Another pretty lowkey set up episode. Was kind of hoping things would pick up this episode since the last episode was also not very eventful, though that doesn’t mean there wasn’t anything important that happened. The city is a complete wreck with unease and anxiety plaguing the poor people who are hiding from the monsters and Witch Cult. So they bring up broadcasting a message to try and ease the unrest that sparks Wrath’s Authority. A part of me was hoping that SOMEONE else would be the one to inspire hope into people since everyone praising Subaru by being the “only one” who could even hope to ease people of their worries even if just a little. The moment falls a little too closely to what so many isekais do by having the main character as the “only one who is capable” because no one else can hope to compare. That part didn’t sit well with me, especially since the first episode kind of demonstrated that mindset as well where everyone just kept holding Subaru up to be someone great. Like, yes, I get that he has done great things, but this is one of the things that I just cannot stand in isekais and any series for that matter. However, I do understand that the only reason why Subaru is held in such high regard is because he’d have to do things over and over until he got the best outcome possible. And it’s something that no one else besides Subaru and the audience can hope to understand while everyone just sees Subaru’s best route of action. They don’t get to witness or remember the tragedy and horrendous pain that Subaru goes through with every failed timeline. So with that in mind, I can’t really blame everyone from believing that Subaru is great.
So while I did have my gripes over Subaru being the one to give the speech to the city, the speech he gave made me okay with the decision. He was completely real about the situation and didn’t give out hollow promises or try or tell them that everything will be okay because he will handle everything. Instead, he doesn’t hype himself up to be something he’s not and allows himself to be vulnerable about how scared he is just like everyone else. And while he’s terrified, he is still willing to look danger head on and fight. His speech was honestly really touching with how much he prefaced for people to not be alone and to be in the presence of others. We know he is speaking from the heart in this instance because Subaru has had to deal with crushing loneliness by being a shut in and then found himself completely alone when he got transported to this world. Through grueling experiences, he was able to learn the importance of being surrounded and supported by others, bringing light into his dark world. Subaru isn’t a character who can take on anyone or anything on his own, he needs the strength of others and I love that about him. He’s not handling things on his own anymore and is depending and putting his trust in others. There’s also just something so visceral about characters telling others to keep fighting and never stop because there is so much they need to protect. Especially against a threat that has made so many innocent people suffer. And while in this case, Subaru isn’t intending for the people to physically fight against the threat, but he needs them to fight against their anxieties, their despair and seek hope. And that sentiment is quite beautiful.
And man, Emilia internally responding back to what Subaru was saying and how he wasn’t alone also just punched me in the heart. The two have developed such a deep bond of trust in one another where Subaru doesn’t immediately fly off the handle to try and save her and Emilia is able to stay calm in such a terrible predicament knowing that Subaru will come for her. Emilia has become so confident now where her insecurities don’t get the best of her and is willing to put her life and circumstances on the line to help those in need. I absolutely love her for that. Especially when even though she doesn’t fully understand the mindset of Regulus’ wives, she understand how scared and alone they all must feel and wants to save them. And the fact she fully recognizes that she was never alone makes her similar to Subaru in the case where she felt isolated and was nearly crushed by overwhelming loneliness. Both of them are finally able to put their trust in others and act accordingly knowing that they aren’t alone. I absolutely love the theme of overcoming loneliness in this series as it just fills so many of the characters with courage and confidence because others have their backs. It’s a wonderful sentiment and probably rings true to a lot of people.
Anyways back to what Al was saying to Subaru. It was interesting how he seemed to pity him and showing some sort of empathy for his situation. Almost as if he understood how much of a burden Subaru took upon himself which definitely raises some questions and suspicions. The way he talked to Subaru seemed a bit off, as if he was referring to something more than the conversation at hand. Not to mention he seemingly was projecting onto Subaru about putting the person they serve first and foremost. Al definitely seems to know a lot more than he suggests and it’s all pretty suspicious. And let’s not get started on the fact that he was placed suspiciously close to a wheel of sorts that could have maybe perhaps have opened the gates to flood the city… And whoever Regulus was talking to prior to Emilia opening the metia claimed they weren’t the ones to open the gate. Al is just a complete mystery to us at this moment and he both confuses and intrigues me.
Despite it still being a build up episode, Subaru’s speech was definitely the biggest highlight. I’m definitely looking forward to next episode because Reinhard finally “joins the fray” because they will absolutely be needing his strength. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s utilized this time around since we have witnessed his power can be his weakness and he can’t win all his battles by simply blasting them away. I feel like I appreciated this episode a bit more on a rewatch as I feel like I got much more out of it and noticed a few more things.
