Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation S2 Ep 5 Review
When the new season of Mushoku Tensei started by focusing on Sylphie, I had a problem with that. I thought revealing “Fitz” was Sylphie early on would ruin the surprise for when they reunite at Ranoa University. After seeing the new episode, though, I take it back. It makes their reunion hilarious to watch. While some may complain about the idea of Rudeus attending school instead of going on a big adventure, they have to remember this isn’t your carbon-copy isekai, it takes its time to focus on the cast and lore.
Admittedly, as someone who read the light novels, I know they do miss out on a few things. In a first for the series, though, the show now has a dedicated opening sequence rather than just the song.
Welcome to Ranoa University, Rudeus!
After months of traveling with Elinalise (and learning to tolerate her sexual escapades), Rudeus has finally made it to Ranoa University like he always wanted. Granted, a lot has changed for him since he wanted to attend as a child, and his reasons are… embarrassing. However, dreams don’t always turn out the way people envision them when they’re young. What matters is that Rudeus made it, and on a scholarship, no less. He also ends up reuniting with his childhood friend, Slyphie, when asked to duel “Fitz.”
Some people might complain about how Rudeus doesn’t remember the first friend he ever made when he sees her. They may also complain about not recognizing the wand Fitz uses is the one he gave her. However, a few things should be kept in mind. Firstly, it’s been almost ten years since he’s seen Sylphie. Secondly, she’s deliberately disguising herself as a boy, and her hair’s changed color. As smart as Rudeus is, he’s still a teenage boy.
As previously stated, though, the fact that Rudy doesn’t recognize his best friend makes his attempts to be respectful amusing. If only the same could be said for the introduction to his classmates in the special students class.
The Special Students Introduction falls a Little Flat
In the previous review, I mentioned how many of the people Rudy meets at Ranoa will play important roles in his life. Knowing that, one would think it would do a good job of establishing who they are and how they’re connected to him. To my dismay, they don’t do as good a job as they could; or fully include everything from the light novels.
First, we have good old Zanoba, whose just happy to see his kaster again. After the debacle with his brother, both got sent abroad, and Zanoba is now attending this school. There’s a part in the LN where Rudy hits him with a stone cannon and he just plows right through it.
Then we have the resident Beastmen, Linia and Pursena, AKA the cat and dog girl. They’re both cousins from the Doldia tribe, with Linia being the daughter of the chief, and thus, Ghislaine’s niece. However, Rudeus never mentions any of this, or how her Dad owes him for a previous misunderstanding.
Then we finally have Cliff Grimoire. He hates Rudeus’ guts, and it has to do with a run-in he had with Eris a few years ago. There’s another article that will discuss it, but it boils down to her not shutting up about how awesome he is, and he got envious. Sadly, the anime also cuts out a part when Cliff mentions Eris calling Rudeus “small,” which he takes the wrong way. It’s not much, but it’s a funny example of how bad his self-esteem is.
Can’t Wait to See Rudeus and “Fitz” Learning about Each Other
Minor plot points aside, the episode remains a good one for one reason and one reason alone: Rudeus and Sylphie reunite after years of being apart. Going to Ranoa University together was the whole reason Rudeus went to tutor Eris. He may not know it yet, but he’s already living out his dream. Unfortunately for him, Sylphie doesn’t plan on telling him who she is yet. It might be due to her shyness around the boy she’s liked since they were little, or maybe she wants to tease him, or both. Regardless, Sylphie isn’t talking. However, this might end up benefitting Rudeus more in the long run.
Because Rudeus has no clue that Fitz is really Sylphie, she’s got the chance to make him fall for her. She’s already working at it, too. When a misunderstanding leads to the girls dorm trying to lynch Rudeus, she’s the one who ends up saving him. She even manages to tease him a little, enough to make him blush.
Say what you want about the “childhood friend romance” trope, but there’s a reason why it’s good. The show may not be big on action for awhile, but now we get to see Rudeus have the school life he never had in his past life! Enjoy your time at Ranoa University, Rudeus!
By the way, the dub’s out for season two. Just saying.
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