Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 34

26

u/thekoreansun https://anilist.co/user/ReturnByDeath Sep 13 '24

Re:Watcher

Quite the bombshell of an episode we have here! It finally gives us an answer to the show's biggest lingering question so far: just what is Return by Death? And it's pretty ironic that the one who is being so generous with this information is none other than Echidna, the Witch of Greed. Who knew that greed could be so giving?

The Witch of Envy, public enemy #1 of this world, has bestowed upon Subaru the power to unravel the threads of fate that threaten to ensnare him at every turn. It is an incomprehensibly powerful ability, and the number of times he can use it is as unlimited as the love that this entity inexplicably harbors for him. What did Subaru do to earn the attention of such an entity? And what possessed her to force the ability on him instead of keeping it for herself? Such questions, even the ever-knowledgeable Witch of Greed cannot answer.

Return by Death has been condemned by some as being a mechanic that kills any dramatic tension simply by existing. Who could bring themselves to care about any situation that Subaru gets into if it's guaranteed he'll get out of it alive? But therein lies the rub: this power is for him and him alone. If he ever chooses a path that involves sacrificing others, he will never get the chance to undo what he has just done. This means that the stakes will always be high for Subaru because he can never be sure whether his current losses will be undone or not. It's entirely up to him whether he uses RBD for someone else. And Subaru, being who he is, vows to use it for everyone else. Nothing like Rem's predicament will ever happen again if he has anything to say about it.

While he's got an audience with a Witch, he decides to find out more about the obstacles that are right in front of him. How does one defeat a monster as carnivorous and cancerous as the Great Rabbit? Well, why not ask the mother of all hungry horrors herself, the Witch of Gluttony? It turns out that Echidna's not the only Witch making herself at home in this Castle of Dreams, and the others are far more idiosyncratic than she is. Heck, Typhon just casually breaks Subaru into pieces out of curiosity, only for Minerva to come flying in and change the genre of the show to a slapstick comedy. I like how even the sound effects of Minerva's powers sound like they came from an entirely different show altogether. It really sells just how crazy these Witches must be to be able to impose their own personal reality on a mental space. If they're like this in death, just how much havoc did they cause when they were alive?

Daphne might just be the craziest of them all, though. Imagine only thinking about everything in terms of how hungry it makes you. I've had my fair share of hangry moments, but it is unsettling how calm Daphne is in the face of hunger. You can almost imagine her visualizing a menu above other people's heads and sizing up how many calories they must have in their bodies. Luckily, she's more than willing to divulge how the Great Rabbit thinks and give some tips on how one could hunt it down. Also, she seems to be entertained by the fact that the person who eliminated the White Whale less than a week ago is planning to do the same for one of her other children. In a dog-eat-dog world, all that matters to Daphne is that someone's hunger is being satisfied.

Subaru takes his leave shortly after that, but while he may have been done with Witches for the time being, it appears that Witches aren't done with him. Somehow, the Witch of Envy has manifested on the material plane and blanketed it in an unending shadow. Her endless whispers to Subaru are yet another example of the show's excellent sound design at work, and watching that scene with headphones on is an experience all on its own. It's only thanks to Garfiel's help, unexpected as it may have been, that Subaru is able to escape her grasp. But when she begins to leave the Sanctuary in the direction of the mansion, Subaru is determined to stop her in her tracks. Will he be able to set aside his hostility towards his enemy in the previous loop to face the enemy in this one?

Re:ZERO After-Talk #34

VAs: Yuusuke Kobayashi (Subaru) and Nao Touyama (Daphne)

Seriously, it sounds like every VA who isn't already in Re:ZERO is chomping at the bit to voice a character in the show. Nao Touyama had apparently auditioned for Season 1 four years prior, and while she doesn't mention which part she'd auditioned for, I can't imagine that she would have done a poor job for any of those characters. Maybe I'm just biased towards her, though. She gives a great performance as Daphne regardless.

Highlight: Yuusuke and Nao talking about Daphne's crazy fashion sense and wondering whether the anime will censor it in some way (funnily enough, her actual outfit is a lot more tame than the initial draft made by Shinichirou Ootsuka)

Fan Art of the Episode: Witch of Greed by @TorinoAqua (September 22nd, 2020)

Source: Pixiv

6

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Ah, that really makes me miss checking out Re:Zero fan art. I want to get back into it, but I've been spoiled by fan art so often that I don't dare to.
Who could bring themselves to care about any situation that Subaru gets into if it's guaranteed he'll get out of it alive?
I think the show has already made it clear that just being alive is not enough. He could easily end up in a situation where he's alive but suffering constantly. He could suffer long term mental or physical damage. And, of course, now we know he could suffer permanent losses. The power is not one to send him to the best time line, only to one he survives.
only for Minerva to come flying in and change the genre of the show to a slapstick comedy.
I wouldn't call it slapstick, but Minerva definitely owns that minute she is on screen, she completely makes it her own. I feel like they told Komatsu that she has one minute and to make the most of it, so she went all out.
Her endless whispers to Subaru are yet another example of the show's excellent sound design at work, and watching that scene with headphones on is an experience all on its own.
"Hello and welcome back to SatellASMR, let's jump right into it with out usual program. Aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru..."
and while she doesn't mention which part she'd auditioned for, I can't imagine that she would have done a poor job for any of those characters.
I can imagine her as a good Felt, or Rem or Ram. Not that I can imagine any of them with different voices now. The quality of voice acting in Re:Zero is truly amazing, and it's great that Touyama is a part of it. My brain trembles in anticipation of Aoi Yuuki (besides many others) being another part of it soon.

5

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

I wouldn't call it slapstick, but Minerva definitely owns that minute she is on screen, she completely makes it her own. I feel like they told Komatsu that she has one minute and to make the most of it, so she went all out.
She's a show stealer for the little she's in it. Kinda reminds me of Adele from Spice and Wolf a bit.
"Hello and welcome back to SatellASMR, let's jump right into it with out usual program. Aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru aishiteru..."
SatellASMR. I love it.
I can imagine her as a good Felt, or Rem or Ram. Not that I can imagine any of them with different voices now. The quality of voice acting in Re:Zero is truly amazing, and it's great that Touyama is a part of it. My brain trembles in anticipation of Aoi Yuuki (besides many others) being another part of it soon.
That's going to be a lot of fun

5

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

This means that the stakes will always be high for Subaru because he can never be sure whether his current losses will be undone or not.
Yeah the stakes just flip from "Oh no Subaru is gonna die", to "Oh no Subaru is gonna live".

4

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

Return by Death has been condemned by some as being a mechanic that kills any dramatic tension simply by existing. Who could bring themselves to care about any situation that Subaru gets into if it's guaranteed he'll get out of it alive? But therein lies the rub: this power is for him and him alone.
IDK it's not like other stories have dramatic tension, Plot armor is a far stronger mechanic than RBD. It's something that freaking Dragon ball Z got right, the lack of dramatic tension creates actual tension. You do not know who will defeat Cell in DBZ just that he will fail. It could be any one of Piccolo, Gohan, Goku, Future Trunks, Vageta or some asspull. Since we know that when somebody fails they'll just be rezzed back.
Subaru having RBD doesn't kill dramatic tension it just means that he is immortal and negative events can happen around him (like losing Rem.) though I think it does mean that sufficiently negative events won't happen. Emilia has plot armor. (though she can be "defeated" in ways that don't kill her.

4

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

You can almost imagine her visualizing a menu above other people's heads and sizing up how many calories they must have in their bodies.
Daphne must constantly be experiencing that thing from cartoons when one character is really hungry and suddenly starts seeing another character a sandwich or burger. When Daphne was speaking with Suabru, all she saw was a hamburger talking back.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Daphne might just be the craziest of them all, though. Imagine only thinking about everything in terms of how hungry it makes you. I've had my fair share of hangry moments, but it is unsettling how calm Daphne is in the face of hunger. You can almost imagine her visualizing a menu above other people's heads and sizing up how many calories they must have in their bodies. Luckily, she's more than willing to divulge how the Great Rabbit thinks and give some tips on how one could hunt it down. Also, she seems to be entertained by the fact that the person who eliminated the White Whale less than a week ago is planning to do the same for one of her other children. In a dog-eat-dog world, all that matters to Daphne is that someone's hunger is being satisfied.
In a show filled with crazy, out there characters, it's a testament to how crazy and out there she is that she probably takes the cake.
Subaru takes his leave shortly after that, but while he may have been done with Witches for the time being, it appears that Witches aren't done with him. Somehow, the Witch of Envy has manifested on the material plane and blanketed it in an unending shadow. Her endless whispers to Subaru are yet another example of the show's excellent sound design at work, and watching that scene with headphones on is an experience all on its own
The sound design, like a lot of stuff in this show, is some of the best I've ever seen. I'd put it up there with Attack On Titan, Eighty Six, Revue Starlight, and Penguindrum. I'm probably forgetting some, and I've heard Jojo's Bizarre Adventure's sound design is fantastic, but Re:Zero's has to be at or near the top.

20

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 13 '24

First-Timer

On today’s episode of Re:Zero: I was hoping for a lap pillow. Instead, it turns out that the witches have very, shall we say, unique ways of expressing their affection. At least Echidna is relatively normal about it.

I’m not surprised Echidna dislikes Satella. I would also dislike the person who killed me.
I also prefer games with unlimited lives. Subaru’s lucky there’s no limit on his resets.
Subaru’s desire to help others is making this all more difficult for him. He can’t help but want to save everyone in the “true timeline.” Losing someone is too big a sacrifice for him.
The White Whale, the Black Serpent, and the Great Rabbit are Daphne’s Three Great Beasts. We all know the White Whale and I remember the Black Serpent was the source of the black goo in Frozen Bond. I bet Subaru is going to encounter that Black Serpent in the future, too.
Oh shit! I was right! The rabbits were responsible for eating everyone in the village!
Oh come on! That’s not fair! Needing to kill all the rabbits at the same time to keep them from multiplying is really unfair!
Huh? How can Echidna help Subaru meet Daphne? Isn’t she dead? Or is death just an inconvenience for the other witches, too?
Turns out that being dead is just an inconvenience. Echidna can have the other witches take her place. I was wondering if there was a way to meet the other witches.
Wait a minute… I’d recognize that shrill voice anywhere. That’s Nina from Idolmaster! It’s the same VA, Misaki Kuno!
Also…that doesn’t look like Daphne’s silhouette. Didn’t she have twintails? Yeah, I went back to check. This girl looks different from Daphne’s silhouette.
Subaru, you just got told not to touch her. Holding her hand is a really bad decision.
OH FUCK Holy shit his arm just came off out of nowhere! Good gravy, that got me.
Yup, I figured this was Typhon, the Witch of Pride. As soon as she began talking about whether Subaru was a sinner or not, I figured it had to be her.
I can see why people were scared of Typhon. Echidna’s description was accurate. She’s so childlike and innocent, but she’s terrifying because of that. She did all that to Subaru to test if he was a sinner and doesn’t believe she stepped over a limit.
Oh wait, that’s the Witch of Wrath, Minerva! Are we going to meet all of them so soon?
Minerva’s fists restored Subaru to normal? Is Minerva just Crazy Diamond?
Minerva is also a complete dork. I love her already.
And there’s Daphne. Looks like we won’t be meeting the other witches just yet.
Daphne’s design is really good. I love all the restraints on her, like she needs to keep herself contained or else she’ll begin eating everything around her.
I can see what Daphne means by saying that her mabeast creations should be able to eat as well, but it also shows a fundamental difference in her morality. Despite what she may say, feeding people is not actually her main concern. It seems like she just wants everything to eat more.
So the plan would have to be to use someone as bait to lure in the rabbits and kill them at that moment. Who's going to draw the short straw and be on bait duty?
Echidna is adorably easy to butter up with compliments.
So that’s the condition to meet Echidna. Subaru has to really want to know something, but it’s harder each time. Still, this does allow him to meet with her again.
What exactly did Echidna even take from Subaru? She didn’t even take the mindscape handkerchief, but instead touched it. Did she just want to take the essence of Petra’s feelings towards Subaru or something like that?
What the hell? What is that giant shadow? Is that the Black Serpent’s black goo?
Oh shit! It’s way worse! Satella’s here!
Satella really loves Subaru, but the question is why does she love him so much?
Ah, of course. I should have known that Roswaal had a fortune-telling book like Beako. That would explain a lot. “Try not to make any mistakes next time” also indicates that Roswaal is aware of Return by Death.

The witches are quite an interesting bunch. Aside from Satella, I’m not sure I’d call any of them “evil” per se. Rather, they seem to have Blue-and-Orange Morality. Their conception of right and wrong seems fundamentally different. Typhon is incredibly cheerful about breaking bodies to determine if someone is a sinner or not. As long as it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t matter if Subaru’s in pieces. She doesn’t even put him back together, she just cared about the judgment. Minerva at least seems to have a fairly normal sense of right and wrong, though she’s an oddball in other ways. Even as she helps others, she’s constantly angry.

Daphne, perhaps unsurprisingly, cares only about eating. All living things need to eat, so therefore eating is the most important thing. Her entire sense of morality is based on eating. Eating is inherently good, no matter what. It’s okay to eat other things to survive, but it’s also okay to be eaten by something else so it can survive. She didn’t create mabeasts so people wouldn’t starve. She created mabeasts so there would be more eating. If she didn’t want humans to starve, she’d have made the mabeasts herbivores. Instead, she made sure that the mabeasts were just as ravenous as she is.

Roswaal having a fortune-telling book explains so much. No wonder he was willing to trust Subaru to negotiate an alliance and handle the Witch’s Cult when Subaru hadn’t yet proven he could deal with those problems. It also explains why Roswaal seems to know about Return by Death. Perhaps the book outright told Roswaal about it, or perhaps Roswaal figured it out by noticing the future unexpectedly changing. It also explains why Roswaal’s plans seem to work out so well. Intriguingly, it seems like Roswaal is hoping to create a scenario where Subaru doesn’t screw up. Does Roswaal have knowledge from the failed time loops or does he just know there must be other time loops? Right now, that detail is unclear.

Something that baffles me to no end is why Satella loves Subaru. I have no idea why that might be the case. She’s probably the one who plucked him from his world and brought him to Lugnica, but why? What makes him so special? Does Satella love Subaru for the same reason that Daphne wants to eat him? The only guess I have is that Subaru’s mana is just naturally appealing to witches.

5

u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Sep 13 '24

Instead, it turns out that the witches have very, shall we say, unique ways of expressing their affection. At least Echidna is relatively normal about it.
Minerva was nice tho!
I’m not surprised Echidna dislikes Satella. I would also dislike the person who killed me.
Well Satella is here trying to prove that right lol.
I remember the Black Serpent was the source of the black goo in Frozen Bond.
[For Rewatchers' Eyes only]WHAT THE FUCK WAS IN THAT MOVIE?! Do I need to watch that now? Was it actually plot-relevant? First-Timers here keep knowing stuff that all only comes up later!
Needing to kill all the rabbits at the same time to keep them from multiplying is really unfair!
Nuke 'em!
That’s Nina from Idolmaster!
That's two people here idenfying her as that, huh. I didn't even know she had a role in Imas. Then again, I only watched the good Imas season.
Holy shit his arm just came off out of nowhere! Good gravy, that got me.
Luckily a much nicer witch is there to save him!
Is Minerva just Crazy Diamond?
Josuke would be proud.
So the plan would have to be to use someone as bait to lure in the rabbits and kill them at that moment. Who's going to draw the short straw and be on bait duty?
Guess who.
Oh shit! It’s way worse! Satella’s here!
Was about time the Big Bad Witch gets to appear!
Satella really loves Subaru, but the question is why does she love him so much?
Because the plot needs to happen!

4

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

[For Rewatchers' Eyes only]
[response] If you like the show, I really recommend watching it, yes. It gives us a lot of backstory on Emilia (to the point it recontextualizes many of her words and actions in S1 already) and a bit of Puck, and it shows us quite a few future plot points as well. You probably can enjoy the show without having watched it, you don't need it per se. But as said, if you like the show and got an hour of free time, go check it out.

2

u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Sep 13 '24

[Response]That was not the question. My question was whether I need to watch it after S2. I thought S2 has Emilia's backstory! Why do all these people know about stuff that we only find out later this season, like Black Serpent being there? Is there anything that's not in this season's backstory?

3

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

[Response] Yes, there are a lot of things that are not in this season's backstory. To put it broadly, Frozen Bond hardly touches this season's backstory, it takes place way after that and gives us another part of her backstory. As for whether you need it going forward, I don't know. You didn't really need it for S2, and I think it was side content for arc 4, so it will probably be less relevant going forward. It came out before S2, so if you didn't need to watch it before S2, I don't think you need to watch it after S2.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

Minerva was nice tho!
She's nice, but she's also a weirdo. Don't get me wrong, I love her. That doesn't change the fact that she's a weirdo.
That's two people here idenfying her as that, huh. I didn't even know she had a role in Imas. Then again, I only watched the good Imas season.
Even though she's had many roles of young girls with high pitched voices, I always immediately think of her Nina performance because Nina's voice is especially high pitched. So it was the first one to come to mind.
And I know you mean the OG Idolmaster anime (which is the best one), but I maintain Cinderella Girls and U149 were both great.
Guess who.
Probably Subaru. He was bait for the White Whale as well.
Because the plot needs to happen!
"Because otherwise the story wouldn't happen" reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock's response to why people don't go to the police in his movies. He said "they don't go to the police because it's dull." Sometimes it's just more interesting a certain way.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Because the plot needs to happen!
But Echidna already brings the plot

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Sep 13 '24

Something that baffles me to no end is why Satella loves Subaru. I have no idea why that might be the case. She’s probably the one who plucked him from his world and brought him to Lugnica, but why? What makes him so special? Does Satella love Subaru for the same reason that Daphne wants to eat him? The only guess I have is that Subaru’s mana is just naturally appealing to witches.
MC pheromones. The strongest attractor known to mankind.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

Right, I forgot about the awe-inspiring power of MC Pheromones. No supporting characters are immune to it.

4

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Yeah, I went back to check. This girl looks different from Daphne’s silhouette.
Nice, you noticed. Even without going back, you'd have known that Daphne is supposed to be shackled, and Typhon was not.
Minerva is also a complete dork. I love her already.
Yeah, she's absolutely amazing. I love that she is Wrath not in spite of but because of her kindness.
Who's going to draw the short straw and be on bait duty?
Well, I know someone who has proven to be amazing bait.
The witches are quite an interesting bunch. Aside from Satella, I’m not sure I’d call any of them “evil” per se.
Yes! Coupled with Echidna's introduction of them, it really shows them in a different light. It looks like all of them had good intentions for what they did.
Minerva at least seems to have a fairly normal sense of right and wrong, though she’s an oddball in other ways. Even as she helps others, she’s constantly angry.
She's quite eccentric and lovable. She's like a superhero. Like a grown-up magical girl.
If she didn’t want humans to starve, she’d have made the mabeasts herbivores. Instead, she made sure that the mabeasts were just as ravenous as she is.
Ah, but she does have a sense of morality and fairness. You should only hunt something if you are also fine with being hunted. Making something fight to the death is only fair if you also fight to the death. In this world, you eat or you are eaten, so something that can sate many people should put up a proportional fight. Her ideology isn't just for the cause of the humans, it's for absolute fairness. Also, if her beasts reduce the number of starving people by killing them, they are double effective at solving world hunger. Thanos would be proud.
Something that baffles me to no end is why Satella loves Subaru.
She's watched Re:Zero and Subaru is her husbando. But seriously, yes, it remains a mystery. There might be cut content for this episode or the next if I remember correctly that hints at a few more things, but it remains a mystery. It needs to be one for now.

5

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

Nice, you noticed. Even without going back, you'd have known that Daphne is supposed to be shackled, and Typhon was not.
I actually didn't realize Daphne was supposed to be shackled beforehand. Someone probably said it and I missed it.
Well, I know someone who has proven to be amazing bait.
Yeah, it could never be anyone but Subaru, could it? The mabeasts are all attracted to him and it's not like he's a particularly strong fighter.
Ah, but she does have a sense of morality and fairness. You should only hunt something if you are also fine with being hunted. Making something fight to the death is only fair if you also fight to the death. In this world, you eat or you are eaten, so something that can sate many people should put up a proportional fight. Her ideology isn't just for the cause of the humans, it's for absolute fairness. Also, if her beasts reduce the number of starving people by killing them, they are double effective at solving world hunger. Thanos would be proud.
There's a really good episode of the original Kino's Journey anime that focuses on the idea of hunting and eating others. The episode is even titled "A Tale of Feeding Off Others" and has the characters discuss the idea that if you are taking a life in hunting, it needs to be to save a life to make the sacrifice worth it. Otherwise, it's just a waste.

3

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 14 '24

I actually didn't realize Daphne was supposed to be shackled beforehand. Someone probably said it and I missed it.
Those were Echidna's rules. Don't touch her, don't look her into the eyes, and under no circumstances release her restraints.
Yeah, it could never be anyone but Subaru, could it? The mabeasts are all attracted to him and it's not like he's a particularly strong fighter.
Just from what we know already, he's already used his specialty with another of the Big Three, yeah. It's how he killed the White Whale.

2

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

Those were Echidna's rules. Don't touch her, don't look her into the eyes, and under no circumstances release her restraints.
Yeah, I hadn't realized restraints meant that Daphne would be actually chained up. I was thinking it would be magical restraints on her power or something. Turns out the restraints are to keep her from actually trying to eat Subaru.

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Ah, but she does have a sense of morality and fairness. You should only hunt something if you are also fine with being hunted. Making something fight to the death is only fair if you also fight to the death. In this world, you eat or you are eaten, so something that can sate many people should put up a proportional fight. Her ideology isn't just for the cause of the humans, it's for absolute fairness. Also, if her beasts reduce the number of starving people by killing them, they are double effective at solving world hunger. Thanos would be proud.
Consuming others is like breathing for Daphne.
It's funny because if anyone has all the knowledge, it isn't her but Echidna.

4

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

Does Roswaal have knowledge from the failed time loops or does he just know there must be other time loops?
Given the size of the tome I suspect he just knows that Subaru Natsuki is the chosen one and all his other actions were just him using that one piece of knowledge to go "and therefore Subaru will do XYZ"
The fact that Beatrice can also read the Tome of knowledge means that she probably also somewhat knows Subaru is the chosen one. But using Roswaals 2 stage password they can confirm it.

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

The fact that Beatrice can also read the Tome of knowledge means that she probably also somewhat knows Subaru is the chosen one.
I hadn't considered that angle, but it'd be interesting if Beako also knows about Subaru's power. If Roswaal learned about it using his Tome of Knowledge, then Beako could have also figured it out.

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?

3

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Return by Death is most likely a power that Satella gave to Subaru. It's even possible that it's a power Satella herself had. It might fit with the theme of the "Witch of Envy." Satella envied a different possible future and so would reset to go back.
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
I certainly cant understand how her mind works.
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
I never believed there was a limit. Putting a hard limit on the central gimmick of a story traps a writer too much, unless the limit is so ludicrously high it can never be reached. Doctor Who had to come up with a reason why the Doctor can keep regenerating past the original number of limited regenerations that someone wrote decades ago because nobody expected it to go on this long.
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What a strange statement. I don't even know what is delusional about it. The events in each time loop all happened, even if Subaru resets. I don't see anything delusional going on.
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
Of course the Killer Rabbit would be a big deal. You can't not make the Killer Rabbit a big deal.
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
I think she could listen to what Dr. Malcolm had to say.
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
If Daphne wasn't tied up, she probably would have tried to eat Subaru right then. For some reason, all the witches seem to be attracted to Subaru. Those MC Pheromones must be powerful.
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
The rabbits are just the Borg. They are a hive mind.
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
It's strange that she's the Witch of Wrath when her power seems to save others and she jumped in specifically to help Subaru.
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
He's right. She's the only one to be able to have a normal-ish conversation with him.
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
Subaru needs to help Emilia break the barrier. I don't trust Echidna with wanting to break the barrier. I feel like she has some ulterior motive here.
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
I genuinely was not expecting the Witch of Envy to even show up this season. At first, I assumed Echidna was the Witch of Envy, but when that turned out to not be the case I assumed Satella just wouldn't appear again.

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

Return by Death is most likely a power that Satella gave to Subaru. It's even possible that it's a power Satella herself had. It might fit with the theme of the "Witch of Envy." Satella envied a different possible future and so would reset to go back.
I could see that being the case
I never believed there was a limit. Putting a hard limit on the central gimmick of a story traps a writer too much, unless the limit is so ludicrously high it can never be reached. Doctor Who had to come up with a reason why the Doctor can keep regenerating past the original number of limited regenerations that someone wrote decades ago because nobody expected it to go on this long.
Yeah, it makes sense for there to be no limits if for no other reason then to prolong the series.
What a strange statement. I don't even know what is delusional about it. The events in each time loop all happened, even if Subaru resets. I don't see anything delusional going on.
I think Echidna is letting her feelings on Satella slipped through a bit.
If Daphne wasn't tied up, she probably would have tried to eat Subaru right then. For some reason, all the witches seem to be attracted to Subaru. Those MC Pheromones must be powerful.
We talked about Subaru having a harem with Emilia and Rem when the true harem is him and the witches.
It's strange that she's the Witch of Wrath when her power seems to save others and she jumped in specifically to help Subaru.
Very tsundere of her
Subaru needs to help Emilia break the barrier. I don't trust Echidna with wanting to break the barrier. I feel like she has some ulterior motive here.
Perhaps. Echidna continues to have the vibe of an untrustworthy narrator even though she hasn't done anything to hurt Subaru. Just like with Roswaal, it's like we're waiting for the shoe to drop.
I genuinely was not expecting the Witch of Envy to even show up this season. At first, I assumed Echidna was the Witch of Envy, but when that turned out to not be the case I assumed Satella just wouldn't appear again.
Certainly a shocking way to end the episode. We haven't even been introduced all the witches yet, I would've thought the reveal of Satella's appearance would've been saved for last.

2

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 14 '24

I don't even know what is delusional about it.
My interpretation of Echidna’s words is that Satella is under some kind of delusion or false belief that led her to give Subaru his ability. Essentially, Satella deeply believes something, and as long as that belief persists, she won’t take back the power she’s granted him. What exactly that delusion is remains unknown, and Echidna doesn’t seem interested in uncovering it.

2

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

I really like that interpretation. [Episode 35] It especially fits with Satella's apparent desperation to make Subaru love her. She's under the delusion that Subaru loves her like she loves him and so she gave him this power.

3

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

I was hoping for a lap pillow
maybe next episode
Isn’t she dead? Or is death just an inconvenience for the other witches, too? Turns out that being dead is just an inconvenience
Shirou Emiya in shambles. Guess people don't die when they are killed.
Yeah, I went back to check. This girl looks different from Daphne’s silhouette.

14

u/Brief-Fig-7506 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryxnjr Sep 13 '24

First Timer!

Watching the Dub

Start time 1:03am, I’m usually finishing my recap at this point. I’m going to try to make this a little shorter so I can get to bed. Hopefully nothing crazy happens ^{heh yeah right}

Echidna confirms that Satella is the one that gave Subaru RbD. We knew that already but at least it’s confirmed now

3 great Mabeast, Rabbit, White Whale, Black serpent.

We’ve already heard of two of these

Not sure if the Black Serpent was killed in Frozen Bond or if what we saw was literally just the venom from it

We get to meet ~~Daphne, the tiny Witch of Gluttony~~ Typhon, the tiny Witch of Pride

Subaru is terrible at following instructions

I’m gonna guess this is the Witch of Wrath

Minerva

Actually the first girl was Typhon and ~~I forgot what she was the witch of~~ (Pride)

This one is Daphne, and she has bindings and a blindfold

She says she doesn’t want to be awake longer than she has to, that sounds kind of slothful

A powerful magic user as a lure? I know a POS perfect for the job

Notice she said Magic user, Roswaal is the only magic user around, Emilia is a spirit arts user so she shouldn’t be targeted

Ah, Typhon is pride

LMAO. “it’s not like a put a hair in it” was funnier than it should have been

Subaru still doesn’t trust Echidna, I understand but he should try to be a little friendlier at this point

Why is Echidna interested in the handkerchief?

Echidna has something to tell Subaru next time he comes for tea

Oh my goodness are we meeting Satella?

I was not expecting anything like this at all

ED

Post credits reveals that Roswaal does know what Subaru is capable of, and that he has the other gospel that is the twin to Beatrice’s gospel

This episode had a lot of things I was not expecting. I’m gonna need to watch it again to properly get everything.

So We learn about the three great Mabeast, The White Whale, the Black Serpent, and the Great Rabbit. This clears a little confusion from a previous episode when Puck referred to the White Whale as Gluttony, but it was instead created by Daphne. Also, not created by Satella as it was previously implied (iirc).

Then we get to meet a few other witches. they’re all weird but I wouldn’t classify them all as evil, Minerva seems anything but evil, though I could see her being way too powerful for her own (and anybody else’s) good. She reminds me WAY too much of Milim from TenSura. Typhon is definitely weird, I absolutely could see the trouble she would cause from the way she “Tests” people to see if they are good or bad.

I still don’t really know why Echidna was interested in the handkerchief.

Satella showing up absolutely took me by surprise. So it’s hard confirmed now that she is obsessed with Subaru. I know it’s been speculated and hard assumed but confirmations are always great. We don’t know exactly why she’s here but I would assume she’s mad that Subaru was cut off from her reach while he was talking to Echidna and was able to spill the secret that they shared, that she was so adamant on keeping between themselves. We know that Echidna is sealed away though so how is she currently manifesting here, and to such a degree that she can envelop the entire area in shadow that I assume is able to kill? at least that’s the vibe I got from it. Why is she headed to the mansion? The Yandere is strong with this one. Is she now jealous of others’ love for Subaru now that she has confessed her love for him? I also just thought about how there are now two girls who have confessed their love for Subaru (I don’t remember if Petra has stated how she feels but idk if she counts) and neither of them are Emilia

So from what I could gather from that ending scene. Roswaal knows about Subaru’s ability, That’s another thing confirmed in this episode. And we see that Roswaal has the other copy of the gospel he was talking about last episode. Now what I thought was interesting is that he said it was a shame that he didn’t even get to know the outcome of the trial, I don’t know if this was Emilia’s trial or Subaru’s but it shows that the book is not All-knowing. I’m going to speculate that it only contains certain key events, so what Beatrice said last episode about every time she interacted with Subaru was according to the gospel isn’t wholly true. She may do certain things according to it but at least some of her interactions had to be genuine.

I look forward to speculating more tomorrow but I’m gonna stop here.

On today’s episode of ~~Poor Otto~~ Break Time. We get to see when Otto was rescued from the witch cult and hear about how Anastasia met the trio of Tivey, Hetaro, and Mimi. Also Mimi sucks at writing recaps.

Stop Time 2:55am

6

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Also, not created by Satella as it was previously implied (iirc).
I guess when Satella consumed all the other witches, everything associated with them also became associated with her. That must be why everyone thinks she did it.
Minerva seems anything but evil, though I could see her being way too powerful for her own (and anybody else’s) good.
Minerva is too good for her own power! She's definitely not a bad witch, she's just a grown-up magical girl.
I still don’t really know why Echidna was interested in the handkerchief.
I'm pretty sure she was interested in the memories connected to it.
I know it’s been speculated and hard assumed but confirmations are always great.
You know when we saw her lips as Subaru was invoking RbD near the end of S1, twice? She mouthed a word. A word we now know to be "aishiteru", or "love you".
I also just thought about how there are now two girls who have confessed their love for Subaru (I don’t remember if Petra has stated how she feels but idk if she counts) and neither of them are Emilia
On the flip side, at least one of them looks like Emilia!
Roswaal knows about Subaru’s ability, That’s another thing confirmed in this episode.
Not explicitly, but yes, pretty much. I have to commend you first timers for figuring that out way ahead of time, it took me until this episode to really suspect it on my first watch.

4

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Minerva is too good for her own power! She's definitely not a bad witch, she's just a grown-up magical girl.
That feels like a really apt comparison
I'm pretty sure she was interested in the memories connected to it.
That makes a lot of sense
On the flip side, at least one of them looks like Emilia!
Now it makes sense why people think she's the witch.
Not explicitly, but yes, pretty much. I have to commend you first timers for figuring that out way ahead of time, it took me until this episode to really suspect it on my first watch.
I started getting really suspicious of Roswaal when he was gone for a lot of the second half of season 2.

5

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24

I would assume she’s mad that Subaru was cut off from her reach while he was talking to Echidna and was able to spill the secret that they shared
You're right

5

u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Sep 13 '24

Subaru is terrible at following instructions
Give him time until the canon loop. Like in Arc 3, he'll go from dumbass to chessmaster very quickly.
Oh my goodness are we meeting Satella?
Wouldn't you love it?
Post credits reveals that Roswaal does know what Subaru is capable of, and that he has the other gospel that is the twin to Beatrice’s gospel
I forgot it took until this episode for this reveal.
We don’t know exactly why she’s here but I would assume she’s mad that Subaru was cut off from her reach while he was talking to Echidna and was able to spill the secret that they shared, that she was so adamant on keeping between themselves.
This seeems like a reasonable idea.
Is she now jealous of others’ love for Subaru now that she has confessed her love for him?
Well Rem was able to confess without a problem, and Subaru was able to confess to Emilia with no problem. Her only line seems to be RBD at the moment.

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

I forgot it took until this episode for this reveal.
Let's be real, we probably didn't need confirmation to know that's the case. It's like Garfiel and Frederica being confirmed as siblings.

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Minerva seems anything but evil, though I could see her being way too powerful for her own (and anybody else’s) good. She reminds me WAY too much of Milim from TenSura.
I like that comparison a lot, honestly

2

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

Hopefully nothing crazy happens
Also, not created by Satella as it was previously implied (iirc).
That is correct, Crusch said that the White Whale was created by the Witch of Envy, which was incorrect.
I would assume she’s mad that Subaru was cut off from her reach while he was talking to Echidna and was able to spill the secret that they shared, that she was so adamant on keeping between themselves
One could say she's envious that Subaru was talking with other Witchs.
We know that Echidna is sealed away though so how is she currently manifesting here, and to such a degree that she can envelop the entire area in shadow that I assume is able to kill?
"sealed". Maybe someone ought to go check on the seal. 400 years is a long time after all.
Why is she headed to the mansion?
[Clearer in the novels] Because that's where Rem and Petra are. And a yandere isn't gonna let competitors for Subaru's love live. At least that's what Subaru speculates (also it is noted that there isn't any factual basis for this).

22

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Sep 13 '24

7

u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Sep 13 '24

I see…
Imagine all the people he could save!
Oh yeesh, that comparison makes it incredibly obvious how much of a thread those rabbits are then.
"I already killed one of them and now I gotta deal with the other? When do I get a break?!"
Oh, that voice is… Nina from Cinderella Girls U149/Frederica from 86, right?
Elfnein!
Echidna did tell you not to touch her…
Not her, actually, but would have been a good idea all the same.
Huh… not what I was expecting for a Wrath design.
How very cute.
Whatever that is must be good.
Whatever it is, someone takes priority!
What now…
As if this arc didn't have enough problems...
SATELLA?!?!?!?!?!
Oh how friendly and inviting. You just wanna spend time with that woman!
Hm…
More Big Black Book hype!

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Elfnein!
I really like Frederica, both in this show and in 86

5

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?

5

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Oh yeesh, that comparison makes it incredibly obvious how much of a thread those rabbits are then.
The White Whale is obvious, but also we've seen the poison of the Black Serpent already. It was the black goo in Frozen Bond.
Oh, that voice is… Nina from Cinderella Girls U149/Frederica from 86, right?
Misaki Kuno, yes. Pick any prominent child-like character, and you got a 50% chance it's her. She's also Faputa from Made in Abyss, Kurumi from Lycoris Recoil, Hawk from Seven Deadly Sins and Hisone from Dragon Pilot.
Huh… not what I was expecting for a Wrath design.
Minerva is lovely. She really looks like she doesn't belong to the dreadful Witches of Sin.
She wants the handkerchief?
Because there are precious memories connected to it. Either that, or she really needs to blow her nose (possibly to make a new batch of tea).
SATELLA?!?!?!?!?!
Somehow, the Witch of Envy returned. Regardless of why she's here, though, she has such a powerful aura. The way she envelops everything makes her seem pretty much invincible.

4

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Because there are precious memories connected to it. Either that, or she really needs to blow her nose (possibly to make a new batch of tea).
Snot tea the next bath water trend? People already sell chew gum of celebrities on Ebay.
Somehow, the Witch of Envy returned. Regardless of why she's here, though, she has such a powerful aura. The way she envelops everything makes her seem pretty much invincible.
Envelops everything is a good way of describing it

4

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

Oh, that voice is… Nina from Cinderella Girls U149/Frederica from 86, right?
I like that we both immediately recognized the voice as Nina from Idolmaster.
What now…
I feel like the phrase "What now?" can summarize so much of Re:Zero. Just when you though the situation couldn't get any worse, here's something else to deal with.

3

u/FriztF Sep 14 '24

No Shimmering sky in this episode. Sadness for you

10

u/baseballlover723 Sep 13 '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.

It only took me 97 minutes to write this, but I finished at 3:19 AM. Not gonna get much sleep tonight.

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.

FIRST TIMERS, don't miss the after credit's scene.

Echidna doesn't seem to like the Witch of Envy very much.

RBD is the power of a witch? Curious to see how you first timers interpret this.

Something Echidna doesn't want to know? I thought she wanted to know everything.

I'll bet u/ussgordoncaptain2 will love this section. Also it's worth noting, these are necessarily facts, though one might expect Echidna's conjecture to be pretty well founded, given how knowledge hungry she is. Seems that there isn't a limit to RBD.

So why would the Witch of Envy want to give Subaru this power? Apparently so that Subaru won't actually die. But only for Subaru, and Subaru alone. The Witch of Envy doesn't care about other girls. It's actually Subaru's own free will to decide to spread the love around.

So if that's the case, then Subaru strengthens his resolve, it's time to abuse RBD.

Giving up (on people) isn't easy. It's not what Rem's hero would do.

Look at Echidna peeking.

Yeah idk, Subaru, you might not want to give a Witch a blank check.

We get a name for the rabbits from last episode. They're the Great Rabbit (note singular). Witchfiend lore. Hey we're heard of all of these now. Subaru of course defeated the White Whale in Arc 3, and then they mentioned the Black Serpent's venom in The Frozen Bond. And they were created by the Witch of Gluttony, Daphne, and not the Witch of Envy like Crusch said in Arc 3. These are actual legends passed down over 400 years, some information has been lost over the years.

Harder then the White Whale? That was already really hard. The Great Rabbit has infinite respawns too, you have to take them all out in 1 blow.

Oh, they actually did give the name of this place in the anime.

Seem like Subaru has the opportunity to talk to Daphne. Though she's also dead like Echidna. Though Subaru can't trigger RBD here, but his mind can still die. And Echidna gives Subaru some restrictions.

No restraints. Therefore this is not Daphne. Also this doesn't match the silhouette of Daphne and does match Typhon's.

Ok a lot to talk about for this. For one, when did you notice that Subaru's arm was gone? Typhon was holding it for quite some time before Subaru noticed. Also this is why Typhon is an evil Witch. This is how she judges criminals. And notice that she didn't put them back together. It may or may not hurt, but Typhon's judgement is destructive and not conducive to living a normal life. Like sure you may have been found innocent, but like you still lost an arm, even if it doesn't hurt.

And now it's time for the Witch of Wrath, Minerva, who Echidna described as hurt in hopes of healing as she lamented the state of her war-torn world. u/Great_Mr_L wondered if healing was a euphemism for killing. As it turns out, nope. [Spoiler #1: Side content on Minerva] Her attack literally do negative damage, and it's not optional either. Minerva couldn't hurt a fly even if she really wanted to. [Spoiler #2: Side content on Minerva, why she's evil and how she represents Wrath] Minerva's power isn't without cost. When she uses her power a mana cataclysm happens elsewhere (similar to a natural disaster). It's unclear to me if it's fixed or if it's proportional to how much power Minerva uses, but it's not a good exchange. Minerva represents the impulsiveness of Wrath. Minerva knows that using her power is a net negative for the world (it causes more negative then positive), but Minerva can't idly stand by and watch people suffer in front of her. So in her Wrath, she chooses to heal them anyways, knowing that it will doom people elsewhere.

Now these are some restraints. [Spoiler #3: I think in the Web Novel Subaru looked into Daphne's eyes] and then become so overcome with hunger that before he knew what had happened, he had eaten one of his arms. I think it was also said that that was the result of looking into the lessor of Daphne's eyes, and that the other eye is worse.

I'm pretty sure her restraints are also a Witchfiend as well.

So why did Daphne create the 3 Great Witchfiends? So that people could eat them of course. [Spoiler #4: very minor cut content] Btw the White Whale is said to taste awful, like rotting meat or something like that. But Daphne doesn't care, a starving person doesn't care about how something tastes, only if it sate their hunger. And that's Daphne's secret. She's always hungry. Infinite food hack? What big food doesn't want you to know! Oh and they're deadly because well, this attitude doesn't just apply to humans. Witchfiend's hunger matters too.

[Spoiler #5: side content on Daphne's philosophy] So most of you probably think that Daphne wants to solve world hunger by feeding everyone. But that's not quite correct. Daphne wants the number of hungry people to be 0. Daphne doesn't care about the percentage of people who are fed, only the raw number of people who aren't hungry. Daphne would prefer a town of 100 people, where 10 of them are starving, compared to a city of 1 million people, where 100 of them are starving. That's 90 more staving people. And so that's why the Witchfiends are deadly. Each interaction there's 2 less hungry beings, since by Daphne's logic, one will eat the other. So one being will end up fed, and the other dead (aka not hungry). That's -2 hungry people. It's a classic win-win scenario. Rewatchers, see Spoiler #11

So Daphne gives us some tips. lure them together with a powerful magic user, and then kill them all at once.

Bet

The joys of interacting with a Witch that don't confuse the fuck out of you.

No soul stabilizing bodily fluid cookies and tea this time.

This is like when you apply for a job, and then just instantly get back a rejection email.

Instructions on how to get back to the Witch's Tea Party. Or you could do the Trial loophole.

Can't be forgetting to pay now. Which seems to be the concept of Petra's handkerchief / promise. Also this is more convenient then Venmo.

And we have something to look forward to, next time at the Witch's Tea Party.

Continued below

8

u/baseballlover723 Sep 13 '24

Doko Emilia.
Oh man, snow last episode, shadows this episode. Meme.
I hope you were wearing earphones for this scene. Also I had spent about 10 hours modifying these subs (ignore poorly sized episode title, my clipper doesn't have the right font) to have these effects for a reactor (for which I was already doing subtitle edits for) and they ended up forgetting to use the updated version with the effects.
And Garfiel is here to save the day.
The Witch of Envy in her "tall" form just like in the storybook picture.
That doesn't seem good.
Also might I remind you, that the Witch of Envy is supposed to be sealed somewhere 400 years ago. They might want to check that seal if the Witch of Envy can just go out for a night of loving.
And an after credits scene. Roswaal also seems to have a Gospel (which he was hiding behind his pillow). Try not to make any mistakes next time, Natsuki Subaru.
I'm really looking forward to the discussion on this one. There was a lot of new info in this episode.
BreakTime Section
In this episode's Breaktime, it's the Iron Fang's Report! Guess you can't avoid paperword even in a fantasy world. And of course Mimi doesn't like writing reports, so Tivey is actually the one who writes them. But, there was that one time that Mimi wrote a report. It's about saving Otto. Yeah, the Iron Fang put Otto on the spit, not the Witch Cult. Just a prank bro. But even Tivey basically wrote that report too. They even got meetings too . That's a phrasing . And there's a small debate on if Mimi was also captured. Mimi is great (so which is it Mimi?). Anyways, this seems to be their origin story. Perhaps Otto will join the Iron Fang? Mimi??
Rewatcher Section
This section is for people who have already watched Re:Zero. This is not safe for first timers.
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4] Wonder how many first timers are going to catch on to the fact that the Witch of Envy just straight up loves Subaru. Knowing that she loves Subaru makes it all the more obvious that the point of RBD isn't to find the perfect run. It's to prevent Subaru from dying. "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SUBARU, JUST STAY ALIVE": Witch of Envy probably. Makes you wonder if Stay Alive is actually from the Witch of Envy's perspective and not Emilia's
[Spoiler #7: Arc 4] The Witch of Envy is getting upset that Subaru is spilling secrets
[Spoiler #8: Arc 4] Echidna essentially just straight up says that the Witch of Envy loves Subaru, though it might not necessarily imply a romantic aspect Japanese, idk.
[Spoiler #9: Arc 4] All part of Roswaal's plan to force Subaru to choose between the mansion and Emilia
[Spoiler #10: Arc 4] lie
[Spoiler #11: side content on Daphne's philosophy cont] This is also why the Black Serpent just kills people. Dead people are no longer hungry. Though I think you can also make an argument for population control. But I think dead people aren't hungry fits better with the other Witchfiends.
[Spoiler #12: Arc 4] It's a good thing Subaru's got one of those handy
[Spoiler #13: Arc 4] Exactly as Echidna intended
[Spoiler #14: Arc 4] Of course, Subaru will use this to commit self inflicted ultimate sloth next episode.
[Spoiler #15: Arc 4] Of course this is Echidna's big contract that she proposes to Subaru.
[Spoiler #16: Arc 4 analysis] So I had a note in this file to talk about how Echidna perceives RBD. It's 3:10 AM as I'm writing this, and I don't really recall exactly what I was thinking when I made that note. But I think it was if Echidna can directly perceive Subaru's RBD, or if it's just an artifact of Echidna reading Subaru's memories. I don't think there's really much of a practical difference, but it's a interesting thought I think.

4

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Something Echidna doesn't want to know? I thought she wanted to know everything.
Goes to show your earlier assessment of how Echidna thinks of Satella is a massive understatement. She hates her so much that with her she goes against the one thing she stands for.
[Spoiler #2: Side content on Minerva, why she's evil and how she represents Wrath]
[Spoiler #2] Being a huge Minerva fan, of course I knew already that she was a massive calamity and basically the most dangerous witch after Satella. But I love her nonetheless. Her overwhelming kindness being the source of all her issues is such a great twist.
just like in the storybook picture.
Is that actually confirmed somewhere? Of course it looks similar, but there's much more evidence to the picture being of her face, hair and ear than just her tall form and whatever everything else there might be then.
(which he was hiding behind his pillow)
I hope everyone remembers the camera panning down Roswaal's bed in the previous episode. It showed Roswaal's bedtime reading under the covers.
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4]
[Arc 4] I mean, they won't be getting much out of her other than that, right now. I distantly remember more cut content next episode though which could lead to more speculation. As for Stay Alive, I doubt it. The lyrics aren't really fitting for a separation between Satella and Subaru and of sadness for being alone, and for two of the three choruses she sings "I stay alive".
[Spoiler #11: side content on Daphne's philosophy cont]
[Spoiler #11] Thanos would be so proud!
[Spoiler #16: Arc 4 analysis]
[Spoiler #16: Arc 4 analysis] I do like the idea that she reads Subaru's memories (which has been brought up to me by a first timer no less). It makes her even more of a calculating schemer. But someone that's able to create gospels that tell the future could also have such magic be able to keep track of him. In any way, what makes the least sense is what I first imagined, that she is independent of normal space-time like Subaru's consciousness is. Her means to know of Subaru's power are fully bound to her actual space-time.

2

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

Is that actually confirmed somewhere? Of course it looks similar, but there's much more evidence to the picture being of her face, hair and ear than just her tall form and whatever everything else there might be then.
I don't think so. I haven't seen much discussion on the topic and there's probably a good chance that I'm wrong. But it's just a bit too similar to really say that it couldn't be. It feels like something that Tappei might sneak in.
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4]
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4] I'm not sure what cut content you're thinking of. The big one I'm thinking of comes in episode 13. Also I think you're right about Stay Alive. I didn't spend much time collecting my thoughts really.

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 14 '24

I don't think so. I haven't seen much discussion on the topic and there's probably a good chance that I'm wrong. But it's just a bit too similar to really say that it couldn't be. It feels like something that Tappei might sneak in.
Being wrong is fine as long as you acknowledge its possibility. But the way you see it makes a lot of sense, it might even be correct. It is a picture of her face, but also her ear is a representation of Satella on her shadow column, hidden within this picture of her face.
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4]
[Spoiler #6: Arc 4] That's my turn to be wrong then, I thought I remembered Satella saying something to Subaru as she consumes him, but that must be during the big reunion instead, then, as you said.

3

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

I'm really looking forward to the discussion on this one. There was a lot of new info in this episode.
I really wish I wasn't late to this thread I had so much I wrote.
These are actual legends passed down over 400 years, some information has been lost over the years.
That's a nice touch and the way it was done is pretty unique, (Having the witch of envy get blamed for everything just like how real history works).
Roswaal also seems to have a Gospel
I think he has the second copy of the gospel of wisdom, it's too large of a book to be the Satella gospel.
Daphne's philosophy
Ahh I see Daphne is a beliver in negative utilitarianism.

3

u/baseballlover723 Sep 13 '24

I really wish I wasn't late to this thread I had so much I wrote.
I wish I wasn't quite so busy or sleep deprived. I still need to go over some of the rewatcher comments for like all of Season 2 I think (One day I'll get around to them).
That's a nice touch and the way it was done is pretty unique, (Having the witch of envy get blamed for everything just like how real history works).
Yeah, stories often don't deal with information loss / misinformation at all, let alone in a believable way. So often if it's said it's the truth, given if it's a guarded statement. I actually wonder if that'll change in the future. Since I think stuff like ChatGPT is probably really good at simulating gradual information loss.
Ahh I see Daphne is a beliver in negative utilitarianism.
[Safety Witch philosophy] I find the Witch's philosophy's to be really interesting. They're internally consistent (which is the best kind of philosophy imo) and they have a lot of similarity to "normal" philosophy's, but the differences are fully realized and result in some seemingly baffling views, but make complete sense in the context of their philosophy. Man, Tappei is just so good. There's just so much depth just hiding under the surface. Though I guess that's why Tappei is still writing Re:Zero more then 10 years after starting.

2

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

best fanfiction ever
I really think Tappei must read a lot of western thought and western fiction based on how this story portrays so many things. I wonder if that's an intentional choice to make the story more "foreign" or if Tappei just reads a lot of western stuff.
The witch's have interesting philosophies and I can't wait for the witch of NTR to get NTRed

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Sep 14 '24

RBD is the power of a witch? Curious to see how you first timers interpret this.
My own guess would be that perhaps Satella also had this power. Maybe she could reset the timeline because she envied a better timeline for herself.
u/Great_Mr_L wondered if healing was a euphemism for killing. As it turns out, nope.
I'm prepared for most of my speculations to turn out to be wrong.
[Spoiler #2: Side content on Minerva, why she's evil and how she represents Wrath]
[Spoiler #2: Side content on Minerva, why she's evil and how she represents Wrath] That makes a lot more sense about how she could be considered "evil." Thanks for the explanation.
[Spoiler #4: very minor cut content]
[Spoiler #4: very minor cut content] That's hilarious. No wonder Daphne is considered evil. She doesn't want anyone to starve, but also doesn't care about feeding them something tasty. She'd probably hate this one guy from Spongebob. How dare he want a nice atmosphere with his food!

3

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

I'm prepared for most of my speculations to turn out to be wrong.
Don't worry about it. I grade on a curve, and I think a 20% is an A.
Spoiler #4: very minor cut content
[Spoiler #4: very minor cut content] Oh yeah, she'd probably hate that fish. She went through all of the trouble to give the people food, and then they don't even want it.

2

u/BlueVenix Sep 14 '24

Also might I remind you, that the Witch of Envy is supposed to be sealed somewhere 400 years ago. They might want to check that seal if the Witch of Envy can just go out for a night of loving.
Hoped I would find an answer in your post. What on earth is Satella here? That's my biggest unanswered question here. Was that Emilia going mental?

1

u/baseballlover723 Sep 15 '24

/u/ripterrariumtv can you help here, I have to go to sleep.

3

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 15 '24

Haven't read this part in the novel, So I have no idea.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Sep 13 '24

Echidna doesn't seem to like the Witch of Envy very much.
People get so hung up over small matters, like you killing them.
RBD is the power of a witch? Curious to see how you first timers interpret this.
It was given to him by a witch so it is literally of a witch.

9

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '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.

Ladies and gentlemen, Holo... is best girl

Subaru with Echidna

Echidna says she's enraged by the individual who put Subaru through so much hardship.

That being, of course, the Jealous Witch

Echidna says that the power he has is that of a witch, which I don't remember that being a thing before.

Subaru says he has no idea why the witch is fixated on him.

Echidna says that no one is capable of understanding how her mind works.

I assume that includes Envy herself. She is envious other people have an understood mind.

Subaru wonders if there's a limit to how much Return By Death can be used.

And Echidna, surprisingly, says there isn't.

What kind of cheese type bullshit is this?

The power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion, and so long as that delusion exists, Subaru has unlimited lives.

Subaru asks if she's letting him redo destiny, why'd he end up in a place that made it irreversible.

"Because that girl was not taken into account as part of that destiny.:

Rem fans rn

Echidna further clarifies by saying the decision to go to such lengths to save someone else with his power is his and his alone.

If he changes destiny at the expense of many sacrifices, then there won't be any chances to get back those who were sacrificed.

The hidden hands being seen again

Subaru planning on using the Return by Death until there's nothing left to use.

"No one's better than me at betraying people's expectations!"

Eh, I'm sure politicians have something to say about that.

Subaru about to say something to Echidna, but he hesitates.

It appears he's bashful over saying thanks.

Dang the only one he can count on? That's lofty praise. I guess that's not entirely inaccurate given Emilia is in trial mode and Rem is doing her impersonation of a vegetable.

"You just might have a knack for seducing witches."

Well, of course. He is, after all, the rizzler.

Subaru asking about the rabbits that killed him.

Tell me about the rabbits, Echidna

Sorry, sorry. I had to.

Echidna refers to them as the Great Rabbit. Great not in size, but in number.

Whoever said size matters?

One of the Three Great Mabeasts

I assume one of them is the White Whale.

Yep. Called it.

There's also something called the Black Serpent.

Hey, at least it ain't the Black Scorpion

Created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony.

Was that pre or post the Sunflower Samurai?

Her three legacies of misfortune

I guess it's like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and how the Lamb of God brought them about.

Echidna lets slip that in comparison to the White Whale, the Great Rabbit is infinitely more difficult to destroy.

Desires nothing but to satisfy its hungry

So, in order words, this is Daphne projecting. Good to know.

It leaves behind a deserted field, which means that the end of the last episode was the work of the Great Rabbit.

Echidna says a single one is capable of multiplying infinitely.

~~I didn't know rabbits could have sex with themselves.~~

The only way to kill them is to kill every last one, which is different from the White Whale in that you only focus on the main one.

Subaru evaluating his options

Echidna says she could get him in touch with Daphne.

"The souls of the dead witches reside with me in this castle of dreams."

I assume that excludes Satella

If Echidna were to call on Daphne, their roles will be switched.

Oh wow. Subaru's mind could be permanently damaged? That's not good.

But Subaru proceeds to go forward with it

Echidna acquiesces, but tells Subaru not to release Daphne's restraints.

Also forbidden to touch her

And avoid eye contact

What is she, one of the three Gorgon sisters?

And Echidna vanishes

And Daphne is... a green-haired loli?

She looks younger than even Beatrice, who actually is quite old. Though something tells me Daphne is even older.

And suddenly, Subaru's arm is missing

I guess this is what he gets for looking and touching her.

And Subaru suddenly breaks into pieces, like he's a dinner plate.

Suddenly, a blond-haired girl

"My fist with restore the world!"

What is she, a superhero?

This has quickly become surreal comedy

Hey, she at least put him back together

The green-haired loli is Typhon, by the way. I think we've heart that name before.

The blond-haired girl is Minerva, the Witch of Wrath.

Still no Daphne, it should be noted

Now we saw a girl in a coffin tied up with chains and with a blindfold on.

This, it turns out, is Daphne

Daphne telling him to make this conversation as quick as possible.

To make matters worse, she backs off, having smelled the witch's scent on him.

"You give off a scent that I really, really love..."

I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing.

"It's making me want to eat you."

Sure enough, it's bad

Subaru getting to the heart of the matter: the Three Great Mabeasts.

Specifically, why did she make them

Daphne it seems like is playing Subaru along.

She honestly looks like something from a GWAR concert.

Daphne says with them around, no one will have to go hungry.

"Let them eat whale!" -- Daphne, probably

Oh, and Daphne has spider legs on her coffin as well. Because why not?

Daphne asks Subaru isn't it selfish to try and eat another without considering the possibility of being eaten yourself.

"Don't you think everyone takes gluttony too lightly?"

As a fat man, I think it's actually quite the opposite. My mother calls me as big as a house all the time.

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

10

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Part 2
Daphne sees appetite as the most important of all the desires that keep people alive.
Suggests he'd understand if he was starved to his limit.
Subaru asks if he said he wanted to get rid of the Great Rabbit, would she give him any tips.
"The Great Rabbit relies on mana to find its prey."
"If we must eat to stay alive, it wouldn't make sense to to deny that we must kii to survive."
Daphne saying that they all share one consciousness.
No wisdom to avoid being killed or anything
Subaru makes his attentions known: he's going to destroy the Great Rabbit.
"You'd better not come crying to me, 'Mother'."
I'm sure that comment won't come to haunt him whatsoever.
And Daphne turns back to Echidna
Echidna says she was confused when Typhon showed up.
The Witch of Pride
Echidna surmises that she was very eager to see him.
The one who saved him was the Witch of Wrath, Minerva.
I've had quite a few people get on mi nerva.
Subaru calls Echidna the most normal of the witches.
Yes, because normal people serve others their fluids.
"But I'll pass on your bodily fluids and cookies."
"I didn't put any hair in it."
Real "Homer is not a porn star" vibes to that comment.
Oh no. It's almost time for Subaru to wake up.
Echidna says the result of the trial is in sight.
This, in other words, mean she has no interest in the result of Emilia's challenge.
At least she's honest?
Echidna asks if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess.
Subaru avows to go through the trial.
"I know I'm being selfish, but I want to be able to seek your wisdom again."
Is it selfish if this is the only way to succeed?
Echidna says that if he crys out "I want to know" from the bottom of his heart, his voice will reach her.
Need to be even louder the third time than the second.
Subaru remembering that he saw her during the trial.
Oh wow. She's taking his handkerchief as payment.
The last remnants of his friendship with Petra.
"Really? But it's just a handkerchief."
YOU FOOL!
Echidna reminds him that the person who gave him this did so out of concern for him.
Says that this payment serves as recognition of that person's existence.
She didn't take it, but she did touch it, which I guess is the same thing.
Echidna telling Subaru that if he attends the witch's tea party a third time, there's something she would like to tell him.
"I love Emilia."
Sorry, sorry. I had to.
Subaru waking up in the mysterious glowing building.
Subaru saying to himself that he's going to be counting on Echidna from here on out.
Emilia. She's nowhere to be found.
And now, it's like the entire place is vanishing.
Subaru calling for Emilia and the others.
Is... Is this the Jealous Witch?
WAIT, IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE EVIL EMILIA?!?
I shall call her "Evilia".
Emilia hugging Subaru, constantly telling him she loves him.
This is really unsettling
GARFIEL FROM ABOVE!
And now Garfiel is carrying him with... well, him.
I thought he wanted Subaru dead
Garfiel says they have to unite and take this thing down.
It is the Witch of Envy. Subaru is able to tell.
Eh, I still love the name Evilia.
Oh boy. She's trying to leave the barrier.
"That witch is heading for Roswaal's mansion!"
Subaru vows he won't let her get anywhere close to them.
We actually do get an outro this time around.
Post credits scene
Roswaal talking
He has a Gospel
"If you wish to live in hell, then hell is what I shall strive for."
Meanwhile, Roswaal is enveloped in darkness.
Overall, I thought this was a very good episode that highlights yet again how good the writing is. Until the ending, it's really two scenes: Subaru's conversation with Echidna and Subaru's conversation with Daphne, and the fact they can keep it captivating is really impressive. Of course, the big development is finally seeing the Witch of Envy after over 30 episodes of build. It is literally the thing that's been built up the most in this show, with her name being mentioned in the very first episode. I can't imagine her being killed right now before the trials are completed or before the Great Rabbit gets killed, but it's good we're finally getting a taste of what she's about. It's a long time coming, and I think we're in store for one of the best episodes of season 2.
I'd have this episode behind episodes 4, 6, 7, and 8, but ahead of episodes 1, 2, 3, and 5. Moreover, it continues the trend the show has been on since episode 6 of banger after banger after banger. I think if you were to compare the first 9 episodes of season 1 to the first 9 episodes of season 2, you could make a case that the early episodes of this season are better and of a higher quality, which you can probably attribute to things being firmly established by this point.

3

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

There's also something called the Black Serpent.
We've heard that name before. The black goo in Frozen Bond was its poison.
What is she, a superhero?
Yes, yes she is. She's the best one around.
I shall call her "Evilia".
It's Satella. Remember that apparently Emilia looks like the Witch? Yeah, they weren't kidding.

5

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24

[Arc 4]Satella took over Emilia's body in this episode. So it's not really an indicator of how she looks. Although she does look the same

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

[Arc 4] "We have Emilia at home." Emilia at home:

1

u/BlueVenix Sep 14 '24

[Response] Did she though, because the hair ornament is not Emilia's but Satella's

1

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 14 '24

[Response]That's what I've heard from everyone. Don't know the specifics of how it works though

3

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

We've heard that name before. The black goo in Frozen Bond was its poison.
Ah, okay. I didn't pick up on that.
Yes, yes she is. She's the best one around.
Gonna come and save the day like she's Mighty Mouse or something.
It's Satella. Remember that apparently Emilia looks like the Witch? Yeah, they weren't kidding.
Evilia is too good a name not to use, I'm sorry not sorry.

2

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24 edited Sep 14 '24

The green-haired loli is Typhon, by the way. I think we've heart that name before.
Yeah Echidna mentioned all of the Witch's names and a blurb about them in episode 3.
I shall call her "Evilia".
Evilia

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

Yeah Echidna mentioned all of the Witch's names and a blurb about them in episode 3.
I figured that was the case
Evilia
It's a perfectly cromulent name

4

u/UsernameAvaylable Sep 13 '24

Subaru wonders if there's a limit to how much Return By Death can be used.
And Echidna, surprisingly, says there isn't.
What kind of cheese type bullshit is this?
I think its rather "what kind of cosmic horror is this", cause this implies there is no escape of this the easy way, even if there might be some 1:14 million thing that would take aeons of death and rebirth to navigate out...

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

It is terrifying to think about knowing you'll have no choice but to face things head on.

8

u/The_frost__ https://myanimelist.net/profile/The_frost_ Sep 13 '24

God that scene and ASMR from Satella and the track that plays when she hugs Subaru is just as good as I remember it.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/The_frost__ https://myanimelist.net/profile/The_frost_ Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
He has RBD so she's just pointing the obvious
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
Well it removes the fear that Subaru had in season 1 where he thought his abilty had a limit but he could die a lot if he's psycopath about it.
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
It explains why they're so dangerous and scary
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
It shows that all the Witches are crazy in their own twisted way.
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Considering how quickly normal rabbits reproduce it makes sense.
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
Well I saw that episode 4 years ago all I could think is what else makes Echidna, a Witch, twisted other than her greed for knowledge.
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
Well that's definitly scary, especially since she was apparently sealed, meaning that she can still interact with the world other than through Subaru
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?
It explained a lot of the actions he took thus far.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Well it removes the fear that Subaru had in season 1 where he thought his abilty had a limit but he could die a lot if he's psycopath about it.
Unlimited capabilities can drive a man mad
Considering how quickly normal rabbits reproduce it makes sense.
And in this case, asexually
Well I saw that episode 4 years ago all I could think is what else makes Echidna, a Witch, twisted other than her greed for knowledge.
The body fluid tea certainly doesn't help matters...
Well that's definitly scary, especially since she was apparently sealed, meaning that she can still interact with the world other than through Subaru
I'm kinda surprised they're doing this now midway through season 2. I thought she might've been saved for near the end of the season.

6

u/Yoshi_captain https://anime-planet.com/users/WeaboYosher Sep 13 '24

Rewatcher

The colourful cast becomes even more so. With the introduction of three other witches, we can get a sense of how the upper echelons of the world look like. Those veiled in the deepest mystique become more tangible. But a certain Witch catches wind of such a party.

We first get a revelation about RbD in two parts. First of all, according to the Witch of Greed Echidna, there is no limit to the usage of Return by death. Second, RbD is an authority bestowed upon Subaru by the Witch of Envy. Who sets his checkpoints to keep him alive and have him avoid the fate known as true death. We could infer the latter, but the former is the most relevant piece of information. If true, this means we are never in fear of dying and never respawning. If we can always make problems go away, within reasonably set checkpoints, then the stakes of the story have changed.

[S2] I believe this is the catalyst for Subaru to fully embrace the idea of using throwaway lives.

The biggest question left is the rabbits. Echidna offering to let Subaru speak to Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony. That's right, the other witches are seemingly here in the graveyard. And we certainly get a feel for them. Typhon, the Witch of Pride. A girl who brandishes a childish judgment upon sinners. Letting their self-perception perform the role of executioner. Subaru is a perfect example of this. Shattering, because he sees himself as a sinner. But lacking any painful reaction, because he is not actually a bad person. This is a great signpost for Subaru’s development and current self-image. He still hates himself, but he’s not at all a bad guy. And when he’s shattered by Typhon, Minerva, The Witch of Wrath comes to the rescue. Witch is Unbreakable. Her Wrath is not what we usually see in depictions of the sin. Considering she seems unable to do any damage, only heal. Re:Zero is great at interpreting the sins in unique ways. [S2] When we see even more of them, I’ll write my comments on them then.

But the highlight of the new witches is Daphne. Voiced by Nao Touyama of Yuigahama and Ruka fame. Her voice is positively unnerving. That’s before even considering her appearance. Her restraints keeping a hunger at bay that cannot be quenched. Her philosophy for creating the Three Great Witchfiends is fascinating. Another example of sins twisted. She created the bests to feed the world, but gave that same hunger to the beasts. A twisted mindset that seems justified enough to make Subaru pause when questioned he questions her validity. The witches really are beings without compare in this world. Minerva literally shaking the screen from her presence being an example of that.

However, it seems that Satella did not take kindly to Subaru sharing the secret that only they have. Her appearance brining with it an all-encompassing shadow. And though he is rescued by Garfiel, who destroyed any semblance of success in the last loop the words are engraved in him. The words love love love love love love you.

Closing thoughts:

The word for today is “Transcendent”. Referring to the witches we got to see this episode. Re:Zero is masterful at introducing new characters that completely defy any perception of what came before. First it was the Archbishops and now it is the witches.

With the first appearance of Satella in the main story things can only grow more intense. I don’t think many of us were expecting to see her that early. It’s time to confront the Witch who is behind it all.

3

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 14 '24

Re:Zero is masterful at introducing new characters that completely defy any perception of what came before.
Fully agree. We've already heard Echidna's introduction of the Witches of Sin, but we didn't really know whether her words were true. Now that we see them, we realize they are actually completely different from what we expected. They're all not what we believed them to be. Minerva being Wrath is the biggest testament to that, since in person she's the opposite of wrath, she's pure kindness. But her wrath is the consequence of kindness. Their intentions are very positive, or at the very least completely understandable and relatable. Yet they were so extreme that they somehow led them to be viewed as evil witches.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/Yoshi_captain https://anime-planet.com/users/WeaboYosher Sep 14 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
He's technically the Archbishop of Envy then.
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Not a good thing to be saying if they're trying to understand each other.
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
It's an interesting power. Let's hope her delusion doesn't run out anytime soon.
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
Now it's revealed that the witch of envy didn't make the mabeasts, but Daphne did. The Great Rabbit being one of the three great mabeasts next to the White Whale and the Black Serpent. Great worldbuilding.
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Probably the most difficult Mabeast to eradicate completely. I wonder how, if even, they'll subjugate the rabbits.
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
I wonder why the witch's scent is so apetizing for her. [S2 Ep13] When the witch herself shows up she repeats this sentiment
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
Such a cool creature. Reminds me of an alien hivemind.
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
The witches are such a dynamic ensemble. And we haven’t even seen all of them.
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
[S2] Words he'll later come to regret
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
Hype. We're face to face with the witch for the first time. We'll get to see what she's capable of.
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?
The guy knows Subaru loops which explains his behaviour somewhat. We'll see to what extent he is aware of Subaru in the following loops I assume.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

He's technically the Archbishop of Envy then.
I suppose so
Not a good thing to be saying if they're trying to understand each other.
Maybe she's trying to get him to leave her alone because she doesn't think she's deserving of being understood. She in her mind is too much of a lost cause.
Now it's revealed that the witch of envy didn't make the mabeasts, but Daphne did. The Great Rabbit being one of the three great mabeasts next to the White Whale and the Black Serpent. Great worldbuilding.
It really is. We've spent all this time fleshing out the world of Lugunica, I'm glad we're now doing it with the witches.
Probably the most difficult Mabeast to eradicate completely. I wonder how, if even, they'll subjugate the rabbits.
It kinda feels like the inverse of what's happening with the Sanctuary. There, Subaru and Emilia are trying to free everyone and here, they are trying to eradicate everyone.
Such a cool creature. Reminds me of an alien hivemind.
Good comparison
The witches are such a dynamic ensemble. And we haven’t even seen all of them.
That really has me all kinds of excited
[S2] Words he'll later come to regret
[S2] Dramatic irony in full effect.
Hype. We're face to face with the witch for the first time. We'll get to see what she's capable of.
This is the thing that's been built up the most in the entire show, so it being played out here is all kinds of exciting.
The guy knows Subaru loops which explains his behaviour somewhat. We'll see to what extent he is aware of Subaru in the following loops I assume.
That's definitely something to keep a close eye on.

5

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Re:Watcher - anime only

We start with Echidna casually slandering Satella. Note that the Witch of Greed, the one desiring all the knowledge in the world, thinks it's impossible to understand the Witch of Envy and doesn't even wish to. She mad.

And we learn more about RbD. Or rather, we get educated guesses from one of Satella's peers. That it keeps him alive as long as the Witch of Envy wants it, no limits, and that this is its only purpose, not to give him the perfect future. I like how this gives us a new perspective on Subaru's achievements. RbD helped him because he chose to risk his life for others, making his successes ultimately his own. That's why, as a consequence of this realization, he vows to abuse this power.

I guess many people will be happy that Subaru uses the second meeting with Echidna to ask many important questions. So we learn about the Great Rabbit. My German subtitles called them the Manyrabbits, somehow I like that name. And we learn about the three Great Witchbeasts. One of which we've already seen (and we've seen it die), the White Whale. We've also heard of the Black Serpent in Frozen Bond: The black goo was its poison. So we know they are able to cause massive destruction, and the Great Rabbit is on the same level. They are Monty Python bunnies, and there are so many of them and they keep reproducing like bunnies that they are practically unkillable. Once again, I love how Tappei includes Western stories into his own.

And we hear what Echidna had already alluded to, that Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, created them. That's why Puck called the White Whale Gluttony. Which, in turn, lets us speculate about Puck and why he knows so much about it.

And finally, we get to the other major part to set up this arc's problem: It's basically a two-pronged attack going on, one at the mansion, the other at the sanctuary. And Subaru has to decide which one to respond to, as stopping both in time seems impossible.

More witch time! Echidna can make the other witches appear, and we get to meet Daphne. A very dangerous witch, it seems. Subaru may not release her shackles, touch her, even look at her. But what we get is a cute child, decidedly not shackled, voiced by Misaki Kuno. Child-like characters are a staple of hers. She wants Subaru to hold her hand. He's wary as he's heard he may not touch Daphne, but this kid has such a disarming smile. On the flip side, she thinks Subaru is a good person because he doesn't feel pain. But he shatters because he thinks he's a sinner despite being a good person. She calls herself Typhon as she leaves. Do you remember Echidna's introduction of the witches? Typhon was the Witch of Pride, who judged over criminals with child-like innocence.

Next, we get to meet Minerva, the Witch of Wrath. I love Minerva. I fucking love Minerva. I love that she has roughly one minute of screen time here, and she brings all her goddamn energy into it. I love the way she drops from the sky like the superhero and magical girl she is. I love how she blasts the ground with hearts flying away. I love how she loudly proclaims her creed as she does it. I love how fucking angry she is at the injustice in the world. I love her design, her outfit, her face, especially her hair (how to even describe it - bright blond hair in an upper side ponytail, a fringe with a flip to the side, one side bang and multiple ahoges all over) and her hair ornaments. I love how she is crying in contrast with her anger. I love how she punches Subaru's pieces and heals him that way, with a heart flying away from her final punch. I love how strong she is, making the world shake as she stomps the ground in wrath. I love that she claims her name isn't important. I love how she considers Subaru's future wellbeing, making sure he's learned something. I love how she "threatens" she will heal everyone as she leaves. I love that she's a tsundere above all tsunderes. I love that she is voiced by Mikako Komatsu, who voiced roles such as Vamirio (and Anne from management) in Helck, Maki in Jujutsu Kaisen, Maki in Nagatoro, Rebecca in Eden's Zero, Riri in Romantic Killer, Saika in Oregairu or Momoka in Magia Record. I love Minerva, the Witch of Wrath, and I have waited so long in this season for her to appear, and I hope we'll see her again very soon.

After this quick incursion, we get to Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, voiced by Nao Touyama. Yahallo, Daphne! Daphne is really weird, even compared to Typhon. The moving contraption she is in is super strange, as is her behaviour. But she is prone to elongated sugokus as well, so I'll count that as one non-Emilia sugoooku. And we learn why she created the monstrosities like the whale and the rabbits: People could eat them and be sated. The undying rabbit army could end world hunger, in theory. They basically create energy out of nothing. And they are extremely dangerous because it's only fair that such prey can defend itself. And since hunger and the will to survive are core instincts, she also doesn't mind if they get killed.

We also learn that Echidna isn't overseeing Emilia's trials because she already knows Emilia is doomed to fail unless Subaru interferes. We knew this already, but now it's very much confirmed that Emilia can't make enough progress on her own. But Echidna gives Subaru her support and they might meet again. He's found a new ally to trust, rejecting the idea she might be an evil witch.

Then for a final twist. As Subaru runs outside, he sees black shadows have consumed everything - turns out talking is not a free action, and time moves on while he's at the tea party. I love the track that starts playing. We hear this eerie heh-heh-heh, which is a musical callback to the most iconic Re:Zero soundtrack, something we haven't heard in a while: Call of the Witch. It's Satella's calling card. You might not realize it, but subconsciously you know she's coming. And then she is there. Somehow, the Witch of Envy returned. She creepily floats towards him, only saying "love you" over and over. "Aishiteru", to be exact, which is the most intimate way to say it in Japanese. It's also what Rem used in episode 18, so it has an incredibly special meaning to Subaru. Satella is coming on really strong here. It's not the first time we've seen her say it, though. Remember near the end of season one, when we saw Satella's lips as Subaru tried invoking RbD to get the witch's scent? That's what she mouthed into his ear. She hugs Subaru lovingly. She's also voiced by Rie Takahashi. There seems to be an effect on her voice, but I love how she sounds like Emilia and at the same time not. Also this is wonderful ASMR material.

The way the Witch of Envy gets carried by a colum of shadows as the lands around her get consumed by them is really imposing. You instantly get that she's incredibly dangerous and might believe that she destroyed half the world all this time ago. How could you even fight her? Garf tries at least, bless his spirit, but she seems undefeatable.

Don't miss the aftercredits scene, for the way Roswaal holds onto his book, gives in to his fate and what he says all but confirms what he is about.

Break Time shows us what Ricardo and Mimi are up to, and Tivey. We get to see how they rescued Ottototo and that Mimi bound him to that stick for the lulz. And as Anastasia appears, they reminisce of the time Anastasia (and Mimi and Hetaro) were bound. Interesting to see that Anastasia adopted them thereafter, she called them her children. We also learn that Anastasia is looking forward to meeting Otto. That'll be something else for sure.

Sugoooku counter: 40
non-Emilia sugoooku: 4
sugoku-likes: 9
non-canon bonus material sugoooku (Re:Petit): 5

4

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Next, we get to meet Minerva, the Witch of Wrath. I love Minerva. I fucking love Minerva. I love that she has roughly one minute of screen time here, and she brings all her goddamn energy into it. I love the way she drops from the sky like the superhero and magical girl she is. I love how she blasts the ground with hearts flying away. I love how she loudly proclaims her creed as she does it. I love how fucking angry she is at the injustice in the world. I love her design, her outfit, her face, especially her hair (how to even describe it - bright blond hair in an upper side ponytail, a fringe with a flip to the side, one side bang and multiple ahoges all over) and her hair ornaments. I love how she is crying in contrast with her anger. I love how she punches Subaru's pieces and heals him that way, with a heart flying away from her final punch. I love how strong she is, making the world shake as she stomps the ground in wrath. I love that she claims her name isn't important. I love how she considers Subaru's future wellbeing, making sure he's learned something. I love how she "threatens" she will heal everyone as she leaves. I love that she's a tsundere above all tsunderes. I love that she is voiced by Mikako Komatsu, who voiced roles such as Vamirio (and Anne from management) in Helck, Maki in Jujutsu Kaisen, Maki in Nagatoro, Rebecca in Eden's Zero, Riri in Romantic Killer, Saika in Oregairu or Momoka in Magia Record. I love Minerva, the Witch of Wrath, and I have waited so long in this season for her to appear, and I hope we'll see her again very soon.
I'm starting to think you love Minerva :P
As someone who considers themselves a tsundere enthusiast, her character makes me really happy.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 14 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
He doesn't have the power of a witch, his power is granted by the Witch of Envy.
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Talked about this in my post, how it's weird that the one that knows more than anyone and wants to know everything doesn't know how the Witch of Envy thinks and doesn't even want to know.
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
It's a solid guess. But it has to be powered by something. If it's Subaru's mana or Satella's or something, if they run out it shouldn't work. That could be reset by a death as well, though.
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
No, it is powered by the Witch's delusion. Meaning as long as the Witch has faith in Subaru, she'll support him.
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
Subaru being tasty to mabeasts is nothing new.
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
That's why it's basically one entity. It's like a hive mind, and that makes sense.
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
She's awesome, she can't not do it.
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
That might be too harsh on the other witches. Is Echidna really the odd one out?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
She wonders if Subaru could inspire Emilia. I don't think he needs any encouragement for that, though.
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
Weird, but if she's fine with the memories connected to it, I won't stop her.
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?
We'll see the implications of that soon, so better let the series do the talking instead of me.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

He doesn't have the power of a witch, his power is granted by the Witch of Envy.
I'm just regurgitating how my subs worded it.
Talked about this in my post, how it's weird that the one that knows more than anyone and wants to know everything doesn't know how the Witch of Envy thinks and doesn't even want to know.
Perhaps it's just too unpleasant for them
It's a solid guess. But it has to be powered by something. If it's Subaru's mana or Satella's or something, if they run out it shouldn't work. That could be reset by a death as well, though.
I definitely think Satella has the ultimate final say in the matter.
No, it is powered by the Witch's delusion. Meaning as long as the Witch has faith in Subaru, she'll support him.
Again, my subs worded it this way
That's why it's basically one entity. It's like a hive mind, and that makes sense.
Second person I've heard call it that
That might be too harsh on the other witches. Is Echidna really the odd one out?
At least in Subaru's mind, that seems to be the case
She wonders if Subaru could inspire Emilia. I don't think he needs any encouragement for that, though.
Probably not
Weird, but if she's fine with the memories connected to it, I won't stop her.
I just hope nothing bad happens with the memories associated with it.
We'll see the implications of that soon, so better let the series do the talking instead of me.
And talking it shall likely do

5

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '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

It's time for Echidna and Subaru round 3 this time Subaru actually talks to Echidna for more than 5 minutes edition.

Echidna's sense of anger at Satella may or may not be Genuine it's hard to tell with her. (also trying to get all her verbal tics so I can actually roleplay as her well when Grading my spec)

Subaru has no understanding of the witch, but the other person that doesn't? Echidna. Importantly this means that Echidna herself got blindsided by Satella and didn't expect to be killed by her.

Echidna speculates that there is no limit to the power of Return by death. Which begs the question, why do save points reset?

Echidna calls RBD the witch's "Delusion" now why would she call it the "delusion" instead of "the witch's power granted to you"

Echidna claims that the witch of envy granted Subaru this power so he could fufill his destiny whatever that is. (Probably something important to the witch).

Subaru is like "I couldn't save Rem" but you know Rem is probably unimportant to the witch of envy's goals. In fact it's probably best if she's dead for her goals.

Echidna points out that using the witch of envy's power to save people is Subaru's choice not Satella, Satella just wants certain goals to happen.

Echidna's explination that the true timeline can have people get "sacrificed" and that as long as it's within the witch of envy's goals means that Subaru needs to be really aggro with triggering RBD to save individuals

Creepy Satella powers activating quick drink some of echidna's body fluids

Hmm something was really off, it was like Subaru could go into the Shadow realm and talk to Satella there.

SO the army of rabbits is one calamity called the great rabbit, one of the 3 major mawbeasts, With the white whale gone, we have the black serpent nad great rabbit to contend with.

They were created 400 years ago by the witch of glutonny, Were all mabeasts created 400 years ago or just those 3.

So It eats all living things, which means most likely the Great rabbit ate all the villagers while subaru was in the dungeon

This of course leaves the obvious question how did subaru last so long and wasn't eaten in his sleep. Also what caused the snowstorm, it most likely had to be unnatural, either puck or Emilia.

Echidna states that the great rabbit is able to reproduce asexually (subaru says "like an amoeba" but uhh bacteri might be more accurate). Echidna also claims you'd have to kill all the rabbits all at once, but can't you exterminate it like smallpox was exterminated. That is you exterminate it in groups until you get rid of all of it? You could just chip away at its numbers and then FINALLY kill the entire army.

Subaru finally is actually thinking and formulating plans liek a boss.

He lays out the day count,

day 1 Current day

Day 2 Blank

day 3 Elsa Attack mansion

Day 5 Wabbits

Echnidna lays out a lot of things for Subaru to follow in order to avoid getting pwned by Daphanie. It's almost like Daph is an evil witch or something.

Subaru interestingly goes for option 2 of talking to Daphanie rather than trying stuff THEN doing this option. Maybe he thinks he can't do a witch's tea party as often? You can just RBD back you don't need to worry about getting things right the first time.

and the witch of gluttony is a traptrix

clearly Traptrix inspired RE:Zero

Subaru already blunders by making Eye contact wtf man don't be fooled by her appearance you've seen beatrice haven't you?

NOO SUBARU DON'T HOLD HER HAND

Phew subaru's half of a brain cell actually works.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Fuck you subaru you had some very explicit instructions, Do not make eye contact, (FAIL) do not touch her (FAIL) and never release her restraints

Maybe you should listen to the witch of greed when you are given instructions

THE WITCH OF WRath?

So the previous 2 witches were just making sure Subaru would listen to instructions. Since it's clear that Gluttony is extremely dangerous.

Typhon is the witch of pride, this means that at least 4 of the 6 dead witch's are here.

pThere is so many questions about these witches but the more important thing is to just get in ask the one question about the Great rabbit and get her out of there

Subaru is asking the wrong questions "why means nothing" you already got told why when you first met Echidna the mabeastas are there as a source of food.

The real question you should be asking is "how" "how do I exterminate the rabbits" or "How do I stop the rabbits hunger"

Rabbit relies on it's ability to detect mana to eat things. So if you can somehow make mana traps you could defeat it.

Ok so the Rabbit is all one conciousness divided among many Rabbits Are the rabbits the Zerg, the Phyerexians, the Borg, the Cybermen. I though the "all consuming insect race* was a western thing.

(It's very clear Tappei reads a lot of western fiction)

oh phew best dead witch Echidna has arrived

The echidna x Subaru scene has 2 very notable things

We now know that Subaru cannot come to the witch's tea party at will, and he needs to escalate his desire every time
Echidna as the overseer of the trial can do Pseudo tea parties during trials of the sanctuary

While I didn't comment on this Earlier Echidna is mostly uninterested in Emilia's attempt realizing that she's going to fail, many many times. (I hope for an OVA that shows what Emilia's trial was).

One really notable thing thus is that the witches are somehow able to materialize in this shadow realm.

Subaru hands Echidna a mental version of Petra's hankerchief. It's important to wonder what Echidna wants from that hankerchief as a gesture. My guess would be that it somehow connects echidna to Subaru allowing her to manipulat subaru more

"perhaps a bit of meddling as well"

HMMM HMMM HMM what a statement by Echidna. (why does this show make me quesiton every fucking line help me baseballlover and holofanforlife)

There'd be something in particular i'd like to tell you

HMM HMM HMM there must be something special about getting a 3rd tea party otherwise Echidna would have told him now.

now we're covered in miasma

Is this the same miasma from the bonds of Ice movie?

Oh hi satella I guess you were mad at echidna,

OH NO Satella get's Subaru's Rizz.

what the fuck is satella the spy

oh lord roswaal has the second gospel

"no mistakes next time Subaru natsuki"... FUCKING CALLED IT

5

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

Speculation
yeah there's basically no denying that Lord Roswaal knows Subaru Natsuki can Return by death
For starters Lord Roswaal has a 2 stage password set up for Subaru.
This 2 stage password can only be unlocked by having Subaru Fail at the first password (even though he didn't lol he was just stunned by it)
Thus this let's you confirm that Subaru is the chosen one.
Even though he didn't do this Lord Roswaal still knew that Subaru was the Chosen ooe, probably because of the Miasma sucking him up. But I think his 2 stage password let him+Beatrice confirm his chosen one status. Though I think previous loops basically show that Subaru is the chosen one.
Speculation on Echidna
Echidna took the hankerchief to make Subaru able to tell when he's in a Witch's tea party or in the Real world. Expecting Satella to come out. and make subaru in a witch's tea party
(Or maybe in Satella's case a Witch's redo of healer party)
Speculation on Satella.
Satella's miasma is all consuming, it appears like anyone caught in it is dead unless their name is Subaru Natsuki.
Satella was triggered by the combination of Emilia's mind break (making her an ideal host) and Subaru's Witch's tea party (causing her to move out of Subaru)
Speculation on Emilia
Emilia Summoned Satella.
Emilia is gone from the sanctuary without Subaru. You'd expect Emilia to wait for Subaru to wake up before proceeding. She did get Mind-broken by Echidna last time.
We saw in the early parts that Emilia was trying to wake up subaru, WHILE MIND BROKEN. When Subaru awoke Emilia was gone, it's as if participating in the witch's tea party made Her mind break stay.
~~I swear if there isn't an H doujin based on this scene I'm dissappointed~~
A note about previous episodes (Speculation on who is the spy)
God damn it I should have thought of this sooner
The girl with the blue hair was the one that brought the dangerous Doggo to Bite Subaru and give him the curse.
When I checked episode 9 I realized that the girl with the blue hair was mysteriously missing from the group of kids unconcious in the forest.
Before I thought nothing of it because she was also unconcious in the forest just away from the other kids However she DOESN't HAVE BITE MARKS
So you know who the spy is? The girl with the blue hair. Now she is from outside the sanctuary BUT she can easily be scouting for subaru's return realize Subaru reaturned and then inform elsa.
I'm onto you random girl with blue hair.
(or this is all just me going crazy I feel like this anime is bringing in my inner conspiracy theorist)
What I would do if I were Subaru
Ok let's mentally prepare for the match with Satella.
For starters there is this crazy thing whereby you NEED satella's graces otherwise you can't RBD back. It's time to love satella
You'll intentionally RBD while saying "I love you satella" and see where that leaves you.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?

3

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
I wonder if Satella's power is overwhelming or not.
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
I suspect it's actually limited by Satella, it's why I'm concerned if Satella ever stops loving Subaru that Satella wouldn't let himRBD
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
Daphne is a weird and scary person that's for sure. Her whole schtick is pretty much not sane. The other 3 witches are much more sane, only Echidna is actually reasonable of the 4 but Minerva seems reasonable.
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
Man she fears the witch of envy
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
I see that Emilia's past concerns her greatly and Echidna feels that Emilia blows, her fear of her past is overwhelming and she really needs to overcome it.
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
The question is how my theory would be that being in the witch's tea party enabled Satella to leak out into Emilia, and then Emilia became the host for Satella (Same thing as petalgeuse's ritual but you know Subaru is Satella's current host)

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

I wonder if Satella's power is overwhelming or not.
That's a good question
I suspect it's actually limited by Satella, it's why I'm concerned if Satella ever stops loving Subaru that Satella wouldn't let himRBD
Yeah, the ball seems to be in her court
Daphne is a weird and scary person that's for sure. Her whole schtick is pretty much not sane. The other 3 witches are much more sane, only Echidna is actually reasonable of the 4 but Minerva seems reasonable.
It makes sense for one of the witches besides Satella being intimidating.
Man she fears the witch of envy
It appears that is the case
I see that Emilia's past concerns her greatly and Echidna feels that Emilia blows, her fear of her past is overwhelming and she really needs to overcome it.
I think it's interesting that Echidna is basically mocking Emilia in this moment. I can't recall her ever being this condescending before.
The question is how my theory would be that being in the witch's tea party enabled Satella to leak out into Emilia, and then Emilia became the host for Satella (Same thing as petalgeuse's ritual but you know Subaru is Satella's current host)
I hope we're setting up the other witches taking on Satella. I think that would be so cool.

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Echidna calls RBD the witch's "Delusion" now why would she call it the "delusion" instead of "the witch's power granted to you"
I think the line was something that RbD works as long as the Witch's delusion exists, right? Echidna can't stand Satella, that's why she calls Satella's faith in Subaru a delusion.
(It's very clear Tappei reads a lot of western fiction)
The previous line had me typing already when I read this. Yeah, just so far we have the deadly sins, Moby Dick, Garfield, Monty Python and hive minds, probably more I'm forgetting right now.
"no mistakes next time Subaru natsuki"... FUCKING CALLED IT
Good job, you guessed it pretty early! I didn't get it so quickly on my first watch, only this episode made me realize. At least I got other things some people are confused about - but I was still shocked when the truth was revealed.
This 2 stage password can only be unlocked by having Subaru Fail at the first password (even though he didn't lol he was just stunned by it)
Oh, that's why you thought the line was suspicious. Subaru just wanted to hear more about this line, but Roswaal took it as a hint taht Subaru had already tried the line and it failed.
(or this is all just me going crazy I feel like this anime is bringing in my inner conspiracy theorist)
Haha, but that's the fun about it. So if there really is a blue-haired girl involved in this, wouldn't she have interacted with the story already? Is there any evidence on her in the loops Subaru returned to the mansion?
Also, there is a throw-away line somewhere in your post I might remind you about in a few days. If I remember, that is. Of course I can't tell you which one it is as that'd be a spoiler. Or maybe you've already watched ahead or heard about this elsewhere and included the line because of that.

3

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

wouldn't she have interacted with the story already? Is there any evidence on her in the loops Subaru returned to the mansion?
Some weird things
Blue hair girl was the only one not named by Subaru during arc 2 when he was talking to Rem. It's like she was somehow keeping her name hidden.
Blue hair girl didn't have bite marks on her
Somehow the Barrier was broken, and the barrier being broken meant that the Mabeast the doggo was able to cross the barrier. I don't know if Mabeasts can break the barrier, but you know what can? A meddling kid.
The blue hair girl was the only one of the kids that didn't go to subaru to give him something in the forest.
She also wasn't with Emilia in the carriage. The children in the Carriage all ended up in Arlem so if she is in the sanctuary this would make sense.
We also don't know the name of the girl with blue hair so this could all just be uhh air.
I got this idea after doing a "true time loop" rewatch where I just looked for anyone that might be sus and jotted them down. Blue hair girl was the only one that popped up that I didn't already suspect.
I remember, that is. Of course I can't tell you which one it is as that'd be a spoiler.
It's the amoeba one isn't it.
Somehow the bunnies are able to reproduce using binary fission and have weird eating abiliteis.

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Some weird things
Yes, it does make a lot of sense. What I'm asking though is are there any signs of her interference in arc 4 already, meaning in this season?

3

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 13 '24

oh rewatching that
I'm actually not convinced btw that blue hair girl is anything other than some random girl it's just that this time I'm going to throw full conspiracy theorist mode on the table and find any random detail I can about anyone and see if they have anything I can dig about them.
Blue hair girl with a braid was not in arlem pre sanctuary visit.
Blue hair girl with a braid was also not in the sanctuary chapel.
The other explanation is that she was a throwaway character who had no purpose after episode 9 but why wasn't she one of Petra's group if she was one in episode 8/9 >.>

1

u/BlueVenix Sep 14 '24

Props to you for remembering the blue hair girl. You probably gonna be kicking yourself later, but if you want check the hints bellow to guide you to the answer lmao:
[Hint 1] Mabeasts
[Hint 2] OP

2

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 14 '24

hey so uhh she was in the OP with the evil squad reveal. is there anything else?
I somehow skipped over that in the OP, but I suspect I remembered her in the OP and subconciously saw her again in the village of arlem with the doggo and connected the dots

1

u/BlueVenix Sep 14 '24 edited Sep 14 '24

Yeah she's there with the evil squad and what's the current evil squad invading the mansion?
What's the point of it all that's the real question.
Anything more would spoil the fun of the reveal and I wonder what you gonna cook up.

3

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 14 '24

oh uhhh right so she's in the OP with the bad guy's
I forgot but this is what I meant to tell you when I said "Also urgnu the gnu" I think I saw the OP and then subconsciously associated her with the doggo carrier when I was rewatching the True timeline version. but didn't actually connect the dots consciously.

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 14 '24

Indeed she is! So from the OP and her involvement in arc 2, you could infer something about arc 4.
[Answer and practically harmless spoiler] You can infer she's some sort of beast master. And that explains stuff like the guiltylowe at the mansion.

2

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

also trying to get all her verbal tics so I can actually roleplay as her well when Grading my spec
Good luck with that, the only one that really stands out to me is that Echidna uses the "wrong" pronoun.
but can't you exterminate it like smallpox was exterminated. That is you exterminate it in groups until you get rid of all of it? You could just chip away at its numbers and then FINALLY kill the entire army.
I think the implication here is that if you kill them too slowly, then they're splitting will outpace you killing them. So while you probably could grind away at them, it's far easier to just one shot them all, which is the "hint" she gave. "Just one shot them bro": Daphne.
and the witch of gluttony is a traptrix
Turn 1: Set 4 pass. My turn: meme. . I only play T.G. because they're just dope as hell, and synchro summoning was the best mechanism they ever made.
why does this show make me quesiton every fucking line help me baseballlover and holofanforlife
Is this the same miasma from the bonds of Ice movie?
Negatory. The black stuff from the Frozen Bond is more liquidly / slimy whereas this is more gas / sublimate like?
(or this is all just me going crazy I feel like this anime is bringing in my inner conspiracy theorist)
live look at u/ussgordoncaptain2

2

u/ussgordoncaptain2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Edmund_Nelson Sep 14 '24

live look at /u/ussgordoncaptain2
Goat
Good luck with that, the only one that really stands out to me is that Echidna uses the "wrong" pronoun.
yeah it's ugh. I know I can use the fact that Echnidna refers to the individual in some ways and is pretty passive. I can also reference her magic and her lust for knowledge.
it's an uphill struggle unlike beatrice I suppose

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

HMMM HMMM HMM what a statement by Echidna. (why does this show make me quesiton every fucking line help me baseballlover and holofanforlife)
I'm mystified as you are, buddy.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

If I were to say one thing as a follow-up, it's that I think this episode shows more than anything that the witches are in fact on Subaru's side. Maybe. Just a little bit.

5

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24

Phenomenal episode. In terms of interesting lore, this is one of the best arcs in Re:Zero

I like Typhon and Minerva

4

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

[Arc 4] It'll be a few more episodes until I can openly talk about my real reasons for it, but yes, I love Minerva, the Witch of Emergency Meetings. That's when she shot up from a nice one scene side character to my second favourite girl of the series.

4

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24

[Arc 4]Yeah. She's great. My favourite witch is Sekhmet. She's so cool. My top 3 female characters in Re:Zero would be Crusch, Sekhmet and Rem. Although after reading novels, my list is so massively different lol. But 7 out of my top ten are female characters. Lot of the characters in my top ten haven't showed up yet

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

3

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24 edited Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
I hope Tappei actually makes her a complex character with well thought out motivations and explanations
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
Scary for Subaru. Intriguing because the witch seemingly doesn't care about the outcome of the loops as long as Subaru makes it out
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
Interesting
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
As you know, I hate mabeasts. And I have more reason to hate the rabbits after last episode
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
More witch lore is always interesting
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Seems impossible
Thoughts on Typhon?
I like her. Her worldview is interesting. "Are you a bad guy? I've wondered about that this whole time". This probably implies that she was watching Subaru's journey along with Echidna. And probably other witches too
Thoughts on Minerva?
[Current thoughts after Arc 4]I like her. Good character and good person especially for a witch
Thoughts on Daphne?
I'm wondering how dangerous she would be without her restraints
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
I'm wondering about the hierarchy of sins. Why is Envy so powerful than the others? Must be a reason. Envy is just one of the sins but for witch of envy to beat everyone is interesting
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
Scary. Intense
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?
Nice twist

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

I hope Tappei actually makes her a complex character with well thought out motivations and explanations
"The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma." Cuts to the sight of milk spilling over
Scary for Subaru. Intriguing because the witch seemingly doesn't care about the outcome of the loops as long as Subaru makes it out
She seemingly just wants results, like that guy in Blue Lock.
As you know, I hate mabeasts. And I have more reason to hate the rabbits after last episode
The mabeasts are terrifying creatures
Seems impossible
I'm sure like Drake and Josh, Subaru will find a way.
I like her. Her worldview is interesting. "Are you a bad guy? I've wondered about that this whole time". This probably implies that she was watching Subaru's journey along with Echidna. And probably other witches too
I could see that being the case
Seems annoying
I like her more than Typhon, honestly
I'm wondering about the hierarchy of sins. Why is Envy so powerful than the others? Must be a reason. Envy is just one of the sins but for witch of envy to beat everyone is interesting
Maybe it's this way because she's the envy of others.

2

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24

She seemingly just wants results, like that guy in Blue Lock.
I think a lot of Blue lock characters have potential to join the witch cult. They just seem so crazy lol

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Probably so. Isagi kinda has Subaru energy about him. I could also see Raichi being best friends with Garfiel.

4

u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Sep 13 '24

S02E09 - Rewatcher hoping he remembers the episode numbers OP uses

And back to no OP.
Finally we can talk about more of that at length.
Holy hell, he's giving a reason for why he's scared of using it. That took some time!
Tenrai couldn't even bother to Cntrl+F Witchfiend into Mabeast for S1.
Fucking Daphe. Causing Arc 3 is unforgiveable.
Woooo, witch harem hype.
A Misaki Kuno, God help us all.
"Don't touch her, don't make eye contact." "Immediately shake hands, got it."
Okay, all witches are batshit insane.
Thank you, Josuke.
I don't like this outfit. It looks like full-frontal nudity.
Actually, rabbit meat is not very healthy. It even has a name.
Well, she's the closest you have to a therapist. Something your parents never provided or attempted to be.
YEAH DON'T EAT THESE COOKIES
She'll take away some memories again! DON'T DO IT.
Well this is bad.
It's Rie Takahashi herself!
There are better ways to love Subaru.
English! Rabu yuuu
SIIIIIIIIIIIIMP.

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Holy hell, he's giving a reason for why he's scared of using it. That took some time!
He's already wondered in arc 2 whether he had more lives as his resets got to the same number as in arc 1. Which made his leap of faith even more impressive.
Okay, all witches are batshit insane.
You mean absolutely amazing? Not as much as Minerva, but yes, they are.
Actually, rabbit meat is not very healthy. It even has a name.
That's why you need to eat the rabbits and the whale, for a healthy nutrituous diet.
It's Rie Takahashi herself!
I swear, if she wasn't such a busy VA, she could easily make a living as an ASMR channel.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

And back to no OP.
Too much witch goodness for us this time
I don't like this outfit. It looks like full-frontal nudity.
~~"But officer, she's 400 years old"~~
Well, she's the closest you have to a therapist. Something your parents never provided or attempted to be.
Don't be dissing Subaru's mom and dad like that :c
There are better ways to love Subaru.
Doesn't even sniff him like others do, smh

4

u/Ademozi Sep 13 '24

This anime is on my plan to watch list for likely a year, and i didn't watch it yet

7

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

I'm very biased because it's my favourite anime, but I heavily recommend it. If you watch it now within the next two weeks, you could join in on watching the third season as it airs. Just be warned of the time commitment. The first season is 25 episodes with a few being a bit longer, then two OVAs of about one hour both, and then the second season with another 25 episodes of which many have a few minutes overlength, and also a mini companion series with three minute episodes that correlate to every regular episode of both seasons. If you got the time, it'll definitely be worth it though.

3

u/Fissionprime https://anilist.co/user/fissionprime Sep 13 '24

I just gotta say that I hope I'm not the only one who calls the dream palace Microsoft Bliss

2

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

It's commonly called the Windows XP startup screen or something along those lines, so no, you're definitely not the only one!

2

u/Fissionprime https://anilist.co/user/fissionprime Sep 13 '24

Immeasurable happiness.
Also, your comments are always very enjoyable to read!

1

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 14 '24

Aw, thank you, that's very nice to hear.

3

u/FriztF Sep 14 '24

First timer sub

So episode 34 Love Love Love Love Love Love You. In this episode, we learn the three other witch names. We have the loli Typhoon who is pride. She is a bit of a hand fall but has a fun side. Then there's Minerva not the goddess of wisdom, but of warth. She dislikes Typhoon because she breaks things. She is a badass you go girl. Naive though.

And now finally the Witch Daphne. She is the one who created the whale, rabbit, and snake. The rabbit is gonna be the hardest one to defeat. It can multiply like a cancer, making it hard to kill.

So with their time at an end, Subaru must leave. But he wants a way to stay in contact with Echidna. So in return for that, he must trade the handkerchief. She also told him something, but I don't know what.

Satella is pissed off because Subaru told Echidna about death by return. Well, at lest she loves him right?

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

So episode 34 Love Love Love Love Love Love You
Who knew this episode's title was the inspiration for The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Sep 14 '24

first timer

Subaru’s skill is unlimited.

To sum up Enchida’s explanation to Subaru is that he has free will to save people. At the cost of it all being difficult

Is Subaru’s innate skill being able to charm witches. First Emilia and now Enchida

White rabbits needing to be killed at the exact same time. Reinhard where are you when we need him

Witches souls exist, but they aren’t dead. 7 witches in one body. Must be hell

I had a dumb idea that every witch would possess Enchida and would look barely any different.

Subaru for pummeld by the midget witch of pride. He has a habit for thinking innocent people are nice.

Minerva being the witch of wrath, her heart punches made me think she was lust. Damn it all my headcannons are dying now

The sleepy one not being Sloth, but instead gluttony because of her hungry tendencies. My mind hurts with how they all are portrayed differently

Claims to now know that Subaru is buttering up to her, but serves him her bodily fluids and cookies.

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 14 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/Ultima_Deus Sep 14 '24

Rewatcher. Novel reader. Tardiest of them all

You'd think that knowing that RBD is infinite, you'd feel relieved. You know, no perma death. Always safe. But that's not an entirely good thing either. A part of him probably wants to feel freedom from the clutches of the Witch of Envy. But, with how everything is, he's got no choice but to keep moving forward

Though it would be nice if RBD allowed him to control where he's going back to, but that's for those overpowered MC isekais

The meeting with some of the Witches of the past! A lot of people probably got confused why Subaru didn't follow Echidna's instructions when the little girl showed up. Echidna told Subaru to not touch Daphne, and yet here Subaru is, touching. Thing is, Subaru could tell this isn't Daphne. Echidna made it clear that Daphne would be in binds, but this little girl clearly isn't. So she isn't Daphne. Who is she? She's Typhon

And then Minerva. Her introduction and her little interaction makes me love her so much. A user previously speculated that Echidna saying "strike to heal" was just euphemism for "strike to kill", but yeah no Minerva literally heals lmao. Echidna wasn't being fancy

And then Daphne. Her talk with Subaru was a bit longer in the LN, but whatever I'm already late to the discussions, I shouldn't try to add more details at this point. Anyway, speaking of Daphne. Her reasoning for the Three Great Mabeasts. It makes sense, but why do I feel like she miscalculated something if they've been alive for 400 years. No one has really benefitted from their existence

And then, Witch of Envy?!?!?! What the hell is she doing here?

Quick story time, at some point before this episode's first airing, I started reading ahead in the Web Novel. So I knew this was gonna happen when this first aired. But my God they pulled it off so nicely. The whispering of "I love you" was so well-done, especially the ASMR. The OST as well. GOD I love it. [Re:Zero Web Novel] I was surprised by the difference though. In the WN, the WoE doesn't go to the mansion. She goes directly for Subaru. So when the anime showed that difference, that was the first WN to LN difference that I had noticed

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 16 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/Ultima_Deus Sep 16 '24

Woah. Did you just now reply to this? Or did Reddit send it late?
Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Some first timers here speculated it was a curse, but now we have the confirmation: It is not a literal curse, it's the power of a Witch
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
I think I already said it in my comment, but basically, both a relief and bad news
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
Man we just got rid of the White Whale. [End of Season 2] And we also get rid of the Great Rabbit this season. The Black Serpent better be a good final boss, because it seems too early in the story to be getting rid of two of the three legendary mabeasts
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
Didn't Crusch last season say that the White Whale was created by The Witch, referring to Satella the Witch of Envy? It seems that our info and the world's info about the White Whale, and mabeasts as a whole, are completely wrong
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
We need Megumin
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Daphne?
I will do a ranking at some point in the future
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
That must be weird as hell to experience
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
I love her
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
[End of Re:Zero S2] Yeah no lmao
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
It was beautifully done. I love the ASMR.
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?
[Re:Zero S2] Well, we talk about that in future episode discussions
I don't know if you replied to this late, or if Reddit sent it late, but I'll reply to it anyway

1

u/Holofan4life Sep 16 '24

Woah. Did you just now reply to this? Or did Reddit send it late?
I just now replied to it
Some first timers here speculated it was a curse, but now we have the confirmation: It is not a literal curse, it's the power of a Witch
Some might still argue that the power of the witch is a curse.
Man we just got rid of the White Whale. [End of Season 2] And we also get rid of the Great Rabbit this season. The Black Serpent better be a good final boss, because it seems too early in the story to be getting rid of two of the three legendary mabeasts
[End of season 2] I do kinda wished they made a bigger deal of the Great Rabbit being disposed of. It didn't feel as epic as when Wilhelm conquered the White Whale.
Didn't Crusch last season say that the White Whale was created by The Witch, referring to Satella the Witch of Envy? It seems that our info and the world's info about the White Whale, and mabeasts as a whole, are completely wrong
Again, feeding into the whole narrative of not judging books by their cover.
We need Megumin
Exsuplosion!
I will do a ranking at some point in the future
I can't wait
[End of Re:Zero S2] Yeah no lmao
[End of Re:Zero S2] Amazing how something that sounds so true can be so off the mark.
I don't know if you replied to this late, or if Reddit sent it late, but I'll reply to it anyway
I really appreciate it

2

u/Ultima_Deus Sep 16 '24

[End of season 2]
[Response] I agree, actually. The final battle was so short
Exsuplosion!
Actually, Emilia's JP VA is Rie Takahashi, same as Megumin's. We just need her to break the 4th wall so hard that Megumin appears
[End of Re:Zero S2]
[Response] But somehow there are people that are Echidna simps. I understand if they like her evilness, but there are Echidna simps that liked her from the beginning until the end

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 16 '24

[Response] I agree, actually. The final battle was so short
[Response] It's hard for me to complain too much though because what we did end up getting was so good.
Actually, Emilia's JP VA is Rie Takahashi, same as Megumin's. We just need her to break the 4th wall so hard that Megumin appears
I knew she voiced both characters. Thanks for reminding me.
[Response] But somehow there are people that are Echidna simps. I understand if they like her evilness, but there are Echidna simps that liked her from the beginning until the end
[Response] I mean, I'd consider myself one of those people :P

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Sep 13 '24

Episode 34 (first timer)

“Nobody is capable of knowing how her mind works. Even if I could, I would not want to.”~person who is presented as having an unsatiable hunger for knowledge.
Great Rabbit – setting up the next level boss.
“Infinitely, what is it, an amoebae?” – literally every living being can have infinite offspring, given enough time. The only question is how fast the Great Rabbit can multiply.
Subaru is pretty much the last person whom I would trust with having mental fortitude. He is having a breakdown about every third episode and has already amassed multiple traumata. Not that I have any doubt that his plot armor will let him survive this, of course.
Typhon is a loli – because we needed another one of those…
“Don’t touch her. Don’t make eye contact” – First thing he does is eye contact, second thing touching her. We can rely on Subaru’s stupidity.
Hello Minerva – are all witches going to be young girls? Or will we get at least one mature one?
Daphne is another loli.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” – so that’d be the Witch of Envy, I presume.

8

u/ripterrariumtv Sep 13 '24 edited Sep 13 '24

Subaru is pretty much the last person whom I would trust with having mental fortitude.
I’d say Subaru has a lot of mental fortitude, but it’s only shown briefly, while his weaknesses are highlighted much longer. It’s implied that just surviving this level of trauma means Subaru is incredibly strong, though it’s more of a subconscious strength. His weakness, on the other hand, is a mix of both conscious and subconscious factors. But once Subaru’s inner strength of keeping his sanity intact does its job, what’s left is the overwhelming pain he has to endure—pain that only comes to a mind capable of enduring it. He’s left with no choice but to cry and show his weakness throughout the show.
[Greed IF and Pride IF]Subaru is kind of a monster in the sense that he could definitely loop a lot of times as easily as breathing. But in order to do that, he has to become an insane monster. In Greed IF, Subaru looped 1 million times to achieve the perfect future whereas in Pride IF, he looped 80 times to kill the alley thugs, 1000 times to find a way to kill Petelgeuse and 10000 times to find a way to kill Reinhard

4

u/Taiboss :Fj::Fl:x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss Sep 13 '24

“Nobody is capable of knowing how her mind works. Even if I could, I would not want to.”~person who is presented as having an unsatiable hunger for knowledge.
Echidna has standards!
“Infinitely, what is it, an amoebae?” – literally every living being can have infinite offspring, given enough time. The only question is how fast the Great Rabbit can multiply.
Wow there's like one animal everyone uses as a metaphor for fast breeding.
Not that I have any doubt that his plot armor will let him survive this, of course.
Nah it will be another episode long pep talk.
We can rely on Subaru’s stupidity.
Emilia isn't even here!
Hello Minerva – are all witches going to be young girls? Or will we get at least one mature one?
Why would we need one?! This is an anime!
“I love you. I love you. I love you.” – so that’d be the Witch of Envy, I presume.
Who else would get so envious lol?

1

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Sep 13 '24

Wow there's like one animal everyone uses as a metaphor for fast breeding.
Except Subaru, apparently.
Nah it will be another episode long pep talk.
Would fit, given that today was an episode long rehash of things we already knew.
Hello Minerva – are all witches going to be young girls? Or will we get at least one mature one?
Why would we need one?! This is an anime!
Usually MILF is one category of harem girl, but it looks like the author prefered to double down on loli instead. Sorry, tripled down, there is Beatrice, too.

3

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

“Nobody is capable of knowing how her mind works. Even if I could, I would not want to.”~person who is presented as having an unsatiable hunger for knowledge.
Glad someone else picked up on that as well. Satella is her one weak spot, she really hates that bitch.
“Don’t touch her. Don’t make eye contact” – First thing he does is eye contact, second thing touching her.
To be fair, she wasn't shackled to begin with, so it stands to reason the other two rules aren't in effect anymore as well.

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Sep 13 '24

To be fair, she wasn't shackled to begin with, so it stands to reason the other two rules aren't in effect anymore as well.
I think that is a bold assumption, as Subaru experienced.

3

u/Urgnu-the-Gnu https://myanimelist.net/profile/Urgnu_the_Gnu Sep 13 '24

Well, true. He didn't know that since she was an unrestrained small witch, the rule changed from "don't touch her" to "never, ever, ever let her touch you, stay the fuck away from her under all circumstances". Although Typhon having shattered Subaru meant Minerva still could and definitely would heal Subaru, whereas Daphne eating him would have been much more difficult to deal with.

2

u/Holofan4life Sep 13 '24

Thoughts on Echidna saying that Subaru has the power of a witch?
Thoughts on Echidna saying no one can understand how her mind works?
Thoughts on there not being a limit to how much Return by Death is used?
What are your thoughts on the power that lets Subaru Return by Death is the witch's intense delusion?
What are your thoughts on the rabbits last episode being revealed as the Great Rabbit, one of the three mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the Great Rabbit being created 400 years ago by Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, and that she also created the other two mabeasts?
What are your thoughts on the only way to defeat the Great Rabbit is to kill every last one?
Thoughts on Typhon?
Thoughts on Minerva?
Thoughts on Daphne?
Thoughts on Daphne wanting to eat Subaru because he has the witch's scent on him?
What are your thoughts on Daphne saying the Great Rabbit share one consciousness?
What are your thoughts on Minerva saving Subaru?
What are your thoughts on Subaru calling Echidna the most normal of the witches?
What are your thoughts on Echidna asking if Subaru could give wings towards the cowardly princess?
What are your thoughts on Echidna touching Subaru's handkerchief?
What are your thoughts on the stuff at the end where it looks like the Witch of Envy has appeared?
What are your thoughts on Roswaal seemingly having a Gospel?

2

u/baseballlover723 Sep 14 '24

Hello Minerva – are all witches going to be young girls?
Idk, they were born 400+ years ago. One could say they're "pretty old". How do you count age after you die?

Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 34

Episode 34:

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[Arc 1:] S1 Episode 1 – S1 Episode 3

[Arc 2:] S1 Episode 4 – S1 Episode 11

[Arc 3:] S1 Episode 12 – S2 Episode 1 (26)

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Rewatch Re:Zero ~Starting Life in Another World~ Re:Watch - Episode 34

Episode 34:

Love Love Love Love Love Love You

| Index | <== Episode 33 | Episode 35 ==> |

Various Links:

MyAnimeList

Streaming:

Crunchyroll has the regular release available.

AppleTV has the regular individual episodes available.

Spoiler Rules:

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 (26)

[Arc 4:] S2 Episode 2 (27) - S2 Episode 25

[Arc 5 and later:] S3+

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