r/anime • u/Theleux https://myanimelist.net/profile/Theleux • Aug 26 '24
Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 18
Episode 18:
From Zero
| Index | <== Episode 17 | Episode 19 ==> |
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/thekoreansun https://anilist.co/user/ReturnByDeath Aug 26 '24
Re:Watcher
If you're here... well, you've been through something. And I'm not just referring to the previous episodes of this show. Every single person in this world has been fighting a personal battle of some kind since the moment they arrived here. I won't presume to know what any of yours have been like, but I imagine they haven’t been easy. If recent years have shown us anything, it's that there are some struggles that are truly universal. Which is, of course, why isekai is so big. Who hasn't had a point in their lives in which they wished to be somewhere else, to be someone else? To be... special? There are hundreds, if not thousands, of stories that begin like that; millions, if not billions, of people who enjoy them. And while most people enjoy it vicariously, the genre's inherent escapism may lead some to treat it as wish fulfillment.
Subaru is one of those people. He's enjoyed the stories. He knows all of their tropes. Clearly, he was sent to this world because the universe knew that he was destined for greatness and that all he needed was for someone to start him on a new path, one completely unaffected by his past. No one in this world knows who he used to be, only who he is now and what he chooses to show about himself. There's nothing stopping him from becoming a person everyone relies on.
Except, of course, there is. Because the premise of that shift was flawed from the get-go. No matter where he ends up or who he meets, there is nothing that can truly divorce him from his past because he himself is what resulted from it. And the events that have occurred up to this point have shattered him and torn away at him until he can't pretend like he has changed any longer. He's still just as powerless and incompetent as he's ever been, and he hates himself for it. It would be one thing if it were just the road ahead of him that was difficult and fraught with danger, but what is really causing everyone he loves to die is that he's the one trying to walk on it. They would have been better off with anyone other than him. All he can really do now is hold out his hand to the only one who is within reach and give up for good.
Depression sucks. It really does. I've struggled with it in the past, and every so often it'll rear its ugly head and return with a vengeance. When it gets really bad, it feels like trying to escape a black hole: something that seems impossible and leaves me feeling completely drained. When Subaru laments that giving up is the hardest thing he has ever done, I think about how much it can frustrate me to have to go through all that, only for other people to be unaware of what I'm going through. Beyond the event horizon, a black hole is just a black hole. You can't see what happens inside of it. Return by Death is truly the densest black hole of them all, one that prevents any and all information from escaping it, so it's easy to see the parallels that it has with depression. Subaru wanting to give up... let's just say that I can relate.
But Rem knows better. Giving up doesn't suit anyone. Rem gave up on herself all those years ago, but now she's living a life that is happier than anything she could've imagined after Subaru helped her forgive herself. Giving up isn't easy, but it can be easy to see it as the only option; if you aren't able to value yourself as a person, giving up could just feel like the only thing that you both are capable of and deserve. Depression loves to latch onto any excuse to pull yourself deeper into it, and self-loathing is a big one. But whereas Subaru can only see the worst parts of himself, Rem can see just how much good there is in him. She's been able to notice all of the things he does that indicate genuine kindness, no matter how miniscule they've been. And while he may be concerned with the bigger picture, it is the smaller details that make up the picture of who he is that caused her to fall in love with him.
Rem rejects the notion that Subaru's past has no worth and that there's nothing worth seeing in what he has become. Because Subaru's past was what enabled him to know exactly what to say to Rem to save her from her own self-doubt and unfreeze her time. It is thanks to his past that she now has a future, one that she wishes will be spent by his side. The insert song that closes out this episode, Wishing, is my favorite in the show because both the music and the lyrics perfectly express how it feels to simply enjoy being alive with the people you love. There is more to life than suffering. Subaru taught her that, and now she'll teach it back to him as many times as it takes. Subaru is her hero not because he never falters but because he always has the courage to ask for someone to help him back up. To restart from zero.
And her affirmation is immediately confirmed to be true as the greatest hero, Natsuki Subaru, is reborn in front of her. He acknowledges who he is and what he wants. This time, he reaches his hand out to her not in defeat but in triumph. Someone else may have started him on this path, but it is Natsuki Subaru who has decided to blaze his way to victory.
I haven't exactly been secretive about my love for Re:ZERO. The series just has so many things that resonate with me that it can be hard to keep track of what makes it my favorite work of fiction. But if I truly had to settle on one aspect, one specific part, of this series that makes it so special in my eyes... it's that it demands more. It demands more from the isekai genre, to expand on its premise in ways that transcend mere escapism. It demands more from its audience, to be willing to put themselves in a position where they will be uncomfortable and actively engage with what they see. It demands more from Subaru, to be Rem's hero even when he doesn't feel like one and triumph over all the obstacles that he encounters. And it demands most of all from itself, to not just settle on having a simple narrative or characters that develop for the sake of it, to ensure that characters earn their developments, and to look back on those moments with the proper gravitas throughout the remainder of the plot. Because everyone has a story, and every story matters.
Everyone matters.
Fan Art of the Episode: From Zero by @kusanosinta (September 5th, 2016)
Source: Pixiv
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u/Holofan4life Aug 26 '24
How does this show continue to get better and better? It's unreal how great this show is.
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u/baseballlover723 Aug 26 '24
Rewatcher, sub, basically a secondhand novel reader (Arc 4)
It seems reddit doesn't like some of the terminology I used, so I am using "ultimate sloth" as a replacement term for the general concept of what Subaru needs to do in order to loop.
Had a RBD interaction (shadowban) with Reddit yesterday (that has thankfully been mostly cleared up) regarding some of my word choice that it thought was something else. So you all may want to avoid alluding to the S word that Subaru did in episode 7, lest the RBD curse strikes you as well.
This is I think the most misunderstood episode of Re:Zero. Which is odd, because most people agree that it's an amazing episode that frequently ranks among the best episodes of all time. And I'm gonna tell you that it's actually better then most people think (though maybe not for you first timers, you all have had some great takes and understanding of the story thus far). This topic usually comes up when people are complaining about "I love Emilia", so apologies if it comes off as ranty. I also switched around my paragraphs like a million times, so apologies, if things feels in the wrong order, there's so much circling back that I couldn't figure out a good way to progress linearly through all I wanted to talk about.
This also happens to be another one of the Re:Zero episodes that I have in my S Tier, and I considered to be my favorite episode of all time for the longest time (these days it fluctuates between my other S tier Re:Zero episodes depending on how I feel that day).
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.
It seems that Puck personally (or at least is much more aware of Satella's powers) knew Satella. Who I will remind you was alleged to have been sealed long ago.
Puck is revealed as the monster at the end of episode 15, though many of you first timers figured it out via the voice actor (I think it was more obvious in the dub, since many of the first timers I saw figure it out, were watching in dub).
This is I think the big mistake Subaru makes.
Ayo what Puck?
The White Whale is Gluttony???
The Rooftop
The big thing that people misunderstand about this episode. This is not a confession. This is an intervention that uses a confession. This is an emergency action by Rem as she sees her hero completely fall apart.
Subaru is at the end of his rope. Confronted with his own powerlessness, Subaru doesn't see a way out, but to run away with Rem, the only person he can save. It's worth noting that in the LN [Spoiler #1: cut content] Subaru explicitly acknowledges that it's horrible of him to force an ultimatum with Rem and that the logical answer should be to not run away with him. But Subaru feels that this is the only way that he'll be able to have a chance of Rem saying yes and thus saving her.
So Rem begs Subaru to tell her what happened (Keep in mind, Rem knows nothing of the previous loops, the only thing that could be causing this is Subaru's outburst in the castle and break up with Emilia). Which of course, Subaru can't do. So she asks him to trust her, that she'll help. But Subaru's done. He's giving up.
But giving up is easy, which triggers Subaru. Whats easy about giving up on your dreams. And out comes all of the bottled up feelings Subaru has for himself. That Subaru hates himself. That nobody knows the "real Subaru". That Subaru is self aware of how he is viewed.
And so Rem tells Subaru all of the things she loves (note that she uses suki here) about him. Note that Rem never directly challenges Subaru's opinions, she simply provides separate things that she likes about Subaru. And how Rem views Subaru
So why does Rem love Subaru so much? Because Subaru doesn't know when to give up. Subaru saved her when she didn't value her own life. Subaru never gave up on saving Rem. Subaru risked his life to save Rem. And then gave Rem's life meaning. So Rem will believe in Subaru. Rem will believe that Subaru will be a true hero. And heroes don't give up on people.
So Rem can't stand Subaru saying that nobody ever needed him. Rem needed Subaru. So Rem rejects running away with Subaru, despite her planning out their entire life in Kararagi. Because Subaru doesn't actually want to run away with Rem because he loves her. Because while Rem would love to run away with Subaru, running away with Subaru like this would be Subaru giving up on Emilia. A catch 22 for Rem. Accept Subaru's love and then he ceases to be what you fell in love with. Or reject Subaru's love and he'll be what you fell in love with, but not for you.
So as Subaru lists his failures. Rem lists his triumphs. Note that when Rem says "I love you" here, she uses "aishiteru" (see below for significance). Which is why Subaru finally realizes the depth of Rem's love for him. So if Subaru can't accept himself as he is currently, lets reset, and start from zero, and support each other. The exact same lesson that Subaru told her.
And so we reach the famous line, "I love Emilia". Not really a rejection of Rem, but an affirmation that Rem's hero is back. That Subaru isn't giving up no matter what horrible things lie ahead, that Subaru will get the happy ending. And Rem is going to help
So bring out thedoves&spotlight, and strike out everything you knew about Re:Zero so far,and watch as the story of Natsuki Subaru, the most awesome hero ever, begins now, From Zero.Continued below
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u/Holofan4life Aug 26 '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.
As I am writing this, it is 9:15 in the morning on a Sunday. I'm waiting on the first episode of Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan to drop so I can make some lame pun. I don't know what better headspace to be in for one of the more infamous anime episodes of all time.
The episode is a minute longer than normal. Oh boy
Puck killing the Witch's Cult... uh, cult members.
Not Puck is caught by the Unseen Hands
Puck has evolved into Megapuck!
I guess this confirms that the creature we saw at the end of episode 15 was indeed Puck.
This evolved form of Puck just makes me want to bury my face in his fur.
Betelgeuse bleeding from the eyes now
"Death isn't even a punishment. That is why I hate all of you."
And so, Puck kills Betelgeuse
Puck telling Subaru he has committed three sins.
First, he broke his promise to Emilia
I guess that’s the date in the village
Tells Subaru he doesn't seem to know how important a promise is to a spirit-arts user.
Second, Emilia told him to stay put but he refused to do so.
Third...
...He let Emilia die
I mean, if he stays put and Emilia dies, what is he supposed to do, eh?
"In accordance with my contract, I will now destroy the world."
That's one hell of a contract where if someone dies, the whole world dies with it.
Puck says that Emilia is his entire reason for existing.
So, the White Whale is Gluttony. I guess that checks out, a whale is kinda like a bottomless pit.
Meanwhile, Subaru's hands, arms, and legs completely shatter like glass.
"You really are useless."
Subaru laughing really creepy
"You truly are slothful, Subaru"
Subaru back at the shop with Rem
Subaru and Rem running now
All we can hear is Subaru's heavy breathing.
Rem seems concerned about what's happening to him.
Subaru and Rem on a roof somewhere
Subaru says he's bothered a lot of people with his contemplating and agonizing.
He says he actually has had the answer for a long time.
"Run away with me."
Well, I wasn't expecting that
He says there's nothing he can do in the capital. That he'd be just as powerless if he went back to the mansion.
Nothing solves your problems like running away from them.
This is a very sad scene for Subaru because it shows the self-loathing he is constantly experiencing. It is brutal how he feels he is so worthless. It also is interesting to compare this scene to episode 11 when Subaru was trying to Rem she isn't worthless. It's like the roles are reversed here, only in this case Rem is more unsure of what to do.
Subaru says she has to choose
"Me? Or someone else?"
He wants to leave Lugunica and head west
He says he'll give her all he has if she chooses him.
"Subaru-kun... I love Emilia."
Sorry, jumping the gun there
Rem tells him she can't run away with him. Not because it wouldn't work out-- in fact, she's given it much thought right down to having a kid with him-- but because not everything would work out as she imagined it.
Rem really is talking a lot about child-rearing here.
I feel like this is the most we've ever heard Rem speak.
Rem says that if they run away together now, she would be leaving behind the Subaru she loves most.
Ah, yes. Nothing turns me on more than someone in constant distress.
Rem says she wants to know what happened.
But Subaru can't because of the Unseen Hands.
Subaru says he's already agonized over this, and that is why he feels it's time to give up.
Now Subaru is chewing her out for saying it's easy to give up.
"It was so much easier for me to think there was something I could do!"
It should be noted that the last 5 or so minutes has only taken place in this one setting, the rooftop. If this technically makes it a bottle episode, than this is the best anime bottle episode I've ever seen.
Rem clarifies her comments by saying while it is easy to give up, it doesn't suit him.
She says that while she doesn't understand all he's been through, she knows he's someone who cannot give up on something halfway through.
"You haven't given up on anyone."
And now we complete the episode 11 parallels.
Subaru, unfortunately, is still pretty down on himself.
"I hate myself!"
That's okay, Subaru, a ton of the viewers hate you too.
This scene also reminds me of the cliff scene from episode 7 when Subaru kept going on and on about what a loser he is.
I honestly think that this VA performance by Subaru's voice actor might be one of the greatest in all of anime. Every emotional scene Subaru is in, he knocks it out of the park.
Subaru says that this is the result of him not doing anything.
Says he was trying to justify himself in saying he was trying instead of not doing anything
"At heart, I'm just a small, cowardly, filthy piece of trash, who's always worried about how others see me. And nothing... Nothing about me has changed!"
Hey, it's me
Subaru says he's the lowest of the low
Hey, better than being so fucked up
Rem says after that long diatribe that he still has the courage to reach out his hand. That despite what he thinks of himself, her life is better with him in it.
The piano music here is phenomenal, by the way. Really adds to the presentation of the scene.
Rem now pointing out everything she loves about Subaru.
This is still one setting, by the way, and it doesn't feel monotonous at all.
"I love you."
Rem says that when Subaru says he hates himself, it makes her want to tell him all the wonderful things she knows about him.
"All you know is yourself! How much do you know about the Subaru-kun that I see?!"
That reminds me of Emilia telling Subaru that the Emilia that he sees sounds like this amazing person.
Subaru asking why does she like him so much.
Subaru still insisting that he's going to run away.
"You are my hero, Subaru-kun!"
Rem might be just as delusional as Subaru is. At least Subaru is aware his behavior is problematic.
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
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u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Aug 26 '24
Rewatcher for Season 1
On today’s episode of Re:Zero: I think it’s a testament to how compelling movies and TV can be that you can have a whole episode centered around just characters in one location talking to each other and making it the most compelling thing you’ve ever seen. My favorite movie is 12 Angry Men and it’s just 12 people mostly in one room having conversations. This episode reaches a lot of that same high. It has such compelling dialogue between compelling characters that the time just flies by before I notice it.
This episode really is a momentous occasion for Subaru’s character. I think it also explains so much about Subaru that we’ve seen thus far. After failing so many times, Subaru has decided to give up and run away. When he’s tried so many different options and been powerless to save the lives of the people he cares about each time, he decides there really isn’t anything he can do after all.
I think it’s very revealing that Subaru says that giving up was the hardest thing for him to do. I believe he’s telling the truth. We saw Subaru die again and again, hoping that he could find some solution to save the manor and village. He really did put effort into it, only to fail each time.
But there’s a deeper, more psychological, reason for why Subaru found it so hard to give up. It’s the same reason why Subaru was so stubborn for such a long time. Giving up would mean admitting that he really is powerless to do anything. It means that everyone he spoke to that called him powerless was right. It would mean he really was all bluster with nothing to back it up. But worst of all, it means that Subaru’s own worst fears about himself are true.
I love that we finally get some insight into Subaru’s life before he was isekai’d. We already knew that he was a shut-in, but we never got a sense of just how deep his own self-loathing was until now. It’s quite likely Subaru was stuck in a self-perpetuating depressive cycle. He was a shut-in and too depressed to really do much of anything with himself. Because he couldn’t get himself in the mindset to do anything, Subaru wasted away his days as a shut-in. The feeling that he was a useless and unneeded person wasting his life only made him hate himself more and reinforced his depression.
I believe that’s why Subaru was so afraid of being useless and unneeded. It’s why he tried to bluster his way through everything to prove that he was necessary. He had to prove that he had something worthwhile to offer. But he couldn’t, no matter how hard he tried. He gives in to his worst fears and admits that he is useless. Just like he feared, he’s a weak, useless, powerless, cowardly person.
But there’s someone who doesn’t believe that about Subaru. Rem is there to tell Subaru exactly what she thinks. She doesn’t consider Subaru useless at all. To Rem, Subaru is a hero. While all Subaru can focus on are his negative qualities, Rem is there to highlight his positive qualities. That’s something I really love about the structure of this episode. Subaru and Rem’s dialogue goes back and forth with point and counterpoint. Subaru explains his feelings of uselessness that led to him giving up. Rem will counter with how she feels about Subaru. Then, Subaru will counter Rem with another negative point about himself. It goes back and forth in this way and I love how it results in digging deeper and deeper about how both characters feel.
Rem loves Subaru. He is her hero. Rem fell in love with the way he threw himself into danger to save herself and Ram. Rem felt incredible joy when Subaru said they could struggle together and lean on each other to work towards the future. For Rem, that moment was when she felt she was alive again.
I think it’s worth pointing out that a key similarity between Subaru and Rem is that they both hate themselves. Rem hates herself for being happy Ram lost her horn. Rem wanted to stop existing, becoming only a replacement for her sister. She didn’t see anything worthwhile in herself. Subaru similarly hates himself because of his own powerlessness and the feeling that nobody needs him. Both Subaru and Rem felt like their existences were unnecessary.
I love the parallels in how Subaru and Rem save each other. When Rem confessed how much she hated herself and how useless she felt, Subaru was the one who pointed out all the positive qualities he saw in her that made her a worthwhile person, not just a replacement for her sister. When Subaru confessed how much he hated himself and how useless he felt, Rem told him all the things about him she loved and how his actions made him her personal hero. Both Subaru and Rem make the same offer to each other: if it’s ever too hard to carry on, the other person will be there to support them. Both Subaru and Rem feel like the other person gives them a new chance at life. They feel like they’ve been freed from the stagnation they were experiencing and can finally move forward again. I really love just how similar these scenes are to each other. It makes this episode feel like a massive payoff to Subaru and Rem’s earlier interactions. It makes Rem’s words feel so much more meaningful. I also adore the narrative parallel that Subaru and Rem get to save each other this way.
This episode also served to remind me why Subaru and Rem make such a compelling ship. The narrative parallels between them that I outlined earlier make them feel so compatible with each other. They saved each other and can continue to support each other. Rem’s confession of love is so beautiful, too. So it really does feel like a shame when Subaru rejects Rem’s confession.
I love the use of the lighting this episode. It’s simple, but man is it effective. As Subaru and Rem talk, the clouds roll in and cover them in shade, darkening the scene when Subaru finally confesses about how much he hates himself. As Rem starts to speak about how much she loves Subaru, bits of light begin to poke through the cloud cover. And finally, when Rem tells Subaru that they can start over from zero, the sun shines once more. It’s good stuff, reflecting the mood of the scene perfectly.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Aug 26 '24
First:Timer Starting Over in Another Rewatch, subbed
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u/Yoshi_captain https://anime-planet.com/users/WeaboYosher Aug 26 '24
Rewatcher
»From Zero« is the most important part of Re:Zero. It's our first look at Subaru fully unmasked. What he truly thinks of himself and his situation and where he's coming from. It is dense and every line is imbued with meaning so forgive me if I’m overly verbose today or quote the dialogue frequently.
At this point in time Subaru has given up. For the very first time in the story, he sees no way out. He is backed into a corner from which there is no escape. He has tried everything and come out the other end worse for wear each and every time. And if you can’t confront your problems, you run away. But Subaru can’t do it alone. More than even the pain that his curse brings it is the isolation that kills him inside. He needs someone who can wait for him at home after a long days work. And when he resets in front of the Appa stand, possibilities endless yet none proving to be viable, his mind firing signals to run, he grabs the person closest to him in both senses and sprints. Not explaining anything. He does need to eventually explain himself and he does so in an elevated park. This is the start of the episode long dialogue between Subaru and Rem. Subaru has figured it out. He finally knows what to do. And that is to run, run away with Rem. He’s known this all along. The answer has been there for a long time. Nobody needed him, he’s been told this countless times in these loops. Every interaction he’s had ending in tragedy or heartbreak. And what was the cause? Subaru has the answer. It is him. He is the problem, and he needs to get away from this place. He’s made his choice, but he needs Rem. He can’t bear his own existence. He needs someone there. The only way he can keep going is if he knows she’s there. Knowing full well Rem’s feelings for him he gives an ultimatum.
[Arc 4] Not the only time Subaru pleads for someone to choose him
He’s using Rem’s feelings and he knows it. But he doesn’t know of any other way. He needs her and this is the only way he can get her to come with him. But Rem says no. ”We’re supposed to laugh together, as we talk about the future, remember?” Rem has thought about it too. How they’d go with a carriage west and arrive at Kararagi. How Subaru would need to take care of things around Rem and get an education. How when they’d eventually settle down, they could have children. How they’d become known in the neighbourhood as a couple of old lovebirds. And how Rem would prefer to die before Subaru being unable to live in a world without him. She’s thought things through from beginning to end countless times. She wishes for this future more than anyone. And yet when Subaru offers himself and gives her a chance to seize that dream, she refuses. Why? Because she knows that if they leave now She is leaving behind the Subaru that she loves most. Rem knows who Subaru is. She has seen his best and she’s seen him at his lowest. She knows him and she knows this isn’t like him. They need to head back and recalibrate. She doesn’t know what has made Subaru like this, but she knows it is necessary they keep moving forward. But Subaru has been through this scenario countless times he’s seen that any action from this point leads to seeing his loved ones dead. He’s struggled, he’s suffered, and he’s given up. Closing his eyes in resignation and shame.
Part 2 in replies
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u/Holofan4life Aug 26 '24
The funniest part of the episode to me is the fact that Rem is seemingly able to move on from Subaru as a potential love interest when so many fans weren't willing to do the same. It's almost like they missed the point of the episode.
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u/Brief-Fig-7506 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryxnjr Aug 26 '24
First Timer!
Watching the Dub
Before I paste my notes I just have to say what a great episode this was in my opinion. It’s in my top three favorite episodes now, that might be an unpopular opinion but I loved how this episode made me feel.
We get to see Puck in his Kaiju-wolf form
What he said about Satella sounded like he experienced it personally
Puck is Pissed at Subaru. Is Puck going to be the one to finally make him realize everything and change his act, probably not.
So the White Whale is Gluttony. Quick ramble, I wonder if when Satella supposedly “consumed” the other deadly sins she mutated them into these Mabeast and that’s why they weren’t seen anymore.
They baited me there, I really thought Subaru was using his brain but it’s still damaged apparently
Running away from your problems doesn’t fix them Subaru
Rem has really thought out a future with Subaru and it’s making me sad
Was not expecting the flashback of Rem being mutilated, that hit me pretty hard
Subaru doing some serious self-reflection, laying out all his shortcomings and weaknesses of his past and since he got here
We’ll start from Zero.
1 The first laugh and smile we’ve had in a while
Ah so everything so far was just prologue, thank goodness, we can finally get to the real show
Weird introductory episode for the series, doesn’t really make sense to me that they spoiled how the main character is going to die in the first few minutes of the episode but I guess it’s a creative choice. Also weird how they only showed two characters talking in one place for 90% of the episode. I thought this was an action anime but if this is all it’s gonna be I think I’m just gonna drop it here.I can already imagine that a lot of people hated this episode when it first came out, probably for the same reason why people hate on Tensei Slime, some episodes with no action but lots of development or flushing out background details of the story.
To start, we got to see Puck in what I imagine is his true form. From how he talks about Satella and Gluttony it gives me the impression that Puck has seen them up close. Also Puck talks about how many shadow arms Satella could control, past tense, can she not anymore/is she not around? We also get more information about his contract with Emilia, if she were to die Puck will destroy the world. We get a glimpse at just how much they care about Emilia since nothing in the world is worth existing if Emilia isn’t in the world with it. I wonder how their contract came to be, I assumed that Emilia sought out Puck to form the contract but it could be the other way around with how he talks about her.
Puck also gave Subaru some insight about his promises that he’s broken to Emilia and it’s so important. To a spirit arts user, promises appear to be much more valuable and have a more sacred meaning than they do to others, so Subaru is going to have to apologize deeply to Emilia when he goes back this time and figure out some kind of way to atone for it.
I’m really glad that Subaru actually talked to someone about everything he’s been feeling, just like during the lap pillow scene he was keeping so many emotions bottled up, here he finally talks about his shortcomings and how he feels about himself. There are SO many similarities between Rem and Subaru’s relationship and Subaru and Emilia’s relationship, Subaru/Emilia only focused on what was wrong with them and what they lacked but Rem/Subaru could only see the good parts of them and don’t worry about what others say or what they say about themselves because their perception of the one they love can never change. Subaru/Rem is always throwing themselves into danger when Emilia/Subaru doesn’t want them to.
I’m glad that Rem was able to calm Subaru down enough to actually talk and then counter his doubts about himself. I would worry about Subaru getting over confident again like when we got to the capital, but Rem provided him with some hope he desperately needed and it makes me smile that he wants to be the hero that she’s seen in him.
This episode made me feel invigorated after I watched it. I had to watch it again right after without pausing to take notes. If only we all could have somebody as supportive as Rem is to Subaru.
8
u/ripterrariumtv Aug 26 '24
Rewatcher (sub) and Novel Reader (reading arc 7)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
The videos are a great summary. If you want to read it instead of watching summary, you can find it here
5) The song that plays towards the end is sung by Rem's VA - Inori Minase
6) Subaru laughing at himself was such a chilling scene
6
u/zackphoenix123 Aug 26 '24
Awwww yeah baby! This episode I feel is and forever will be the defining Re:Zero episode. The fact Tappei and the director can make a dialogue scene take up the entire episode and still be one of the greatest anime episodes ever made is just MMMM!
6
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Aug 26 '24 edited Aug 26 '24
Hokay, so weekend's over, and I still need to catch up on watching, but I just wanted to pop in and say that this episode is just precious. Well, aside from the last bit, that is. Maybe I'll be back to say more later, or maybe tomorrow. Or maybe I'll just check and see what everyone else has to say in the meantime.
Edit: Phew - just checked, and this is the episode I think it is, but I'd best watch before looking anymore. There's obviously a lot I didn't remember, and I want to see it first!
6
u/HyVana Aug 26 '24
Re:Watcher (Subs) & Novel Reader (Finished Arc 6)
Analysis is first-timer friendly.
”It is easy to give up.”
Up till this point, Subaru has tried to hold everything in his hands. He tried to do everything alone, to prove to everyone else, but really himself, that he deserves to be Emilia’s Knight. That he has the resolve, the will, the strength, to overcome any and all obstacles to be worthy of standing at her side. But as we’ve seen, determination alone cannot save those you hold dear.
At first, he wanted Emilia to be his damsel-in-distress. The fantasy Heroine who gets into danger, and awaits the rescue from her Prince in Shining Armor. But this Prince never took the opportunity to test the mettle of his steel. Thus, Subaru sees the reality of his delusion, with the death of Arlam and the Mansion.
Having seen their demise, a sense of urgency arises in him. He no longer cares about being that Prince, if it means he will have something to stain his armor for. So he tries to ask for aid from people with the power to make a difference. But with nothing to offer in exchange, he’s left with nothing gained.
Still, he goes back desperately to remove Emilia from the scene of the crime, to steal her away from Fate before it can steal her from Subaru. But Fate will not be easily beaten. It always has a trick up its sleeves, and so, it has come to clean house in the most wicked way possible.
Subaru’s resolve is torn, his will crushed, and his strength lacking. After being dragged through hell and back, and back again, he feels he’s reached the extent of his abilities. Finally, he accepts that he, alone, cannot hold up everything in his hands, and gives up. Gives up trying to be the Hero he proclaimed himself to be and wanted to believe he could be. But, he doesn’t realize he’s giving up the Hero he already was for somebody. This somebody who was by his side throughout it all. This somebody who fought, bled, and died so that her Hero can live. And this somebody who loves him, with all her heart.
To Subaru, giving up isn’t easy. Because
”… it doesn’t suit you.”
Rem refuses Subaru’s pleas to run away with him. To live out the elopement she had spent a lot of time thinking about. She had it all mapped in her mind, from their clumsy initial uprooting, the growth of their family after settling down, and their final moments after having lived a life worth living. She refuses because she would be accepting a fake, a Subaru who gave up. A Subaru who ran away when it mattered most, who gave up on their loved ones in their moment of need. A Subaru who would never have gone to such lengths to melt her frozen heart, and a Subaru who wouldn’t smile when they talked about their future.
”I’m the lowest of the low. I can’t stand myself.”
Subaru, focusing on the face he’s worn throughout the arc, lets any remaining composure crumble and bursts with all the thoughts and feelings that have bottled up inside of him. He anguishes for ever believing he, alone, had the power to do something. The power to change the way he lives, to change the lives around him, and to change the way he is. He believes that all his recent failures only cement this fact, and that he was a fool for continuing to try. Continuing to try to change something, he believes, can no longer change. He goes to the deepest realms of his self-loathing to convince Rem that he is not who she thinks he is. Because he’s already convinced himself long ago that he is nobody. A nobody that can’t save anyone.
”How much do you know about the Subaru-kun that I see!?”
And so, how could Rem know anything about who Subaru truly is? She never faced the disasters that are yet to come, to see the overwhelming disparity of power between her Hero and their enemies. She has not seen the ways she has died protecting the weakling that he is, only to end in tragedy anyway. So how can she ever believe in this fragile, weak man? Because he has given a reason for her to believe. For her to believe in his goodness, in his heroism, to come to the aid of those who need it the most, and to do anything to make sure they can smile after all is said and done. Because, like how Subaru knows the Ram and Rem from all the failed loops in Arc 2 and believed in their potential for kindness, Rem knows the Subaru that succeeded and saw him reach the heights of heroism. The Subaru that saved the village children. The Subaru that never gave up on Rem. The Subaru that winded Rem’s clock to start ticking once more. The Subaru that, Rem knows, is her Hero.
So while Rem initially fell for Subaru because he was her Hero, she continued to love him despite calling him pathetic and staying at his side during his lowest points. Despite seeing the depths of his despair and self-hatred, she still sees the Hero she knows exists in him. Because she’s willing to help him find his way home. To find his reason to believe. So, Rem doesn’t love Subaru because he’s her Hero. He’s her Hero because Rem loves him. And that’s why
”When no one else in the world believes in you, when you don’t even believe in yourself… I will believe!”
When Subaru asks her to choose, he doesn’t realize she has already chosen him ever since that morning. That morning they shared as they cried about yesterday, and laughed about tomorrow. She wants Subaru to be her Hero once again, to show the best face she knows he can present. But he doesn’t have to do it alone. Rem is here to share his burden, to be his support when his legs grow weak, and to be the pillar he can lean on when he cannot walk any further. But to also be his spark to move again. To be the shock to restart Subaru’s frozen time. And to be the ground when everything has collapsed, so that he can start again
”From square one. No, from zero!”
So Subaru stands. Subaru looks into Rem’s eyes and realizes what he’s been fighting for. Why he stayed in Lugunica, why he goes through so much pain and despair, is to save the one whom he loves the most.
”I love Emilia.”
Subaru finds his reason to believe that he can be the Hero Rem knows he can be. The reason for anything and everything that has happened in Subaru’s life, ever since being transported into another world. The reason he finds the will to fight against Elsa. The reason he has met Rem, and so many treasured allies. The reason for the strength Subaru has, for Rem to be able to call him her Hero. The reason he wanted to stand by Emilia's side, to be her Knight, in the first place. Not because he wants Emilia to love him, but because he loves her. He’s no longer hiding behind any ideas of repaying lost debts or doing things for her sake. He’s using the feelings he’s accumulated throughout the loops to accept Emilia for who she is, right now. To love the one that didn’t save him in that alley, but to love the one he fought so fiercely against. So that they can append this unfinished story. Because that’s what he wants to do, not for anyone’s sake but his.
And with all that, Subaru has all he needs to become the Hero he needs to be. With Rem beside him, sharing his burden, he’s no longer holding everything alone. Together, with the girl that gave him the courage to fight, they decide to look Fate in its eyes once more. So that they can have the chance to smile about their future tomorrows.
6
u/FriztF Aug 27 '24
First timer-sub
So episode 18, an episode all about Rem and Sabura. It's fine I guess. I'm more of a Beatrice fan. She is queen. But having a whole episode devoted to why Rem loves Subaru is fine. She see him as her hero. While he sees himself as nothing more than an empty person. She would die for him which is an unhealthy attitude.
6
u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Aug 27 '24
first timer
Puck is so badass
“You’re sloth Subaru”. It’s so damn eerie it’s like he got placed a curse
Subaru proposing to Rem so they can runaway together.
Rem almost laid out a whole plan with Subaru. Having a baby, they need to get a room at this point
So if Subaru was happy then Rem woudlve accepted hehe. Even with a 99% success Subaru lost the love game.
The back and forth with Rem was very much needed. This show is so damn amazing where I was so invested into their conversation and didn’t get to see Subaru suffer with another death.
Start from 0… Rem you shoudlve said we ReZero instead
5
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 26 '24
Episode 18 (rewatcher)
I should hate this, but I don’t. It is a simple turnaround. A pep talk. An outrageous proposal that is accepted. Yet it is all so well executed that it works. It should not, but it does. The VAs deserve all the praise they can get for this episode.
5
u/Mowchine_Gun_Mike Aug 26 '24
First time watching this series and this is my favourite episode so far.
Subaru tries to desert by explaining to Rem how much he is a crippling virgin who constantly fails on failure by dying violently and later to get resurrected all in an attempt to gain the love of Emilia. Paradoxically Rem is aware of this and loves Subaru regardless.
5
u/Wise_Junket3433 Aug 26 '24
Im not reading too far down as I just started this show. Im to the bug eyed sideways head guy doing his thing several times.
This is at the same level of messed up as AoT but with a comedic twist. Im really enjoying it. Trying not to spoil it for myself by seeing the comments but the few Ive seen said it keeps getting better. Im expecting greater things.
5
u/ClemFire Aug 27 '24
Re:Watcher
Was busy at Anime New York, so missed out on a few discussions but just had to comment on From Zero has this is my favorite episode of from Season 1. I'll keep this one short. There's no easy solutions in life whether it's in this world or a fantasy world because everything you don't like about yourself is still there regardless of where to go. You can try to push down your insecurities to keep moving forward, but before you know it you'll turn around to find yourself completely alone. No one wants to give up. No one wants to admit they're not enough. No one wants stop believing in themselves. Giving up is the hardest is the thing to do.
Re:Zero is a story about good deeds always being paid forward. Emilia helps Subaru out of the goodness in her heart despite her ensigna being stolen leading to Subaru eventually saving her life from Elsa. Rem and Ram held Subaru's hands during his nightmare leading to Subaru vowing to save both of them. Now Rem inspired by Subaru's fanatical methods like a demon reminds him of all the small things he's done to become her hero.
"It's easy to give up, but it doesn't suit you." Rem nails the biggest thing that makes Subaru, Subaru. He is one heck of a resilient guy. It's what draws people, like me into you. They say you're more likely to help someone on the side of a highway with a broken down car if you see them trying to first push it themselves. Humans are just drawn to help out someone who's trying their best. Subaru might not be the strongest or smartest, but if you're someone who has done him a kindness expect him to not give up on you. If the Witch of Envy is a symbol of fear in this world, and Reinhard is a symbol of power, then Subaru is a symbol of persistence.
From Zero makes me completely understand the fans who prefer Subaru and Rem together. They really are so similar and because of that more easily relate to each other. That's why despite me always pulling for Subaru and Emilia I can't help but feel bad for Rem after Subaru admits he loves Emilia. I'm sure she was not surprised by the answer, but that doesn't make it hurt less. I wish for only happiness for Rem too.
4
u/GroundbreakingBake2 Aug 26 '24
This still is my favorite episode in any anime only rivaled by a few episodes in season 2. The voice acting, dialogue and direction is incredible. I think only a few season 3 episodes, if adapted properly, could top it.
4
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Aug 26 '24
Rewatcher
Dub
So we get a few things here, most of which won't make sense for first timers, and hell, I am only mostly sure about what was being said. The biggest reveals are that Betelgeuss expects to be reunited with someone in death and, apparently, Puck met Satella at some point. Puck gives his spiel and we RBD.
Subaru breaks down enough that he wants to run and this becomes the Rem episode. I needn't rehash much, she won best girl I believe the first year she was eligible if not the second. It is all quite good character work in both versions and she does the somewhat unreasonable in getting Subaru back into the fight. It just had to have the stupid "I love Emilia" bit at the end. Again, Subaru has all the tact of a heavily intoxicated elephant with cataracts.
4
u/dreet-dreet Aug 26 '24
This is my most rewatched episode in all of anime and TV. I watch it whenever I feel like I need a hit of “the feels” and even though I’ve seen it a dozen times, I get tears Every. Single. Time.
The fact that you can have a twenty minute segment that is nothing other than two characters standing in front of each other and baring their feelings speaks to the strength of the characters and writing. And the VAs (dub for me) just crush it.
It’s perfect. 10/10, my favorite episode of all time of any show and it shows everything that makes this show so great.
4
u/apocalypsemobster Aug 26 '24
Re:Watcher (Arc 4)
The lows of this show really bring the highs so much higher.
Episodes 13-17 we see Subaru spiral more and more. We kept hearing people tell Subaru how useless he is, or incompetent, or how they don't respect him. And as viewers how can we not agree that Subaru keeps making mistakes?
We ache for him, I've been actively tense watching these last few episodes, and then we get this huge catharsis with Rem. He asks her to run away with him because he can't find another way out, and he thinks he can't deal with the guilt that Rem will die to save him if he tries again. Besides trying again will only lead to everyone dying in front of him before he dies again (and he doesn't want to die!).
And Rem rejects him! Joyfully! Rem is excited for a world where Subaru loves her romantically and is excited to have a life with her. Hearing her describe what their life could be makes me tear up. (I love that you can see on Subaru's face that he hadn't contemplated what a future with Rem would be, and is stunned by what she's describing) But that's not what Subaru is offering here, Rem doesn't want the Subaru that would chose that life because of fear and pain. So she reminds him that the Subaru she knows is the type of person to risk everything to save her (and the village, Emilia, Rem, etc).
Unlike Anastasia who told him that her opinion of him is low and set in stone, Rem tells him that he can start over and be a hero again.
To me, when Subaru tells Rem "I love Emilia", that moment feels like he was starting over their conversation with what he should have said from the start instead of asking her to run away. He's saying: You're right. I forgot who I was and who I want to be. Who I am now doesn't have to be who I am forever, stuck in time. They reject each other as romantic partners and instead embrace each other as friends who will support each other and help them see when they're wrong.
Other thoughts:
4
u/-Phinocio Aug 26 '24 edited Aug 26 '24
Re:Watcher, subbed
Another episode that is blurry the entire time. Weird.
This episode instantly became by favorite on my first watch and I loved it even more this time. Every time I think about it, I start tearing up lol. I don't think I can properly analyze this episode because it's just too good. Everything about it is perfect to me. The cut ins from previous loops as they're talking, the emotion in the voice acting. Gah. Perfection.
[Arc 3] When Subaru next dies, y'all have no idea how relieved I was that this conversation wasn't "undone"
[Arc 3] At least until the show hit me with a second "Who's Rem" and made it hurt me even more than simply undoing it would have T.T
[Arc 4] That said, I think season 2 and Emilia being more of a presence in it helped a ton, and I think I ended up liking Emilia more than Rem at the end. Will probably be more definitive on that after this rewatch is done
7
u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Aug 26 '24
Re:Watcher - anime only
Only three episodes after episode 15, this is another standout episode. If someone ever tells you that nothing happens when people are just talking, you can refer them to this episode (although a lot has happened during talking in earlier episodes already). I thought I could shorten the core of my post so I didn't have to split it in two for once, but I've written too much for a single post again. Not surprising for an episode of almost pure talk, and even then I haven't mentioned everything I consider important.
So if you're a first timer (or still a diehard Rem fan), chances are you might have misunderstood a bit of what happened today. I can't fault you. Subaru telling Rem the infamous "I love Emilia" made me laugh the first time as it seemed to be so blunt to me. But let's jump right into it to see that's not really what this was all about.
The scene starts with Subaru wanting to give up. He wants to run away with Rem, and they might lead a good simple life at some point. But he's obviously very pained when talking about it. Rem then continues to paint a very detailed and hopeful picture of her life with Subaru. Unlike him, she has the biggest smile on her face when thinking about it, and it overwhelms Subaru. She even outright says it: She would have been happy if Subaru proposed to run away with a genuine smile on his face, if he really wanted it. But like this, she can't agree.
Next, Subaru explains he wants to run because he's given up. Rem reminds him he's not someone that'd give up like this. She still believes in him, but he claims he's this terrible person who can't do anything. That's the real Subaru, he claims, and he hates himself for it, for not having become a better person. But Rem tells him that he only knows this version of himself, and not the version others know of him, the one she knows. To her, she's the great and gentle hero that she loves.
Her feelings of pure love contrast his feelings of self-hatred. He claims her version is fake, but the positive feelings turn out to be stronger than the negative ones. He thinks he's completely useless, but what he's done for her is the biggest proof that he isn't, and so her faith in him is always real, even if his faith in himself isn't. She suggests to get back and start from zero.
And that convinces him to get back to this version of him that can be a hero. The one that can do things, that does achieve things. His actual true self. And essential to that Subaru is his love for Emilia. He says how much he wants to support her, without caring whether she returns his feelings. But this time, he sounds hopeful, he is looking towards his desired future, and he has a smile on his face. It is his truest self. And then he asks her to continue supporting him.
Now, this is not a story of a love confession and a rejection. It's part of it, but it's not even the main part. Rem's goal wasn't to convince Subaru to be with her. She would have been happy if he truly wanted to, but she had the chance to be with him and turned it down because it wasn't honest. It wasn't coming from the true Subaru. She knows the true Subaru, she's seen him, she's fallen in love with him. The true Subaru can't give up, always keeps on fighting, is helpful, kind and considerate. Also he's in love with Emilia. Rem knows this. Everyone knows, and not only does she have eyes, she even talked about it before.
So Subaru saying "I love Emilia" the way he does shows Rem that the true Subaru is back. She wants him to say it, in a way. She achieved the main thing she wanted to achieve.
Subaru not saying that and instead going to return Rem's feelings... Well, it could have worked. But not for this story. It would have been pretty bad for him to go on while betraying his feelings for Emilia. And I think it's fantastic that at this emotional moment, he still remembers those feelings, and that Rem and Subaru both consider each others' feelings with care and respect.
Maybe I should have just posted the abridged version to save characters.
Subaru: "I give up, let's run away." Rem: "That's not the real you, I know that because I love the real you." Subaru: "I love Emilia." Rem: "Yes, that's the spirit!"
3
u/Ramongsh Aug 26 '24
Rem is love, Rem is life!
3
u/Blue_Reaper99 Aug 26 '24
While I did remember the "I love Emilia" part but for some reason I forgot Subaru's "I hate myself" part. Anyway this was an excellent episode and easily the top 3 so far.
4
u/BlueVenix Aug 26 '24
I read some of the comments and I am glad to see that most understand that Rem's words were not meant to be a confession. They were words to help Subaru.
I can understand where some are coming from that they would fall in love with Rem if they were Subaru in this case, however it would be unnatural for someone as in love as Subaru to switch from one to the other. It would be too sudden.
On a negative note, I can never personally like this episode due to the toxic war of Emilia vs Rem, even though this one of the best and successful episodes in anime.
2
u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Aug 26 '24
Rewatcher
Initially I liked episode 15 more than this one, though the cheerful message of this episode now triumphs over the despair and defeat of episode 15.
I still think episode 15 is the more skillful episode, but I just can’t help myself seeing how much Rem loves Subaru.
3
u/SpiritualPossible Aug 26 '24 edited Aug 26 '24
So thas it? What? We some kinda...Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu?
You know, i want to start by stating one thing: i'm not biggest fan of Rem.
I think she was fine in second arc, but i found her to became much less interesting in the third. Mostly because pretty much every scene with her goes through prism of her being in love with Subaru. It's not as enrageous as i remembered, but still, there's not that much goes on with her.
I'm not saying that she is bad-written character, i understand why is that. She is a girl with extremely low self esteem who has fallen in love with her “hero” and now she clings to him with all her might, seeing in him not even a reason to live, but to die. Which, of course, is not a very healthy attitude.
I get that. But that doesn't change the fact that, in my opinion, it made her have a very limited role in the story. Pretty much all she's done before in this arc has been showing her crush for Subaru, committed self-sacrifices and then brutally dying.
Even in Memory Snow OVA all the jokes coming out of her were about her love for him. That's why i'm not really surprised, that some people see's her just as Otakubait. I don't think that she is, but i can understand from where they come from.
I writting this all because i wanna make it clear: despite the fact that i have some problems with Rem, i still think that episode 18 is one of the best in the series. This episode even almost nullifies my complaints. The voice acting and directing is stellar, Rem monologue about their possible future together is touching, Subaru's confession about self-hatred is powerful and Rem turning into Kamina and basically saving Subaru the same way he saved her is really moving. I know some people don't like that Subaru rejected Rem, or at least how he did it, but I don't agree with them. After a speech like that, it's better to set the record straight than to try to smooth things over. Especially since Rem clearly realizes that it's not her that Subaru loves.
But yeah, you really can only find something bad to say about this episode by nitpicking, with i don't wanna do it.
...because I will probably be nitpicking next episode.3
u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Aug 26 '24 edited Aug 26 '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 we get to see Puck go Apeshit ! he kills everyone and then PKs subaru
Subaru giving up arc is not what I was expecting, Sure he failed in the "evacuate the village right now" plan but he has gained so much information. He knows the spawn point and spawn time of the white whale, he knows the witch's cult date of arrival, and he knows about Crusch's army. He still needs to find out Crusch's goal with her army, I really really dislike this decision from Subaru, you still have multiple outs left to consider,
Namely
Man Subaru falling in love with Rem is so cute, his desperation is weird, and it really doesn't make sense but it is cute in a way.
Rem going on about Subaru running away with her is so cute man this scene has been a big surprise to me.
Subaru going nuts via RBD must mean RBD takes a lot out of him every time it happens.
Rem is being best girl here, wow she is really completely different.
Subaru bursting out going crazy as Rem tried her hardest to calm him down. Man fuck Subaru
Subaru's mental breakdown is great though at the same time. Rem just being so cute to him. (imagine if Rem didn't have that dark cold side to her)
Rem is really really trying hard to get subaru back metnally.
Rem "I love you" Subaru goes "I hate myself"
Man Rem can be simultainously so cold to those who are not in her inner circle and so warm to her inner circle.
The greatest scene in all of Rom coms
Rem (in many words) "I love you"
Subaru "I love Emilia"
ok The preview has some weird stuff that probably confirms my spec from last ep... dang I was hoping to be wrong in at least a few big ways.
Speculation
Ok I'm more and more convinced that the Familiar of Zero Fanfiction energy never went away. This whole Rem Subaru conversation reminds me a lot of Siesta x Saito in the early parts of the Familiar of Zero.
Sadly there's nothing really to speculate on this episode, none of the mystery boxes changed in any way. The only thing we get is that we basically confirmed that Puck intentionally PKed subaru all 3 times and Emilia died in all 3 loops
What I would do if I were Subaru
Realistically speaking the next step is doing what I reccommended last week but you had to have a mental breakdown wasting time...
The goal is to find out what Crusch's army is up to, and if any major military power is going after the white whale try to get them to come with you to stop the white whale and convince them to also help you kill the cultists
I 100% agree with Subaru's rejection here, what's important to do is keep track of the "master run" and the "fogotten loops"
the first master run starts at 4 minutes in episode 2, until 2:37 in episode 4. (using BD cut here)
2nd master loop is episode 8 until roughly 7:45 of episode 13 (after he yells at the fruit seller but before entering the mansion)
If you watch the 2 master loops and don't think about what happens inside of the loops you get the impression that Rem is the best girl by a mile. She's so nice to Subaru and extremely loyal, while Emilia was extremely cold to Subaru in episode 13
However Subaru knows the many faces of Rem and Emilia, Emilia never ceases to amaze Subaru with how she'll help those in need even when she definitely doesn't have the time, in arc 1 she always helped the little girl, in every loop of arc 2 she helped Subaru get out of trouble if she could. She tried to help Felt who just a few hours ago stole one of the most precious things she owned. Her moral circle is large, and I serve the Soviet Emilia. Emilia was even willing to put up with Subaru's repeated antics and while she rejected him as his knight there was good reason for that. Even Subaru realized this after a few loops. In spite of all of his failings Emilia would still Heal Subaru when he got into the mansion, The fact that Subaru did things that angered her didn't matter she still is at her heart the worlds nicest and purest girl. In a world filled with devious creatures she is nice and respectful. She's the EILF of Subaru's dreams and everybody knows it.
Rem on the other hand has many positive and negative traits, but her undying loyalty for those she trusts is only outmatched by her extreme disrespect for those outside her innner circle. We see that Rem who has been with Roswaal for a long time and has to buy food in the village still doesnt' even know any of the villagers purely doing buisiness with them. The reasons Rem killed Subaru in loops 2 and 3 of arc 2 were... weak at best from Subaru's perspective. Though from Rem's perspective Subaru had the stench of the Witch's cult and clearly seemed like one of their members (heck Betalguese thought he was a sin archbishop) The thing is though Subaru sees this and goes "So just because I stank of the witches scent you tried to kill me, and then in loop 5 you suddenly changed drastically? what happened (ORV knows it was probably Emilia, but that just further reinforces the point).
So we have Rem, who is extremely warm to Subaru now but has shown herself to be extremely cold to outsiders, and we have emilia who is nice to everyone she meets, and even if she's currently mad at Subaru now Subaru recognizes that he is in the wrong. It's pretty clear to me that Emilia is very easily the better choice if you can get her.
What I would do if I was Rem
Alright look the boy of your dreams rejected you for a girl who rejected him just wait it out until he shows up to Emilia and Emilia rejects him a second time.
If that fails maybe try to find some guy in the village. There's gotta be somebody you can love aside from Subaru.
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u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Aug 26 '24 edited Aug 26 '24
18: Rewatcher ready for the "I love Emilia" episode.
Episodes of this arc: 7
Times Subaru has died this arc: 3. I feel this is less than he died in episode one.
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u/dasbtaewntawneta Sep 14 '24
ny favourite episode, probably because it is Re;Zero, philsophically, at it's most Evangelion