

MUSHOKU TENSEI: JOBLESS REINCARNATION
One of the most controversial yet equally amazing series to grace our screens in this year alone, this atypical narou-kei, fantasy-isekai story has a heart and uplifting narrative about the pitfalls of growing up and bettering yourself. The protagonist, a ne'er-do-well forsaken by society, forever hitting rock-bottom.
Squandered second chances and opportunities of embetterment without an ounce of improvement.
Cast aside after a slight against his own family irreparably damages their already damaged relationship.
There's something appealing about the exact nature of second chances. The heavy-handed approach of how he regressed to this pathetic mass of self loathing and contempt against the world does wonders to allow the viewer to theorize just how this unknown can find a way to live. Getting to tolerate his character and overall being requires the utmost patience, so that when we're rewarded with his development, all these instances will feel earned and you're glad this adventure you're on takes massive appeal to you.
Roxy, a person that gently, but sternly allows him to grow from his trauma, slowly coming to terms that this world is peaceful at the moment.
Not one body is out to demoralize nor demarcate his fragile self ego.
He is loved.
To take that first step into the outside lights him up. More and more chance meetings give him his first ever genuine friend, a rarity he truly appreciated and treasured
However, a friendship this close can prove damaging toward continued development. It's tough to admit when each other's existence shackles you, halting your progress.
Developing Eris as a character beyond her first and middling perceptions takes a heavy amount of work to be done.
Thankfully, it's pulled off with so much gusto her burgeoning romantic companionship with Rudy develops her sheltered and otherwise constrained worldview.
Narrative devices are always used to greatly enhance already miraculous takes on source material.
Turning Points, or rather these premonitions of untold calamity.
Proportions that'll weigh heavily upon future individuals and the ones in the moment.
This hurricane of misfortune. More questions than answers are laid front and bare as to what a stately apparition, Hitogami, forces upon Rudy and his state of panic offers.
Expansive inquiries to this six-sided world offer vast quantities of unexplored regions to consider at length.
Ruijerd, a much maligned slight, an error in the majorities.
A race cursed to fade away in existence. Their innate malediction, an insignificant yet stroke of luck for Rudy and Eris
No home. No idea where they are.
Forever trapped in this isolated place called the Demon Continent. Understandably so, the menacing aura one as portentous as he is gives mixed symbols.
However, if appearances or overall horrifying visages etched into your memories since time immemorial damaged your perception of him as a character, it shows just how narrow-minded they truly are.
He provides a necessary and interesting aesthetic to our main trio, as their trip back home informs so much of their new story that not only expands the locales and settings we so inquisitively wanted answers for. The good sides contrast greatly against their bad sides.
The characters have some of the best depictions I've seen as of recent that realistically portray what we expect out of everybody's personalities.
Different paths in life are in stark contrast against how Ruijerd lived his life compared to Rudy and co. By the end of this journey, many facets through which every single character we've ever known of are expanded upon.
We all have hidden sides to us, many disgusting we keep at arm's length.
Being exposed in the worst light imaginable, with all their imperfections on full display. However, these ugly appearances do wonders to show their eventual growth, as perceivable they are, as they slowly but gradually mature and reflect upon their transgressions and become better than who they were before. To repair relationships they'll alleviate and fix their flaws.
It's something every person should hope to accomplish.
Isekai is a form of escapism in most media, but to see it treated with the actual way a genre should be handled is especially poignant, in regards to benefitting from that second chance.
Striving to be better than previously. Most of the time, a gradual change takes a lot of courage to muster.
We shouldn't give up on someone who actually looks like they're sincerely trying to adapt to this first step.
Recognizing that effort bestows us with an important part in caring for each other.
Death is an ever remaining dreaded manifestation of our deepest fears.
It takes hold of us, until eventually it's more of an afterthought.
To see it happen almost out of the blue, with no fanfare, but unceremoniously, violently twists and pulls at our painful admission of guilt. The aftereffects a tragedy like this leaves anyone reeling. That sense of finality a series like this engenders upon the viewer reminds us of the many perils but also happy and tranquil times these people have gone through.
The aftershocks for those that are left glues us in.
All in all, Mushoku Tensei is an elaborating chronicle that I have never seen at all, in various other of the same craft.
It implements flawless execution in adapting these tropes that are nevertheless groundbreaking, with great enjoyment. A pristine showcase of excellent character progression, paired with it's up to par production.
This is something that publicly acknowledges the apprehensions topics that otherwise are glossed over and treats it so serenely.
Beautiful and magnificent backgrounds, settings that take you out of this world. Sound design and musical numbers that absolutely immerses us into this world, a series that'll live rent-free in the minds of many for years to come
I'll remember it in my heart indefinitely.
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