Mushoku Tensei: an exception to the cookie-cutter isekai genre

I dislike the isekai genre because they generally encompass all the elements I hate most in anime: predictable and uncreative plot with one 'new' gimmick, cookie-cutter side characters, and an uninteresting self-insert main character. But Mushoku Tensei is an exception

Main Character
Mushoku Tensei was truly a breath of fresh air. You can really tell it was one of the first isekai light novels because almost every similar anime since has been a pale imitation, using the same formula but lazily cutting out the more difficult parts to write. Here is the best example I can think of to illustrate how lazy the copycats have become by comparison: Mushoku Tensei depicts the life of Rudeus, the MC, in the new world from when he is born and shows how he develops as a person while he growing up. There is a genuine feeling that he has been given a second chance to live a better life than the one he lived as a shut-in in our world and he takes advantage of this by learning, working and constantly doing things outside his comfort zone. Eventually, he becomes an adventurer and registers at a guild hall but this does not happen until the last coupe of episodes of this season. Most modern isekai anime, however, have skipped the difficult character development by having the protagonist be transported to the new world as an adult/teenager and they visit the local guildhall, become an adventurer and form a party at Day 1.

Side Characters
The side characters feel like real people that exist independently of the MC. They are not there to show how great the protagonist is or how stupid the people of the new world are. They are also not inferior to the main character, while Rudeus becomes a skilled mage, he is still outclassed by several non-mage melee fighters (Paul, Ghislaine, Ruijerd) that are much more lethal and move much faster than him, while other side characters are, if not stronger at least his equals (Sylvie, Eris, Roxy). After-all, his body is only 10 years old by the end of the show so he is not in his prime and it certainly feels like it. Therefore, the MC is not any more extraordinary than the people around him, which helps cement the side characters as living people with more purpose than just to orbit around the MC.

Plot
As an anime-only viewer it is difficult to say where the plot is going. The story spans several volumes in the light novels, and the anime adaptation was only 11 episodes, most of which were spent developing the character of Rudeus and the side characters. The anime definitely leaves many questions unanswered but I am grateful the character development wasn't skipped as I am sure it will set up many plot points in the future. The slow and steady approach is rare and definitely to be appreciated over rushed adaptation for the sake of reaching the main plot point sooner. I will definitely be giving the LNs a try.

Animation
The animation is beautiful. Almost every frame is a worthy wallpaper. The animation especially shines when Rudeus and Roxy are casting water spells and during fight scenes. I am impressed the animation team managed to produce something that looks like Blu-ray movie quality consistently over 11 episodes.

Music/Sound
I have fallen in love with the ending song which is so colourful and sounds amazing, The opening song is always accompanied by a montage of whatever new place the MC happens to be in that episode rather than having a fixed opening, which is rare, if not unique, and as someone who usually skips openings, a genius idea as it helps ease you into the anime more smoothly.

Conclusion
Well worth watching, especially if you think you dislike isekai.