The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1: Favorites

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The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1 – Quick Summary

In The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1, “Live and let live. II”, Adolf Stroud visited Elias Ainsworth and Chise Hatori with what seemed like a simple request. He wanted Chise to attend college. But nothing involving the Sleigh Beggy is simple. Will Chise consent to going to college? Does she even want to? Will Elias let her? And just what kind of sorcerers go to this college?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Favorite Quote from The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1

Not being the one in need of medical treatment was new to Chise. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

This episode seemed to be all about Chise’s growth. Remember how weak she seemed in the opening episode of season 1’s first cour? Or the trouble her decisions got her into during the first season’s second cour? She’s very different now. I’m not saying she’s now a goddess who towers above all others. Nothing like that. But there’s definite growth.

My favorite quote captures what’s probably the best example. Chise had just finished meeting her roommate Lucy Webster when she got a text from Alice Swayne. I love Alice, so I looked forward to meeting her again.

But that reunion will have to wait. Chise instead came across a young woman staggering through a garden. When the silver-haired woman began to fall, Chise covered the distance between them in record time. Chise caught her before she could crack her head on the flagstones.

Chise looked at the unconscious woman, then at Ruth.

“What do I even do?” she asked (22:16). She seemed genuinely at a loss. “I’m usually on the other side of this situation. I don’t know what to do.”

This is a new role for Chise – and I’m really looking forward to seeing her grow into it!

Favorite Moment from The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1

Elias recognizes that Chise has grown. He should – he was there. He helped. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Setup: We’ve Watched Chise Grow

I used to say I don’t like the Damsel in Distress trope. And I don’t. Not in its original, popular culture form where a fainting beauty doesn’t have the power to do anything for herself, so the prince has to show up, beat the crap out of bad guys, then marry the damsel. Happily-ever-after and all that.

Even as a kid I didn’t buy the happily-ever-after thing.

But then I thought about it some more. I read other people thinking about it. And I came to a new conclusion. There’s a difference between a powerless character being saved without any agency of their own and a powerful character under duress joining forces with a partner to be saved.

Let’s face it. There are times when circumstance denies any one of us the ability to improve our own circumstances. That’s just reality, isn’t it?

Chise has gotten stronger. She can lift two Eliases now! Though she only imagined one… Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

The story of Chise started in season 1 with her despairing of life – almost. Her world had beaten her down, but she retained a sliver of will. She had given up — provisionally. She knew she could do nothing by herself. So she allowed herself to be sold to at least guarantee her safety.

That was a smart tactical move. Remaining alive and intact is a prerequisite to prevailing, after all. Rather a challenge to rise about your circumstances from the grave. For most of us, anyway. Vampires seem adept at it.

Delivery: And Now We Get to See Chise’s Next Steps

At the beginning of this episode, Adolf offered what was to Chise a shocking opportunity: attending college. Did she want to study among her peers – or as close to peers as the Sleigh Beggy could have? The option seemed to overwhelm her, and Adolf respectfully excused himself to give her time to consider.

Did you see Chise climb up into Elias’ lap? It’s wonderful to see how much she trusts him – because he’s earned her trust. She asked what he thought.

He told her he hated the idea because he didn’t want them poking and prodding her. We expected that, right? He’s protective of her, and that’s usually a good thing. I think she expected it, too.

But then he said something unexpected.

“But… what about you?” he asked (04:21).

Her eyes went wide in surprise. Even Silky and Ruth looked surprised.

How much Silky is enough in a given episode? Just a little more! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

In the first episode, Elias was completely in control. He was benevolent, but he made most of the decisions. Well, the ones that didn’t end with Chise almost sacrificing herself. But now, in recognition, I think, of her growing strength and independence, he asked what she thought. Their partnership is maturing along with Chise’s confidence!

I reviewed the first season to stretch my emotional vocabulary. I’m looking to doing more of the same with this season! And so far, it’s off to a great start.

What did you think of Alexandra Heath, the doctor? Did you think she was a fascinating character or what? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to share them in the comments!

The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1: Other Posts

Other Anime Sites

• Reddit: Mahou Tsukai no Yome Season 2 • The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 – Episode 1 discussion
• Kvasir369: Ancient Magus Bride: Season 2 – Episode 1 Review
• RABUJOI: The Ancient Magus’ Bride – S2 01 (First Impressions) – Freedom in Her Heart

This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)

• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 1: Live and let live. II
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 2: Birds of a feather flock together
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 3: Birds of a feather flock together. II
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 4: The cowl does not make the monk.
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 5: First impressions are the most lasting.
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 6: Better bend than break.
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 7: Slow and Sure
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 8: Slow and sure II.
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 9: Conscience does make cowards of us all.
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 10: Conscience does make cowards of us all. II
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 11: The small leak will sink a great ship. I
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Episode 12: A small leak will sink a great ship. II