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The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 8 Review – Quick Summary
In The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 episode 8, “A Parting in the Snow,” Naofumi Iwatani had escaped the labyrinth with Kizuna Kazeyama, Raphtalia, and Rishia Ivyred. But they still could not find Filo. Not only that, but the clock was ticking: the world they escaped into had a Wave problem, and there were only days away from another attack. Kizuna came up with a risky plan. Will it work? Can they generate enough money to put her plan into action? And what will its ultimate price really be?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 8
Raphtalia felt embarrassed, but her friends understood. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
This was a tough episode for Raphtalia, so I’m going to pick one of her quotes as my favorite. They had stopped at an inn to eat and consider their next move. Naofumi turned to ask Raphtalia to back up his claim of salesmanship skills, only to find her staring intently at Rishia’s food.
Suddenly becoming aware that everyone was looking at her, Raphtalia became flustered. She tried to explain it away by saying that she just thought the food looked good, with the implication being she had no designs on said food.
Fortunately, Rishia was a kind person. She offered Raphtalia some of her meal and said she remembered that growing demi-humans burned a lot of calories.
“That’s not true —,” Raphtalia stammered (07:50). “Well, it is true, but…”
I’m glad Raphtalia is among such caring people. Well, I was glad, until my favorite moment happened…
Best in Show Moment for The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 8
Raphtalia knew exactly what she needed to do. And she embraced it. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: The Sword of Damocles in Title Form
When I think of “precious” characters in anime, two come to mind. The first is Rem from re:ZERO. She was the star of the show (well, in my opinion) until the latest season. She spent that season unconscious. Her departure felt jarring, and honestly, I enjoyed the show a little less because of it.
Raphtalia was the second character I thought of. And this episode makes me hope she’s not following in Rem’s footsteps. Because that would kind of suck.
I’ll give the episode credit. It reinforced my sympathy and affection for Raphtalia’s character during the whole episode. From a brief pout where she expressed disapproval at how familiar Naofumi had become with Kizuna to the scene with my favorite quote, I noticed a general increase in the amount of Emotionally Appealing Raphtalia Moments (EARMs). I thought that was odd. But then I saw it snowing. And I remembered the title.
The episode gave us a lot of moments to build our already significant sympathy for Raphtalia. I think it worked. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
That was at about 15:15. I thought, “Uh oh.”
The scene where Naofumi fought his way to the Dragon Hourglass, and Raphtalia was by his side, seemed almost too easy. He breezed through the minions of not-Kyou, so much so that I began to feel uneasy. When Kizuna and Rishia caught up with them and Kizuna was able to start the teleport spell, I felt positively apprehensive. It was snowing; the fight was going too well; and there was that damned title hanging over my head like a Sword-o-Damocles. Kizuna’s spell activated, and I dared to hope. Would they get away?
Delivery: Raphtalia, Left Behind
Then the spell’s golden glow winked out around Raphtalia, and they all heard Kyou’s laughter. I don’t even remember what he said (well, I do, but he’s just a monologuing villain, so I don’t care what he said). But I do remember three things.
First, Kizuna said she can’t stop the spell once it starts, and she, Naofumi, and Rishia were about to be teleported away. Second, Kyou and not-Kyou intend to do Raphtalia harm. And third, Raphtalia stayed true to who Raphtalia has always been.
She took the opportunity to tell Naofumi that she felt lucky (21:42), “Since I got to have you pat me on the head and carry me, like when we first met.” Then she added, “I’ll be your sword to the end.”
I have a feeling Naofumi is not going to react well to Kyou threatening Raphtalia. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
She charged into the baddies surrounding not-Kyou. Naofumi, Kizuna, and Rishia winked out.
It’s a classic technique, isn’t it? Get you to like a character, then plunge that character into grave danger. And damn it, it worked. I’m worried about Raphtalia. I don’t think that any harm will ultimately come to her. But I’ll give the show credit for making me doubt. That’s what good drama does, after all!
What did you think of Naofumi letting loose his inner salesman? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 8: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 2 – Episode 8 discussion
- RABUJOI: The Rising of the Shield Hero S2 – 08 – Your Sword Till the End
- Random Curiosity: Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 2 – 08
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 1: A New Roar
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 2: Footprints of the Spirit Tortoise
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 3: Shaking Land
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 4: Ruins in the Fog
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 5: Ost Hourai
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 6: Racing to Catch Up
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 7: Infinite Labyrinth
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 8: A Parting in the Snow
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 9: Humming Fairy
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 10: Katana Hero
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 11: Kizuna
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 12: Reason to Fight
- The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Episode 13: Flowers Offered in Recollection
