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Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 0 – Quick Summary
In Jobless Reincarnation II episode 0, “Guardian Fitz,” Sylphiette regained consciousness after the great mana disaster. The good news was that she was still alive. The bad news is that she was several thousand feet above the ground – and falling fast. What can she do to arrest her fall? If she survives, how can she find her way home? Or is there even a home for her to find?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 0
A kind gesture? A crass manipulation? Why not both? Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
I could go on and on about the depth and complexity of the characters in Jobless Reincarnation. It was a theme in my reviews of the previous season. My favorite quote suggests – strongly – that the second season is going to continue that trend.
From the moment we met Ariel, one thing about her was perfectly clear: she could manipulate people with ease and subtlety. Remember how she told Sylphiette that she might be punished for trespassing – but that Ariel would protect her for a price?
I don’t think Ariel ever stopped trying to reinforce Sylphiette’s dedication. My favorite quote is a perfect example. Sylphiette felt down about the gossip she could easily hear as she guarded Ariel. The royals didn’t like Sylphiette’s low-born status. They even thought she was a he. She remarked to Ariel that the royals didn’t seem to like her.
Ariel stopped, turned, and said sternly (13:28), “Never mind what that backbiting rabble says. I’m fond of you.”
Ariel might actually be fond of Sylphiette. I got the distinct impression Ariel also intended to manipulate the elf. Hard to be sure, but that’s how I saw it. And it was a great character moment for both of them!
Favorite Moment from Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 0
Pissing her off is a really bad idea. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: Sylphiette – As Endearing As When We First Met Her
One of this show’s strengths is its many beautifully animated details, like Sylphiette’s panicked look as the maid closed the door and left her alone inside of Ariel’s room (16:13). It took extra work to animate, so it could have been cheap. But it pulled me into the scene and made Sylphiette’s feelings real.
The show also gives its characters time to grow, and grow in ways that are dramatically and emotionally satisfying. Take my favorite moment, for example.
It’s a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment. But it’s worth not blinking to see it! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Sylphiette was sleeping with Ariel. No, not that kind of sleeping – though this is Jobless Reincarnation, so I can’t exactly blame you for getting that idea! I mean, it was what Sylphiette thought Ariel was going to do! No, she was just sleeping.
Until she woke with a start. She saw an assassin standing at the foot of the bed. Their eyes met – then the assassin attacked. Sylphiette’s fast – she got out of the way of the blade, then blasted the attacker across the room with wind magic.
Delivery: Sylphiette – Badass Mode Achieved!
Telling Ariel to stay behind her, Sylphiette parried the next attack and tried to go on the offensive. That assassin had trained well, though, and sliced aside Sylphiette’s attacks with her blade.
Keep in mind: this is sweet little Sylphiette we’re talking about. This is the same elf who danced for joy when she first conjured water without an incantation back in the first season’s episode 4. Now, she as anything about sweet as she fought hard to protect Ariel.
Sylphiette wasn’t messing around. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
My favorite moment is when Sylphiette feigned death after taking a hit from the assassin’s poisoned blade. When the assassin drew back to make the final strike, Sylphiette struck. She slammed both fists into the attacker’s stomach (19:49), then unleashed a powerful wind attack at point blank range. The force of the attack blew the assassin threw the window – not just the glass, but the entire frame and surrounding wall. She was likely dead before she hit the ground.
Want to make a character feel real? Show them growing. And if you show them growing into a character who shows major badassery? Well, so much the better! Jobless Reincarnation is back with a bang, and I’m ready for it.
What did you think of Sylphiette’s entrance? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to share in the comments!
Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 0: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Season 2 • Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 – Episode 0 discussion
- RABUIJOI: Mushoku Tensei II – 00 – The Bodyguard
- DOUBLESAMA: MUSHOKU TENSEI: JOBLESS REINCARNATION SEASON 2 EPISODE
- The Otaku Author: Mushoku Tensei II: Jobless Reincarnation (Episode 0) – Guardian Fitz
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 0: Guardian Fitz
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 1: Brokenhearted Mage
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 2: The Forest in the Dead of Night
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 3: Abrupt Approach
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 4: Letter of Invitation
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 5: Ranoa University of Magic
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 6: I Don’t Want to Die
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 7: The Kidnapping and Confinement of Beast Girls
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 8: The Fiancé of Despair
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 9: The White Mask
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 10: These Feelings
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 11: To You
- Jobless Reincarnation II Episode 12: I Want to Tell You
Really dug this first episode, was shocked so many people were poo-pooing the animation. It wasn’t that bad.
My only gripe is that they spoiled who “Fitz” is for the anime-only fans. That takes a bit of the fun out of it later!
Having read the light novel, it’s barely a secret, so we didn’t miss much there.
Fair enough. I also read the light novel. And I’m not looking forward to the first few episodes of the new season since it shows Rudeus at his lowest.
As an anime only viewer, I’ll have to wait and see how things play out. But it was great to see what happened to Sylphie.
Trust me, it will get better. Then worse. Then better again. This is going to be a very busy time in Rudeus’ life
Hey you saw my post on how the game of nerds needs writers. Interested?
I appreciate you asking! Unfortunately, I’d say my plate is full, but I can’t find my plate. It’s buried here somewhere (I think). So I have to say no.
But seriously — thanks for asking!
Well, at least tell others about it! They need help
Please?
I’ll see what I can do! And sorry Akismet seems to think your comments are spam! I’ll keep a closer eye on them and get them approved more quickly.
They usually do
I think it’s a case of you find what you look for. That’s why I insist on celebrating anime. If I look for things to celebrate, I can find it! I also found that if I went into something looking for “mistakes,” I could find them, too.
I feel sorry for folks looking to hate on this. They’re missing a heck of a ride!
I’m the same way, I’d rather talk about what worked and what is good, then focusing on what is bad.
I’ll criticize when it is warranted and fair, but never out of subjective hate.
I do think that, that the current generation of anime fans have been spoiled by the gulf of good/bad animation. So if a show isn’t able to keep that up, then it is ‘bad’.
Seems that way, doesn’t it?