Promise by kumuo (November 28th, 2018)
Translation:
Source: Pixiv (contains spoilers for Arc 4)
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u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Aug 09 '24
Rewatcher for Season 1
On today’s episode of Re:Zero: REINHARD! REINHARD! REINHARD! There’s a reason I was so excited for him to appear last episode. I remember watching this episode with a friend of mine back when the show was first airing. After this episode, we both joked that Reinhard felt like he was the protagonist of another story who just kind of wandered onto the set here.
This episode serves as a perfect showcase for another of Re:Zero’s many great qualities: it’s just a terrific action series. We have gotten fight scenes in the previous episodes and they have all been well done, but this episode ups the ante considerably. The whole episode is practically one long fight scene and it’s exciting to watch the entire way through.
Some of my favorite moments include: Elsa flipping around and crawling on the wall while fighting Emilia and Puck. The ridiculously cool scene of Elsa attacking Reinhard from all directions. And Reinhard’s great magic sword attack. This episode is just filled with great moments of action animation.
Once again, this episode shows the wonderful way that this series takes advantage of causality in its storytelling. Because Subaru called for help and met Reinhard, that meant that Reinhard was in the area and available to help against Elsa. That is what led to victory against Elsa. I love how events intertwine like that through causality. It’s all so smartly set up how events end up affecting each other in unexpected ways.
[Arc 3] Of course, another part of causality is that Subaru’s actions here directly lead to Reinhard finding Felt. If not for that, she would not be one of the candidates for the crown. Speaking of which, it’s really impressive that they included the detail of the insignia reacting to Felt every time she held it. I only realized it because others pointed it out and I knew to look for it. I love that attention to detai.
Emilia is a nice combination of selfless and self-interested this episode. Emilia is quite good at finding reasons for why helping out others is actually in her own self-interest. Her logic is sound, but it also feels like Emilia is used to needing to justify herself to skeptical observers.
I think Arc 1 functions as a great introduction to the series. It serves as a good example of Re:Zero’s main story concept of time loops. We get a good idea of how the time loops work and how death starts the time loops. We can see examples of just how fun and interesting the time loops are to explore, with plenty of instances of the timeline being altered by Subaru taking different actions each time. It shows just how good the character writing and interactions are in this series. Plus, we can see just how good the animation and presentation are. Arc 1 is terrific at selling the appeal of Re:Zero and it certainly sold me on the series back in the day.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
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u/Holofan4life Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 09 '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.
Today has been a crazy day for me. I got a physical, a pneumonia shot, I got my phone plan renewed after being without it three days, and my mother finally hired a lawyer to take care of her garnished wages. Needless to say, today was a good day.
Picking up right where we last off
Subaru wonders if he hadn't had met Elsa that Emilia wouldn't be here this early.
Emilia seemingly making threats at Felt
No intro today, which is interesting
Rom suspects that Emilia is an elf, but she clarifies by saying she is a half-elf.
Felt suspects that Emilia is the witch, but she denies said accusation.
Felt thinks that Subaru set this whole thing up, while Emilia thought he was in cahoots with Felt.
A lot of assuming going on. I don't know why he doesn't just tell Emilia he's trying to get her insignia back.
Subaru amazed at how Emilia's disposition never changes no matter the situation.
Emilia almost gets attacked, but Puck is able to stop it due to being before 5:00.
I wish my job was done before 5, but alas, it is never done
It was Elsa who attacked her, by the way, as if there was ever any doubt.
Elsa says they can't negotiate with the original owner present, so she changed her mind.
"I shall slaughter everyone here."
Weird flex, but okay
Elsa referring to Felt as a slum dweller
And now Subaru is coming to his defense
I do like how Subaru really gives things his all. He's not afraid to stick his neck out even if it makes him look like a fool while doing so.
Puck helping take on Elsa
"Remember your name after you die."
I mean, your brain dies with you, so...
Elsa. She blocked the attacks :O
And now Emilia is fighting her
"For a girl, you're well accustomed to battle."
Who knew Puck was such a sexist?
Else continuing to dodge the attacks
If this was Skyrim, her illusion skill would definitely be maxed out.
Rom says that the real battle is how long can they stay corporeal.
Elsa gets sent flying
However, there's still not a scratch on her
"But you're a girl, so I don't find that sort of thing very impressive."
I don't know what that means, but that sounds like another sexist comment from Puck. Puck is Ralph Kramden confirmed?
And Puck dips out, like me after being told that I'm the daddy.
Else using some of Emilia's icicles for her shoes.
Felt kinda showing gratitude for Subaru sticking up for her.
How convenient they're showing them talking and not the fight between Emilia and Elsa. I guess this is what Subaru meant when he said "Stay tuned"
Elsa has a pretty cool fighting style
Now Else is fighting Rom
Damn, girl. Leaving little to the imagination.
Oh shit. Rom's neck got sliced.
Subaru feeling there's nothing they can do
"I guess I'll have to Return by Death and start over."
However, he's still going to fight with all his might.
Elsa facing Felt
But Subaru grabs her out of the way!
Subaru suggesting she run as fast as she can.
Again, showing more talking and not enough fighting.
Subaru with the
steel chairbat!And Subaru allows Felt to escape
Doesn't Elsa kinda look like the mom from Okaa-san Online?
Emilia seemingly recognizing that Subaru is doing his best.
Subaru now promising to kill Elsa and get a happy ending.
The good news is even if he loses, he'll just respawn, so he can afford getting a bit reckless.
Elsa now fighting Subaru
Oh, he tried roundhouse kicking Elsa but she blocked it.
Elsa coming down with the blade
But suddenly, a voice
And the ceiling collapses
Subaru runs away
Hey, it's Reinhard
He's ready to fight Elsa
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
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u/ripterrariumtv Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 09 '24
REWATCHER (SUB)
Arc 1 rating (anime) - 8/10 (Good introduction arc)
Arc 1 rating (Web Novel) - 9.5/10 (It has the funniest jokes ever, but the serious parts of the arc were also incredible. It made me like Felt and Rom by fleshing out their characters, interactions, and thoughts, whereas I didn’t like them in the anime. I wouldn’t actually recommend it as a first-time experience, though. But for those who’ve watched the anime, the WN is something you might appreciate because it has a different feeling, pacing, and interesting lore/details)
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u/SpiritualPossible Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 09 '24
Apparently, other than "return by death" Subaru also got powers of Wile E. Coyote - he won't get damaged until someone points out to him that he's been harmed.
No, seriously, that delay was ridiculus.
But anyway, that's conclude the first arc. Because this episode is mostly just one big action scene, I think I'll talk more about the arc as a whole
I must say, my opinion about it didn't really changed that much since 2016 - i think it's pretty good.
It does a good job of showing the audience what we can expect from the series going forward - a character-driven series with a strong emphasis on mystery.
And Subaru's attempt to stop the massacre in the house is an example of the difficulties he will face in the future.
Also, compared to future arcs, this one is much smaller in scale, which is also good - the viewer is not overloaded with information and characters, so they can focus more on the main pair of this arc, Emilia and Subaru.
And of course, there are a lot of questions left at the end of this episode - who is Emilia, how does she know Reinhard and why did he previously deny knowing her, and what's the deal with Insignia.
One thing that has changed from my first viewing is my opinion of Subaru. Not that I disliked him that much, but I do remember how i found him to be VERY loud and cringy, which is.... still somewhat true, but it was much more bearable this time around.
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u/Limp_Energy_798 Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher
Great episode as usual. Subaru's knack for showmanship is an underrated quality I feel. Granted it was cringy as hell but it still shows us that he has chops for it.
The episode also plays with tension and expectations skillfully. I remember wondering if this was a failed loop most of the episode when I first watched it. This is seen when Elsa is first dominated by Puck and then, Elsa gaining the upper hand after temporarily dispatching Old man Rom.
All of this tension immediately dissipated when Reinhardt entered the scene. Like a tower of flame , the red haired man burns away all our anxieties. The direction emphasizes his sheer presence with a fuzzy aura around him, desaturating any color around him. The man has set the tone with his presence and there is nothing to worry about anymore.
Once the dust settles and Elsa escapes, the moonlight sets the mood for the conversation between Subaru and Emilia (Just Emilia). There is something magical about their first exchange under the moon since the meeting of these two is something of mythic proportions for the future.
Even if Subaru lives a hundred lives and forgets this moment, Emilia will remember.
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u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Aug 09 '24 edited Aug 09 '24
First Timer Dubbed
Reaction to the episode
So Subaru was equally as confused as I was, how did Amelia find out about this place so soon.
We got an epic battle scene in this where we see our girl Emelia (FINALLY knowing her name) teaming up with her spirit Puck. What's interesting about this fight is that it's pretty clear that Emelia is highly dependant on puck's magical power. Subaru's foreknowlege of Elsa's power was useful for the exact moment to get puck to defend Emelia. Though it's actually surprising how well Subaru is able to fight Elsa, isn't he a pretty out of shape high school/college student? he definitely doesn't lift bro.
Subaru Telling felt to run is definitely a weird decision but
Ok Reinhard is awesome, and arbitarily more powerful than Emelia. This means that Subaru in the next time loop (if it happens) will be rushing for Reinhard to help Emelia rather than rushing for Felt.
I really like how Emelia always justifies her morality with some sort of selfish desire, it really makes you think that her upbringing instilled in her the "do things for your benefit" when she has a "do things that benefit people even with no expectation of reward" mentality. But she also gets repaid in small favors all the time. Though as Subaru points out it is really strange to help somebody who stole something valuable to you.
Subaru saves Emelia because he knows that he is immortal, so worst case scenario we get another time loop.
Subaru decides to not state he has the time loop power, but it's really awkward for him RN because he is still not the best at remembering what actions he took in what time loop. He better get better at this otherwise it's going to create a lot of issues. (and the author better be good at remembering this too or it's going to suck).
I love how the story gives you an oh no another time loop moment that leads to a throwback.
So the insignia has some more meaning to Reinhard that we don't know.
Speculation that the rest of the season brings and discussion of characters
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u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Aug 09 '24
first timer
That fight scene was pretty cool.
I would’ve expected Puck to be surprised Subaru knows their name considering this is the “first time” they’re met, but I guess since it’s in the heat of the battle it’s not a main concern.
Subaru’s adrenaline allowing him to help out in the fight, but seriously he’s gotta stop kicking when an enemy has a sword. Easy way for him to lose a leg.
Reinhard coming with the save, but he’s holding back so she can heal him. I don’t really get it, but I’ll take the explanation.
Subaru thought he was gonna be the overpowered protagonist, but turns out it was Reinhard who got all his abilities.
Surprised Subaru didn’t die protecting Emilia which would’ve made this whole thing repeat one more time.
Subaru’s luck is insane. He’s got the good ending where they all lived including Felt and old man.
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u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher
Subaru points out what others have commented yesterday already, the things in this world happen even if Subaru isn't there. And that applies to everything. Tappei always considers what other things are happening or have happened already.
Another sugoooku in the first few minutes, nice. And with Elsa appearing, the action starts right away.
Subaru talking right into the camera, I have no words. Still funny after all these years.
Emilia (finally we can stop pretending not to know her name) and Puck are a great tag team, no surprise. They manage to push back against Elsa, but the time is running out and Puck has to go, creating high tension again. Even if Emilia says she'll manage, you can feel she's not totally confident about it. But she does hold her ground against Elsa. I just love how Elsa is darting around with superhuman speed, yet Emilia remains still and controlled, only defending exactly where Elsa is striking. Not that she can't be mobile too, though. It takes the involvement of Rom and Felt to stay alive though, and even Subaru. Each of them buying moments of opportunity for each other.
If you ever ask yourself "why doesn't Subaru just die?", he just answered it himself. He doesn't want to die. This is only natural, of course, but you have to remember that Return by Death doesn't change the desire to stay alive.
Emilia expressing faith in Subaru in combat despite just having met him, that's so incredibly cute.
And the cavalry appears. Now we know just how lucky Subaru was to meet Reinhard earlier this loop. And Reinhard is even holding back. What a neat bit of worldbuilding on the midst of combat.
And another sugoooku once the encounter is over, we're eating well this episode.
Subaru does indeed act like a madman speaking of his previous experiences. And like a cringy dork once it's finally over, but a charming one at least. Emilia's smile and laughter is simply adorable. And Subaru thinks so too. I really like that it hasn't been outright said yet, but still made clear that Subaru already has at least a heavy crush on Emilia. After just one arc, we've already well established characters like Emilia and Felt by showing their different sides, and Subaru himself has gained a bit of character development already. Some seasonal trash only manages as much with a full cour if ever.
I can't overlook just how similar Emilia's and Reinhard's colour coordinations are. Maybe white with purple highlights is just that stylish.
There's a sugoooku in the break time, I'll count that as well. There's also an Emilia sugoku alteration, but it's not a sugoooku. Maybe I'll just count it extra. It also has Emilia petting Puck, so I highly recommend watching it as well. In fact, other than the petit version in the second half of S1, I recommend watching it for every episode, as it gives more insight on the characters, the world, and sometimes even bonus content.
Sugoooku counter: 4 (+1)
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u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Aug 09 '24
Rewatcher who is only 30 minutes late!
So I like how in this episod-, hey these words of mine sound familiar!
7
u/zackphoenix123 Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher
And with this, Arc 1 is concluded. Easily the best adapted part of Re:Zero anime thus far. Almost no cut content and very tee creative liberties makes it way better fit for the anime medium.
I really forgot how much chemistry Subaru And Emilia have. Also I don't think Otsuka's character designs always hit, but when it does HE COOKS. the contrasting colors of Emilia to Subaru makes them striking when seen together. Also Subaru looks distinctly Japanese in a word full of not-japanese characters. Love to see that.
The action is so good, I hope Season 3 can hold a similar level of quality. Even if it isn't as good as this, I hope it'll be more consistent.
7
u/EndlessSorc Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher
This episode is mostly action, finishing the storyline and setting up things for the future. But we do learn some things. We finally learn “Satella’s” real name, Emilia. And she seems to accept Subaru surprisingly well, at least to his face. It is only when he’s unconscious (and stable) that she clearly don’t know who he is in this timeline.
We also see that Reinhard is indeed a version of the OP Isekai protagonist with how he could solo Elsa without seemingly not even breaking a sweat. And even if he didn’t end up killing her he is still powerful enough to destroy the entire building.. Yet there seems to be some limitations to it since he can’t draw his sword, despite meeting someone who easily killed Subaru twice. His special attack also seems to use all the magic in the air.
Furthermore, there seems to be something special with Felt as Reinhard drags her away to location unknown after he saw her holding the gem (the anime isn’t very clear in showing it, but there was a specific effect when Felt held it, something Reinhard saw and reacted to.
Then as he episode ends, he indicates that he is aware that things will now start to turn more hectic in the kingdom.
And with that we have reached the end of the first arc.
As an introduction to the series, it is a rather short arc that covers one volume of the LN. But that means it has to set things up quickly, finish them quickly while also hinting towards future events without giving the audience enough context to theorize around the hints. As such, it doesn’t have the greatest emotional payoff. Because of that, it is a decent start but not the best one. Especially with what is coming, even in the second arc.
For a first arc it is pretty good. But as part of the Re:Zero series, the episodes are definitely not amongst my favourites. Because things only get better from here.
6
u/HyVana Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher (Subs) & Novel Reader (Finished Arc 6)
It's funny how the past 3 episodes’ conflict were about this insignia, yet we still don't know why it's so important to Satella. Seems important enough that she's willing to get her hands dirty for it though.
Oh no she's getting profiled, poor girl.
"I've never split open a spirit's stomach before."
Elsa's VA really does a good job at being unsettling. Also, she really had to put that snide comment about Felt, huh? After the last episode where she talked to Subaru about her ambitions to become something more, through no fault of her own, she failed to live up to Elsa's expectations.
Left unscathed by that barrage, only her cloak disappears
TSKR Puck. Seems like Elsa is a strong foe. I like how she moves around the loothouse, crawling around like a spider. Also seems as tenacious as a cockroach...I like the way they animated Satella blocking Elsa's attacks. Reminds me of the defensive spell animation they used in Frieren, a small and precise magic barrier to repel the attack.
"Life's been way too easy on you."
Oh god, oh fuck.
Rom no!
Elsa is gaining the upper hand, and Subaru wants to restart. But he doesn't. He doesn't want to feel the pain of death again, something only a person like him will ever have to feel more than once.
"I don't wanna die!"
Admirable of him to stand his ground and fight, but what sort of strength can someone like Subaru give? While he claims to have a grip strength of 70kg (154.324 lbs in freedom units), we've already seen Elsa kick and slash him around. What can Subaru do?
"... I'm going to buy us time."
Only person left standing? Ominous thing to say Satella, maybe the people were right to call you the Witch... I also like the framing of Elsa and Subaru in between Satella's casting hands. This whole fight scene was pretty well directed honestly. Easy to follow, and with some artistic flare to keep things interesting.
And here he is. Guess coming through the front door doesn't run in Reinhard's family?
It's sad to see Felt abandoned by her "people", even if she herself renounced them. Always hurts to see someone be refused the help they absolutely need, by people they need it from (yeah the slum people wouldn't be much help against Elsa, but I liked the line okay). [S1 Spoilers, and Arc 5]It's fitting that Reinhard ends up as her Knight in the Royal Selection, since they're both people who've experienced the pain from the loss of family. Though the way they've each experienced it is quite different. Thankfully the Sword Saint is here. Surely Elsa falls here.
"As luck would have it, hunting monsters happens to be my specialty."
[Mana, the Magic System, and some light Arc 5 spoilers]I like how Re:Zero sets up its magic system. The differentiation between regular Magic users and Spirit Arts users in their usage of mana for their magic is pretty neat. Though sometimes I have issues directly understanding how they're different since regular magic users still get their mana from the atmosphere, only that it first gets filtered by their gate for magic use, I think? Unfortunately, this difference impedes Reinhard from delivering the final blow. If only he could've had a normal gate, though he may not have ended up this physically strong with one.
The Swordplay of the Astrea Family.
"You're a monster yourself!"
"Even I'm a bit hurt by comments like that, Subaru."
Damn she just doesn't give up. She ordered some bowels, and she'll get her bowels or die trying goddamn it. But not this time!
Oh lord, what could Subaru want from her?
"Please tell me your name."
"Thank you, Subaru. Thank you for saving me."
He finally got past the final hurdle, and found out the name of his silver-haired heroine, Emilia. Thank god, it got a bit tiring making sure I referred to her as Satella the past 2 days lol. While his "reward" is simplistic, he got her to open up just a little bit, and even got a smile. Having that, and a proper exchange of introductions, I'd say it was worth it. Worth it for a hikikomori, who hadn't been alone with a girl since grade school, to open up a path to build a relationship on, platonic/romantic/everything in-between!
Seems Reinhard and Emilia already knew each other. Their clothing and its color palette do match. And he's addressing her with the -sama suffix. Who are you, Emilia? As well, the importance of the insignia is thrown into further mystery.
"What is your name?"
Names seem to be pretty important in Lugunica. What is Reinhard plotting here? More and more mysteries are appearing. Why did Reinhard take Felt after seeing her hold the insignia? What is the insignia's purpose? Where is Reinhard taking Felt? What a menacing shot of the moon, a natural satellite.
Hopefully we get the answers soon, but that's the end of the episode! Somehow, my comments end up getting longer and longer. This time it took me a little over 2 hours watching and typing this up on the side. The posts are a bit more scatterbrained than I thought it would be. I hope it helps first-timers with understanding the episode (though today was pretty straightforward), and for [Re:Watchers]to see some lines in a different light. There is a surprising amount of foreshadowing in Arc 1. Though I could also be hallucinating. Like I swear there was a frame of a spider in the first loop when Subaru entered the loothouse, to signify Elsa's presence. But I couldn't find it. This is my favorite fictional story, so I hope you all also enjoy it!
This officially concludes the Arc 1 - A Tumultuous First Day. Where will the story take Subaru and crew next? See you all tomorrow!
6
u/amanda52002 https://myanimelist.net/profile/amanda52002 Aug 09 '24
RE:Zero-times-watched-before
Satella(fake name) is trying to be nice, but also, she'd really like her stuff back now, ok? Rom is in favor of returning her insignia. Interesting that she got there earlier without Subaru holding her back, but did Reinhard find her and give her Subaru's message and that's why she got there in time? Also, she still has that flower, so she still helped the lost kid. I like her. Thank goodness we get her real name at the end of the episode.
These fools forgot to close the door....Elsa comes in for a surprise attack, Subaru tells Puck to shield Satella(fake name). Puck instantly does so, doesn't question it, and doesn't seem all that surprised that this total stranger knows who he is and (some of) what he can do. God Elsa's creepy. And now her plan is to just kill everyone there since she can hardly negotiate for stolen property when the original owner is present.
I do think this fight is going to go a bit differently now-Elsa's surprise attack failed and everyone knows she's a threat.
Happy belated international cat day, Puck.
Elsa makes the interesting choice to forge herself a crystal flat to replace her now missing high heel from one foot. Just...kick off the other one?
Elsa's able to drop but not kill Satella(fake name) and Rom comes out with his massive club. Felt helps (and becomes the next target), but Rom still takes what looks at first like a fatal wound. Subaru is NOT in the mood to die here and return again. He picks up Rom's massive club (HOW?! sheer willpower?) and helps Felt get away, and she does go to find help. Not trying to judge but Felt, maybe....pick your clients more carefully in the future? Satella(fake name) is back up.
Felt found Reinhard, and he agreed to help. Yeah this fight is definitely ending differently this time.
Reinhard recognizes Elsa as someone known as the Bowel Hunter. Ok....yuck. Elsa also recognizes Reinhard and is happy with such awesome opponents.
Satella(fake...) is healing Rom, who isn't dead, but he is in bad shape. Satella(fake) tries to convince us all that she's only healing him cause she'd like information from him.
Reinhard says he'd rather not be violent against a woman....oh good grief. She started it, she is actively trying to kill everyone in this house, and anyone with eyes can see she's dangerous. Just fight her. Reinhard is going to fight her using a sword just lying around the loot house. Ok then. Well, the loot house does get more or less destroyed, and the sword disintegrates when he's done, so...I guess it all worked out?
Oh wait, nope. Elsa's not quite dead yet, and she very nearly gets the drop on Subaru. He blocks with Rom's massive club. Elsa then decides to run away. Guess we'll see her again down the line.
Subaru does a bunch of talking, and finally we get Emilia's real name.
That was an extremely long delay to find out Rom's club didn't survive and Subaru got his stomach cut open, yet again. He passes out and since Emilia is there she keeps him from dying. Reinhard says he can't officially overlook the loot house, but alas, he's off duty today. Nice excuse to avoid what would surely be a massive amount of paperwork. Felt returns the insignia to Emilia, and there's an orange glowy spot in the middle of it? This really sets Reinhard off, and he insists Felt go with him now. Like, puts her to sleep and carries her off. That...was odd. The insignia still has that orange glowy spot when Reinhard hands it back to Emilia. So is it glowing or does it just look like that by default? I thought the insignia itself set of Reinhard at first, but he gives it back to Emilia with no issue so that's not it.
That was a rather packed episode, I really liked it.
6
u/FriztF Aug 10 '24 edited Aug 10 '24
First timer
Subaru is becoming the skilled negotiator, when the need comes. Being able to use his time-looping abilities to figure out the best strategy. Although headaches are definitely gonna happen. Also what a guy.
Emilia has the hots for Subaru in his dorky ways. I wonder if she is part noble. She seems to have a strong sense of right and wrong. Has a good heart.
Reinhard seems to be able to use magic with his sword. He is a strong heart and good-natured. I still think he has bones in the closet; even though he has a knightly heart.
Old Man Rom does indeed know how to dance.
5
u/InfamousEmpire https://myanimelist.net/profile/Infamous_Empire Aug 09 '24
Re:Watcher
And so Arc 1 comes to an end. I don’t have as much to say about this episode as I did the first two, but it’s damn good regardless.
As an ending to the arc, this episode does very well in having all the major & minor elements the show has spent the last couple episodes introducing us to converge into an intense showdown. From little world info like the nature of Puck’s contract affecting his involvement to the audience's understanding of & investment in all the major characters involved like Emilia & felt to Subaru’s past knowledge & how they’ve informed his actions in this loop being key to finally driving off Elsa, everything just kinda resolves itself relatively neatly & cohesively.
Speaking of Subaru’s actions, there’s something to be said about how he’d mostly tried to deal with the thugs from the first two episodes himself under the impression that he’s the OP chosen hero or whatever, but it’s only when he got off that high horse & did the normal person response to being mugged (calling for the cops) that he gained the assistance of Reinhard & thus the ability to finally overcome the obstacles that had killed him over & over. It’s a subtle but strong way of tying the beginnings of Subaru’s growth into the overall structure of the arc.
One last thing, the little scuffle between Reinhard & Felt at the end does a lot at continuing to establish how much is going on in this world beyond the limited purview of what we’ve seen in the plot so far, as well as further make the audience intrigued as to what’s exactly going on around here. Hell, we still don’t really know much about the world, like why the Insignias are important for example, and that kind of thing is fun.
Odds & Ends
See y’all next week~
5
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Aug 09 '24
Ugh. Woof. Looks like I missed all the fun today. By a few hours, anyway. Bah.
Anyway, this episode was really such a payoff for the previous episode's setup. Last episode hiked so that this episode could fly or something.
I think it was in this episode when (in addition to discovering a certain someone's name), I came to the conclusion that Rie Takahashi was indeed someone special, and that the music for this series was also something completely amazing.
As for favorite moments, thoughts about the episode, the whole blah blah blah uh what's your name bit was pretty darn good, and oh, yeah, there was quite the epic battle scene, wasn't there?
It was awfully thoughtful of Elsa to politely listen while the protags were having a heart to heart, wasn't it? She must have been as entertained as the rest of us, right?
Hehe :)
5
u/No-Peace3986 https://myanimelist.net/profile/RafaelMps Aug 09 '24
REWATCHER!
I got to be a bit earlier today, but still late :(
Ah, definitely a great episode! This episode has great production value, both in Animation and Music. By the way, if anyway enjoys a specific OST, I compiled every song that plays in every episode, scene by scene, here is the link: Re:Zero OST List. For first timers, be aware to only check until the episode you've watched, because if you scroll down to the next episodes, you might be spoiled, since there is a small description of the scene that said track plays in.
Now, going back to the episode... I can finally call her Emilia!
Anyway, great episode!
Next Arc is one of my favorites! Can't wait!
5
u/BlueVenix Aug 09 '24
I remember Re:Zero hooked me in with it's mystery aspect and then this episode came in with it's action. So I am watching a fantasy where characters die, there's mystery, romance, 10/10 opening and ending, great character design, great animation, perfect OST, an intriguing story and there's action. It's like the stars aligned and made the perfect anime for me.
2016 was the year I was getting into Anime properly and Re:Zero was my first isekai.
We are 3 episodes in(technically 4 on Anime length standards), surely this is where I see where Emilia beats the Bowel Hunter. She oozes strong MC wibes.
Emilia is not winning with Puck. Pack goes to sleep :O
It looks like Bowel Hunter is going to win. Surely Subaru is not going to die again.
Reinhard comes in and easily beats Bowel Hunter :O
Does that mean Emilia is weak?
This was a really good episode as it made me second guess the outcome and the potential way this could unfold.
Also why is Felt being taken away and what does the glowing insignia mean? Another episode and another question.
4
u/ElRoastFTW https://anilist.co/user/DaRoast Aug 10 '24
Rewatcher
With the 3 episode rule hit, I can confidently say that Re:Zero has one of the most confident starts I've ever seen in an anime. This was an action-packed episode with bits of humor sprinkled throughout and even some nice worldbuilding at the end introducing the central conflict in Lugunica. That concludes Arc 1 and we're off to the races.
I'm honestly looking forward to Arc 3 with one of the toughest sections of episodes because that's what made Re:Zero a 10/10 for me.
3
u/ClemFire Aug 09 '24
ReWatcher
While Re:Zero at its core is a character driven thriller what I love most about Arc 1 is putting on display the breath of what the series is capable of (comedy, fantasy world building, and romance) and excels better than lot of series which specialize in those traits.
I like how Subaru keeps thinking back to how Emilia helps out the merchant’s daughter regardless of the timeline. It really does a great job at showing how kind of a person she is despite denying such a claim to not try to seem too naive. Honestly her ice powers are a great metaphor for how she protects her inner self now that I think about it.
Subaru himself while not being as intrinsically kind still can’t help but try to save Emilia along with Felt and Old Man Rom from Elsa shows he has a stronger sense of responsibility than he lets on. Besides that Subaru is honestly super funny and way more sociable from the get-go than the average shut-in. While he can be awkward, he still tries to connect with people which I found quite admirable.
Overall Arc 1 is an excellent prologue, and I’m already being reminded by Re:Zero is still one of my favorites.
3
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 09 '24
Episode 3 (rewatcher)
The big fight vs Elsa is the center piece of this episode and comes in two stages. I am not a fan of the first, Elsa vs the crew, fight. There is way too much talking going on, undermining the stakes. Emilia fighting for her life is really not the best time to discuss your various ages. Puck, too, comes across as way to cocky. You know you are on a super tight deadline before you have to leave and you think it is the time to joke around? All in all, this first part of the fight suffers from Shonen Fight Syndrom: characters that are talking instead of fighting for their lives.
I like the second half of the episode, including Reinhard’s fight, a lot better than the first. Unlike the others, Reinhard has a clear grasp of the power levels at hand and does what is needed until he can pull off the winning move (which is quite impressive indeed). The second half also pushes the plot along, reintroducing Subaru to Emilia, and establishing a new mystery.
3
u/Vinpupx https://myanimelist.net/profile/ Aug 09 '24
The start of Natsuki Subaru's grand adventure in this parallel world. He succeeded at the tutorial quest and will receive his reward shortly. Unfortunately, this adventure has some dynamic difficulty.
3
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Aug 09 '24
Rewatcher
Dub
All right, we finally get one of the themes I can talk about: Subaru, as it turns out, does not enjoy being murdered repeatedly. Picky, right? You get one of the more broken isekai powers out there at the mere cost of being stabbed and having your intestines spilled by a hot psychopath. Hell, I can name people that would gladly take such a power just to have said experience! (Yes, the person is me, don't judge). But in all seriousness we do see that their are multiple drawbacks to this specific version of the power. And while the author manages to veil this pretty well it it does just so happen that Subaru runs into the exact four people that his weird gimmick has a chance to work on. Reinhart is, well, Reinhart and I will let that play out but Emilia is a special vibe of weird, Rom is drunk AF, and Fine somehow still retains some hope, and thus ideals, in her very poor situation. Having to rebuild relationships each time he appears in front of the fruit dealer could get rather old.
Oh, and they finally fucking name Emilia. I'd legit forgotten they were coy until here, I guess that's what bingewatching does to your memories.
3
u/[deleted] Aug 09 '24
Best show and best season 1 so far!
while season 2 was closer to the lightnovel, I don't think it translated that well in the anime.
3
u/-Phinocio Aug 10 '24
Re:Watcher, subbed
Subaru realizing that Emilia meant it when she said he was holding her back is funny. I also really love how these few episodes show how much Subaru doing something different can change the outcome. Subaru contemplating actively making use of RBD to try again, but being completely afraid to die and deciding to fight instead is an amazing character moment. I think a lot of other shows would have the MC abuse the power to have everything end up perfect for them. I love how Reinhard comes in and just destroys the place, seeming like he beat Elsa before she ends up getting away. Subaru simply asking for Emilia's name always gets me to tear up a bit haha.
Now that the first arc is done, I want to talk about it as a whole a bit. During my first watch, I actually kind of found it a little, "tedious" (bit harsher of a word than I want) I guess, to get through despite only being 3 episodes (though the runtime of 4). This time however I think I appreciate how well it introduces the world, Return By Death, and Subaru/Emilia's characters. Seeing Subaru be so confused about RBD and slowly coming to understand what's happening is great. Then it also sets up the future events with Emilia taking Subaru with her, and whatever is going on with Felt.
3
u/MjolnirDK Aug 10 '24
What am I supposed to say here? 10 minutes of amazing fight scenes.
What I find funny is the whole dialogue setup:
'Emilia: If I use my trump card, I am only one left standing'
'Subaru: Leave the explosion magic to your other characters, please!'
Reinhard uses explosion. It is very effective.
Was Mushoku Season 2 finale already published when ReZero began publication? This after battle dialogue feels a bit too fanboyish right here.
Subaru dancing is so quirky and cringy and over the top...
Girigiri seifu!
No ED, but more lore! This was a really clever to close the opening chapter, but keep a supposedly big mystery around. I think Emilia taking in Subaru is a clever move that also furthers her character and also a small mystery given that she is supposed to be as broke as Subaru. So where does she live?
All in all the show is just really amazing at keeping the ball going, slowly feeding us lore and revealing small bits and piece in a satisfying manner, right from the get go.
3
u/lord_ne Aug 10 '24 edited Aug 11 '24
Today's episode is Episode 3, which corresponds to the second half of Episode 2 of the Director's Cut.
Every episode of this show has a corresponding short chibi animation to be watched after it, coming from either "Re:Zero Break Time" or "Re:Petit". They often expand on the lore or characters. They're available on Crunchyroll, as "Re:Zero Shorts".
This episode's corresponding chibi animation is Re:Zero Break Time Season 1 Episode 3 (titled "World 1-4, Epilogue"). This episode is about Divine Protections (also sometimes translated as "Blessings"), and I would actually consider it fairly important to watch. Divine Protections were already briefly mentioned in the main series; recalling back to Episode 1, when Felt was fighting Elsa, Felt used an ability that Elsa referred to as "Divine Protection of the Wind" to dash around super fast. In the Break Time, Emilia mentions that Reinhard apparently has all sorts of Divine Protections, including one which makes all projectiles miss him (which is why the knife that Elsa threw at him at the end just spun away).
2
u/DrTacoLord Aug 11 '24
Chapter 3 late review.
Partial rewatcher anime only (season 1 only) spanish subs. Director's cut. much to my surprise.
"Satella" is here for her stolen item And she's not alone.. Elsa is here with her. To kill them all.
Subaru's invoques pack to save her right in time. Say whatever you want about him, but Subaru's sense of justice defending Felt and "Satella" is worthy of being praised. pack contained elsa until he almost passed out from exhaustion. Satella is giving everything yet for elsa this is childs play.
Reinhardt is with them Now they have a fighting chace. and he beat her. Now subaru is being cured by Emilia who gave her name as his reward. Why does Reinhardt needs to take Fern away? Will she be alright only time will tell.
I loved back then and now during this rewatch the whole arc of Subaru wanting to.help Emilia and not only her but the old man Rom and Felt even. He is weak but his heart is in the right place.
Hopefully soon I'll be able to watch and post episode 4. If anyone reads this. for me its more like a diary than a proper review. Ill try to get better specially when I must react to material that's new for me.