When I first started watching A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special, I wasn’t sure what I was in for. The very first episode threw me into a world that felt already in motion. It was fast-paced right out of the gate, and while that might work for some, for me it was slightly disorienting. Names, events, and concepts were being introduced before I had time to fully settle in, which made the early moments a bit confusing.

But as I continued watching, things began to fall into place. The setting became clearer, the rules of the world started to make sense, and the characters began to grow on me. What initially felt like a whirlwind of unfamiliar information slowly transformed into a more engaging, layered story that I could actually follow and appreciate. By the third or fourth episode, I was invested enough that I wanted to see how things would unfold.

One of the biggest strengths of this anime is how it builds tension over time. While the start didn’t immediately hook me, the later episodes made up for it. The conflicts became more interesting, the character relationships deepened, and the strategies in the fights were fun to watch. By the time the series approached its final stretch, the story had picked up significant momentum. The last few episodes, in particular, stood out as the high point for me. Everything built toward a finale that not only delivered in terms of drama and stakes but also ended with a cliffhanger that practically demands you to watch the next season. I genuinely finished the last episode thinking, “I need more of this.”

That’s not to say everything along the way was smooth sailing. There were moments where the pacing slowed down too much. A few episodes felt like filler—side events that didn’t really push the plot forward or deepen my connection with the characters. While these weren’t terrible by any means, they did cause a noticeable dip in my interest during the middle of the season. When the main plot was moving, I was hooked. When it detoured too much, I found myself waiting for the story to pick back up.

Still, I have to give credit where it’s due. The protagonist, Desir Arman, is a big part of why I stuck with the show. Instead of being just another overpowered hero who wins through brute strength, Desir approaches challenges with intelligence, careful planning, and adaptability. Watching him piece together a strategy and turn the tide in his favor is always satisfying. It made the action scenes feel more purposeful and less like random clashes.

In the end, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is a series that rewarded my patience. The slow and slightly confusing start gave way to a far more engaging and exciting middle and end. Even with the occasional dull stretch, the strong closing episodes more than made up for it, leaving me eager for what’s next. If the next season can maintain that late-season energy from the start, it could easily become one of my favorites in its genre.

Final Score: 7.5/10 – A rocky beginning and some mid-season drag, but a thrilling finish that leaves you wanting more.