The first two episodes of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 have come and gone in an orderly fashion. While the series isn’t off to the same start as others this season, despite being one of the most anticipated, that doesn’t mean the wheels are falling off of the wagon already. Mushoku Tensei‘s writing is what has caused so many shunners of isekai to stay tuned in for what’s going to happen. But unlike others with a quick start, Mushoku Tensei is dealing with the blowback of having a snail’s pace with its first two episodes — and that’s okay.
This season has done a great job at finally giving more information on what’s happening with Sylphy after everyone was dispersed far and wide. Despite some very questionable production moments, keeping the spotlight on Sylphy and her story and what she’s focused on was a nice touch I was waiting for since the first season. I don’t know what’s going on with the futuristic-looking glasses, but for some reason it works. I know the purpose, I’m speaking purely on the design.
The writing and character growth were apparent in both episodes for Sylphy and Rudeus but it just felt like something was missing. A certain spark, even in the emotional moments, was there last season that just hasn’t caught the flint yet with this one. But that’s why I say it’s best to keep holding on with this season because, already knowing the writing for the series and what it’s brought to the table before, it’s going to deliver in a big way at some point.
The fight at the end of episode 2 with Rudeus basically roasting bears alive was entertaining in a way, but Sylphy still takes the cake on the entertainment value after crushing a giant bore’s skull in and blowing a crater in the side of the castle. I understand the second episode was focused on Rudeus trying to let go of certain parts of Eris (literally) and recapturing that will to live, but it still felt dull at times. Even after watching everything that happened beforehand, I can’t help but feel not as entertained with the series as I was last season.
The new party that Rudeus joined elevated my excitement for them from zero to, well, zero. If anything happens to them, I won’t bat an eye and the same goes for Princess Ariel. Even though her motives and entire character are more interesting than anyone around Rudeus at the moment, she didn’t necessarily grab my attention. Not to mention they end up just sending her off and away from the castle anyways. Now, how Sylphy and Rudeus will react to anything that happens to any of them is something I’m definitely interested in witnessing.
Perhaps that’s too harsh of a judgment being just two episodes in. And if that’s the argument against what I’ve said up until this point, you’re probably right. Do I think the season will get better? Absolutely. That being said, I still feel like the seeds for another great season are still being planted. Some are in the ground, others are still in the bag. It’s just a matter of waiting for the season to really start blooming and I have complete faith it will.
I think my favorite part of the latest episode was Rudeus finding a place to stay no matter how much it cost because he just wanted a dark room with a bed. He closed the window allowing no light in or out then by the end of the episode he opens the wooden panels on the window, lights a fire and throws Eris’ hair into it. This moment really gave me a Mushoku Tensei feeling I was used to and it’s a primary reason why I think this season will be perfectly fine with the direction it’s heading towards.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Mushoku Tensei Season 2‘s start was disappointing because it simply wasn’t. It just wasn’t the best start of the series in comparison to other series like Link Click Season 2, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and even Undead Girl Murder Farce. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mushoku Tensei Season 2 begins to pull away from the rest of the Summer 2023 lineup very soon. The writing for the series hasn’t stopped being great at any point so why would it stop now in a time of character development?
Episode 0-1 rating: 7/10
If you enjoyed the first two episodes of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 then make sure to vote for the series in our weekly poll! The next episode will air on Sunday, July 16. The series is streaming on Crunchyroll with English subtitles.
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©Rifujinnamagonote/MF Books/”Mushoku Tensei” Production Committee