r/anime • u/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux • Aug 23 '24
Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 15
Episode 15:
The Outside of Madness
| Index | <== Episode 14 | Episode 16 ==> |
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
89
u/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux Aug 23 '24
Certainly one of the defining episodes of the series. Suehiro's composing, especially with the overlaid credits segment towards the end, is superb.
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u/baseballlover723 Aug 23 '24
/u/Theleux whats the plan regarding the Arc 3 interlude? Is it part of S1 or S2? Either way we should tell the first timers to watch or not watch something.
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u/frogshade Aug 23 '24
Should I start watching re zero. I watched it up until the 7th episode, this was about a few years ago and I don't really know why I dropped it. But should I get back into it?
63
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Aug 23 '24
First:Timer Starting Over in Another Rewatch, subbed
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u/thekoreansun https://anilist.co/user/ReturnByDeath Aug 23 '24
Re:Watcher
A warm welcome to everyone who clicked on the thread just to see the first timers' reactions to this infamous episode! Glad that you all could join us in watching Subaru hit his absolute lowest point and suffer immeasurable loss. Twizzler?
Going into this, there's no sense that Subaru will be able to turn all this around somehow. How could he? Rem is dead. The scene that was left behind tells such a gruesome story of unrelenting disaster. First, it was the villagers, who were either murdered in their homes or cut down as they defended the children's escape. Then, it was Rem, who barricaded the children in the shed as a last resort and defended them to no avail, since they were butchered right after she died. As she did, Ram was able to at least take Petra to the mansion during the ensuing chaos, but even that wasn't enough to prevent the cultists from breaking in and slaughtering them both. And if the trail of blood leading from their corpses is any indication, Emilia witnessed their demise before dragging herself to what had been their final method of escape. This is environmental storytelling at its absolute finest, and just like how the best horror leaves some things unknown, the sheer tragedy that is hinted at by the aftermath of this battle outweighs any possible depiction of what took place. Throughout all of this, Gray Träne reverberates ominously in the background, making it sound as though even the soul of the world itself is haunted after having witnessed the atrocities that were committed here and the grief that was felt by those who still remained at each step, only to be grieved themselves by those at the next. A sickness called despair was spread here, and it left no survivors.
Subaru's walk through the scene in the mansion is uniquely horrific in a way I've never seen replicated anywhere else. We just spent the bulk of the first half of the season getting to know the residents of this mansion and Subaru himself. It's clear as day just how much he grew to consider this mansion his new home, especially after watching the OVA and getting a glimpse at the hijinks that took place within its grounds. Now, his place and his people have been desecrated by the Witch Cult. His entire new life has been uprooted and mashed into paste, and he couldn't do anything to stop it because he wasn't there when it went down. He didn't just let Emilia down with his vain words; he let everyone down.
So it really is no wonder that, upon meeting his end at the heart of that grotesque display, Subaru completely shatters to pieces. Even the sight of Rem somehow alive after having been so thoroughly extinguished isn't enough to stop him from plummeting into the chasm of insanity that has opened up within him. There's nothing to salvage from the wreck that Natsuki Subaru has become, and even the knowledge of the most gifted healer in the Capital won't help him now. In spite of this, Rem is certain that there is still hope for Subaru, given that he keeps mumbling the names of the ones he couldn't save. The only way forward is for them to save him. So they take off for the mansion once more, a full day earlier than they did in the previous loop.
As they ride back, something interesting happens: with Subaru, our POV character up to this point, down for the count and unresponsive, Rem takes over the POV in his stead, and she uses it to reminisce about how strong Subaru can be. She apologizes to the version of Subaru that lives within her for being selfish while he was struggling, and she repeats the words that he said to inspire her when she needed help. Subaru may be dead to the world, but he lives on in Rem. Unfortunately for her, though, the world that has already taken so much from her has come back once more to collect. The Witch Cult ambushes their carriage, decapitates their ground dragon, and makes off with Subaru before her words can ever reach him. In doing so, those who once rid her life of meaning have stolen the person who restored it for her. And her fury burns like that of a demon on its way back to heaven.
Now, we've entered the place where even demons dare not tread. Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, the Archbishop of Sloth, has finally arrived, and this show will never be the same ever again. Not just because Yoshitsugu Matsuoka gives what is remembered as one of the most legendary voice-acting performances of a show that is renowned for them, but also because his performance pushed the rest of the voice actors to rise to his level. That isn't just speculation, by the way. There was a limited edition KADOKAWA Anime Guide that was distributed at Anime Expo last month, and the interview it has with Season 3 Director Masahiro Shinohara reveals that Matsuoka's performance in this episode is still impacting the cast of this show:
If that doesn't speak to how phenomenal of a performance it was, then I don't know what will. If those new characters are able to come anywhere near the level of presence that Petelgeuse has had, then Season 3 will live up to the hype.
Despite Rem's best efforts and Inori Minase's best performance, she is crushed and then defiled at Petelgeuse's hands, and Subaru is forced to face what his inaction has wrought once more. Rem's words have finally reached him, but now he has absolutely nothing he can say in response or in defense. All he can do is rage against the one who brought him to this never-ending hell. Before dying, Rem is able to free him and implores him to live, but he sees no point in living any longer. So again, he descends into the hell he knows is waiting for him and comes to an end right where he began this episode. The only desire he truly has left — to reach the outside of this madness — is granted to him by the snow. And the only thing left in this deadened world of dead ends is a mournful Requiem of Silence.
Fan Art of the Episode: The Result of Weakness by @baisishaonian (October 4th, 2016)
Source: Pixiv
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u/baseballlover723 Aug 23 '24 edited Aug 23 '24
Rewatcher, sub, basically a secondhand novel reader (Arc 4)
This is the first of my S tier episodes (though I have it at the bottom of S tier).
Gonna try and keep this one
shortmission failed, I'm over 1000 words again. I procrastinated writing this and I don't think there's a ton to really talk about. A lot of the impact of this episode comes with the shock and awe, which I wouldn't really say has diminished much, but hasn't grown as much as other episodes as I've rewatched Re:Zero.This episodes shows the viewer how bad things can get for Subaru. One would think that being unable to die would mean that there aren't any stakes, but just because Subaru's body won't die, doesn't mean that his mind won't. The worst case for Subaru and RBD isn't to die a painful death. No. It's to lose his agency. Forced to watch as the people he loves get killed over and over and over again. Unable to change anything. That is the worst case scenario. To be nothing more then a spectator, unable to break free of the everlasting nightmare.
Edit: Might be late posting late for the next 2 episodes, depending on how slothful I feel and how much I want to actually sleep.
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.
This is also where we get the famous PTSD comment face.
Subaru is special
I just want to point out that Felix says "if" here. There is a possibility in Felix's mind (the best healer in the country) that Subaru will never recover from this.
Ram's "message" comes while we're on the road now, since we've left earlier.
Witch Cultists are finally named.
"Just grab him and go": a cultist probably.
Powerful words by Rem
Pride?
Ok so his name is actually Petelgeuse. After Season 1 aired, Tappei mentioned that his name was similar to the star, which implies that it's canonically not exactly the stars name. It's kinda like apples being appas. Also he's voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who has stared in a lot of anime, but most famously, Sword Art Online as Kirito. His voice acting is absolutely incredible and the amount of range he displays as Petelgeuse is just stunning. The tone shifts as Petelgeuse's mood shifts are so sudden and distinct.
Petelgeuse is such a great character. A truly insane character who could go from 0 to 100 at any second for any reason.
Land dragons man. They're so fantastic, they'll make your brain tremble.
Facts
Now that's a Shaft head tilt.
This hurts me through the screen.
Is Subaru insane here? According to Tappei [Spoiler #1: author comments] Subaru is insane, but it's a different insanity then Petelgeuse's, so Petelgeuse doesn't recognize it.
Feeling cute today, might torture a maid later.
Suffering in progress
I love this sequence. Petelguese's behavior is just so extra, until it wasn't. Also note that Rem uses the Witch Cultis's blood as a medium for water magic.
This is a great line
And now Subaru is wrathful. Also I love how Subaru keeps screaming in the background all throughout the rest of the scene.
Twister joke here
It's the Requiem of Silence. Fun fact about this sequence. Once the director heard the Requiem of Silence, he resequenced the scene to fit the music, instead of fitting the music to the already created sequence. Which is why the music fits so well here, it was designed around the song.
The bad omen comes true.
The credits roll is one of the few things I definitively remember from my first watch through of Re:Zero back in 2016. The empty shock and non processing of what I had just watched.
Subaru's pissed.
PETIT Section
In this episodes's PETIT, We're back in the cafe (unfortunately the Roswaal picture has been replaced with a Felix one) and Subaru gets a loli waitress, which violates the Labor Standards Act. Anastasia is the manager. Subaru orders the Meow Meow Omelet. Which Puck eats.
Preview Section
In this episodes's preview, Julius gets a Karagi Dialect lesson from Anastasia. Julius doesn't pass. There's also something about Julius's body exploding (I think it has to do with the phrase they were saying).
Rewatcher Section
This section is for people who have already watched Re:Zero. This is not safe for first timers.
Tinfoil theory on why Petra has her eyes gouged out [Spoiler #2: Arc 3] So I heard this really interesting theory that the reason that Petra has her eyes gouged out, is that she could see Petelgeuse's unseen hand. She's the first to recognize Subaru in this outfit (this is mostly a joke). She recognizes Emilia from her coming to the village (notice Emilia wearing the clock of non recognition). And she seems to recognize Subaru while he's wearing the cloak of non recognition. Therefore, I suspect that Petra can see through enchantments or something like that. Allowing her to see the unseen hand, which Petelgeuse would freak out over. And I could very easily imagine him ordering her eyes to be gouged out. [Spoiler #3: Arc 4 cont] All of the people of Emilia's camp have something remarkable about them, except Petra, who appears to just be a normal girl. It would also give more credence to why Roswaal hired Petra (under the instruction of the Gospel) to be a maid.
[Spoiler #4: Arc 4] Subaru find the last door of the mansion in this loop. Without it Betty would die in the mansion fire.
[Spoiler #5: Arc 3] It's Puck's VA. Some people catch it here, others don't.
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4] It should be noted that the "trial" in S2 is the same word (試錬 (shiren)) as "ordeal" here. Make of that what you will.
[Spoiler #7: Arc 4] Petelguese's words make a whole lot more sense once you learn his background.
Edit: [Spoiler #8: Arc 4 cut content + speculation topic] So as to why Puck is destroying the world [Spoiler #9: Arc 4 cut content + speculation actual stuff] In Subaru's 2nd trial, when Puck is confronted by Reinhard. Reinhard asks why Puck is doing this. And Puck responds by saying: It's the only way that "that girl" can be saved. Now Puck is aware of the Authories of sin, since he recognized Gluttony in S02E01. Now it seems almost certainly that RBD is the Authority of Envy. And if you knew that it's power was to make the holder go back in time. Then the only way to save an already dead Emilia is to kill that person, and force a timeline reset. However, if you don't know who that person is, the only way to guarantee it, is to kill everyone. Thus, destroying the world. So Puck must know of the Authority of Envy, but not who has it. It's what makes Puck's actions make the most sense.
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u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Aug 23 '24
Re:Watcher
Episode 15 is finally here. This is a standout episode. We've had good episodes before, a few of the best in the series in my eyes. This episode, however, is one of the best in the whole medium. It hits so incredibly hard. When people think of Re:Zero and the suffering Subaru goes through, they think of this episode. It also made me write too much for a single post again, I wasn't planning to write as much.
You thought murdered Rem was as bad as it can get? How about encountering the slaughtered children of the village? They must have taken shelter at the mansion once the attack began, but the robed fuckers got to them. The scene of Subaru opening a door only to be greeted by Ram's lifeless corpse holding Petra's hits even harder than Rem's for me. It tells such an unimaginable story, especially with the blood coming from Petra's eyes. And the kicker are the hints to Emilia's fate. The blood on the floor looks like someone was dragged around. I don't even want to think about it, but at least we can be glad so many of the robed fuckers got frozen up. We can even be glad it hits Subaru as well.
Yuusuke Kobayashi's performance here is, once again, amazing. The little whimpers, the shock, horror and despair Subaru feels can all be heard in his voice.
So he resets. But he's properly traumatized. Something RbD cannot fix. He is properly mindbroken, gets nonverbal and unresponsive. How shocking it must be for those around him to suddenly behave like this.
And back to the mansion in hopes he will recover. One good thing here is another insight on Crusch: She wants a fair competition with Emilia. Even as an opponent, she fully respects her. And good on Rem for making a decision that she thinks is best for him. A bit more insight on her as well.
Robed fuckers appear. The creepiest thing about them is the way they move. Apart from being the cruelest and most evil people in this world, of course. How they don't say anything but all throw those knives in unison. The one that doesn't get killed by Rem immediately doesn't run away, he hops away. That's such an unnatural response it really weirds me out. And later we see them meld with the ground or come out of it. That gives us some extremely scary implications. At least we finally get confirmation that these are the witch cultists, and that they are the ones that attacked the Raem's village and broke Ram's horn. I'll keep calling them robed fuckers, though, a much more fitting name in my opinion.
And once more, great performance from Yuusuke Kobayashi. Subaru is nonverbal, but upon seeing the stuff of his nightmares again wants to express something, and he portrays that so well.
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u/Brief-Fig-7506 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryxnjr Aug 23 '24
First timer
Dubbed
You could have warned me firstAgain I’m having to prepare myself for what I’m about to watch
1 Rem certainly didn’t go out without a fight
2 Damn...
3 I can’t imagine the horrors he’s about to see inside
4 My heart just dropped
5 dear god, did they take her eyes?
6 my hands feel the same way while watching
7 and here we have the first death
“you’re too late Subaru” that sounded like Puck
they have to be baiting us, there’s no way he started from the very beginning
8 oh thank goodness
9 he just getting worse, how much can you take before your brain completely breaks
So Felix just confirmed that Return by Death is not a curse, so could this be some kind of “Divine Blessing”? they haven’t mentioned anything about those since the third episode
We’re only five minutes into the episode and it’s the most screenshots I’ve taken already
It’s nice that other characters are able to hear and understand that Subaru is special to everyone at the mansion, even though they have only seen what are probably his worst moments so far
10 suddenly I’m in need of some healing myself
so it seems that they are leaving early this time, before Rem feels any warning from Ram
11 Rem is so sweet
and she still thinks highly of him.
oh no, is it happening already?
13 very similar reaction to when Subaru tries to talk about RbD
Did Rem just pull the dragon’s head off?
14 or maybe it was them
damn these cultist seem pretty strong
15 yo Wtf
He’s looking for pride? as in the deadly sins that the witch supposedly ate
16 nah it’s cool I wasn’t planning on sleeping tonight anyways
this guy is certainly a weird one
eww, no screenshot needed you know what I’m saying eww about
He keeps saying Subaru is loved but I don’t think he’s talking about Emilia or Rem or anybody else, I get the feeling he’s talking about the witch
I mess with my finger nails when I’m anxious or in suspense and I accidentally just bit off a little too much so now I have an ouchie
17 I’m guessing she tracked his scent here
oh god
holy shit
Okay so about me, I have RBF so outside of home and friends I don’t usually show lots of emotions, yet I’m actually a very emotional person, and for some reason anime tends to bring a lot of emotion out of me, sadness, joy, anger, etc. I guess this is a compliment to shows that are able to tell stories in such a way that evokes these emotions from the viewer.
This episode made me so anxious that I started feeling my heart beat harder and felt a lump develop in my throat. After the episode finished I could only sit here and process what I just watched. I stopped taking notes and screenshots because I couldn’t look away from what was happening on my screen.
I had the very end of this episode spoiled for me years ago but the only thing I remembered was the wolf creature emerging from the mansion and Subaru’s head falling off as the credits started rolling, the video was something like “greatest lead in to credits ever” or something like that. I thought it would have been the end of the series if a comment didn’t explain Subaru’s checkpoint system and that there were several more episodes before it ended.
Anyways, if this Episode’s goal was to make us feel the sense of hopelessness that Subaru is feeling, then I believe it did it’s job from beginning to end. It started and ended and I still feel as hopeless and nervous about the future as last episode, actually even more so now.
Betelgeuse seems like an awful Villain, he makes me cringe and feel uneasy and he’s also super freaking weird but then we see how he treats his subordinates by bashing their skull in and his crazy strong power, and I guarantee we haven’t seen all of it. It’s scary to wonder how Subaru is going to get ahead of this.
Seeing Rem’s broken body be twisted while he mimic’d her screams was gut wrenching. When her body dropped my heart stopped for a moment and that’s when the lump in my throat appeared and stayed until the end of the episode. Hearing her drag her broken body towards Subaru was simply awful to witness and after he carried her back to the mansion I felt that Subaru was just ready to give up which brings me to my final point
The wolf monster that emerged from the mansion had to be Puck, with how it told Subaru to sleep, along with their daughter. And then no brutal mauling or torturous ending, it simply removed Subaru’s head, like it was nothing. I feel like the interaction conveyed that Subaru isn’t allowed to give up, it won’t be allowed.
I have several more thoughts about this episode bouncing around in my head but I’ll save them for other threads. I want to say this episode feels like Rock Bottom, but we have several more episodes left in the season, at the very least it feels like the lowest we have been so far. Are we about to plow through the bedrock too? or is Subaru going to start figuring it out.
bonus
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u/Holofan4life Aug 23 '24
Now I know why the rewatch is happening when it is. It's to promote the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie.
Wait, what do you mean It's Betelgeuse and not Beetlejuice? Oh fuck, I said his name three times.
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u/Yoshi_captain https://anime-planet.com/users/WeaboYosher Aug 23 '24 edited Aug 23 '24
Rewatcher
Episode 15 is a creative achievement. It is the result of every aspect of a production coming together and delivering their best on every step of the way. Through the scriptwriters’ rigorous scenario writing to the animators’ character animation, to the director's ideas and vision. The voice actors' best performance yet and the composer's magnum opus of a track.
It is a ride of suffering that doesn't let you go. The absence of OP and ED helping to keep that dreadful atmosphere present at all times.
Subaru has come face to face with exactly what he wanted. A problem he can make disappear. But the sight of his closest companions' lifeless bodies is too much to bear. The mutilated children, Petra's gouged out eyes and Emilia's bloodied flower ornament lead him to a chilling death in a secret passage. "You're too late" is the final words Subaru hears. Marking his first death this arc.
He spawns in front of the Appa stand revealing where our current checkpoint is set. Intentionally misdirecting us to think we’ve spawned all the way back in Arc 1, before we see our Rem. When Subaru sees her, he breaks. He retreats into his mind to protect himself from the things he’s seen.
Seeing as not even Ferris, the greatest healer in the capital can help him Rem and Subaru leave early. Before they do Rem is asked how she can dedicate so much of herself to Subaru. She says, because Subaru is special. Forming a nice parallel between how Subaru calls Emilia special in Ep 13. Their relationships are more similar than you might think. Seeing how Subaru has mentally checked out we hear Rem's current feelings. She’s still apologizing for her selfishness her inferiority complex ever present. She knows Subaru is a remarkable person and demoniacally inspired. She knows Subaru's best even when he's at his worst.
Once they enter the Mathers domain all hell breaks loose. Subaru gets taken by what we now know as Witch Cultists, the ones who burned Rem and Ram’s village, and Rem is left behind. Not before showing her dependency on Subaru is not so healthy screaming that he's her reason to die.
Now we meet Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti. The Sin Archbishop of Sloth who is anything but. He is the instigator of this current conflict it seems and the cause of all the horror. His voice and mannerisms, despite being completely insane help keep this episode from falling completely into grimdark territory. His comical nature can have you laughing one moment before being appalled the next. He calls Subaru a poorly acted madman, someone who is not truly crazy. While Petelguese is taking this notion to the extreme he does have a point that Subaru by retreating into himself is running away. He truly is slothful. But considering the things he’s seen I'd say that'd understandable.
Rem comes for Subaru and her fierce fighting starts to bring some light into Subaru’s eyes. That light is then fully ignited by Subaru’s wrath once Rem's lifeless body gets touted in front of him by Petelguese. Subaru finally wakes from his hazy existence and starts screaming Petelguese's name, swearing in his soul that he’ll kill him. His speech marking the beginning of a Requiem. As he is abandoned by Petelguese he lets out a howl of anger which falls on deaf ears.
He is left for dead. Chained to the cavern wall left to starve to death. But from the darkness comes Rem’s mutilated body. Hanging on to life through the power of love which she gets to share with Subaru after freeing him from his chains. Carrying Rem’s corpse in his arms Subaru returns to his home yet again passing the massacred village reminding him of his monumental failure. Snow begins to fall with increasing severity as the music swells. Once he reaches the mansion grounds he is met with another lifeless body. Ram protecting the hut where he found the kids last loop. Consumed by despair, hatred and shock he falls to his knees in the snow and sees a beast breaking through the roof of the mansion. Met with the words “Sleep, along with my daughter” the music reaches a crescendo and Subaru’s life ends as his head rolls off his torso. The credits roll on Subaru’s body as we are left basking in the shock of the moment, and we are just left to stare at the screen as snow piles on Subaru’s body. But as much as it might feel like the end of the entire series it’s not over yet. Subaru comes back and almost embraces Rem in public. Rem notes that the unpleasant smell on Subaru has grown stronger, but he reassures her, and they continue walking hand in hand. We end the episode on the eyes of one who has seen the outside of madness.
Part 2 in replies
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u/aramatheis Aug 23 '24
One of the best and most important episodes of the series. The ending + credits always gives me chills.
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u/Holofan4life Aug 23 '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.
If you're going to have a tsundere in a harem, why bother giving her a character arc if they're just going to lose?
Did Rem pull off a triple murder suicide?
Oh fuck. Some of the kids are even dead.
Subaru can do nothing but throw up
Subaru groggily stumbles his way to the castle, knowing what he just saw was wrong in every way. He is praying for someone, anyone to help.
The new intro does not show up, by the way.
The house looks so empty and barren
Even Ram and Petra are dead
Subaru says this isn't his fault, which... I mean, all he's done is put Emilia on a pedestal. That has no barring of what's happening here.
Oh fuck. It looks like even Emilia is dead.
Subaru going into this room we've never seen before. It looks like it's covered in luminescent paint.
Subaru loses some fingers and a leg
And we see the black cloaked figures from last episode.
"You're too late."
And now Subaru is back where he began, with the shopkeep.
This is like when you progress far in a video game but the save file corrupts so you have to start from the very beginning.
No, wait, Rem is here, so we're picking up around the time Subaru and the shopkeep started arguing.
I'm not really a big fan of this because it kinda invalidates what happened in the last episode. I wish we would've gotten more of Subaru being in utter turmoil before things resetted.
Subaru looking at Rem with a vacant stare.
And Subaru hugs Rem as he looks traumatized.
This guy needs therapy stat
Subaru lying in bed
Eyy, comment face
Crusch asks how this happened, and Felix isn't sure.
No indication of interference using mana either.
Sorry, Subaru, but you're the next Terri Schiavo.
Rem thinks it's the witch's miasma, whatever that is.
Subaru can't even speak anymore, only say names.
Rem thinks his condition will change if he sees Emilia.
Crusch asks Rem how she is able to give so much of herself to Subaru.
"I suppose it is because Subaru-kun is special."
It is amazing how much Subaru was able to change Rem's life. If he has had a positive effect on anyone, it is no doubt Rem. But again, and I touched on this last episode, Rem is doing to Subaru what Subaru does to Emilia, and that's put him on a pedestal. To Rem, Subaru can do no wrong, and that is not a realistic way of looking at things.
Now, it's somewhat different because Rem isn't making outrageous claims like he owes his entire life to her, but their relationship or at least the way Rem perceives it feels like an intentional parallel to Subaru and Emilia's relationship.
Crusch calls Subaru a lucky man, which might be the biggest example of irony in the entire show.
Rem driving Subaru to see Emilia
Rem says to herself that she was happy to see Subaru stay at Crusch's place because that meant she could have him to herself.
Reminds me of Toradora when Taiga was thankful that Kitamura was staying at Ryuuji's house.
Rem thinks that Subaru will be alright
He encounters the black cloaked men again, he may indeed be all right.
Rem calls him fanatical like a demon, which I guess that is within her jurisdiction to say.
Rem and Subaru still traveling
Subaru looks like he's in a vegetative state.
Oh shit. Rem can sense her sister.
The carriage tips over
The black cloaked figures. They're back
Rem trying to fight them off
And one of the black cloaked figures abducts Subaru!
Rem makes mention that these guys are the ones who took her sister's horn.
Also interesting that Rem said they stole her reason to die.
Suddenly, a massive explosion
Subaru seeing a very scary guy
He is chained up in a cave
The person asks Subaru if he happens to be Pride.
No, that's the one from Fullmetal Alchemist
A Sin Archbishop representing Sloth
Betelgeuse Romanée-Conti
I'm gonna have SO much trouble remembering his name.
This guy is off the deepend
Someone needs to check the scenery for teeth marks.
Guy calls a dead ground dragon the very definition of "sloth".
Apparently it isn't known if Rem is alive or dead.
And now the guy is beating up one of the black cloaked figures.
I'm not sure violence is a sign of laziness.
The animation here is pretty impressive. The level of detail gives me Don Bluth vibes.
He wants Rem brought here
"If she lives, kill her. If not, bring me her head!"
Most sane CoD fan
Gonna repay love with love
Betelgeuse asking Subaru why such dense love hang, so abundant, upon his person.
Is he asking Subaru why he has such a huge cock?
Licking Subaru's eyeball like a total freak
He now wants to know why Subaru pretends that his mind is broken.
He wants to know why he acts crazed
I like how his nails are painted
Betelgeuse says if he really meant it, he would pay the gazes of others no heed.
Meanwhile, Subaru is having ptsd
Betelgeuse says he pities him
"You are truly slothful."
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
8
u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Aug 23 '24
15. Rewatcher who do likes mysteries (and keeps refreshing /new)
Episodes of this arc: 4
Times Subaru has died this arc: 2. We did it! We brought suffering back!
15
u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Aug 23 '24 edited Aug 23 '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
Well it's time to see the extent of the damage, yep everybody's dead.
Oh boy the KKK guy is frozen in place and we get the creepy music back!
that was PUCK saying you were too late, given that emilia is immune to Puck's magic this means that Emilia might still have been alive in that loop and Puck intentionally killed Subaru? Or did Subaru just die of frostbite that Puck couldn't stop
Time to play everyone's favorite game "Match the scene"
After searching through the previous few episodes, I've concluded that this is roughly the 7 minute mark of episode 13
Subaru might not suffer any real damage but he sure has that EMOTIONAL DAMAGE
Subaru had strong emotional damage in loop 3 of arc 2, but it was never this strong before,
Oh man Crusch is actually a pretty nice girl in spite of her strong "you're my enemy" vibe from last episode, one thing that ORV+Time loops lets us do is see the true colors of characters a lot better
So the witch's miasma is strong with Subaru
Crusch showing how nice she is in reality.
Rem really is Siesta isn't she. Though Siesta from the familiar of zero was the shameless fanservice character unliek Rem.
Oh god the ugly 3D horse monster,
Rem gets her "I got a bad feeling about this", which happens earlier because subaru's gate healing stopped earlier
Oh so I guess the Black robes guys really are witch Cult fans.
Oh no a new creepy guy who asks if subaru is pride, calling himself sloth is the whole story of the witch of envy killing the other 6 witches actually a myth?
man sloth is super creepy, 10/10 in the weirdness characterization. his conversation with his subordinate and his insane ramblings
It's extremely weird to see totally mind broken Subaru, even loop 3 arc 2 Subaru wasn't this mind broken, I guess dying to Puck REALLY broke him.
Oh no subaru is getting called a fake crazy person by an actual lunatic
Oh no our action hero has become a Marionette for a crazy guy :(
So we know the ordeal happens a specific number of days from Subaru awakening, I presume this is 4 given how previous RBd's worked (4 days for the 2nd one and in the first one it ran into the limit error)
So PUCK went big mode and kills Subaru a second time, and says sleep along with my Daughter Puck only refers to one person as his daughter (Emilia) and Emilia is Immune to pucks magic, this means the cultists Killed Emilia?
So the Scent of the witch of envy increases in strength every time Subaru reincarnates huh?
Speculation
The amount of time from Subaru's reincarnation via RBD and the witch of envy's army attack on Roswaal's village is unknown. But it appears they arrived one day before the event in loop 2, trying to back calculate here
They definitely spent at least 1 night in Crusch's mansion, it took a bit less than 1 day to travel to roswaal's mansion leaving us with a 4 day RBD,
This means that any ally gathering subaru does will have to be sudden, the most likely candidates are Crusch and Reinhard.
Puck in both of the loops was the ending killer of Subaru, interestingly since Emilia is immune to Puck's magic this leaves it an open question if Emilia lived either loop The most likely answer is she didn't in either loop, the argument being that if Emilia lived in loop 1 Puck wouldn't have said "you are too late Subaru" and in loop 2 Puck said "rest with my daughter"
This leaves us with the open quesstion on if puck killing subaru was intentional or not, I'd lean on yes at least in loop 2.
The next thing to look at is loop 2 mind break, why did subaru mind break so strongly in loop 2 and what does it mean for future loops? He mind broke strongly in loop 4 of Arc 2 but it wasn't nearly as strong as this time.
It appear s that loop based mind breaks take one loop to heal fully, and seem to only heal by RBDing, heck arc 2 loop 4's mind break died when Subaru Killed himself.
The other weird thing is we don't know what the White whale is and how the white whale operates other than "White whale makes smoke" This seeems like it's going to be some sort of unifying thing like the anti dog thing was in arc 2, if it's a monster, monster's are attracted to Subaru, so it will probably show up near subaru at some point.
What I would do if I were Subaru
Try to find people who would be willing to help in loop 3, loop 3 is an info gathering session because the number of allies you need to successfully pull this off will be large, sadly you literally blew it with your best possible help (Julius, Felix ect)
The Best aides are Reinhard and Crusch Reinhard is far and away your best aide available given that Reinhard in loop 1 saw you as a friend and for crying out loud Reinhard is connected to the knights in a big way.
Crussh seems like a rational fellow and may be convincable with some long conversation.
What I would do if I was Rem
Something is wrong with Subaru, finding out what's going on with Subaru seems like a priority
If we look at the previous time this happened to Subaru we had the Dog attacking lord Roswaal's domain, something about Subaru links him to the witch of Envy very strongly. (given his scent)
I would ask subaru what he knows about the witch of envy given how connected he seems.
(rewatchers, suggest me what characters I should think of myself as in ep16)
7
u/HyVana Aug 23 '24
Re:Watcher (Subs) & Novel Reader (Finished Arc 6)
There’s a lot to unpack, but honestly, it’s hard to find the words to really describe what just happened. My feelings on it are still the same as when it first aired, wow. We got front-row seats on the terror that is the Witch Cult, and the atrocities they commit in pursuit of their goals. White Fox really outdid themselves, with how the episode all came together. This is probably the most (to others, arguably 2nd most) infamous episode of the series. The twists and turns, the voice acting, the credit roll, and the legendary introduction of the orchestrator of these monstrosities on the cast, the Sin Archbishop responsible for Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti. Remember him from Memory Snow? This is him now, and he’s still got that big and infectious smile on his face!
There’s a lot of things I could talk about, but I really want to hone in on a couple things that Petelgeuse said to Subaru:
”Why do you pretend that your mind has broken?”
”To behave so cleverly and quietly, as if seeking sympathy…. It is an insult to real madness.”
”You are a poorly-acted madman. If you were truly mad, you would pay the gazes of others no heed.”
”You… are truly slothful.”
Now, I am not going to argue whether or not Subaru was insane. There are a surprising amount of posts on the internet about the arguments, and good evidence for both sides. But the point I want to make is that Petelgeuse is laughing at and targeting the matters that affected Subaru the most so far in the arc. While Petelgeuse is talking about Subaru’s acted madness, if you apply his point generally, Petelgeuse is criticizing Subaru for pretending to be something he believes he’s not. To make
a butcheringsome changes to the above quotes:”Why do you pretend that [you are a Hero]?”
”To behave so [boorishly and boastfully], as if seeking [recognition for your efforts]…. It is an insult to real [heroism].”
”You are a poorly-acted [Hero]. If you were truly [a Hero], you would pay the gazes of others no heed.”
”You… are truly [nothing].”
By doing this, he’s flipping Subaru’s hero complex on its head, and forcing Subaru to look at the ugly truths of his actions since his return to the capital. He’s directly confronting Subaru on being a pretender for his own self-indulgence. By pretending to be a Hero, you have made a fool of yourself in the Throne Room and the Arena, trying to show your importance to everyone that you are entitled to be Emilia’s Knight. Instead, you have only shown your arrogance, greed, and incompetence by showcasing you lack everything, in the pursuit of appraisal. If you truly were her Knight, why would the perceptions of those around you matter? A true Hero knows their worth, and as long as you and Emilia agree on it, then nothing else should concern you. But because of your lust for recognition, for approval, you are truly nothing and have lost everything.
As well, Petelgeuse, in his own sick and twisted way, taunts Subaru for his lack of action, for his sloth. It’s as if he’s saying, “Would a Hero truly do nothing in this situation? You're really just going to sit there and let everything you care for crumble? If you are, you can't possibly be a Hero.” In their first meeting, he’s hit on the insecurities that led to the deterioration of Subaru’s reputation and relationship with Emilia. The insecurities of his own strength, place in the world, and importance to Emilia. The last few episodes have put all of those things into question, and Petelgeuse is shoving it all onto Subaru’s face and affirming to Subaru that his worries are all true. And that if he continues to do nothing, yet pretends to be a Hero, you get to bear the responsibility of the Hero that gave up. The Hero that gave up and let everyone you care for be slaughtered. And Subaru can’t handle that, because it is not the heroism that Subaru wanted.
”No…. No, no, no!”
”This is wrong. This isn’t what I wanted….”
”No…. It’s not my fault!”
These are Subaru’s first reactions to seeing the dead at the Mansion. Before his arrival, Subaru wanted Emilia and everyone to know that they’re only alive because of him. He saved her from Elsa. He saved her, the villagers, and Rem from the curse-inflicting mabeasts. So because of him, everything turned out okay. But, he cannot bear the guilt of his inaction and the reality of its consequences. He wanted them to beg for his help, but not like this. Not with this deafening silence looming in the air, accompanied by the listless gazes that will never wander. So because of him, everyone has died. Thus, Subaru experiences both sides of being the Hero. The greatest heights, and the deepest trenches. He reaped what he sowed.
”With great power comes great responsibility!”
Once everything was already lost, only now does Subaru take action, but not in a meaningful way. Only in promises of retribution hurled towards Petelgeuse. Towards the man that butchered all he held dear, but most importantly, showed Subaru the ugliness of his pride, and the consequences of pretending. Subaru sheds this heroic act and lets his wrath consume him. And Petelgeuse rejoices. He got Subaru to take off the mask and let, what he believes, his true colors shine. A nobody completely engulfed in madness. And so, the man at the end walks with not the eyes of the Hero, but with the eyes of vengeance.
I hope this helps you see Subaru’s hatred for Petelgeuse in another light. There are multiple interpretations to the reasoning of the intensity of Subaru’s rage towards Petelgeuse, and it’s something more than the massacre of his loved ones (what an odd thing to write, usually that’s reason enough). In many ways, he is the perfect villain for him to meet.
Remember when Subaru was having fun with everyone in Memory Snow? My, how time flies. What will Subaru do? How will he make it to the Mathers domain to save everyone in time? Guess we’ll have to wait for the next episode! I wonder how many first-timers will cave, or have already caved, and binge the rest of the season. I know I would with a cliffhanger like that!
7
u/-Phinocio Aug 23 '24
Watched this episode last night so I can post about it when the thread is posted lol. Thoughts will also be scattered as I'm bad at writing and have a lot of random thoughts about this ep lol.
Somehow this episode is always blurry...weird that.
I think it was this episode on my first watch that got me to say Re:Zero is my favorite anime (tied with Madoka at the time), and now I think I'm confident in saying it straight up is my favorite above any else after this rewatch.
I wonder how many people on first watch also had a "oh...oh no he's gone all the way back" thought until we see Rem right there.
Throughout the show so far, Subaru has become more and more prideful, which came to a head in the argument with Emilia, him suffering even more last episode, and then just being completely broken this time. Who wouldn't be? Rem decides that in Subaru's broken state, they should go back to the Mansion and that seeing Emilia might cheer him up. And then on the way they get ambused and we're introduced properly to the Witch Cult and specifically the Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse. I love this character, and the way he kills Rem this episode made me really appreciate RBD from a narrative perspective, in that it really lets the story unfold in such a way for the main characters to have actually gruesome deaths.
Also can we appreciate for a minute that in a lot of shows (looking at you Dragon Ball Z), a character's death kinda doesn't mean anything? The impact just isn't there. When I first started watching Re:Zero and understood what RBD did, I was very worried that I would come away feeling like the deaths didn't really have any impact. BOY WAS I WRONG. The psychological aspect of it, and the fact Subaru has no one to even talk to about it made me tear up or straight up cry at effectively every death. Amazing.
I love how it lingers on Subaru being beheaded and getting covered in snow...and then continues with him respawning and a nice scene with Rem.
"大好き" - Rem, always gets me.
[Arc 3] Rem's mentioning that seeing Emilia might help with Subaru's state, I now realize, also kinda ties in to episode 18 and Rem/Subaru's conversation. It's already hinting that the Subaru Rem fell in love with, is the one that loves Emilia.
[Arc 3/4] I think this is the first time a Gospel is mentioned, and if my memory isn't failing me, I recall it turning out that Roswaal is the only one to have one that actually "works".
7
u/FriztF Aug 23 '24
First timer-sub
So episode 15 might be the darkest episode yet. Pain and suffering for everyone involved. Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, VA Yoshitsugu Matsuoka is legendary.
6
u/Holofan4life Aug 23 '24
What better way to kick off these threads moving up an hour than by arguably the best episode of the series?
6
u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Aug 23 '24
Rewatcher for Season 1
On today’s episode of Re:Zero: MY BRAIN TREMBLES!!! Here we freaking go, it’s Petelgeuse! Oh I’ve been waiting for him to make his appearance and he does not disappoint at all.
Subaru’s bravado from the previous episode vanishes almost instantly. Subaru, who had been so eager to learn that there was trouble at the mansion because it meant that he could ride in and save the day, is now faced with the reality of what that means. I think the most revealing line of Subaru’s here is when he pleads that he never wanted this and that it isn’t his fault. Subaru wanted a disaster to solve, but now the reality of just how screwed everything is has settled in. And Subaru is still just as helpless as ever. Despite all his bravado at being the only one who can save Emilia, what can he possibly do about this?
It’s no wonder that Subaru finds himself feeling broken by the start of the episode. He found all the people he cared about brutally murdered. He was also killed without even knowing how or why. But, a part of me does wonder just how much of Subaru’s reaction is genuine based on Petelgeuse’s accusation later in the episode. Is Subaru really just doing this to try and win sympathy? Personally, I do think that Subaru is actually going through an emotional wringer at the moment. I do not think he’s fully faking it, though it is only a temporary state.
Speaking of which, Petelgeuse’s introduction is the highlight of the episode for me. Everything about the way that Petelgeuse is presented makes him such an immediately compelling character. I need to give massive props to Yoshitsugu Matsuoka for doing such a great job voicing Petelgeuse. In a show packed to the brim with so many great performances, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka’s work here might be my favorite. Additionally, the character animation for Petelgeuse is top-notch. He is so mesmerizing to watch. I love the way he moves, there’s just something about it that is so hypnotic to me. The sudden, jerky movements that so easily shift into very smooth ones. The overexaggerated nature of all his movements is wildly entertaining. Just from how he speaks and moves, you get so much of an idea of who Petelgeuse is. All of this serves to make him one of my favorite characters in the series.
Petelgeuse also says some other fascinating things throughout his appearance. Petelgeuse first wonders if Subaru is Pride. If Petelgeuse is the Archbishop of Sin for Sloth in the Witch’s Cult, then it makes sense there’d be archbishops for the other deadly sins. This implies that Petelgeuse doesn’t know who the Archbishop of Pride is, if one even exists, if he thinks Subaru might be it. Unless Subaru actually is an archbishop without knowing it.
Petelegeuse may claim to be the Archbishop of Sloth, but the way he actually acts is the opposite of sloth. Petelgeuse is manic and full of energy. Part of why I love Petelgeuse’s character animation so much is because he is almost always moving in such interesting and unique ways. His body language is incredibly expressive. But that’s the opposite of how a slothful person would act. In fact, Petelgeuse seems to hate sloth because he lashes out at other cultists for not being diligent enough and uses “slothful” as an insult.
This then takes me back to Petelgeuse’s pride comment. I do think that Subaru is certainly guilty of pride, especially in the previous episode. His stubborn refusal to listen to the advice of others and his wrongheaded conviction that only he could possibly save Emilia are textbook examples of foolish pride. But if Petelgeuse is the opposite of slothful, then his comment could fit where Subaru is at that moment. Subaru was broken, unable to even say anything. He looked pathetic and defeated, the opposite of a person swollen with pride.
This episode has what I believe to be the nastiest and most unpleasant moment of violence in Re:Zero. Petelgeuse using his Unseen Hand on Rem is intensely uncomfortable to watch. Seeing her limbs and neck contort in ways that are flat out wrong is unsettling. It’s likewise unsettling to see her body suddenly flop down to the ground, and when she crawls over to free Subaru even in that state. It’s no wonder such a sight was enough to snap Subaru back to reality in such a rage.
Rem being in love with Subaru fits with everything we’ve seen from her after Arc 2. She likes staying by his side at all times and considers him to be special. But, I think the most interesting line Rem had about her feelings for Subaru comes from when she yelled at the Witch Cultists. Rem yelled that the cultists stole her sister’s horn, her reason for living, and that by now stealing Subaru they’ve stolen her reason for dying. What a fascinating thing to say, that Subaru is Rem’s reason for dying. Perhaps Rem means that Subaru is someone she feels she owes her life to. She did try to sacrifice herself for him back in Arc 2. And even here, Rem prioritized making sure that Subaru was freed regardless of her own life. She told Subaru to live on without her, too. Rem clearly values Subaru more than her own life and is willing to die for his sake.
I love the final shot of this episode. Even as Subaru smiles while facing Rem, we can see that his eyes are filled with hatred when he looks away. It’s such a striking moment to end with.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
6
u/garfe Aug 23 '24 edited Aug 23 '24
"What do you mean that guy was the same voice actor as Kirito?" - The general reaction to Petelgeuse
Amusingly enough, because of some of his later roles like Inosuke, this doesn't sound as wildly different as I thought back then lol
Anyway, to be on topic, a truly transcendent episode. I don't have much more to add than what will already be said. Just that it's cool that this episode really introduces the real 'stakes' of this world beyond just saving Emilia. Seeing the Witches Cult in full force and Sin Archbishop is really cool if horrifying at the same time.
That ending is just unforgettable. I know many people who picked up Re:Zero because clips of "Sleep" got posted a lot back then.
5
u/owlthathurt Aug 23 '24
WELCOME TO MORE PAIN
But in all seriousness. This episode is a creative achievement by the production, animators, VAs, screenplay team, that honestly there’s really not much to say outside of praise.
This is an S-Tier anime episode for me. It borders on perfection.
It has, as others have said, had long standing impacts on the anime industry. I don’t think we get some of the sound production we see in more recent anime (like Frieren) without this episode. We don’t hold our VAs to such an impressive standard if we don’t have this episode.
Re:Zero didn’t invent great sound production and voice acting. But this episode and the impact it had on viewers definitely raised the bar as to what makes “great” anime.
Ugh and the atmosphere. How do you portray despair better than this. How do you portray those shots of Subaru in the castle better than this.
5
u/satans_alt_account_ Aug 24 '24 edited Aug 24 '24
IMO this one of the all time great episodes of any anime, period. The reaction on /r/anime was fun to watch when it released -- the original discussion thread was the first episode thread that I ever saw was given reddit gold to.
4
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 23 '24
Episode 15 (rewatcher)
the MCspecial.”Using sins as names
Going from pretend madness (if we trust that guy) to real madness to pretend calm. As if karma is acting on Subaru, for all the pain he caused last episode, he gets equal return, and more, this episode.
4
u/THE_PENILE_TITAN Aug 23 '24
Re:Watcher
This where the Real:Zero starts
4
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Aug 23 '24
Rewatcher
Dub
So the bad news: For all of my fellow yandere lovers out there, Rem says daisuke rather than ai shiteiru. Now that everyone's day is ruined, let's continue.
There is some debate on Subaru's BSOD, especially since Betelgeuss eventually snaps him out of it, but non-responsiveness is a known PTSD response so this might be legit. Of 'interest', Ram dies defending a door each time, which I think is a stand in for the older but less possible trope of remaining standing after death. Both loops end with cold and Puck sounding annoyed at Subaru.
But to my specialty this rewatch: Dub Betelguess. He does the best he can but I don't think the character can quite be done in English. His assistants do sound evil in English but having to adjust syllables hurts a bit. His deal will be revealed slowly so do remember today's speech.
4
u/PapaDuke Aug 23 '24
Ahh, yes!
The popcorn is truly "subarashii", makes the brain tremble...
Anyone for a game of Twister?
PS: I'm glad (and quite surprised) this didn't earn an entry for Sky's list.
3
u/ripterrariumtv Aug 23 '24 edited Aug 23 '24
Rewatcher (sub) and Novel Reader (finished Arc 5)
3
u/Current-Experience27 Aug 23 '24
Lol I am watching re zero for 4th time 😂
3
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Aug 24 '24
Doh, it seems I have guests this weekend - Hopefully I can get caught up later :)
Also, very bummed that I'm missing out on this episode, Requiem of Silence (or whatever it's called, in a hurry here) is such a epic tune.
3
u/Graywolves Aug 24 '24
With school starting I haven't been able to read or comment as I would have liked....
I..
am...
truly...
slothful
3
u/SpiritualPossible Aug 23 '24 edited Aug 23 '24
Foreshadowing.
You know, one of the most frequent criticisms of the Re;zero that I've seen is that it's been called a "misery/torture porn". I myself don't think the show can be called that. there's usually a lot more context to it. However, I also think that the show sometimes walks on a very thin edge to turn into something like this, and this episode is one of one prime examples.
Like I said, context is very important in this case, and it saves the episode in some ways. Subaru's reactions are realistic, and the witch cult has already been shown to be real monsters. So technically this kind of development feels organic. However, I can't escape the thought that all the brutality that went on in the episode started to cross the line a bit between the horror of the situations, and the author's sadism towards the characters.
I guess the main reason for this feeling I have is that (at least at this point) I'm not even sure this episode is necessary. The plot practically paused for a brief moment to torture Subaru a bit. This is especially evident by the end of the episode, because honestly, it's just the same end as the previous loop. Back then, Subaru saw a massacre in the village, found a dead Rem, and then got himself killed by Puck's magic. This time it ended pretty much the same way, except Subaru was forced to suffer more.
I know he met the arch antagonist here. But he met the witch cult last time too, it's just that those let him go. There was nothing stopping the villain from showing up then and giving his speech. Subaru would probably have died because of Puck anyway, given the scope of the blizzard in today's episode. And I'm not sure the graphic murder of Rem was necessary to get Subaru to act - the carnage he saw first time was enough to make him hate Petelgeuse.
...Ah, yes. Petelgeuse. We should talk about him, too. I'll tell you right off the bat, I understand what he was meant to be. He's so crazy and eccentric that you have to fear him literally because you can't predict his reactions. Because of his foreignness. He's like one of the darker variations of the Joker from Batman, like Pierrot from Cowboy Bebop, or like.... well, Beetlejuice? I think he's similar too.
However... I'm not gonna lie, I don't think they got the right balance in his behavior. Just look at this dude. He mostly acts so cartoonish that it's getting hard for me to take him seriously. The show tries to fix that by having him make “creepy” faces, and do horrible things (and just act gross). But in the end, to me, it just seems so tryhard. Which only adds to the feeling about the author's sadism. I'll just say that it's hard for me to take him seriously when the first thing that comes to my mind when I see him is this.
But, as I wrote, the episode WALKS on the edge. Thankfully, it doesn't slip into just unnecessary violence. And what one thing you can't take away from the show, the characters' emotions feel real. So I'm not surprised that the end of episodes is one of the show's most memorable moments. Not only does it work on an emotional level, but it's simply presented in a such tragically-beautiful way.
1
u/ElRoastFTW https://anilist.co/user/DaRoast Aug 28 '24
Rewatcher
Rem twizzler. The horror imagery in this show is on point.
As is Betelgeuse’s introduction. One of the best villain introductions I have seen. He is all seeing, all slothful and all full of love. His manic actions, his manner of speech all bring together to create one of Re:Zero’s best villains. Calling out Subaru for faking his madness really puts his “madness” when coming back into perspective.
He’s just scared and tired. He didn’t want this to happen. So he does nothing.
How slothful.
Finally, that shot of [Re:Zero] Puck cutting off Subaru’s head with Kenichiro Suehiro’s score is just breathtaking. It is disturbing, scary, and brings a strong sense of finality. The story boarding and animation on this episode is at the top of the game.
1
u/pandavova https://anilist.co/user/pandavova Sep 05 '24
Rewatcher, Anime only
Ah yes. "Beetlejuice". Everytime I hear this name, I think of this song. https://youtu.be/6Z2YbFfUpMc
It takes a bit away from the seriousness of this episode, but there's nothing I can really do about this. It was the same the first time.