The idea of getting a second chance by getting transported to another world and going on adventures sounds like a great idea but ends up turning into cheap wish-fulfilment power fantasies but Mushoku Tensei shows us how beautiful an isekai can be with the right execution. The first few episodes of Part 1 do nothing different from any other isekai – antisocial adult gets hit by a truck and is reincarnated as a baby into a fantasy world, learns magic, becomes a genius due to his otherworldly talent, forms an adventurer party, etc. But the way it does it is by actually showing us progress and growth, introduces and fleshes out characters who will be following with us along this journey, he learns the basics of the magic and the world. The show does not even need the use of any gimmick like some sort of weird, OP cheat ability but is still able to tell us a rich story with what it has.

One of the best things I like about Mushoku Tensei are the characters, they’re well written each with their own flaws and burdens. Even the protagonist Rudeus, who gets reincarnated into a magical world is a genius, handsome and has loving people around him, but that is only on the outside, being reincarnated does not change who he is on the inside, he still has to overcome his demons and improve himself. Lot of anime think that if they take a blank character and turn him into the perfect guy in 5 episodes or turn him into a psychopath in under an episode that’s “development.” Rudeus on the other hand takes his time to learn and grow from his mistakes, he may take one step forward and two steps back, but that is the sort of makes it more human and believable. It’s mainly the reason why he is such an interesting and personally one of my favourite characters this year. It’s strong point is how it is able to take these characters who seem unlikeable at first but manages to make me care me care about them.

As for the show itself, Cour 2 starts off slow and the animation is minor step down in some places but it is still beautiful for most parts, especially how they go all-out during the 2nd Turning point. I also feel like some parts in the earlier episodes were a bit rushed but it’s nothing major. We get to explore more of this immersive world and meet new and likeable characters. Everything is more focused, there is a clear goal of finding Rudeus’ family, getting Eris home and uncovering the mystery behind the mana calamity. I really loved Paul and Rudeus’ reunion, it was fantastic seeing the two of them overcoming their pride and growing as people. It added more depth to Rudeus as a character and how his pride came in the way of overcoming his trauma for 20+ year. The show managed to make me emotional when Paul and Rudeus hugged each other, letting all of their emotions out.

Another thing I want to talk about is how Rudeus and Eris’ relationship and has grown. When the two of them met, Eris would hit Rudeus for the littlest of things. Now she brutalizes anyone who even minorly inconveniences Rudeus. Rudy himself is actually grown quite close to her but I never realized how much until the 2nd last episode where she goes on a journey to get stronger. We see him a little dazed from the rejection and then see him cry for the first time since he reincarnation, he has a full breakdown and lets it all out. He had been through hell for the last two years but never showed it so we assume he’s fine, but his love for Eris was what kept him sane for so long, it’s another vulnerable moment proving how scared and alone of a man he is underneath all that.

Although this show does have one problem and it’s what happens at Turning Point 2. Now I’m an anime-only watcher, I don’t know how it is depicted in the Novel, I’m talking purely based on what I see in the anime. We have a cow that commits suicide, Eris and Ruijerd are scared shitless, he’s even told clearly in a terrified voice not to move, but ignoring all obvious indications Rudeus calmly decides to taunt Orsted and nearly gets them all killed. The fight sequences and everything are amazing and a lot of foreshadowing takes place for important future events, but the whole thing makes no sense, Rudeus is a smart guy and it is very uncharacteristic of him to do such a dumb thing.

Overall, aside from minor inconveniences this was a very solid season that I very much enjoyed. I can easily say that Mushoku Tensei is my most favourite and one of the best isekai ever. The story, characters, music, music and immersive world are all outstanding. It has a well balance of light hearted and serious moments, there are no unnecessary scenes and it is very engaging with a lot of emotional moments.