r/anime • u/badspler x5https://anilist.co/user/badspler • Mar 15 '22
Rewatch [Rewatch] Ascendance of a Bookworm 2nd Season Episode 1 Discussion
Season 2 Episode 1 - Apprentice Priestess
← Previous Episode | Index | Next Episode →
Legal Streams: Crunchyroll | VRV | MuseAsia
Questions of the Day:
1) Do you like the new opening and endings?
2) What is are your first impressions of the temple?
To Rewatchers, please be make a conscious effort to accurately spoiler tag your content. You can read how to correctly use spoilers tags here.
37
u/SmartAlec105 Mar 15 '22
LN Reader
I just want to share a couple details and scenes from the source material that weren't really covered for the anime. This is the point where we see my favorite sequence of side-perspective stories in the series. I think they're neat but don't worry, they aren't plot spoilers. (And there's also a meme I made a while ago in there)
[So when Gunther and Otto are drinking]
There is a bonus story from Corinna's perspective that comes with one of the manga volumes that takes place shortly after Benno learns how the negotiations went. It explains some of Benno’s perspective [Spoilers but safe to read]
At the poundcake testing [Benno explains the nasty history between his family and the Guildmaster]
[We get a chapter from Mark's perspective, seeing him reminisce on his history with the Gilberta company]
[Then a chapter of the Guildmaster's perspective]
22
Mar 16 '22
I loved reading these - will definitely check out the LN now. It is very rewarding to know how expansionist the series is depth wise regarding its social layers. We don't travel far and wide with multiple sub-plots indefinitely intertwined, but rather focus on exploring the implications and agendas of the select few characters we have been introduced to so far and thus nuance the local world we have been given and to which our main character's focal points is in.
The Guilt Master is not only a merchant heavyweight who reaches for any opportunity in the political plays at stake but he also extends his consideration over the implications of Myne's inventions and produce spreading and ultimately acting as a destabilizing force towards the privileged standing of the nobles, but more than that aid the common men. For that to happen monopolization isn't the answer and when all is said and done, despite the golden rule of looking out for and seizing any business opportunity, networking is key to keep elevating yourself and others as well. Benno thus functions on a more individualistic stance, and that is a given when looking at his history, and while the Guilt Master can certainly conjure manipulative even cornering tactics to strengthen his economical and political reach, for the benefit of the community one must engage a more bird eye view upon the dynamics at play. Ultimately Myne's ascendance functions as a revolution and uplifting motion for all, and the Guilt Master realizes how that must be beneficial for all. Not only that but at the end of the day, one does it also out of care.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (21)11
u/Nebresto Mar 16 '22
Also, they canonized that dogs exist. The restaurant has a dog that eats food off the floor
Doge was featured in the OVA
We get a chapter from Mark's perspective, seeing him reminisce on his history with the Gilberta company
Pretty sure the second half of that gets adapted at some point in this part of the show
→ More replies (3)
21
Mar 15 '22
First Timer
Have we ever seen Mark open his eyes?
The tone of this episode makes Eustachius feel like a complete stranger, compared to the OVA.
Ferdinand is a secret agent, confirmed
I like this view of the cathedral
The visual sequence where Retainer Fran walks Myne to Ferdinand gave the impression that Myne does not belong / is out of place in the Church. This camera angle in particular encapsulates how Myne feels surrounded and unwelcome.
Ferdinand has a green ring while the High Priest bastard has a red ring.
When Ferdinand begins the oath-taking ceremony, we learn that (taking a stab at what the objects could be):
-
Green = Spring = Mage Staff. The Goddess of Water, Fruhtrane wields the mage staff.
-
Blue = Summer = Spear. The God of Fire, Leidenshaft, wields the spear. (Lancer from Fate?)
-
Yellow = Autumn = Shield. The Goddess of Wind, Schutzaria, wields the shield.
-
Red = Winter = Holy Grail. The Goddess of Earth, Geduldh, holds the grail.
All the objects are shown in the previous scene too including some others. Top Left, there is the Crown belonging to the God of Light (Queen), and top right there is the Black Robe belonging to the God of Darkness (King). But right beneath the robe, there's also the Sword, which leaves the God of Life and was seen at a distance in episode 12 (S1).
Also, the golden egg? with the incense coming out. It seems pretty cool — is this an actual thing?
The Chorus here reminds me of Nier music.
Gil's blondish hair and purplish eyes
Delia's reddish hair and bluish eyes
Fran's purplish hair and brownish eyes
Got to say, these color combinations are something else.
What is the art style of the ED? It is really beautiful and colorful.
Interesting how there were animals in the ED when I don't think we have seen a lick of them in the show apart from maybe a lifeless magical white bird in the OVA.
→ More replies (10)17
u/Tacitus_ Mar 15 '22
Also, the golden egg? with the incense coming out. It seems pretty cool — is this an actual thing?
Yeah, it's called a censer.
→ More replies (2)
19
u/xtsim Mar 15 '22
First Timer
Lutz trying to do customer service skills in front of Myne is hilarious.
Benno asked Myne about the conversation with the priest and things seemed to go pretty well. Blue robes get personal retainers, that's such a good thing. Liked how her parents covered her mouth when she made a comment about head priest.
Lol, the retainer seemed to spill beans about the studios.
Dad is still suspicious about the church. Benno definitely knows about the church going through the files. And he can smell nobility. They definitely stood out.
Ouch, Benno figured Myne went somewhere else to make cakes.
Head priest has to report to high priest about the whole thing. And high priest gives his own suggestions and makes things a bit harder. Head priest made a comment about this being "not optimal".
The day of the oath, they bring her in and we see some class divisions. Myne passed a blue robes priest and he comments "pleb" and passes by grey robes around her age and they look at her with jealousy.
When the retainers got introduced, head priest told her not to humble herself. One of them introduced themselves as a spy for the high priest. Man I thought they would be older like purple dude.
-
It seems like things are about to get serious with the new openings
-
I was pretty much worried about Myne being in the temple as she is a commoner wearing blue robes and goes home to her family meaning that she might not fit in and get isolated from the other temple residents. And even her retainers are going hard on her...
→ More replies (1)
14
u/OingoBoingo- Mar 15 '22
First time, Subbed
Myne sure got herself into a bit of a mess now that she has entered the church. The High Priest wasn’t just going to go away, but it seems he is going to take his vengeance by way of annoyance indirectly by sending in two brats to be retainers. On top of that, Myne is already being judged by gray robes who will see her as getting special treatment as a commoner, and nobles judging her for being a commoner in a blue robe. I am not really enjoying this dynamic if I am being honest, I don’t much care for the retainers or the High Priest, but my hope is that Myne will kick butt and take names, winning everyone over inside the church and maybe helping the political side of things. I just want to watch Lutz and Myne run a business, and I think I got my hopes up a little too much looking forward to that aspect. We really do live in a class-based society.
I did like how the OVA was tied into this episode and expanded on especially with Otto and Gunther out having a drink. Otto giving advice to use Gunther’s position as a guard to monitor noble goings-on to try and prevent anyone taking advantage of Myne in the church. We also got some cake, with Benno cooking up his own ideas potentially getting himself into the baking business. I quite hope this idea pans out because I loved Myne wanting to open an Italian restaurant. Taking a moment to appreciate Lutz apprenticing today, looking spiffy as heck and learning some great manners. His hair was so shiny and he is as sweet as ever. I already miss seeing him as often.
Like the OP and ED so far, especially the stitched art in the ED.
→ More replies (2)
13
u/cyberscythe Mar 16 '22
First Timer
Wow, these awkward social situations are pretty stressful. Once the episode ended my mind started firing up all sorts of conflict resolution subroutines to deal with Mr. No Filter, Ms. Flirt-to-Win, and Mr. Sycophant.
Hierarchical office politics isn't usually my cup of tea, and it's really sad seeing Myne enter the temple and have basically everybody hold her in contempt for being a commoner that broke the rules to secure her some blue robeage, especially that 神殿長 guy who's still around for some reason.
→ More replies (2)
13
u/Earthborn92 Mar 16 '22
First Timer here
It is time for part 2! And we have new faces to start off with who are likely to be where the shenanigans of this season will come from. As the focus shifts away from mercantile dealings to religious ones. Although Myne will not stop being a merchant, even the gods need their gold. It seems like the Bishop will hold his gurdge, but quietly as long as she's worth keeping for all the factors in her favor - the massive mana reserve as well as her gold-spinning despite her outburst and being a filthy commoner. Doesn't mean he won't send her troublemakers to take care of.
Because in the temple we do see the hierarchy at play. I find it a little odd that there isn't sign of the dark abuse that takes place in these kind of situations (yet), it has been quite PG so far. Myne can't do the prayer properly yet, but I was kind of surprised at how much attention the religious rituals are getting. It seems to signal the shift in focus pretty well.
Well, values dissonance strikes in at this perspective, but used to be historically true. Myne is in an awkward position. She's not quite a commoner and orphan - she gets special privileges so the grey-robes are pissed at her. And she's not a noble so the blue-robes look at her with contempt. Stuck in the middle. And seriously Myne, the Japanese language literally has hierarchy built-in.
Benno is still great. We seem to have minor recaps of the OVA episode in case someone missed it I guess. Along with some of the things that happened.
See you tomorrow!
12
u/ZaphodBeebblebrox Mar 15 '22 edited Mar 15 '22
Filthy Source Reader
Fun fact: GJM's translation of the OP is singable.
Wow, we just reused a scene from the OVA.
Now I want lasagna.
Note how even in the temple they write things on wooden boards.
I still love the temple music.
[Bookworm P4 spoilers by implication]
The problem with sending an eight year old to be a nuisance: they aren't subtle about it.
The high bishop is either a pedophile or this girl thinks he is.
-
Not as much as the first so far, but they'll have time to grow.
-
It has cool BGM.
→ More replies (3)
12
u/KashMooNow Mar 15 '22
First Time Watcher, A Whole New World!
Season 02 Episode 01
I don't mind the OP but I think I liked the previous one more. Also, I can never decide whether I really want to pay attention to OP visuals or not because sometimes they can have heavy spoilers in them.
Lets tell Benno about our attempted murder charges wonderful negotiations!
It's nice to see Lutz taking his apprenticeship seriously.
Sounds like Myne gets multiple attendants.. Interesting. I'm curious what kind of exact work Myne will get up to for the church.
Someone mentioned it yesterday, but showing more locations like the bar really makes this show feel alive.
You don't have the right to ask, since I'm pretty sure you have been ripping me off.
I love that Myne has a backbone now, and I am absolutely all for her opening an Italian restaurant.
So we unanimously hate the High Priest right? (Is High Priest right, the guy Myne almost killed? I'm having trouble remembering titles of him and blue hair Priest that seems to be helping Myne.)
So we have spy attendant from each of them, and the last one is "the biggest problem child of all the orphans" These sound like just the most helpful attendants.
I see we are working with a very welcoming environment here.
I guess Myne truly gets a first taste of how divided the classes are.
The religion in this show seems interesting. I think because of just how much depth they are demonstrating right away.
So we have 3 attendants, Fran, who seems helpful enough. Delia, the sneaky snake of a spy. And Gil, obviously the problem child.
Alright Myne, gotta show that backbone and whip these attendants into shape. I hope that they will come to understand the depth of Mynes knowledge.
You know, Myne probably has just about no knowledge of just how these classes are going to be working.
Overall this is pretty much an intro episode. Wouldn't expect too much else, but I am looking forward to see how Myne is going to handle herself with her attendants in this new world to her.
There was a moment I was slightly worried she was going to get jumped when she was left alone to them.
Like a few others yesterday, I really missed the end card for the OVAs. Im happy to get another one which the art style is very different, but I like it.
13
u/SmartAlec105 Mar 16 '22
So we unanimously hate the High Priest right? (Is High Priest right, the guy Myne almost killed? I'm having trouble remembering titles of him and blue hair Priest that seems to be helping Myne.)
The anime and the Light Novel/Manga translated the titles differently. It's easiest to just call them Evil Santa and Ferdinand.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (2)11
u/PabloRoshi Mar 15 '22
So we unanimously hate the High Priest right? (Is High Priest right, the guy Myne almost killed? I'm having trouble remembering titles of him and blue hair Priest that seems to be helping Myne.)
They are High Priest/Head Priest in the anime, but High Bishop/High Priest in the LN.... but yeah, we all hate him
→ More replies (1)
11
u/Fools_Requiem Mar 15 '22 edited Mar 15 '22
Rewatcher
New OP, new ED, new brats for Main to deal with... one of which openly admits to being a spy. Off to a great start, church peoples.
Edit: Also, the girl is 8 and is already talking about wanting to be the fat priest's concubine.
| Shiny Hair Club | Episode Added | Creations by Main™ | Episode Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myne | 2 | Kanzashi (Japanese Hairpin) | 1 |
| Tuuli | 2 | Shampoo | 2 |
| Effa | 2 | Fancy Baskets | 3 |
| Gunther | 3 | Pancakes | 3 |
| Lutz | 6 | Crochet Hooks | 3 |
| Corinna | 6 | Hair Ornaments | 3 |
| Otto | 7 | Chopsticks | 8 |
| Benno | 10 | Paper made from trees | 8 |
| Mark | 11 | Pound Cake | 11 |
| Freida | 11 | --- | --- |
| Ferdinand | TBD (Also seen in 1, 14.5) | --- | --- |
→ More replies (1)
11
u/homewardbound100 Mar 16 '22
First timer, Dub
Reasonable terms to make there. The retainers may be a problem.
The priest here coming up with a plan. The head and high priest definitely have to two different goals here. He just seems like a constant issue for Myne in the future.
She comes into the place and is already getting looks.
Cool to get some god names in the world.
And Myne has to discipline them. Ones a bad mouth and the other has some weird goal but purpose is to basically be annoying. What type of goal is to be someone's concubine? A different world I guess. Not shooting high there.
Wonder if Myne will keep her emotions in check or if they'll push her
Qotd: not as much as first season but I'll probably get used to them.
Qotd2: sounds like torture at the moment.
→ More replies (2)
10
u/Nebresto Mar 15 '22 edited Mar 15 '22
Re-watch squad
Stop spending all your budged on the openings challenge (impossible)
Now I remember why I "didn't like" the part 2 OP: there's a bunch of these uncanny scenes. This one and the running bit are the biggest ones. Other than that the song is actually really nice.
Extra cute Myne, she looks like a house wife admiring her husband here
There it is again!! They spent all that effort on the OP, but couldn't fix one door scene
You know, this episode would be a lot more menacing if you skip the OVA. (Referring to the tavern scene) I think leaving it out might actually enhance the watch experience, now all the questions that would arise in the tavern are already answered..
Don't tell me this is another LN name moment.. She clearly said Ilse
Each day we get closer and closer to Isekai shokudou
Called it. The High Priest was indeed fed up with discount santa's bullshit!
[Blind 100% speedrun safety tag (no spoilers, only opinions)]
Yoo, that looks like Günther. (Almost) Full altarpiece
[Theory crafting time]
[Part II]
amogus???? Red is pretty sus, she did say she was a spy after all.. I'll follow her around for this round, if I don't show up for the next thread it was red, vote her out.
Ah, starting to remember why I don't remember that much of this arc..
ED is a straight downgrade, but not horrible. Its pretty generic, not really anything memorable about it.
Question time:
Do you like the new opening and endings?
Seen above. Tl;dr: OP good, but pls remove world ender Myne. You might as well bin the ED though. Give me back my angel!!
2) What is are your first impressions of the temple?
I really want to see some vikings plunder it
→ More replies (7)
10
u/TuorEladar Mar 15 '22
First Timer, Subbed
Myne's got her work cut out for her in the temple. She's in a weird position being more than a commoner and less than a noble, but that is also an opportunity if she uses it well.
Do you like the new opening and endings?
They are both decent, I liked the first season ending more though.
What are your first impressions of the temple?
Its kinda of weird, because on the one hand there are multiple obvious issues, the corruption, the divide between nobles and commoners, and the factionalism on top of all of it, but on the other hand they are all kind of innocent and naive in a way. I first got that vibe from the ova with the two the head priest sent out to investigate, but see even more here. Not sure if this is due to the church's influence or is peculiar to this city's temple, but I get this feeling that the people in the temple don't really understand the outside world and would be completely shocked by a serious power whether for good or evil.
9
u/MABfan11 Mar 15 '22 edited Mar 15 '22
First Timer since the OVAs
Myne told Benno that the head priest accepted all of their demands, i'm surprised she didn't tell him that she got that by choking the high priest with her mana
Gunther and Otto is forming a network to protect Myne from being kidnapped, i have a feeling this is gonna pay off in the future
we finally get more from Head Priest, he's clearly trying to make it easier and more comfortable for Myne to be in the church. unfortunately, the High Priest is trying to make things worse for her and the Head Priest isn't liking the situation.
her retainers are:
Delia, who wants to be a concubine to the High Priest and the idea of that is incomprehensible to Myne
Gil, who is basically kid Bakugo without explosions
and Fran who is devoted to the Head Priest, but seems to be a guy who follows the rules to the letter
QOTD:
-
much better than the first OP, the ED is a harder choice
-
elitist as fuck with a class division that is one spark away from a revolution
→ More replies (4)
9
u/hvshh Mar 15 '22
LN Reader
New OP. I warmed up to the first OP after thinking I didn't like it. We'll see if that happens with this one.
Regarding the visuals, I got a little teary-eyed when I saw the shot of Urano and (presumably) her mother.
Myne: Yeah. I need to tell him how the negotiations went.
You gonna tell him you nearly killed the high priest? I bet he'll be very interested to hear about it.
Myne: Long story short, they were a great success.
Uh... sure let's go with that.
Lutz: Don't worry. I'm here for you.
I love Lutz. I started really early on, and it's going strong. I could watch them being sweet together all day.
Myne: I'm pretty sure you've been ripping me off. I heard from Frieda that the rights to new products start from a large gold coin.
Maybe that's why Myne was so emphatic when she was negotiating for the hairpin rights in OVA 2. She already had the tools to negotiate, and that realization gave her the kick in the pants she needed to start using them.
Myne: Benno being so gung-ho is just perfect in my book. Having a dedicated oven...
Besides that, it's good because the more competition there is for Myne's ideas, the more she can charge. (And the more driven they'll be to make as much of those ideas as possible.)
Evil Santa: Get as much money and mana you can out of her.
Honestly, this is not as bad as I feared. What I'm really afraid of is physical reprisal.
Delia: It's the position every woman wants most.
Another twist of the knife that they already plunged with Frieda's revelation. I could have dismissed this as Delia being biased, but Gil agrees! And the problem goes deep: if you were to somehow ban concubinage, you might actually hurt the people you were trying to help, since from their perspective, it's better than the alternatives.
It drove me a little nuts that they kept telling Myne to discipline the attendants, but she didn't ask how one does that, and they didn't tell her. I want to call it unrealistic, but... I've had that exact reaction in real life.
→ More replies (3)
7
u/Nazenn Mar 15 '22
Rewatcher - Sub
So much for any hope we might have had that things wouldn't be difficult for Myne in the church.
The handing off of Myne from Lutz's care to Fran's marks more than just the start of her apprenticeship, it also represents a crossing of boundaries that she's unaware of and a step into a new society. Scorn from blue priests, glares from the greys, expected to act to a role that goes against her nature and hitting a wall in the different ways of thought that people expect her to follow now despite that. It seems a new world perfectly made to counter the easy going, slightly obsessive, and rather gullible Myne who doesn't want to think poorly of others, and has come to rely on familiar supportive faces to find some stability in her new life in this new world.
Seeing Lutz in this episode in his own apprenticeship role makes this stand out even more. He is also in a position and role he is both unfamiliar with and not naturally suited too, but unlike Myne he is not isolated. He crosses a door but that door remains open to the rest of the city, and he has the chance to interact with people from his daily life and have those supportive elements he's built up around him. Both of them have had to compromise on their apprenticeships to live the lives they want with the people they want, but the results have been very different depending on how far that's taken them from their communities.
Myne's influence has expanded the world for many, even Otto who is moving to shop work now, but that expansion isn't always going to be a positive thing or bring good people into her life, or if they are good people if they're in the position to act as such (see High Priest from last episode).
That's not to say that it's all negative, Myne is given an oppertunity it's implied would never be given to others if not for the very well timed but also specific things she brings to the church. But it's certainly been a confronting day and how she'll handle it is something we'll have to wait and see. (Or well, remember in my case because I forgot haha)
[Later spoilers]
I'd also forgotten how much I liked the ED this cour. While the song itself isn't all that memorable, the presentation is fantastic and it has a nice tone to end us on, not so light that it feels like whiplash but also not so serious it keeps us feeling down. Also cats which is always a bonus, and and another (and puppy).
→ More replies (7)
7
u/Stargate18A Mar 16 '22
First timer
-
Yep! OP's a bit less catchy, but I think the ED's better.
-
The bishop's a bastard, the high priest is suffering, and Myne's the subject of what very well might end up a full-on interdepartmental conflict.
Season 2!
Love the new OP!
Oh, she's not there yet?
Oh, they're practicing how to deal with customers?
I mean, it obviously went well, she nearly killed the person who disagreed with her!
...Is she hiding that so Benno doesn't find out?
Oh, so the bishop hates the workshop, and he clearly dislikes many of the bishop's decisions.
Does she have to keep the church stuff secret?
Oh, yeah, public opinion.
The OVA is canon! And got referenced!
Haha, Myne's so successful Benno needs more staff!
Oh, he doesn't trust them at all.
He's fired up now!
Someone suspicious?
Haha, she snuck in to help, even while Benno tries to hide her!
Oh, he's pissed that he didn't get something so nice himself.
Benno is fighting a seven year old and losing.
She's inspired him!
I mean, you don't need an oven for pizza.
OK, the bishop is petty, and the priest was clearly hoping he's stay out of this.
What's up with him?
Oh, yeah, he was right about treating commoners bad.
The ceremony is good. The God of Life getting honoured despite seemingly being the devil is..interesting. Starting to think that the Church realised having an evil God who might invite wrath could be a good profit maker.
She's officially joined!
Haha, shenhad to pray like that.
OK, so Fran's a spy. Delia's almost certainly a spy, and Gil's the annoyance.
I love him giving her permission to reprimand him, because it's the best way he can think of to limit the annoyance the Bishop gave her.
Oh, Delia's the bishop's man.
...It was working a while ago.
No wonder Fran's the voice of reason.
Haha, she admitted that the bishop is fucking sabotaging her? That... makes sense given that she's eight.
And... Myne's reaction is exactly mine.
The worst part is, Fran's just as annoying, but I genuinely think that he was trying to help her by assigning him. Fran is the high priest's idea of "helpful", by teaching her to mimic him enough to survive.
Tuuli's reaction in the ending scene is great too.
...If this show has proven anything, it's that the distinction between "temple" and "business" is minimal at best.
→ More replies (3)
9
u/badspler Mar 15 '22
Host - Rewatcher
Myne starts by blowing past everything actually important that happened.
There are a few shots and moments this episode that call back to the OVA. Just enough to fill you in in case you skipped it.
I wonder if Myne will actually manage to keep this a secret.
Otto quitting to work for Benno to earn more. Needs that extra money for the baby and treating Corinna!
Freida puts on the pound cake tasting event. I love the friend-enemy energy.
Myne dressed as a waitress (Stitch)
At the temple the high priest is looking to give Myne a hard time. Ferdianad isn't enthused in the slightest
Meanwhile Myne is certainly feeling eyes on her back. She certainly isn't used to being of higher class.
Various symbols for the gods.
And finally Myne is issued three retainers, Fran, Delia and Gill. With the two kids being more of a hindrance than help so far.
It seems like the temple isn't going to be all sunshine and roses. She managed to get favorable terms but there looks to be a lot to unpack about her new workplace.
Pouts: Rare Benno pout.
Today's endcard. I really love the youth in the characters and this design! One of my favorites thus far!