Episode 39: Straight Bet
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 39: The Best Bro And Upping The Stakes
In Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 39, “STRAIGHT BET,” Otto beats the meaning of friendship into Subaru. Emboldened by this unusual act of bro-ness, Subaru confronted Roswaal and made an outrageous bet with him. Is Subaru in his right mind? Is Roswaal right and Subaru’s being too “greedy” — and all that implies? Or is Subaru on to something — something big?
Somehow, I was lucky enough to collaborate on not one, not two, but three reviews this season with Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime! And one of them’s Re:ZERO! How cool is that? Very cool, that’s how cool!
Irina, before I dive in, any opening thoughts on the episode?
I’m the lucky one. It’s no secret that I’m not exactly the biggest re:Zero fangirl, but it is so much better with a friend.
I also couldn’t imagine the Promised Neverland without Crow, it’s sort of a unit in my head.
As for opening thoughts. I was a little afraid I would have forgotten everything again. I seem to suffer from a very specific re:Zero amnesia. However, I’m happy to report I recognized most of the characters!
Episode 40: Otto Suwen / A Reason to Believe
Re:Zero 2 pt 2 episode 40 – One More Time With Feeeeeeeeeeelings
Hello, one and all! I hope you are doing well. I certainly am better than I was this time last week! And re:Zero episode 40 is back. Hopefully, so is Crow. Crow, you here? How are you this week?
Also much better than last week! I hate living through history! I’ve finally settled my review schedule for the season, and I’m ready to talk about episode 40, “Otto Suwen / A Reason to Believe.” Second episode of the second season’s second cour… and no OP! I am partially bummed.
BTW, I like your title. Are you a Buffy fan?
I am! We talked about conversations with dead people…
Let’s get the warnings and disclaimers out of the way. Crow will be in bold this week, there will most definitely be spoilers for this episode of re:Zero, and I am not the target audience.
Episode 41: Nobody Can Lift a Quain Stone Alone
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 41 – Young Garfiel And Simply Emilia
In Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 41, “Nobody Can Lift a Quain Stone Alone,” Garfiel, having somehow gotten past Otto and Ram, confronted Subaru and Emilia on the steps of the trial ruins. Overcome by despair at the memory of his attempt to get through the trial, Garfiel has decided to destroy the ruins — and trap all of them in Sanctuary, forever. Can Subaru, even with a revitalized Emilia by his side, even slow Garfiel down, much less convince him to stand down? He if can, does Emilia stand any hope of getting through the trial herself? And what happened to Otto and Ram?
Welcome to our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2, Episode 41. Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I have teamed up to give you twice stunning insights. Well, 1.5x the insights. She usually has more insights than I do.
Irina, before we get to the review, any opening thoughts about the episode?
You always write so much when you host. The readers are going to think I’m a real slacker. I mean they’re not going to be entirely wrong, but I was hoping I could fool them a little bit longer.
OK, so about this episode… let’s see… I guess it was impressive how they could still do exposition dumps in the middle of a fight. It’s sort of nostalgic, like classic DBZ or Sailor Moon fights.
And I really enjoyed that out of nowhere erection metaphor. Crow said he didn’t see it. But I didn’t imagine that huge, long purple fist thing that was coming out of Subaru’s general crotch area, did I? Man I hope I didn’t, cause that seems like something you shouldn’t be hallucinating. Unlike all those good healthy hallucinations.
This is off to a great start!
Episode 42: A Journey through Memories
Re:Zero 2 pt 2 episode 42 – Audaces fortuna iuvat
So far it’s been a pretty good week for me. I finally got over whatever has been ailing me. 6 months of shortness of breath and chest pains was really starting to wear me out but my breathing has been pretty much back to normal for almost a week. Fingers crossed that it stays that way!
How are you Crow? I hope things are great for you too!
Wait, you’ve been under the weather? You should have said something! I would have sent happy thoughts your way. Glad you’re feeling better, and hope you stay that way! Things are overall good. My family is healthy, I’m still employed, and it’s a great anime season. Hard to ask for more!
Looks like I’m in bold this week. There will be spoilers. And one great huge reveal! Well, moderately large, anyway. Unless you already saw it coming, in which case, welcome me to the club!
Episode 43: The Day Betelgeuse Laughed
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 43 – Thought As A Child
In Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 43, “The Day Betelgeuse Laughed,” we get a little break from Emilia’s spiritual trial to listen to Ryuuzu speak of a time before Sanctuary was Sanctuary — when it was, in fact, just a village. It had a prestigious visitor. Very, very prestigious, in fact. And she brought a daughter with her. Who is this visitor? Who’s this visitor and daughter? In true Re:ZERO fashion, finding out only raises more questions… Back in Emilia’s dream, Geuse tells Fortuna to make a run for it with little Emilia. What does Geuse think he can do to stop Regulus Corneas? Especially since that Bishop brought a friend?
Welcome to our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2, Episode 43. Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I have teamed up to give you twice stunning insights. Well, Irina’s insights tend to be stunning. Mine are more mildly interesting, from an academic sort of perspective.
Irina, before we get to the review, any opening thoughts about the episode?
It seems that they will be stretching out the events for at least one more episode. Although we have a pretty good idea of what happened already, there are still some questions left unanswered. So far, it wasn’t as bad as I feared. I hope that means it’s a good sign and it’s not going to be that awful. Not that some horrible things didn’t happen this episode or anything, but we’ve seen way worse in re:Zero. Unfortunately, this could also very well just be an extension of the calm before the storm and the real stuff is only going to go down next week. That would be sad.
Since Emilia is not a character I find particularly interesting, I do find myself sort of latching onto the parts of the episode that show us what the other people are up to. I look forward to catching up with the rest of the cast as well. Also, even though Echidna is there, she doesn’t really have a very big part to play in these flashback episodes, so I am looking forward to figuring out how she is tied into the whole thing. Like why would she want Emilia to relive this.
Then again, she also made Subaru see his parents so maybe she just makes people see their parents for some reason. Honestly, that’s not a bad trial. I could see most people having some sort of feelings there. Just some witchey randomness again.
Episode 44: The Permafrost of Elior Forest
Re:Zero 2 pt 2 episode 44 – A World Full of Love
It’s Wednesday! Or as I like to call it, almost Friday. I’m forward looking like that. It’s a pretty big work week this week but things are going well. Things seem to be slowly settling and that’s a welcomed respite.
How about you Crow? How be things for you?
You know how you have an important task you have to clear your schedule for? Then a more important comes in, so you have to freeze the first task so you can pick it up later, then start the new task? I’m literally five layers deep right now for the week. And of course everything’s due. Sigh. But at least I’m employed. And as you said, it’s almost Friday. So there’s that!
Looks like I’m in bold. There’ll be spoilers. You know, the usual.
Episode 45: The Beginning of the Sanctuary and the Beginning of the End
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 45 – A (Literally) Shattered Heart And Clown Face Off
In Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 45, “The Beginning of the Sanctuary and the Beginning of the End,” Subaru’s confrontation with Roswaal resulted in a flashback that told the story of how Echidna, Roswaal, Beatrice, and Ryuuzu started Sanctuary. Not only the how, but the why — and its terrible price. Back in the present, Subaru demands that Roswaal surrender. Is there any chance that Roswaal will capitulate? Or is he too much like Subaru? Is there any way forward for them?
Welcome to our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2, Episode 44. Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I have teamed up to give you twice stunning insights. Well, Irina’s insights tend to be stunning. Someone has to offer contrast. I mean, if everyone’s stunning, no one is, right? So I gladly accept the challenge of not being stunning.
That out of the way, Irina, before we get to the review, any opening thoughts about the episode?
I liked the beginning and it made me realize that it’s actually been a while since I watched a good ol’ slice of life. That’s what I’m going to go for next. I could use just some idle but comforting fun.
Mind you I JUST started Jujutsu Kaisen (the first episode was pretty awesome) and Flip Flappers so I think I’ll get through those first but after that.
I predict you’ll like Flip Flappers. Episode 5 had this hilarious… Oh, wait, we’re Re:ZEROing right now, aren’t we?
Irina’s bold. In bold, too. There will be spoilers.
Episode 46: Reunion of Roars
Re:Zero 2 pt 2 episode 46 – Fire and Ice
So I finished xxxHOLiC, the manga last week and guys, do yourselves a favour and read xxxHOLiC. It’s such a lovely musing on the subtle nature of friendship and family. I really liked it. Right now, I’m reading Noragami. I’m finally into material that was not covered by the anime and it’s the best so far. I hope that show gets a season 3 because the story gets way better.
How are you Crow? Anything on your radar? By the way guys, I’m in normal font and there will be spoilers. Like these spoilers for Crow’s week!
I’m glad you said that about spoilers. Now I can speak freely! If only I had something riveting to say… Glad to hear you enjoyed the xxxHOLiC manga. The anime remains one of my absolute favorites. Maybe you can give the manga the same treatment you just gave Blue Period? That would be cool!
Episode 47: Happiness Reflected on the Water’s Surface
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 47 – A Little Too Far And The Unthinkable Present
In Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 47, “Happiness Reflected on the Water’s Surface,” Garfiel continued his furious battle with Knifey/Elsa. It seems the “Bowel Hunter” felt pretty impressed. But Garfiel would rather hear compliments from someone else. Subaru tries to convince Beatrice to come with him using his usual Subaru charm. Unfortunately, a little can go a long way. While all that is going on, Emilia started the second trial, “the unthinkable present.” What does Echidna have in store for Emilia this time around? Can Emilia get past it on the first try? And what’s going on with Ram and Roswaal?
Welcome to our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2, Episode 47. Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I have teamed up to give you twice thoughtful insights. And that’s a good thing, because I would not want to venture into the world of Re:ZERO with my insights alone.
That out of the way, Irina, before we get to the review, any opening thoughts about the episode?
I wonder if they are saving everything up or if there’s a budget reason that they keep not showing any of the actual fights. If they are saving it up I suspect we are going to have nothing but action for the rest of the season.
Episode 48: Love Me Down to My Blood and Guts
Re:Zero 2 pt 2 episode 48
We are now at re:Zero episode 48, only two more episodes to go in this season and things are wrapping up. We can pretty much see where we are heading now and start to make up our minds. Tell me Crow, what do you think of the direction the season is taking?
All of the plot turns and pinch points are coming together, and I find that the spectacle of this episode just helped me figure out the hardest thing about seasonal reviews: My opinion of the entire series is powerfully colored by the episode I just watched. I finished watching this episode just about 45 seconds ago. “Love Me Down to My Blood and Guts” gave us two pathos-driven spectacles that, in this moment, in the emotional glow of my reaction, I’d rank right up there with Frodo announcing “I have come. But I do not choose now to do what I came to do.”
It must have been the flames.
Oh my, jumped right in there, let me get the paperwork out of the way. There will be some spoilers for episode 48 of re:Zero season 2 and Crow will be in bold text this week. I hope you guys are having fun with this show and that you enjoy our reviews!
Episode 49: Choose Me
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 49: The Fall Of The House Of Mathers
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 49, “Choose Me,” Emilia emerges from completing the trial to find a snowstorm. Does that mean what we think it means? And if it does, what will become of the townsfolk who had come to cheer her on? Elsewhere, Roswaal tried to come to terms with what had just happened — both to Ram and to the book that Echidna had left him. Can he handle the aftermath? Meanwhile, in the burning mansion, Subaru tries to rescue Beatrice, but she’s still quite upset about Subaru not being “that person.” Will she run out of anger before the mansion — and Subaru — are burned to ash?
Welcome to our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2, Episode 49. Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I have teamed up to give you twice the number of thoughtful insights. That’s a good deal in a single review!
Irina, how has your week been going? Any opening thoughts?
So far so good!
You know, I realize that reZero is really not for me. I was pretty much over it back in part 1 and by now there’s nothing at all left that I enjoy. But I’m here watching episode 49 so it’s kind of on me, you now. So I’m going to be honest but in a positive way.
I’m really sorry to hear that. Not because I think it’s a good and disagree with you, but because I don’t like the idea of you not enjoying yourself.
I’m pretty surprised you didn’t know. I’m sure I mentioned it a few times.
Yeah, but folks don’t always read these in order, and who knows who’ll find this in a few years through Google. I wanted to acknowledge your effort and dedication!
Episode 50: Offbeat Steps under the Moonlight
Re:Zero 2 pt 2 episode 50 – Watership Down
Re:ZERO Season 2 Part 2 Episode 50 marks the end of season 2 of re:Zero. Fans absolutely adore it. I just read a review calling it Isekai perfection. And for one last time, Crow and I will discuss the episode.
Have any of you read Watership Down? Did you like it? I read it in school and although I do appreciate it as a book. As in I don’t think it’s badly written at all and I understand the themes and points it was making. Effectively if somewhat brutishly, I did not enjoy it. I will not reread it again. I just don’t like the idea of bunnies killing each other. I’m a very simple creature and fluffy cute things should be friends.
What do you think Crow?
It’s been forever since I read the book or have seen the movie. The movie was well made, by the way. I grew up on a farm, so my view of animals includes the idea of livestock. Growing up in that environment left its mark. Bunnies, or cattle, or pigs — once you see them as part of a food chain, it’s hard to unsee that.
At least, that’s what I thought. My brother went vegan and he’s never been healthier. Perspectives can change!
We’re off topic, aren’t we? Well, I’m off topic… And I’m in bold. There will be spoilers.
