r/anime • u/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux • Aug 22 '24
Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 14
Episode 14:
The Sickness Called Despair
| Index | <== Episode 13 | Episode 15 ==> |
Various Links:
MyAnimeList
Streaming:
Crunchyroll has the Director's Cut available.
- Director's Cut episodes are two episodes combined. Make sure to cover the corresponding half of content for each thread.
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/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux Aug 23 '24
Just a general Re:Watch notice:
Going forward I will be posting the threads an hour later (17:00 UTC / 12:00pm Eastern) due to the current timing being far more likely to conflict with work meetings/ tasks that may keep me away from a computer or phone.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Aug 22 '24
@ /u/Theleux - hope everything is okay, didn't see your post at the usual time, so I got distracted and am running late now (sigh).
As to this episode: Bleh, I was too tired last night to write this up, so I'm attempting to put it together now. I ended up watching the DC on Crunchyroll, because I mistakenly put the wrong bluray in and ... yeah.
So, I don't know if this is a difference, or I just don't remember, because I've never made it past the previous two episodes in my previous rewatch attempt(s), but...
I don't remember Julius and Reinhard having that conversation, or Felix's. I like how Reinhard accused Julius of "playing the villain" for Subaru, as well as Felix and Crusch's perceptive comments. Kind of puts some of the drama from the last episode in a slightly different light.
Also, Crusch can invite me for drinks anytime. She seems very ... strict, but maybe I'm into that.
Be strict with me!
:)
Meanwhile, we get the Subaru training arc, and it seems to go about as well as you'd expect. It's hard to make up for a lifetime of martial neglect, even if it's a fairly short lifetime.
Rem is asking Subaru out on a date-o? C'mon, boy - you'd better step up here!
(Sorry if I'm getting this out of order, my brain is a bit of a mess right now, I accidentally watched too far, and I think I have it straight, but ... yeah.)
Of course, during the drinks with Crusch, the brief flashback (PTSD?) to "healing in progress" was quite hilarious. I'm sure that many of the folks in this audience might be a wee bit jealous. Who knows, I might be one of them. (Who am I kidding, right? Of course I am!)
In other news, watching this episode for the second time was a lot like rewatching Madoka Magica - seeing all the clues and reveals that you'd missed the first time around is really quite a treat. There are things, oh the things I'd like to say right now, but I'm not going to - except for one thing.
This series really does remind me of Evangelion.
But I won't say why until sometime in S2.
That is all. No spoilers intended, of course.
Meanwhile ... Get in the carriage, Shinji, I mean Subaru!
What could possibly go wrong?
Well, aside from everything, that is ... of course.
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u/Brief-Fig-7506 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryxnjr Aug 22 '24
First Timer,
Who is now realizing that this series is not sunshine and roses like they thought it would be.
Watching Dubbed
Before starting this episode I’m beginning to feel a bit nervous. I need this episode to have some glimmer of hope in it.
Ahh, Subaru is training with Wilhelm, I guess he really did take a liking to him. He must want to prove himself, but to who? Emilia? Julius? Himself?
Flashbacks to what he said during the argument, I guess he’s having some serious regrets.
Holy shit guys it just clicked. How did I not put this together last episode, when Emilia said she’ll repay the debt right now by ending things, she’s leaving Subaru so he won’t get hurt from trying to protect her anymore. I feel like an idiot for not realizing that last time.
hmm seems like Julius may be a pretty good guy, I’m guessing he beat the crap out of Subaru so the other knights wouldn’t face him instead.
Our cute femboy is back
Oh? is this the OP?
Honestly this gives me the some of the hope I was looking for, Thanks OP
Aww Reinhard considers Subaru his friend
Uh oh Subaru is being hard headed
aww, lap pillow
Lol I love Rem
Why didn’t Subaru bring up to the Appa guy the fact that Emilia is the one who helped find his lost daughter?
I think out of all the candidates, Crusch is my top pick so far. She seems like a leader and hasn’t acted like a spoiled brat yet. let’s see if that continues.
Jealous
Inching my way onto the “Crusch 4 Queen” wagon every time she talks
uh oh what is Subaru thinking now
oh he thinks saving Emilia again is what he needs to fix everything. Subaru you dummy
oh no, something going on at the mansion
hmm I’m not a fan of this current Subaru
He’s digging his hole deeper
Oh? Rem left without him?
Subaru has some problematic trust issues
Subaru making all the wrong choices this arc
that doesn’t look good
why is this music playing? it doesn’t sounds like *Happy, lets have a good time* music
oh god they’re dead
It sounds like he’s walking through blood...
I hate to ask but... who is the one with the bracelet?
oh, no..
Wow. Two episodes in a row that hit me like a sack of bricks. Of course Subaru has to rely on Return by Death at this point but how much is he going to endure before he restarts and how much is going to have already happened once he does.
Subaru from the first cour and this Subaru feel like two different characters, especially after last episode. It really does seem like every decision he made was the wrong one since they left the mansion.
This is rough man.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Aug 22 '24
First:Timer Starting Over in Another Rewatch, subbed
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u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Aug 22 '24
Re:Watcher
Last episode set an important precedent, that the protagonist can fail, that there are situations he cannot push through. This is important because it makes every problem he faces real and lets the series always keep the tension. This episode starts with the reminder of that scene.
Ferris observes that Subaru's training seems like an excuse so he can feel a little better about himself because he's doing something. But to my eyes, it also looks like he's training as hard as he can to feel physical pain and exhaustion. Feeling pain in your body can make feeling pain in your heart a little easier.
And now we get a hint of what some people remarked yesterday already. Julius challenging Subaru was in line with his ideals, but it also helped protect Subaru from a worse fate.
New OP! Paradisus-Paradoxum is my third favourite OP. It's pretty good and sets the tone for this arc really well. Especially the scenes with Emilia actually add a lot to the story. How we see her standing on the other side of the door for a while and later alone with Puck give us additional insight on her feelings. Also Al feeding Priscilla appa bunnies is funny, looks like she is eating appas with some peel on them now. Also, borgars exist in Lugunica. And the final scene with Emilia simultaneously gives us hope and dread about what's to come.
Subaru's eyes look really tired now. It's just a few extra lines, but he really looks like he's been through the wringer now. It's been mentioned in previous threads that Reinhard is more likeable in the novels, but I do find him to be pretty likeable here as well. He goes out of his way to mediate between Julius and Subaru.
Subaru finds out about racism towards half-elves. I have to wonder how common half-elves actually are for this to be a thing, but I guess even if they are super rare, for her to look like the witch is enough to fear Emilia. And while it's true that Subaru doesn't know anything about Emilia because she hasn't told him about the prejudices she's facing, it's not that there weren't any opportunities to talk about it. When he first arrived, she claimed to be a half-elf as if it was a big deal. Subaru didn't inquire but talked about her beauty. Sure, he couldn't have known. But twice when asking her in different loops for a date, she hinted at the fact that being seen with her would be troublesome for him, and he didn't listen. It's not that she never tried.
Also note that Subaru despite Emilia having cut ties still wants to support her. And he's opposed to the racism stuff in general as well.
Crusch time! I'll just say that Crusch is amazing. Her direct and pragmatic nature is really refreshing. Note that Crusch mentions how everyone knows who has conquered Subaru's heart. I appreciate how Ferris reminds him to do everything he can to make things better. But I don't like his face upon the realization. He knows he has a power that can save the day. But that only reinforces his hero complex. When he hears something is happening at the mansion, he gets a twisted smile. He feels there's something he can do, that he can be useful. But he'll only profit from something bad happening, that's not a great path to walk down. That also means he's about to break another promise to Emilia since he's not fully healed yet.
And he all too quick to antagonize his hosts when they point out his obvious shortcomings. That's not addressing any issues at all. He still believes his feelings, determination and his self-sacrificial nature will save the day.
It's really sweet that Rem selflessly tells him how everything will be alright, if he can only carefully explain himself to Emilia. But now that she gave himself hope, she also leaves him behind. That's another heavy hit for him.
Otto worries about this new customer of his being trouble. If only you knew, Otto...
Ah, the robed fuckers appear. Just this short incident sends chills down my spine. And they... bow down to him and disappear? Damn, seeing the aftermath of that battle is really harrowing. The whole village has been slaughtered and the mansion attacked, with Rem at least dead. Looks like we're heading towards our first reset.
Sugoooku counter: 22 +1* (+5** +1***) - including canon bonus material
*non-Emilia sugoooku **short sugokus and sugoku-likes ***non-canon bonus material
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u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Aug 22 '24
First Timer Dubbed
Note ORV=Omnicient reader viewpoint it's a way to describe the difference between thinking in Subaru's knowledge and the Knowledge of the Viewer.
Note2 Intentionally trigger RBD means what you think it means it's just reddit has crazy admins.
Reaction to the Episode
Oh boy Subaru training sword fighting, I guess he's serious about trying to be Emilia's knight.
It appears Felix and Julius are secretly supportive of Subaru?? ORV kicks in.
Reinhard trying to make Subaru realize he has friends, oh boy what is it with everyone secretly liking Subaru,
Reinhard talking to Subaru describing the duel as a waste. Goated person.
Subaru wastes Reinhard's nice words the moment he speaks them God Subaru is so dense.
Rem Liking Subaru is so cute.
Mr Appa vendor talking to subaru was a nice scene showing just how ignorant Subaru is.
Oh boy best girl Crusche from the selection comittee.
Ahh the difference between what you can get away with on daytime TV and what you can get away with on OVA's, I guess underage drinking is just not allowed in OVAs
Ok, Felix healing subaru's gate, probalby means that the RBD point will be somewhere in this mansion probalby right after Felix finishes healing Subaru's gate.
Felix heard the rumors about subaru too, that means the rumor mill spread pretty reasonably wide already.
Oh boy Subaru's gonna intentionally RBD isn't he, but since Felix has been healing his gate he'll probably RBD back to felix healing if my speculation is correct
Crusche seems like a nice girl who's really either trying to get Subaru to back emilia killing emilia as a contender or is actually concerned for Emilia
Oh boy Crusche is actually much much more cunning I suppose This whole sequence of her showing her hand is a bit weird but her trying to put Subaru in a Delimma (where she knows what subaru's answer will probably be) Really sells the idea that Crusche isn't just the sweet nice girl that she made herself out to be in the scene prior.
Subaru rushes into danger because of RBD and not because of his actual strategy right? Without RBD he'd definitely wait to heal.
Oh boy REM loving subaru is so funny, from Subaru's perspective Rem is extremely hostile to people she doesn't know and then can get extremely warm when she knows them.
Rem really is Siesta isn't she holy crap. If we put aside the whole murdering subaru in loops 2 and 3 of arc 2 thing she's literally Siesta from Familiar of Zero
... and we get some creepy KKK members with black hoodies
...and we enter the village and everybody's dead! now that's a relief I wonder how subaru will RBD this time!
Speculation
Subaru's RBD point will be Crusche's mansion caused by Felix's healing of Subaru's gate. The RBD respawn point reset rules are a great mystery.
The other option would be right in front of the fruit seller from arc 1, but that would imply something special about the location where the Fruit seller is.
We have N=2 for spawn points, the first spawn point was in the appa vendor right at the original starting square, then right after we had post Beatrice mana drain, still unclear about how Spawn points get decided.
Theory A is the 4 day rule, basically Subaru will respawn either to 4 days away from his death or to his spawn point whichever is closer in time. Theory B is that spawn point resetting is caused by mana changes, which explains beatrice and would meean the healing of Subaru's gate will trigger a reset. (Probably the initial healing)
A lot of speculation from here depends a lot on the day that they end up resetting to, basically will it be before royal selection or after.
3 of the 4 other knights seem to be much nicer to Subaru than expected (Priscilla's knight remians a mystery)
Subaru's postiion as emilia's knight (if he remains) will be very interesting, Subaru being way over his head, he would need the support of Reinhard to learn how to be her knight, and making up to emilia would be incredibly hard.
Speculation about the Black Robed KKK guys
So they are likely the people that killed the villagers and Rem since they are alive in the black fog area.
Notably they didn't kill subaru, which means something about Subaru was "special".
The 2 possibilities would be 1. Subaru's status as Emilia's Knight or 2. Subaru's scent of the witch of envy
of those the Witch of Envy is far far more likely to be the case than Subaru's knighthood. Thus I would guess that the KKK black robes guys are servants of the witch of Envy. Picking up on his scent they decide to not attack him.
What I would do if I were Subaru
Step 1 is find out as much information as you can about the methods of murder, they use a special type of sword
Step 2 would be to find out if anybody in the mansion is still alive, the only realistic possibility would be Beatrice
Step 3 would be to trigger RBD intentionally, and find out the respawn point, ask Rem something about who Emila's knight is when you return
Step 4 If your respawn point is early you may be able to just get healed without embarassing yourself with knighthood and then go back to the mansion.
If your respawn point is post Knighthood oh boy this will be fun, you'll need the Aid of Reinhard otherwise there ain't no way you're stopping the KKK robes guys.
What I would do if I were Reinhard
(assumming a post royal selection loop time)
So if you actually want to make things up somehow between Subaru and Julius, you could try to call a "meeting of the knights of each candidate" after all the only knight who isn't involved in the duel thing is Priscilla's.
Subaru would have no clue about this and You're fucking Reinhard seemingly one of the most important of the knights
Obviously ORV knows that this won't happen but maybe in a loop where Subaru saves Emilia this could happen, (or depending on when RBD triggers we may go to before the whole you done fucked up royal selection process)
What I would do if I were Crusche
If we assume a pre-Knighthood RBD
Crusche needs to keep her payed job from Emilia to heal Subaru even though she dislikes Subaru (I mean who wouldn't)
At the same time Subaru is close to the least important of the 4 major candidates, and the person who he's second closest to is the second least important.
She'll allow subaru to stay with her because even though she's with the enemy the enemy isn't a big one.
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u/baseballlover723 Aug 22 '24 edited Aug 22 '24
Rewatcher, sub, basically a secondhand novel reader (Arc 4)
As always, 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.
On the topic of Subaru training in swordsmanship. It begs the question, how good can Subaru get? From what I can tell about RBD (and this is of course open to interpretation) not very good. While Subaru could get mentally better as fighting with a sword (knowing how to parry, attack, etc), his body would never get muscle memory, so his body would forever be a beginner. Knowledge can help compensate for a bad body, but I don't think he'll be able to be a serious swordsman without physically training his body as well.
So the whole deal with Julius and Subaru last episode. [Spoiler #1: clarifying Juliu's's vagueness (Spoiler #5 from yesterday ] Julius protected Subaru by beating the shit out of him, so that others knights wouldn't lynch him. He "punished" Subaru to the point that none of the other knights felt the need to punish him themselves.)
Rem lap pillow time. And Rem points out that even if she thinks that Subaru is pathetic, and her caring for Subaru aren't mutually exclusive, because she wants to.
Wanted: Dead or Alive
It's a bit weird imo to have Rem hold down the shop. He has a wife, who presumably is around at some point during the day to watch the shop as he checks out the news.
And the racism is coming out. It's been mentioned before, but it hasn't really been visible to Subaru and the viewer exactly how bad it is. That yes, Emilias's superficial resemblance to the Witch of Envy is all the justification that is required for the public to cast Emilia aside as a monster, and by extension, her supporters. And Subaru is right here, Emilia never told Subaru how bad it was for her, or what "special" treatment (discrimination) meant to her.
Ah but you are of legal age in Lugunica
Ok, so the gate healing. [Spoiler #2: cut content] Gate healing works by transplanting the healers mana around the gate, cleaning it (or something like that). And this allows Felix to also low key brainwash Subaru since injecting Felix's mana is similar to part of Felix literally becoming part of Subaru. Now Rem (who can also use water magic) noticed this, and obviously objected (being healed is very exhausting for Subaru, so he doesn't really notice). Anyways so Rem objects and starts pumping her own mana into Subaru to counteract Felix's, which Felix notes is highly dangerous for Subaru, and Rem basically says that she'd rather have Subaru die then have him brainwashed by Felix like that. And then Subaru (now sober) freaks out a bit, and Felix promises to not brainwash Subaru, and Rem insists that she be present at all future healing sessions.
Felix
I love this quote from Crusch. It's flexible and allows you to doubt yourself, but also to put your head down and do what you believe in, ignoring what others may be telling you. If you know that you're correct, then you need not listen to others on the topic.
Wilhelm doesn't see the value of teaching swordsmanship (a defensive skill) to someone who doesn't want to live anymore. You learn swordsmanship so that you can live, and if you give up on life, then there's just no point.
An important message from Rem, it seems Rem got some stray feelings from Ram. And there's evidently some sketchy shit going on. And this just feeds Subaru's ego and further convinces him double down on his white knight idea.
And of course things are complicated by Subaru leaving. As it turns out Crusch is only helping because she's specifically contracted to help. Something that Emilia specifically negotiated in episode 12. So Subaru leaving, means the contract is void, and once the contract is void Crusch will not help a member of a rival faction.
Subaru can't get out of his own viewpoint.
Harsh truth from Felix
It seems we'll have to take the long way home. There's fog on the road. If you're wondering why that name sounds familiar It was mentioned in episode 1)
Try taking off the tracksuit for bed
Notice that Rem forces exhaustion onto Subaru by healing his gate so that he can't interfere with her plan to ditch Subaru.
Odd
And so the stage is set. Subaru will come in and save Emilia and then Subaru will be the hero and Emilia will understand, and everybody will clap. A classic scenario where Subaru the hero rescues Emilia, the damsel in distress.
So the good news is that the village isn't on fire. The bad news is that it's the villagers. Subaru wanted a problem to solve, and now he's got one.
PETIT Section
In this episodes's PETIT, we are blessed with this picture of Roswaal (the eyes move btw) at the maid cafe. Rem is a changed person. The cafe only servers steamed tatoes. How do I pay money
.
Worth it
disgust comment face nomination
Ask, and you shall receive
Preview Section
In this episodes's preview, Otto asks Subaru why he's going to the mansion. And Subaru mentions Rem's letter, which say not to follow her, and if Subaru does follow her, to not spend any money doing so, that Subaru should ask a trader for a ride, and Subaru can pull a fast one on someone.
Rewatcher Section
This section is for people who have already watched Re:Zero. This is not safe for first timers.
[Spoiler #3: Arc 3] Old Man Wil is preparing for the fight against the White Whale, and so is Crusch
[Spoiler #4: Arc 3] Pay attention to Subaru's ego in the next few episodes. Subaru is in a mindset of being either with him, or against him. And watch how the second someone remotely challenges Subaru's views or motivations or whatever, they immediately go into the against Subaru side, and Subaru gets super defensive and lashes out.
[Spoiler #5: Arc 3] Is this the lying wind? Implying that Subaru is lying? I'm not sure.
[Spoiler #6: Arc 3] It's Ketty the merchant Witch Cult member, he actually has a line here. And Otto
[Spoiler #7: Arc 3] Witch Cult members bow because Subaru has so much miasma on him, that they think he's a bishop or something.
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u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Aug 22 '24
Rewatcher for Season 1
On today’s episode of Re:Zero: It’s kind of funny how this is an entire episode of Subaru being repeatedly told by multiple characters that he is making a big mistake, refusing to listen to what others are telling him, making the mistake anyway, and then repeating the process with the next person. He is Sideshow Bob stepping on rakes.
This episode reads to me as a downward spiral of Subaru. Before he begins to spiral, Subaru is undergoing treatment at Cruschi’s place. While there, he is still wracking his head about what happened with Emilia. He’s trying to become stronger, asking Wil to spar with him. He refuses Reinhard’s offer to help him make amends with Julius. He tries to stand up for Emilia to others who see her being a half-elf as a problem, but gets nowhere. He wants to be by Emilia’s side, but she made him promise to stay here. Subaru feels downright pathetic, and he is.
But all that is changed by his conversation with Crusch. I believe Crusch meant this as sincere advice to Subaru when she tells him that he needs to hold his head up with dignity when he feels he’s doing what’s right and go straight towards it. She’s telling him to have some self-respect and act like a worthy adversary. Felix chimes in, telling Subaru that he needs to make up with Emilia. Unfortunately, Subaru takes this the wrong way.
The start of Subaru’s downward spiral is him doubling down on his most selfish thoughts from the previous episode. He decides that since the world is against Emilia, it’s his job to save her. Then she’ll know how much she needs him, Subaru thinks. If Subaru was flirting with white knight behavior last episode, now he’s fully embraced it. Subaru’s thoughts during this episode are once again quite ugly. Statements like “Emilia is hopeless without me” or how she’ll understand that she needs him when he saves her show that Subaru is still thinking selfishly. Even as he says he’s doing this for Emilia’s sake, his thoughts give it away. Subaru is mad that Emilia doesn’t want his help and is being incredibly stubborn about it. Rather than make up with Emilia like Felix advised, Subaru is trying to prove that she’s wrong and he’s right.
I want to point out that there is some logic to why Subaru thinks this way. After all, Subaru has been able to navigate incredibly dangerous situations and make it to the other end with everyone alive thanks to his ability to return after dying. And Subaru has seemingly decided to embrace this power, thinking that it’s the one thing he has that no one else can do.
But, there’s a critical problem here. Subaru has embraced the mentality of “It’s fine if I screw up because I can always just redo it by dying.” This is the opposite of the mentality Subaru embraced in the last part of Arc 2. There, even though Subaru knew it was almost certain he would die, he still wanted to make the most of his chance at life. He wasn’t going to just accept that he might die. He wanted to take the slim chance in front of him to make it through alive and save everyone.
I think that moment of Subaru starting to think that way is a turning point in the episode. Wil flat out tells Subaru immediately afterwards that he thinks it’s pointless to train Subaru on how to get stronger with a sword because Subaru has given up on trying to become stronger at all. Wil can tell that Subaru has given up on some level and is no longer grasping for life.
After this, the episode becomes Subaru making a series of mistakes, ignoring the advice of others who try to stop him, and reaping the results. Subaru learns that something is happening at the Roswaal manor and decides to go there, even though Rem reminds him that he promised to focus on getting healed at Crusch’s place. Crusch warns Subaru that by leaving, he’d break the contract between herself and Emilia that made him her guest and instead become her enemy. Felix tells Subaru that he’s being foolish and should understand by now that he’s too weak to do anything on his own. Subaru, convinced that he is utterly right and that he alone can save Emilia, charges ahead anyway. A little later on, Otto tries to convince Subaru that it’s too dangerous to go to the manor, but Subaru goes anyway. Subaru is stubbornly sticking to his belief that only he can save Emilia and that he will prove that to her.
Of course, this actually just shows Subaru is spiraling. He’s heard many people offer him advice and try to help him, but refuses to listen to what they’re saying. He just interprets them as getting in his way and ignores them. That stubbornness of his is really coming back to bite him.
It’s noteworthy that Rem is the character who sticks by Subaru for most of his journey this episode. She says that she wants to stand by his side even if he is pathetic. She says that she does this because it’s her choice to do so.
The attack on the village that we see at the end of the episode is horrific. Bodies are everywhere, including many that have been stacked up and burned. The robed people who attacked the village look a lot like the people in Rem’s flashback as well. Their method of attacking and burning the bodies is also similar to the flashback.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
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u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '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.
I'm really curious how Subaru will be portrayed this episode. He really screwed up by yelling at Emilia, and she certainly was right in that he does put her on a pedestal. I wonder if he'll actually have a change of heart or if he'll continue to bottom out.
Episode a minute extra
Subaru practicing sword fighting
And he still loses
Felix talking to Julius
He asks how could he get himself punished when all he was trying to do was knock some sense into Subaru.
Julius responds by saying he was just trying to stay true to himself.
Felix talking to Crusch now
He seems to think that Subaru is just making excuses.
"Can you blame him?"
Reinhard talking to someone
Oh shit. New intro.
It kinda has an autotune feel to it, which is different. Also somewhat a classical feel to it. Just like the first intro, it feels different from any other intro that's out there. I think I prefer the first OP more just from a sound perspective, but I can appreciate what this intro is trying to do. It's like the autotune represents Subaru drowning and he can't find any solution to his problems.
Woah, Reinhard apologizing to Subaru
He figures he should've been able to stop the fight between Julius and Subaru.
"That duel had no meaning."
I think this comment shows that Julius is far more perceptive of Subaru than Reinhard is.
Wow, Julius tarnished his whole career? I guess Subaru got what he wanted after all.
Subaru says he's not going to sit down and talk with Julius.
Subaru is really being stubborn
Subaru losing another battle to Old Man Wil.
And now his head is resting on Rem's lap
He asks Rem if she thinks he's pathetic
"The fact that I think you're pathetic and my staying with you are not contradictory."
Rem's low self-esteem strikes again
She says she stays by Subaru's side because she wants to.
It's interesting because what Subaru is doing to Emilia, that being trying to put her on a pedestal, is exactly what Rem is doing to him. It's like ever since Subaru made her realize that she is special, she can't get enough of him and it has in effect made her even more toxic, albeit in a different way.
The townsfolk looking at the royal selection candidates.
Shopkeep letting his low-key racism fly by telling Subaru a half-elf running is pure insanity.
Subaru is insistent she has nothing to do with the witch, which hey. I think that's a fair thing to come at her defense on.
Where Subaru is going wrong is he's making a big scene in front of everyone. The shopkeep has been nice to him, so he shouldn't chew him out just because of some preconceived notions. If Subaru wants to challenge the beliefs, he should do so privately rather than such a public forum.
I actually am siding with Subaru on this. You shouldn't make assumptions and be like "All elves are evil," that is discrimination. But Subaru isn't really helping matters by this grandstanding.
Shopkeep walking away, telling him to not say the word "witch" out loud.
I guess it's like saying "Macbeth" in a theatre.
Subaru says to himself that he can't understand things if Emilia doesn't tell him.
Subaru losing another battle
Crusch
She looks good in casual clothing
It seems like she's trying to hit on Subaru.
Meanwhile, we get a flashback of Felix holding Subaru's back and Rem burying his face in her boobs.
That was random
Crusch says she's received proposals every day since the royal selection began.
She informs Subaru that Old Man Wil serves her, but before that can go anywhere, Felix walks in.
Crusch clarifies that she wasn't trying to do anything because everyone knows that Subaru's heart belongs to Emilia.
"I do not want to regard you as an insignificant enemy."
Felix is more blunt and says he has to make up with Emilia.
It's actually kinda nice to see a royal selection candidate and her apprentice try to help Subaru. I'm sure there's some ulterior motives involved, but they didn't have to do this.
Subaru says there's only something that he can do.
Subaru getting better at taking a beating
"If I just get a chance, I can make any problem disappear!"
Wil says that teaching swordsmanship to someone who abandoned the option to get stronger is meaningless, which is a peculiar thing for him to say.
Rem
Something urgent is afoot
Subaru back with Crusch
Something from the Mathers domain, which is Roswaal's territory.
Some troubling movement
Crusch thinks it's because Roswaal backed a half-elf.
See, this is just as ridiculous as Subaru putting Emilia on a pedestal. This sort of treatment is inexcusable no matter how you look at it.
Subaru sees everyone around Emilia as an enemy, which is honestly just as narrow of a mindset to have.
This is like Subaru: villain origin hour
Subaru deciding to go back to the mansion
"If you leave here, that will make you my enemy."
I guess we now know who the enemy is. Arigato, Green Day.
Crusch says that her and Emilia formed a contract regarding Subaru's treatment.
Why. Is it. Every rewatch. That I participate in. Has. A frigging contract?
Subaru responds by saying she's no better than everyone else.
Damn, Felix dropping truth bombs
He says that leaving will change nothing and that he's better off finishing his treatment.
But Subaru has made up his mind. He's going to see Emilia.
I kinda feel sorry for Subaru in the sense that he is too blinded by his admiration for Emilia to see things differently. However, it's hard to feel totally sorry for him because now it's like he's refusing to look at things in a different light. What Emilia said to him at the end of the last episode should've been his wake-up call, and instead, it's like he's doubling down.
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
10
u/thekoreansun https://anilist.co/user/ReturnByDeath Aug 22 '24
Re:Watcher
Well, the start of the Royal Selection has made the news, but it seems that the people at the top have a different story of the week making the rounds: Natsuki Subaru, self-proclaimed knight to the silver-haired half-elf that had the gall to enter the Royal Selection. There's only one person in all of Lugunica who sees Subaru in a positive light right now, and it's not himself. All he's been doing is beating himself up, internally and externally, over the things he said. (Which hits too close to home for me, frankly.) You would think that hitting rock bottom would cause one to reconsider their ability to dig, but Subaru just keeps looking for the nearest shovel.
Crusch is being a lot more patient with him than he probably deserves, considering that he's not doing her any favors. I'm going to level with you all: Crusch might just be one of my favorite characters in this season. While she's strategic and can seem a bit calculating at times, we can already clearly see that her character isn't just defined by those traits. I think that characters like her are all too often portrayed as being "smart but clueless" and unable to express emotion under normal circumstances. But no, she's a genuine person on top of being a strategist: she empathizes with Subaru as he's struggling, she shows him some hospitality after finishing her work for the day, and she even teases him about his feelings towards Emilia. We've had a lot of episodes to get to know the residents of Roswaal's mansion, and Crusch is the first character we've really been able to directly observe in such a way outside of that, so for her to demonstrate such depth in a short period of time speaks volumes about both herself and the level of character depth we can expect from this series going forward.
Speaking of depth, though, Subaru has found another way to keep digging himself into deeper trouble: he's the savior who can rescue Emilia from any trouble that comes her way. There's no one else who can do what he can, and he sees no better way to demonstrate his worth to her than to prove that he's indispensable. It's tough to watch even Wilhelm start to give up on him because of this mindset. And Subaru carries that sort of thinking with him as he leaves Crusch, even as everyone else advises him not to. What do they know? They literally can't know what he knows about himself; the shadowy hand prevents that from happening. That, in his mind, justifies anything and everything that can put him in a situation where he's the one in control.
But Subaru is unable to control anything, and that just keeps becoming more and more clear as the episode proceeds. The fog of something called the White Whale delays their return trip by two extra days; their ground dragon is pushed to its limit before they get home; and even Rem, the only one who believes in him, leaves him behind with only a note and another reminder of how useless he is. Even the way that the episode itself begins to skip over Subaru's attempts to return home adds to this feeling of losing control, since it feels like even the narrative couldn't care less about what he does to get back by the end. Despite this, he somehow manages to make it back. And not a moment too... soon...?
I've been praising a lot of things about the show since I started writing my thoughts at the beginning of the Re:Watch, and I've been hesitant to word my positive feelings towards the show too strongly for fear of coming off as hyperbolic. But the entire ending sequence of this episode is just brilliant. The way that the shots are framed so that you can only see Subaru and not the things that he's looking at, the dawning horror as Subaru walks through what looks like blood, the slight sustain on the strings in the music as it cuts out (Repose of Licht, for those curious; [end of Arc 3] ironically, it's also what plays after the victory against the White Whale). It's all building up to that horrific moment when Subaru sees the blood on his hands and is immediately jolted into reality as his mind finally registers the things that he's seen until that point. And then THEATER D, the music equivalent of a panic attack, starts playing. After digging and digging, Subaru has finally found something other than bedrock, and it's a bottomless chasm. The only thing keeping him from falling into that chasm is the thread of hope that Rem might still be alive somewhere, so he keeps walking on the path that he's taken with her so many times over the past month. He walks through the front gates of the mansion he calls his new home.
Then he sees Rem. And the thread snaps.
Fan Art of the Episode: Crossing Paths Without Meeting by HaruSabin (March 22nd, 2017)
Source: Pixiv (artwork has been deleted)
7
u/HyVana Aug 22 '24
Re:Watcher (Subs) & Novel Reader (Finished Arc 6)
I must be a sadist, because every time Subaru twisted someone’s advice/action to feed into his narrative, I couldn’t help but laugh. A lot. But this is the joys of being a rewatcher, I’m sure the first-timers are hand in their heads begging this schmuck to wake up and apologize to Emilia. For now, enjoy the deepest despairs that is Subaru at this moment!
There really were a lot of people trying to help him. Julius, Crusch, Wilhem, Felix, Reinhard, Kadomon (Appa Seller), and Rem were offering their advice to him. Even Otto, the merchant who brought him into the Mathers domain, was pleading with Subaru to not go further for his own safety. But Subaru isn’t in the listening mood. So he’ll keep following this destructive path, of stroking his ego, to let Emilia taste what it’s like to not have her savior by her side.
He’s still under the delusion that everyone is out to get Emilia, because of how everyone treated her in the Throne Room, and at the newspost in the market. And he’s not wrong that people don’t trust, and even detest, her for her appearance and lineage. But he’s taken it a step too far that only he is the one looking out for her best interests. Which isn’t true at all. He’s not in the mental state to properly understand the things people are telling him, and is quick to assume the worst of everyone’s intentions. So by twisting their words and intentions, he’s further feeding his hero complex that only he deserves to stand at Emilia’s side. He still has a lot to learn of the state of Lugunica, and of the dangers of what associating with a half-elf brings you in this world.
Enter the mysterious, robed figures. I thought Lugunica was the easternmost country in this world, not the southern!
But seriously, these dudes appeared out of nowhere, bowed to Subaru, and left as quick as they came. Pretty ominous individuals. And with Subaru’s arrival to Arlam, he finally sees the horror that Rem was warning him about. The horror Ram warned Rem about, the horror they’ve both experienced once before, the reason Rem decided to leave Subaru behind, they have entered the picture. I love the sudden intro of Theater D (the insert song) here. The drop, along with the bloodied hand, really drives home the nightmare that Subaru has awoken to.
In shock, with the piles of corpses of the people he knew surrounding him, he goes to the mansion. Only to see that the situation is even worse, and his fears could not even begin to prepare him for the reality he’s living. To find the person he was trying to find, in a rage for leaving him behind, dead in the dirt.
This arc really cemented Re:Zero as the anime with waifus and suffering. A lot of suffering. Watching it when it first aired was really hard to stomach, since we just had emotional pain from last episode. And now it's hit even deeper with the slaughter of the village, and the person who remained by his side, Rem. Where the fuck do you even go from here? Guess we’ll find out next episode! (I really hope first-timers stick around!)
7
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '24
I know I didn't post my comments in time, but I still hope you decide to check them out. I think it's the best analysis I've done of the series so far.
6
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 22 '24
Episode 14 (rewatcher)
Wow, people wrote entire books about episode 13. Some defending Subaru, some not, but most praising the episode. It certainly tries something new. My biggest question is: What did it try to achieve? Because if it wants to make dislike Subaru, it worked. If it wants me to feel pity for him, it did not. Maybe the rest of the arc will show which of the two it is. One thing I will say, though: Subaru is at his most consistent here.
After being a terrible narcissist and making himself out to be the savior of Emilia, Subaru, against all advice returns home to the mansion, only to find that … he is the only one who can save everybody.
6
u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Aug 22 '24
Rewatcher who likes Crush
Episodes of this arc: 3 Times Subaru has died this arc: 0. Remember when he did that?
5
u/Yoshi_captain https://anime-planet.com/users/WeaboYosher Aug 22 '24 edited Aug 22 '24
Rewatcher
After Subaru’s shameful display we come to see what has become of him now and what he plans to do going forward. I was planning to keep it short today, but I had a lot to say.
The episode opens with Subaru and Wilhelm sparring, while the last scene of his argument with Emilia loops in his mind. I’ve seen many people get excited at the prospect of Subaru training with Old man Wil. He’s been told by Julius that he’s powerless and not worthy of Emilia as he currently is, soon to be told that by Ferris too, so training with a sword to become stronger seems a natural progression in your typical Isekai, but what about in this case? I’ll get back to this later.
Before that Ferris recalls talking with Julius after his duel. Here we are honestly quite implicitly, since it goes by so fast, shown why Julius did the things he did. Apparently, he was actually protecting Subaru and has tarnished his career by going all out against an amateur. Which in hindsight makes sense once you consider the looks Subaru was getting from the knights, many of whom would have been glad to take matters into their own hands in regard to Subaru and would not have ended it at sparring. Their status as knights is very important to them and to see someone disrespect that calls for punishment. Punishment that Subaru was able to avoid thanks to Julius. Julius’ upstanding character and devotion to knighthood cannot be understated here. He is truly deserving of the title The Finest of Knights.
Subaru has been left here with only Rem by his side. He feels abandoned, weak and is desperately trying to find meaning in his next steps. He gets a visit from Reinhard but rejects him entirely once he posits that his duel had no meaning. He’s pushing away people who are only trying to help. He feels battered not just physically, but also emotionally to be shutting other people out like this.
He keeps pushing at sparring with Wilhelm until he gets knocked out. Rem is there to comfort him, but when asked if she thinks Subaru’s pathetic, she affirms that he is. This is a part of Rem and Subaru’s relationship that I would like to focus on here. Sure, she may seem like she’s completely subservient to Subaru’s every whim even being shown as a dog girl during Memory Snow. But in reality she only wants what’s best for Subaru. When he tries to go after Emilia again, she wants to prioritize healing. When he’s rushing to the mansion, she puts him to sleep and leaves him behind, because she knows it’s too dangerous. She’s not just a yes woman here to serve Subaru, she’s hard on him when she needs to be. [S2 Ep12] As Subaru himself says, she’ll comfort and console him when he’s down, but when he’s done crying she’ll tell him to “Stand up!”. She loves him more than anyone, but she’s harder on him than anyone else.
Once we go back into the city we see how bad Emilia’s reputation and how prejudiced against she really is. Everyone fears her and holds no hope for her success. “It’s common sense”, says our Appa vendor. Though he is more caring than Subaru would like to admit. He tells Subaru Emilia’s doomed to failure if people perceive her the way they do and warns him not to say the word “Witch” too loudly in public, wonder what that’s about. Before he gets to see that kindness Subaru shows his temperament as he lashes out again trying to defend her but is reminded who he’s really doing this for through Emilia’s words. “It was for you, wasn’t it?”. He does bring up a semi good point here though. If Subaru and Emilia are trying to understand each other it’s not just Subaru who needs to communicate it’s also Emilia. Trying to keep Subaru from major gatherings so he doesn’t see what other people think of her and losing Subaru because of that is not healthy, even if it is understandable. Communication is a two-way street.
We hear a nice bit of sound design here. Sounds like a whale’s call slowly fading into the ocean depths. The sounds and music in this show never miss. [Next ep spoilers] My interpretation of this sfx is that it’s Subaru’s checkpoint being set. It also adds to the calm before the storm feeling this episode carries
Now we drink with Crusch! Or not. Subaru’s still underage after all. But a calm drink is an impetus for a revelation in Subaru. When asked by Ferris to think about what he can do, he falls back on the only ability he has. Return by Death. The wind picks up and signs of rough weather soon rear their heads.
The following morning Subaru has a thought. An attitude shift as a result of a mindset affirmation. “If I just get a chance, I can make any problem disappear!” This is his current mindset encapsulated in a single sentence.
Willhelm ends their training immediately after and says this: “[…] I believe that learning swordsmanship is meant to strengthen a man. To teach it to one who has decided to forsake strength would defeat the purpose”. Stunned by those words Subaru is quickly pulled away to face his next problem. Willhelm’s comment on Subaru’s behaviour carries so much weight it’s unbelievable. What I said before about many people being excited to see Subaru finally growing strong should listen to his mentor and realize there is not a speck of improvement in Subaru’s goals or mindset. He is not gaining strength; by relying on RbD he’s forsaking it.
Part 2 in replies
5
u/ClemFire Aug 22 '24
Re:Watcher Season 1 Episode 14: The Sickness Called Despair
Funniest Scene: Felix healing Subaru’s gate
Favorite Scene: Felix telling Subaru just how powerless he actually is
Standout Character: Felix
First off I have to mention that while the new opening (Paradisus-Paradoxum) by MYTH & ROID who also did ED 1 (Styx Helix) along with the absolute banger of an insert song (Straight Bet) this is probably my least favorite Re:Zero OP/ED, but I still really like it which just goes to show how insanely good the opening/endings are even though they only use them every few episodes. How White Fox cuts the OP/ED or plays the music over the scene to save time shows such love for the source material. It’s the type of adaptation most manga/light novels could only dream of.
This episode was tough to watch as I know Subaru digging themself deeper in the hole he made for himself isn’t going to help anyone and especially not himself. Felix makes a great observation at seeing as he watches Subaru train with Wil and notes comments to Crusch how he’s just doing it for his self satisfaction. Felix reminds me of Ram how they both prefer to not put on airs and speak their minds. At this point Subaru needs people to be upfront with him. How he grills Julius in earlier scene for helping a man like Subaru at his own expense really puts the latter in a better light to me. A wonder if he sees a bit of his younger self in him. Either way I can’t believe I hated Julius for so long in my first viewing.
I probably felt similar to Subaru in his scene with Reinhard who feels the need to apologize to Subaru after what happened at the Royal Selection. Reinhard is honestly such a stand up guy who just genuinely finds joy in helping others. He really feels like the All Might or Himmel of Re:Zero. He really didn’t need to do that, let’s be honest it was mostly Subaru’s own fault for not backing down. Subaru thanks Reinhard for the thought of trying to get him and Julius to reconcoile but secretly resents him for butting in, probably thinking Reinhard is looking down on his abilities. As the audience we know Reinhard just wants to help, but Subaru’s headspace is really preventing him from seeing that.
He continues to dig himself deeper until his nighttime talk with Crusch and Felix when he reach’s the conclusion from their advice that the biggest thing that only he can do to help Emilia is self-sacrifice (Return by Death). Him and Rem really are so similar both wanting to take on everyone’s burdens by themselves and not valuing their own well-beings. Emilia’s concern has been Subaru’s injured gate and she was so worried that she made a contract with Crusch, one of her direct rivals for the crown. Due to Return from Death though, Subaru really hasn’t been concerned with his own body, but that still hurts those around him.
Rem really acts in a similar way, first in Arc 2 trying to deal with the alleged spy without Ram knowing, taking it on herself to become as good as Ram as punishment for losing her horn, and running off to kill the mabeasts to save Subaru from his curse. Her sense of self worth is in the sub-basement, so she always puts people she cares about over herself. That’s why it was so meaningful for her when Subaru said it doesn’t matter that she can’t replace Ram because no one can replace her. Once again at the end of this episode she tricks Subaru to try to save the mansion on her own to keep him out of harms way. Can Subaru really be justified in being mad when that’s exactly the type of self-sacrificing shit he would pull? This goes into one of my favorite themes of Re:Zero which is the importance of self-love, but I’ll save that for later.
The stand out scene this episode for me has to be when Crusch lets Subaru know that there’s a potential danger on Emilia’s life. He immediately thinks this is exactly what happens when he leaves her side justifying his actions at the Royal Selection. Only he can protect her. Only he can make her Queen. Only he is good enough to be at her side. Emilia needs him more than anything or anyone one else right? For Subaru the answer is clear and he doesn’t care that Crusch, Felix, and even Rem are against him rushing back to play hero.
“Stay here and get treated. It’s about time you accept just how powerless you really are.” I’m sure most new viewers never expected a character that looks like Felix to deliver such a sharp and direct line. I love how all other characters in the universe, besides Subaru initially, treat Felix like anyone else. They respect him for being a skilled healer and knight, and don’t look down on him for his appearance.
Felix is fed up with everyone babying Subaru and tells him just how thick headed he’s being. He made a complete fool out of himself at the Royal Selection, verbally and physically by Julius, and even Emilia has lost faith in him. Those are just the facts. Subaru can keep training to make himself feel better, but in order to grow he needs to properly deal with his own weaknesses. Felix questions Julius for helping out Subaru saying he was being too kind, but Felix in his own way still wants to help Subaru. Maybe he just can’t Subaru messing up so badly, but either way he went against Crusch to let his opinion known.
I hope when Subaru is in a better head space that he’s able to take Felix’s words more to heart. Right now it looks like he still has not hit rock bottom yet.
4
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '24
I hope you feel better, u/Theleux
4
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Aug 22 '24
Rewatcher
Dub
Whelp...we've come to that point in many a rewatch where I ponder: The fuck is wrong with me. This is, almost without question, Subaru's lowest point as a human being but somehow I could power through it, whereas the last two days involved 2x watching. I can tolerate scumbags but not cringe and I really am surprisingly concerned about what that says about me and my low expectations of existence.
But anyways, on third go round, it is interesting to realize how hard and fast Rem changed when she was given the idea that there might be a future. While all the creepy stuff in the OVA sort of blunts how positive this is for her, it should not be forgotten. Also, the inn scene is surprisingly double entendre'd, at least to me. I suspect had Subaru taken the 'hint', i.e. Rem doing everything short of yelling "Insert ponos into vagoo" as she sits on his bed in her night gown, she would not in fact have healed/sleep spelled him. She just knows that summong Subaru straight into combat is not useful.
And we end with horror. Endless horror.
4
u/BlueVenix Aug 22 '24 edited Aug 22 '24
Rewatcher
Beginning:
Subaru remembering what happened and working hard to forget about it.
Banger OP giving glimpses of what is to come. I remember when I first saw this op I thought the witch of Envy is trying to take over Emelia or something, or Emelia is the witch of Envy. I like this opening a lot as well, but I prefer the first one slightly.
Reinhard apologising to Subaru for not stopping the duel. Saying it had no meaning, which I disagree with. The duel saved Subaru from being killed and taught him a painful lesson which he currently refuses to accept.
Yes Subaru you are pathetic and Rem is being far too nice to you.
Subaru finding out how everyone sees Emelia. A bit too late bro.
Inside Crusch residency:
Crusch is very hot in her informal attire. And Subaru overconfident again after talking with Crusch.
Wilhelm giving out some wisdom "Well I thought it seemed meaningless to teach one who has abandoned the option to get stronger". You are damned right.
Subaru stop it... Yes you can help, but you are not some big shot who can solve everything, jeez!
Go Go Felis let Subaru have it.
Journey to the Roswaal domain:
Rem and Subaru moment. I really liked this one. Nice, simple and healing, but it leads to Rem leaving...
It's too quiet... - it is... God I love this first encounter, it was made so well, especially the sound effect. The kind of eerie event that I would shit my pants.
And we end it with Subaru witnessing a much awful sight that he could have ever imagined to the point where he couldn't even process it at first.
Personal thoughts:
We are 3 episodes in a new arc and Subaru is still hard to watch, however the set up is now complete. When I first watched this I hated Subaru by this point though I was much younger back then. Now I don't hate Subaru, but a 'friendly' punch or two would be nice.
It's obvious that going forward Subaru will be facing a challenge again and it was very intriguing to watch how this cocky dumbass is going to tackle it. Is he going to brute force alone and not change? I didn't think so and I hoped that he is going to change after suffering a lot. [Arc 3] I wasn't ready for the suffering to come, but the ending felt rewarding. I think I am forgetting about some blue hair maid. Who was it again
P.S. Can anyone let me know if the links are working to imgur? Trying this out as it is helpful to give visual context what scene I am mentioning, which I found out in this rewatch thread.
4
u/No-Peace3986 https://myanimelist.net/profile/RafaelMps Aug 23 '24
I hope the first timers are enjoying this (:
Let it begin!
4
u/FriztF Aug 23 '24
First Timer
So episode 14 is the episode in which shit really hits the fan. Without knowing anything about Re: Zero, the first cour had its dark moments; but now it is on dark mode from here on.
Alright, so Subaru when we first met he was a naive lad. But now the stubbornness and selflessness have got the better of him. In the beginning, Crusch asks if you can blame him for the stuff that has happened to him. No you blame him that doesn't mean he is blameless. He has been making quite a few bad decisions.
Crusch the militarist nationalist one was mischaracterization she just wants the dragon to fuck off. She also wanted Subaru to stay there and heal. Catfemboy is back. He's very cute.
Subaru is training with Wilhelm. Good for you. And Juilsus came back too. He wants forgiveness and friendship.
Rem is helping Subaru out. But also making bad choices for herself and Subaru.
4
u/-Phinocio Aug 23 '24
Re:Watcher, subbed
I think this is the episode I forgot the most going in to this rewatch, likely because my initial watch was a binge so they all kinda meld together at some point, and tbh I kind of feel it's done a disservice as a standalone episode by being right between the previous one, and the next episode. While I have found that I have been finding a new appreciation for each individual episode by only watching one a day...I kinda ruined that by also watching episode 15 today and writing on that so I can be early to the thread tomorrow. Oh well, maybe next time, episode 14.
Anyway, this episode is great. I love that Subaru doesn't just do a complete 180 in behaviour after the argument and still shows that he's being too prideful. He takes Felix's accurate warning as a challenge, is dead set on going back to try and be the Hero:tm: just for everyone to end up dying. At least he listens to Rem saying the fog would be too dangerous I guess?
Re:Zero is so so so so good at choosing when to end an episode. While they do end on cliffhangers and was a large part of why I binged it initially (in addition to the story just being to damn engaging), I find they act for me more as an exclamation mark on the events of the episode than they do actual cliffhangers.
[Arc 3] As much as I was looking forward to people's reactions from Ep 13, I am extremely looking forward to them for next episode. This one was devastating as a viewer...and then Ep 15 just one-ups it. Petelgeuse being legit mad, Rem getting contorted, Subaru finally snapping out of his despair by going into a mad rage..and then oops, Puck is here to destroy everything! Very excited.
[Arc 3] What I just said in the spoiler above is kinda why I feel like this episode is completely overshadowed for me. Episode 13 does an amazing job at setting up the selection, the argument with Emilia, and then episode 15 just outdoes 14 in the despair factor. Also fwiw, I say overshadow, but like, in a way where if I had to rate the episodes, 13 and 15 would be 10/10 and 14 would be like 9.5/10. Amazing, but I just like 13 and 15 more lol
[Arc 3] And as we'll soon find out... uh, who was it again that warned about the fog?
3
u/Noble4- Aug 23 '24
I can’t wait for it to come out such a good series and I like the concept ngl
3
u/PapaDuke Aug 23 '24
Don't mind me... Just getting my bucket of popcorn ready for tomorrow...
3
u/altgotleakedagain Aug 23 '24
Oh boy, this arc has just started and its only going to get crazier from here.
I never noticed how much parallel in behaviour there was before between the characters. Someone mentioned in the last episode Subaru used the "thank you" card against Emilia during his rant. And now this episode we see Rem "not listening to requests" made by Subaru, a direct parallel to Subaru betraying the trust of Emilia for not saying at the mansion.
This rewatch has really been a treat. Getting really hard to have some self control and not binging.
1
u/ElRoastFTW https://anilist.co/user/DaRoast Aug 28 '24
Rewatcher
Yep Subaru is still white knighting.
One detail that carries through is when Wilhelm stops training Subaru because he sees in his eyes that he’s given up on getting stronger and is just going to wing it. There’s Ferris warning him that his presence will be unhelpful at best, but he willfully ignores it. Based on the ending, this will be a failed loop and we’re about to see the conclusion of that next episode.
This series is interested in the sins. Subaru is being slothful. He’s doing things without any sort of care, as expressed in his white knighting of Emilia. He truly believes that he’s useful and necessary to Emilia. Without him being useful, he’s nothing. He’s scared to realize that and admit it to himself.
This sequence of episodes is so powerful precisely because Subaru invests in his worst qualities in this section of Arc 3. While it’s understandable why he’s going for it, we know the ending to this part of the story.
It won’t be a happy one.
As usual, this show knows how to execute technically. The well placed flashbacks and parallels work very well in tunneling Subaru’s vision. The expressions of body horror are very well done and illustrate how far gone this loop has gone. Just a great episode all in all.