Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Rewatch Episode 21 Discussion
# Episode 21: [The World of Magic](https://files.catbox.moe/u3cgav.jpg)
***
[Previous episode](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1px8nbr/frieren_beyond_journeys_end_rewatch_episode_20/) | [Index](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1p44gd9/frieren_beyond_journeys_end_rewatch_announcement/) | [Next episode](https://files.catbox.moe/osjxh4.jpg)
***
## Links, useful info:
[MAL](https://myanimelist.net/anime/52991)
[Anilist](https://anilist.co/anime/154587/Frieren-Beyond-Journeys-End/)
[Anidb](https://anidb.net/anime/17617)
[Kitsu](https://kitsu.app/anime/46474)
[Livechart](https://www.livechart.me/anime/11376)
[ANN](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=26334)
[AP](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/frieren-beyond-journeys-end)
***
## Streams:
[Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GG5H5XQX4/frieren-beyond-journeys-end)
[bilibili](https://www.bilibili.tv/en/media/2090295)
[Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/series/1d4725f8-06d1-43fb-a077-72143ac5502f)
[Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/81726714)
[Prime Video](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PHTCTLN7E6QH3XNVJ6K2NBCCT)
***
## Currently disclosed information:
### Seiyuu of the day corner
1) Shingaki Tarusuke
In our SotD corner I presenting Tarusuke Shingaki here, for voicing Genau, the mage exam first stage supervisor. By presenting his other roles, the major ones are Togusa in Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Cadis Etrama Di Raizel in Noblesse, Matou Kariya in Fate/Zero, Togata Mirio in My Hero Academia, Kakitani Yuugo in Vivy, Nathaniel Hawthorne in Bungo Stray Dogs, Yashiro in Twittering Birds Never Fly, Rido Kuran in Vampire Knight and many more.
***
## Questions for the day:
1) Can you see Serie as some sort of mage king?
2) How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
3) Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
4) Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
5) How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
6) Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
7) Rate the exam
8) What did Stark doing during the exam?
***
## Highlights from yesterday:
1) If Sorganeil was a special power from Undead Unluck, and u/Magnafeana, and noticed that:
> Wirbel is Unmove!
2) u/tripleaamin explains why the necessity for kill and how is integrated into their strategies:
> One of the themes in this episode is, what does necessary killing mean? As we have seen, Übel looks at killing as a clear pleasure. If the opportunity presents itself to give herself a chance to kill, she will take it. Hell, she gets disappointed when Wirbel uses his binding spell.
> While for Fern, we know that pulling the trigger to kill another person is something she can't do. She is the type of person who has a more emotionless face with people she doesn't know, so her lies are quite effective. We know she would never kill, especially if the results are the same. However, mages like Wirbel don't know this.
> For Wirbel he is interesting because he has the experience of a battle-hardened warrior. He knows that the world can be quite cruel. There are times when you need to kill. His view on killing is more logical, as sure, I could kill, but does it add anything to it? Can I achieve the same results without killing? In fact, Fern's lie showcases he is truly a good guy at heart that would rather not kill. As he still could have killed Übel and checked on Ehre later. Granted, Fern's threat felt real to his perspective.
> Still, Wirbel's initial motivation was very typical, as you can think. Basically trying to impress his childhood crush. Though we can tell how he must have evolved, where his principles became ingrained inside of him. Though, as Ehre points out, it's true kindness even if Wirbel has trouble admitting it.
> With Land, we don't spend much time with him, as he has magic capable of making clones of himself. Not too much focus is given to him, but he takes care of Scharf and proceeds forward. He gives the feel of someone who aims for efficiency.
> Genau's remarks regarding this portion of the exam when Sense criticizes him are interesting. As those taking the exam might die, but he doesn't care for that, as he wants to make sure those who become a first-class mage earn it. Which is quite cruel, as luck plays a factor. His point that luck is a skill is flawed. Who you utilize and minimize the randomization of luck is a skill, yes, but you can only manage the uncertainty of luck so much. For instance, who the players are paired with. For Übel and Land, they have great luck teaming up with Fern.
> In the final part of this episode, we get the topic of killing for status. We know status is one thing Frieren could care less for, so we know her answer. Though Richter is more than willing to kill the girls for it because that would eliminate Frieren that way. Beating a mage of the skill of Frieren is a hard task for Denken and dealing with the girls would be easier. Though Richter mentions privilege, it seems what he cares more about is the wish that Serie would grant him. That wish is more than enough justification to kill him. What is his wish?
> We can see that Denken strongly does not agree with what Richter says. His understanding is much closer to Frieren. It does make you curious why Denken is taking this exam. Could he be like Frieren and have an objective in mind that requires being a 1st-class mage?
***
## Disclaimer notice:
Dear rewatchers, please be nice to the first-time watchers or the manga readers to the anime-onlies by simply not spoilering anything. But if you want to discuss spoiler-territory things, use spoiler tags instead. Thank you for your understanding.
For example [this is] >!a spoiler!<
***
[Until then...stay tuned!](https://v.animethemes.moe/SousouNoFrieren-ED1v2.webm)
***
[Previous episode](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1px8nbr/frieren_beyond_journeys_end_rewatch_episode_20/) | [Index](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1p44gd9/frieren_beyond_journeys_end_rewatch_announcement/) | [Next episode](https://files.catbox.moe/osjxh4.jpg)
***
## Links, useful info:
[MAL](https://myanimelist.net/anime/52991)
[Anilist](https://anilist.co/anime/154587/Frieren-Beyond-Journeys-End/)
[Anidb](https://anidb.net/anime/17617)
[Kitsu](https://kitsu.app/anime/46474)
[Livechart](https://www.livechart.me/anime/11376)
[ANN](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=26334)
[AP](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/frieren-beyond-journeys-end)
***
## Streams:
[Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GG5H5XQX4/frieren-beyond-journeys-end)
[bilibili](https://www.bilibili.tv/en/media/2090295)
[Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/series/1d4725f8-06d1-43fb-a077-72143ac5502f)
[Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/81726714)
[Prime Video](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PHTCTLN7E6QH3XNVJ6K2NBCCT)
***
## Currently disclosed information:
### Seiyuu of the day corner
1) Shingaki Tarusuke
In our SotD corner I presenting Tarusuke Shingaki here, for voicing Genau, the mage exam first stage supervisor. By presenting his other roles, the major ones are Togusa in Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Cadis Etrama Di Raizel in Noblesse, Matou Kariya in Fate/Zero, Togata Mirio in My Hero Academia, Kakitani Yuugo in Vivy, Nathaniel Hawthorne in Bungo Stray Dogs, Yashiro in Twittering Birds Never Fly, Rido Kuran in Vampire Knight and many more.
***
## Questions for the day:
1) Can you see Serie as some sort of mage king?
2) How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
3) Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
4) Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
5) How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
6) Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
7) Rate the exam
8) What did Stark doing during the exam?
***
## Highlights from yesterday:
1) If Sorganeil was a special power from Undead Unluck, and u/Magnafeana, and noticed that:
> Wirbel is Unmove!
2) u/tripleaamin explains why the necessity for kill and how is integrated into their strategies:
> One of the themes in this episode is, what does necessary killing mean? As we have seen, Übel looks at killing as a clear pleasure. If the opportunity presents itself to give herself a chance to kill, she will take it. Hell, she gets disappointed when Wirbel uses his binding spell.
> While for Fern, we know that pulling the trigger to kill another person is something she can't do. She is the type of person who has a more emotionless face with people she doesn't know, so her lies are quite effective. We know she would never kill, especially if the results are the same. However, mages like Wirbel don't know this.
> For Wirbel he is interesting because he has the experience of a battle-hardened warrior. He knows that the world can be quite cruel. There are times when you need to kill. His view on killing is more logical, as sure, I could kill, but does it add anything to it? Can I achieve the same results without killing? In fact, Fern's lie showcases he is truly a good guy at heart that would rather not kill. As he still could have killed Übel and checked on Ehre later. Granted, Fern's threat felt real to his perspective.
> Still, Wirbel's initial motivation was very typical, as you can think. Basically trying to impress his childhood crush. Though we can tell how he must have evolved, where his principles became ingrained inside of him. Though, as Ehre points out, it's true kindness even if Wirbel has trouble admitting it.
> With Land, we don't spend much time with him, as he has magic capable of making clones of himself. Not too much focus is given to him, but he takes care of Scharf and proceeds forward. He gives the feel of someone who aims for efficiency.
> Genau's remarks regarding this portion of the exam when Sense criticizes him are interesting. As those taking the exam might die, but he doesn't care for that, as he wants to make sure those who become a first-class mage earn it. Which is quite cruel, as luck plays a factor. His point that luck is a skill is flawed. Who you utilize and minimize the randomization of luck is a skill, yes, but you can only manage the uncertainty of luck so much. For instance, who the players are paired with. For Übel and Land, they have great luck teaming up with Fern.
> In the final part of this episode, we get the topic of killing for status. We know status is one thing Frieren could care less for, so we know her answer. Though Richter is more than willing to kill the girls for it because that would eliminate Frieren that way. Beating a mage of the skill of Frieren is a hard task for Denken and dealing with the girls would be easier. Though Richter mentions privilege, it seems what he cares more about is the wish that Serie would grant him. That wish is more than enough justification to kill him. What is his wish?
> We can see that Denken strongly does not agree with what Richter says. His understanding is much closer to Frieren. It does make you curious why Denken is taking this exam. Could he be like Frieren and have an objective in mind that requires being a 1st-class mage?
***
## Disclaimer notice:
Dear rewatchers, please be nice to the first-time watchers or the manga readers to the anime-onlies by simply not spoilering anything. But if you want to discuss spoiler-territory things, use spoiler tags instead. Thank you for your understanding.
For example [this is] >!a spoiler!<
***
[Until then...stay tuned!](https://v.animethemes.moe/SousouNoFrieren-ED1v2.webm)
Commentaires
Hot dang, Frieren demolishing the barrier is *HYPE*.
And once Kanne finally gets access to the rain, she sends a ridiculously badass attack at Richter. The show has set this up the last few episodes, constasntly reminding us of the pattering of rain on the barrier.
We learned that Serie taught the great mage Flamme. And has lived in the same throne room all this time. She was already ancient a thousand years ago, how old is she?
Even Übel is scared of Fern with that seeing-through-clothes spell.
And Denken continues to be the coolest old guy. He shares the same love of magic that Frieren does.
Plus, he is a mage that apparently didn't use STR as his dump stat.
"I may be out of mana, but I ain't out of *these hands*!" -Denken, probably
This scene cemented Denken as one of my favorite characters.
Of the 57 entrants, only 18 passed the first test. Unknown exactly how many were killed vs. just disqualified.
Meanwhile, Stark is just enjoying his break.
> 1) Can you see Serie as some sort of mage king?
She sure seems to present herself as such.
> 2) How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
Very.
> 3) Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
Flamme, definitely.
> 4) Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
Ice always beats earth.
> 5) How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
For normal mages it may as well be, but not Frieren. And it took her a couple days to analyze it.
> 6) Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
A sense of responsibility for their dead comrade.
> 7) Rate the exam
3
> 8) What did Stark doing during the exam?
What do dudes normally do when their girlfriends are away?
(Hey, I made it up to post time today!)
As expected, today's episode resolves the cliffhanger of the battles between Frieren and Denken and then Richter and Kanne and Lawine. As you might expect from the title, however, we also get some more insight into "the world of magic".
I really love the little scenes in the past with Frieren, Flamme, and Serie. It establishes that we know there's some history between these two elves, and even 1000 years ago, Serie was already practically a living grimoire.
Something else that's discussed in these flashback scenes as well as other parts of today's episode (and here and there in the past too, though today's episode is where the concept really comes to the foreground) is the importance of visualisation for mages. Part of it is literal (such as Wirbel needing to physically be able to see all of an individual in order to use his Sorganeil spell), part mental (such as Richter's explanation on why it's so complicated for Kanna to control the water inside a human's body), part psychological (like Flamme's insiunation that Serie is unable to beat the Demon King because she can't see herself living in a peaceful age).
And speaking of Richter's explanations, I also love how he takes the time to explain to the girls (and also the audience) about how the "basic defensive magic" that we're used to seeing only really blocks magic and not physical objects, so modern mages are starting to spend more time learning magic to manipulate physical objects to more easily get past those defences.
One of the most satisfying parts of today's episode is finally getting a pay-off on all the hints about Kanna being powerful in rain. Frieren's been spending time analysing the barrier to dispel it, and Kanna finally gets some chance to shine using the natural rain in her battle against Richter, finally getting the upper hand. I believe the wording was something along the lines of: Can you imagine yourself winning a battle in the rain against a mage who can manipulate water? Again, calling back to the importance of visualisation in magic.
After the seriousness of the magic battles these last few episodes, it's hilarious to see Denken and Richter break out the fisticuffs to get their Stille, but if it works, it works. Leave it to Denken to think outside of the box like that.
In the end, the four parties we mostly followed along with, along with two others, managed to pass the first exam. Congrats! We get a break of a few days before the next exam, so it seems like we'll be getting a break episode tomorrow before we head onto the second exam sub-arc. Stark's vacation time is over for a bit...
S1) Today's seiyuu is a bit newer, but I did enjoy him as the new Togusa in Arise, and Nathaniel in Bungo Stray Dogs. I guess we'll see where he goes!
1) I don't think she really thinks of herself in that way.
2) Flamme is really super cool! I legit love everything we learn about her.
3) I'm with Flamme 100%^.
4) Water-type Pokémon have an advantage over Rock-type Pokémon, obviously.
5) Just goes to show that nothing is ever 100% completely perfect.
6) I kinda understand where Denken is coming from, it feels weird to just give up your Stille to another team like that; they don't deserve to get a win just because you lost.
7) Was a bit long and unnecessarily violent, but turned out alright I guess. The first exam is probably my least favourite arc of the season. 7/10.
8) He was probably having a nice and relaxing time for a bit. Hopefully Fern won't be too harsh on him.
I wonder what do you mean as newer.
Unless you just mean me talking about Tarusuke Shingaki as a "newer" VA in general, which, well, he is to me. His first credited role is in a 2008 show, and first well-known performance in 2011. But I guess that sort of designation is always going to be subjective.
This was a key aspect of Shinsekai Yori, and I keep thinking back to it. And in that show, with enough knowledge and imagination, you *could* do things like Lawine suggests.
* There’s something I didn’t comment on last episode, and that is the spell **Jilwer**. The implications of that spell are not something I like. You could basically assassinate anyone in the world with it, no matter how powerful they are. It just feels like incredibly lazy writing, added simply because it’s a “cool” spell.
* Denken is one of the only characters from this arc that I’ve enjoyed; every time he’s on screen, from his design to his dialogue, he’s handled really well.
* Not showing us Denken beating someone down in a bare-knuckle fight was a massive wasted opportunity.
* A solid exam arc episode all things considered. The fight choreography and animation were great, and there were honestly some nice lines dropped this episode.
**QotD:**
>Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
Unless I’m missing something, this supposed disagreement between Flamme and Serie about whether magic should be for everyone or reserved for a chosen few has not actually been stated in the show so far, neither explicitly nor implicitly.
1) Can you see Serie as some sort of mage king?
* She thinks she is one
2) How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
* Extremely
3) Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
* To paraphrase Gusteau, everyone can do magic!
4) Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
* physical is a kind of magic. again, ask Mash Burnedad
5) How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
* Quite a lot if it needed Frieren nearly two days to fully analize it.
6) Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
* I guess they were still on denial about their downed member?
7) Rate the exam
* 6/10 woulda liked seeing how Denken beat those two
8) What did Stark doing during the exam?
* Train
Yay! Spent most of my day catching up, I think I did 9 episodes since last night. Wedding, travel, and family visiting took up most of my time over the past week. Also, my best friend also binge watched the entire season in three days…but I’ll have to wait a week before we talk about it fully haha.
General Thoughts: I accidentally swapped two episodes earlier in the Travels to Äußerst Arc, but they were really nice. I almost cried seeing the episode about the mirrored lotus ring (and later bracelet). I totally get why everyone loves Stark/Fern too, they make a cute pair and I love that Frieren is at a loss most of the time trying to help them through their issues haha.
First-Class Mage Exam Arc is shaping up to be a favourite though. Not only is Fern shining like she should be, Frieren breaking the barrier to help her teammates was incredible! Übel is an interesting addition, and we finally get to see Serie after her being teased in the OPs.
> 1. Can you see Serie as some sort of mage king?
Yes! She’s clearly one of the most powerful people we’ve met so far, so it makes sense she’s sort of royalty in the mage world.
>2. How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
I’m not sure, but I feel like keeping it shrouded in mystery doesn’t help overall? This would be a great question for rewatching down the road.
>3. Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
In a way, I think that it’s not suited for everyone (point for Serie) but at the same time it can create power imbalances given the prestige and privilege that comes with being a high class mage (point for Flamme). I do lean towards Flamme’s philosophy at this time but who knows if or when that could change.
>4. Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
Magical attacks are really cool, and you need some battle smarts to use them effectively which is really neat to watch. Ice & water also clearly won out.
>5. How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
I feel like to most it was impenetrable, but everyone tends to really underestimate Frieren and her abilities. If anyone could break the barrier, of course it would be her.
>6. Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
Honestly, I get why. They went through the effort, why just give it away to someone who didn’t put in the work?
>7. Rate the exam
9/10, very entertaining, slightly scary given that there’s some big monsters killing participants. Made me think of the Hunger Games a bit haha.
>8. What did Stark doing during the exam?
Doing all the things Fern wouldn’t let him do! Plus maybe worrying a bit for them.
*OOOOOOH* so they know each other like that??! Okay.
Huh.
***WAAAAAAAAAAT DO YOU MEAN APPRENTICE?***
We can’t see Flamme’s face, so does she have a sordid history with Serie? Or is she in disagreement with how Serie operates?
*OOP*. Looks like Denken and Frieren have like minds.
Interesting. Flamme and Serie make it sound like Flamme was specifically looking for someone to defeat the demon king.
Damn. He monologued all for that shit.
Good lord. He’s just waving all sorts of flags.
I know Richter is using magic, but I’m reminded of FMA.
Everything Genau says, the universe says “Fuck you” and Uno Reverses it.
Her head is not for patting, Frieren!
It really shows how people think magery is about the straight and narrow, even in their alleged bloodlust.
The fucking cut away after Fern says that 😭
I don’t know why that slow mo punching made me think of the third AOT opening where I think it freezes on [AOT] >!Reiner and Eren in titan forms about to deck each other!<, but it did.
What was that look between them?
The bar tender 😭
***
**First Timer: Beyond Manga’s End**
Unable to read today 😞
***
**Additional Thoughts**
I’m just…shocked.
I’m curious about the direction if not focusing on Flamme’s face when Serie addresses her. That just indicates to me Flamme isn’t as loyal of a former apprentice as she should be. Or maybe she feels negatively about introducing Frieren to Serie with what feels like the implication that Flamme was meant to find someone to defeat the demon king rather than whatever kindness she has been showing Frieren.
But the fact that Serie and Flamme haven’t defeated the demon king with their combined powers befuddles me. What ***exactly*** are demons and the demon king that makes them want to have someone else pull the trigger? Is it the whole “there’s safety in obscurity”? Okay, but…what safety do they need?
The conversation leans towards Flamme seeing someone in Serie that makes her not want Serie to defeat the demon king or go after the demon king. But what’s her agenda?
I have so many questions.
Richter and Genau may both be arrogant, monologuing assholes, but Richter makes me wanna know where he ever got this whole little villain edgy shit he has. Genau makes sense because of his “privilege”. Richter I’m confused on.
Very surprising being an imperial mage doesn’t grant you any authority to go that way. I wonder what inspired Denken to become an imperial mage.
***
**QotD**
1. Yes.
2. Very.
3. I’ll always advocate for resources to help accessible for the masses.
4. Magical. Though I’m curious how a gun would fare here.
5. It was definitely a strong barrier, but that barrier seems like it was a test.
6. What Denken said. But honestly, I’d be using this Stille to network/negotiate. I don’t want to die.
7. Genau would not receive a head pat for this. 0 head pats.
8. Destressing. He needs a spa day, manipedi included.
So here we are at the end of the first stage of the Mage's exam. And fittingly, it ends on some pretty solid action sequences. Denken continues to prove himself as a good character, and I really liked his battle with Frieren. I do think Richter's scenes with Kanne and Lawine early on had a bit too much exposition, but once it really kicked off in the second half. Really liked the idea of Frieren breaking the shield as her way of helping her teammates and releasing the rain for their magic. Overall, a good ending to a fun (partial) arc, even if I do get how it wouldn't be for everyone.
Also lol, poor Stark showing up for like a minute in order to spout his totally "convincing" monologue about how much better his life is without worrying about Fern.
I really wish Denken’s scene throwing hands with that other party was shown. One of my greatest disappointments in the entire show on first watch, and second time around… yeah, still blue balled on it. Doh!
I.. don’t remember seeing Serie this much. Maybe it’s just because I was so focused on school and other happenings in my life, pretty interesting to see so much screen time for her
Excited to see the next part of the exam. One of the wildest fight scenes I’ve ever seen is coming up. No spoilers obviously, but you’ll know it when you see it, first time watchers!
Wait. FIRST TEST? [](#kyonfacepalm)
* *Oh, Frieren has met Serie!!!!* So that's where she got the ancient holy symbol. She shouldn't even be taking the test. Unless it's not really her, but Flamme's....but I don't think she would show it if it wasn't hers.
* I like how he split up the battleground with he earth spell.
* These two girls really are inseparable.
* *Actually, I've been waiting for the barrier to fail ever since Kanne noticed the rain.* But I couldn't think of a reason for taking it down, other than cheating.
* Of course we can't have them fail, then they can't be in the 2nd test.
* I was thinking that, too. Don't tell Uebel your secrets.
I'm still sad we didn't get Stark and Sein on the town.
I was completely wrong on Serie being an elf who cowed all of Demon-kind with her immense mana. I still like that theory.
edit: [speculation]>!Serie is not a mage for a peaceful era, and the peaceful era ended when Himmel died. What is the connection between Himmel, Serie, and the demons?!<
QOTD:
2) and 3): I didn't get either of these impressions from Serie.
edit edit: Did the Party of Heroes not go through Aeusserst on their way North? It seems like they hit every other town....
edit edit edit: Is Serie normally in Aeusserst or in Strahl? Is she here just for the test? Or not?
edit edit edit edit: Oh, but the CMA is only about 50 years old...about when Zoltraak was researched.
Enjoyed this episode. Expectation recalibration has worked. I can now enjoy this as just a well made battle shonen instead of wishing for the Frieren we began with.
So Serie was Flamme's master. Interesting. And she's someone who likes battles and thrives during the war time, making her unlikely to want peace. This is something I've always wondered about - people putting military types on a pedestal when their entire existence is founded on there being wars for them to distinguish themselves in. They cannot wish for peace because that would make them obsolete.
I like that Frieren is a peacetime mage and that this is made clear by her lack of ambition. This is another thing I can relate to. Ambition never made much sense to me. Feels destructive by its very nature. And yet, we live in a world that praises the Series and looks down on the Frierens. I love that this story sets the score straight.
Frieren winning her fight against Denken was a given. Her breaking Serie's powerful barrier just to give Kanne a chance to prove herself was a very Frieren thing to do. She really is so kind.
As expected Denken and team also made it through. Denken going in for a fist fight and earth guy's reaction to this got a chuckle out of me.
The glasses guy warning Ubel and Fern to not reveal too much about themselves because they'll be going up against each other from here on out felt a bit illogical to me. He should ideally have let them keep talking so he could find out more. What exactly does he gain by telling them to be careful? That's bad writing right there. He said that because we, the audience, need to be told that. Exposition that makes no sense from a character perspective. Boo.
Some others got through as well. Don't really care about them since we haven't gotten to know them.
Still don't care for Kanne and Lawine. But I've registered their names now thanks to multiple repetitions of them this episode.
Ubel is definitely downgraded from potentially interesting to one-note yawn character with that note being smirking all the time to look cool.
More Frieren than others and some backstory with Serie made this episode better than the first two of this arc but this is still nowhere near the initial episodes in terms of writing. But, I still enjoyed it overall.
Edit: Forgot to mention that Stark tease at the end there. Almost like they read all of our complaints about him getting written out and decided to be cheeky about it. I really hope we see more of him next episode when the girls come back for a break before the next exam starts.
That doesn't feel illogical to me. Sometimes you see someone doing something dumb (from your perspective) and you can't help but point it out to correct them, even if their dumb thing may help you. Kind of like a "let's keep this fair" kind of way. In fact we the audience don't need to be told that since we would already assume from what we have seen so far that you would be competing with each other.
Following the last episode's discussion of the benefits of being a first-class mage, it is interesting that both Frieren & Denken have a similar mindset. That is the greatest joy in magic: searching and discovering it. The show has showcased this for Frieren because she is constantly looking for new grimoires, whether they are fake or authentic.
Still, we see in a flashback where it's revealed that Flamme's master is Serie. Still, it is quite interesting that Serie herself was turned off by Frieren's answer. Though Flamme saying that Serie can't imagine a peaceful era is rather interesting. There is a link between magic and your imagination. More than likely, Serie could be looking at magic as a tool, and there is a use for it. While Frieren looks at magic in more of a beauty sense, there is more pleasure from Frieren's viewpoint of magic. There's a clear clash between these two, and interestingly, it's a human who creates the connection between these two elves.
Richter's information drop on the complexity of defensive magic makes a lot of sense. As we know, Fern holds a great skill in activation speed with her offensive magic. Of course, with defending, not only is strength important, but also how quickly it can be activated. As who cares if the defensive spell makes you invincible if the activation time doesn't come out quick enough? As such, the complexity of defensive magic can't be too complex.
In the match between Frieren & Denken we see a bit of parallel with Fern's fight with Ehre. Even if Denken used more advanced spells than Frieren, what matters more is quantity over style. It more illustrates the skill gap between them, which shouldn't be a surprise to us. Though credit should be given to Denken because going up against Frieren is a mountain of a task. We even have Frieren lie much like Fern did, but for her it's more so a threat. Laufen falls for it easily because, as Denken said, Frieren wouldn't kill for privilege. Kind of a showcase of Laufen, but you can tell she is a good key.
Interestingly enough, Denken has the same motivation that Frieren & Fern have in becoming a first-class mage. That being the desire to travel and the requirement to go back home is being a first-class mage.
Of course the worry at this point is that Richter will kill the girls. Rather than rescue them, she decides to give them an opportunity to showcase their potential. Frieren breaks the barriers, which draws the attention of Serie and those instructing the exam. The barrier itself restricts magic because magic is a part of nature. As Richter gets to use the terrain to his advantage, the girls don't have access to water. Wouldn't it be more fair if both sides got to use magic to their full potential? Of course, if it wasn't raining, the girls probably would have been defeated, but how nature works isn't always fair.
Denken's party still gets a Stille and quite a funny way in how they get it. With Richter and Denken using their fists to beat the party, who lost a party member who was killed. Again, we have an even playing field because both sides don't have mana at this point.
This episode adapted the last fourth of chapter 43 as well as chapters 44 & 45. Animation-wise it is clear they saved it more for this episode compared to last episode.
* Why not.
How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
* Probably a huge deal.
Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
* It depends; there is a case for both sides. Magic is beautiful, and everyone should have a chance to explore it. Granted there are those that would misuee said power.
Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
* Magic. Ice+Water.
How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
* Well there is no such thing as 100% guaranteed protection.
Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
* They didn't want to accept failure.
Rate the exam
* 7/10. The first impression was rough because there was a mass introduction of characters, and it felt like a generic tournament arc. Though the focus on themes of killing and what privilege means to one did help it.
What did Stark doing during the exam?
* Enjoying freedom from Fern.
Well Frieren gets to show off on how she outmatches everyone in the Exam, Kanne gets to show why you should never fight her in the rain, Richter really needs to learn when to cut and run, and Fern finds out that some of the weirder spells Frieren are good psycho repellant. Also Denken shows how you can turn things around if you know how to cast fist, Serie's dislike of Frieren is probably not going anywhere, and Stark gets to the end of part one of his vacation.
Somewhat tired, so questions only mode.
> 1) Can you see Serie as some sort of mage king?
She is a living grimoire, so yes. Sits on a throne like king, amassed a huge book collection which is like a library, knows almost every spell, and absurdly strong, even if we never saw capabilities in person, and the founder of the CMA which she is the pinnacle of the mage society.
> 2) How revolutionary that was Flamme openly and publicly researched magic?
Magic was arcane, heretic and strongly associated with demons, and she decided it should not be shunned, but rather be publicly. She supposed to be some kind of Prometheus.
> 3) Do you agree with Flamme who advocated for magic should be for everyone or Serie who supports that should it be reserved for a chosen few?
Both have good point. Flamme wants that magic should be accessible to anyone like if it's a FOSS under a Creative Commons licence, but the uniqueness and specialness becomes empty. Serie wants to see them as a privileged elite, who have the exlcuisve access to these powers, and such magic would still remain magical.
> 4) Magical or physical attacks? Ice plus water versus earth?
I prefer magical. Earth is so physical, unlike water and ice.
> 5) How "impenetrable" that barrier was?
Very strong, but not foolproof either, because Firern deconstructed after a long observing.
> 6) Why did that defeated party tried to protect their Stille?
They wanted to protect their dignity.
> 7) Rate the exam
8/10, basically it is the JCC entrance exam arc from Sakamoto Days, but with mages instead of hitmen.
> 8) What did Stark doing during the exam?
He had nothing to do, I suppose.