Summary
Re:Zero’snewest season promises to be one for the ages, withthe anime seeing Subaru Natsuki returnfor a new adventure. In the show’s current events, the dark fantasy isekai sees the main protagonist and his muse, Emilia, take on more forces of evil in the Attack Arc. Joined by a cascade of familiar characters, the fight for justice and answers only continues for the mischievous and cheeky Subaru.
In the entirety of theRe:Zeroanime, there have been many story arcs that have taken place, originating from the light novels. While some arcs only cover a couple of episodes, certain arcs can last for an entire season, with the adventures of Subaru and friends requiring ample time to flesh out important events. Filled with colorful characters, dynamic animation, and a fleshed-out narrative, some ofthe show’s best arcsstand out from their peers. However, each arc still provides quality and depth to the overall story.
5Subaru’s Introduction To A New World
The Protagonist Finds Friends And Enemies In Lugunica
The start ofRe:Zeroaimed to make an impression on audiences, and succeeded by introducing Subaru to a foreign fantasy land that differed from his own. When Subaru gets transferred to the region of Lugunica, the out-of-place character wanders the land and discovers the half-elf Emilia, the love of his life, and Puck, the spirit. While becoming intertwined with Emilia and getting the lay of the land, Subaru gets involved in the search for Emilia’s missing insignia. This leads to non-stop action, as Subaru suffers his first Return by Death at the hands of Elsa Granhiert, the Bowel Hunter.
As Subaru aims to protect Felt, Old Man Rom, and Emilia,the overconfident protagonist recruits the knightReinhard van Astrea after many deaths to help defeat the evil assassin. Despite being only 3 episodes long, the show’s first arc gives an intriguing introduction into the world ofRe:Zero, showcasing the comedic dynamic between the clueless Subaru and his newfound friends. Even in the opening episodes, epic fights and character conflicts arise, makingRe:Zeroa spectacle to behold. In just three episodes, this arc gets viewers hooked on the isekai’s premise while providing plenty of mystery for both audiences and Subaru.
4The Sin Archbishop Attack In Priestella
Familiar Faces Reunite In An Arc Still In Its Infancy
Though only one 90-minute episode has been released,Re:Zero’snewest arc promises a lot of quality and actionas more chaos uproots Subaruand his party. Taking place in the city of Priestella, Emilia’s party is invited by Anastasia Hoshin, who makes mention of a crystal Emilia desires to restore Puck to full health. While on their adventures, the group interacts with familiar faces such as Reinhard and Crusch Karsten, with the show’s iconic comedic tone shining throughout the arc’s opening episode.
Despite this, trouble emerges in the final sequence, where the Sin Archbishop representing Wrath, Sirius Romanee-Conti, kills Subaru and many more in a massacre, resulting in a significant cliffhanger that left audiences on the edge of their seats. In this whirlwind of an episode, the Attack Arc promises to showcase the ever-growing number of Sin Archbishops out to cause harm to Subaru and his friends. However, the arc is only in its infancy in the anime, leaving much to be explored in the coming episodes, although early signs indicate a promising arc to come.
3Adventures In Roswaal Manor
Death, Deceit, And Comradery At Emilia’s Home
As Subaru continued his journey, he ended up at Roswaal Manor, engaging with fan favorites such as the Oni sisters, Rem and Ram,Roswaal L. Mathers, and the hardened spirit, Beatrice. While the protagonist goofs off when interacting with his new pals, this arc has a healthy dose of Return by Death, deceit, and agents of evil working to disrupt Subaru. Despite characters like Roswaal and Rem appearing pleasant and joyous on the surface, both are shown to have a menacing side, with the famed blue-haired maid killing Subaru based on his suspicious behavior.
Throughout the arc, Subaru works to gain the favor of his new companions, including Emilia, making for comedic but compelling viewing. At the height of the arc, Subaru begins to show his usefulness as he saves Rem and Arlam Village from a pack of Mabeasts, showing growth from the show’s beginning, where he appears oblivious to the thoughts of others. While engrossing, much of the arc sets the stage for future events, acting as an introduction for many characters that will influence proceedings while showcasing Subaru’s increased understanding of his power.
2The Fight To Win Emilia Back
Subaru Attempts To Make A U-Turn On His Actions
In the second half of season 1, tension and hardship arrive at Subaru’s door, as he becomes alienated from Emilia for his actions in the Royal Selection process. After making a fool of himself in front of hundreds of high-ranking officials, which included taking a beating from Julius the knight, Emiliacasts Subaru aside due to his selfish attitude, leaving him lost. As a result, Subaru battles back with the help of many friends, including Rem, Crusch, and even his enemy, Julius, combating obstacles, such as the White Whale and the Witch Cult, who aim to eliminate Roswaal Manor’s inhabitants, including Emilia.
Throughout Subaru’s redemption arc, he faces many trials and tribulations that push him to his limit. However, Subaru learns to trust the people he encounters on his journey to help fight his battles. One of the many great aspects of the arc is the amount of jaw-dropping battles that take place. As such, the enthralling battle of Subaru and Crusch’s army against the White Whale proved to be epic, while eliminating a portion of the Witch Cult brought a feeling of euphoria after Subaru’s troubles with the group earlier in the arc.
1The Battle In The Sanctuary
Subaru And Emilia Take On The Witch Of Greed And Her Disciple
Season 2 ofRe:Zeroproved to be one for the ages, as Subaru and Emilia underwent a gauntlet of obstacles that pushed them to their limits. Spanning the whole second season, the fourth arc of the anime brought the protagonistsface to face with Echidna, the Witch of Greed, inside the Sanctuary. This arc has become famous for bearing fruit onRe:Zero’sgreatest villain yet, as Echidna profoundly affects the events that transpire. While the scheming witch plotted against Subaru and Emilia to gain knowledge, Roswaal acted as a secondary antagonist, inflicting despair and chaos on Subaru, the Sanctuary, and the inhabitants of Roswaal Manor in order to break the protagonist’s will.
In a rollercoaster of emotions, the arc sees many characters at their lowest, with Emilia and Beatrice being shown as vulnerable as they deal with the ramifications of their past and the influence of the Witch of Greed. As the protagonists seek to solve the emerging crisis, new characters — such as the stubborn Garfiel Tinzel, and Roswaal Manor maid Frederica Baumann — arrive into the fold. While proving complex with all the changing moments,Re:Zeroaccomplishes an ambitious season filled with intense emotion, continuous mystery, and character development that sets the show on a good path going forward.
