Snake Watches Re:Zero, Because He Too Wants to Die and Escape Reality

[Solid Snake]

WARNING: This thread will contain episodic spoiler content as Snek completes each episode. You have been warned.

Episode 1A

- Is there some sort of special significance in Japanese culture with a grooved-edge yen coin? Like, is it a sign that you're about to die or something?

- This is genuinely so similar to Konosuba's start -- albeit a more serious take on the tropes -- that I'm really curious as to the timing of both shows. Which concept came first? Which group of writers cribbed off the other? I mean, we got someone complaining of having gamed all day, getting killed (maybe? Here we don't really know what happened), magically being summoned to another universe.

- Unlike Konosuba, this guy barely seems fazed at all by his new circumstances in a parallel world. I actually prefer Konosuba allowing the character to feel more feel by freaking the fuck out a bit when it happens. "A realm where demihumans are commonplace," he says, looking at lizard people and others riding lizards, and he ain't even fazed.
Maybe he just comes from a world where Trump's won the Presidency, and so this just feels like a very sweet release.

- Hahaha he can't read the language. That's a pretty nice touch. But he can speak the language, somehow. Heh. That's strange. Lugunica. Is that the name of the city or the country or the world?

- Is his name actually Subaru?!? I am now imagining that he is actually an automobile.

- He just assumes that he's been summoned by an attractive woman and that he's the protagonist. At least Konosuba's protagonist knows he's a jerk and owns up to it. I feel like this guy's going to be much more generic and much less Seinfeld-style self-loathing, which is going to really get on my nerves if they do go a hero route with him.

- AHAHAHAHA okay, seriously, that first scene with him and the thieves is HYSTERICAL, all of it, I forgive you now annoying protagonist (aaaand here comes the love interest)

- Aaaand of course she's tsundere

- Excellent soundtrack with this orchestral music, though.

- I appreciate the cute scene with Subaru and the young lost girl. It's corny and cliche character development, but it works.

- The art of this city is beautiful.

...Well, that half-episode sort of ended on a weird note.
I guess it's okay so far? The art and the music is incredible, and I certainly get the impression it has better production values than Konosuba, but I'm just not really sold on this yet. The two main characters bonded far too quickly, and I'm not really sure if I like them together, and there's too much generic tsundere tropes with the half-elf. The guy adjusts far too quickly to being in a parallel universe and I'm still not quite sure how he got there. The cat spirit will either grow on me or get on my nerves fast.

I did enjoy how medieval stereotypes led her to assume he was better off than he was, and there were some nice moments in there, but it was filled to the brim with the kinds of story cliches that I really appreciated Konosuba for satirizing and debunking, but here it's just played annoyingly straight.

I'll keep watching, though. Maybe it will get better.

---------- Post added at 03:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 AM ----------

Episode 1B

- This protagonist really needs to drop the habit of making idiotic assumptions of other people's intentions if he wants me to like him. It's starting to become rather grating.

- Oh, the string music during this well-deserved beatdown of Subaru is glorious.

- Oh, they died.

- I could see Subaru's time-traveling powers becoming a really annoying mechanic after a while because it's going to erode everyone's character development who isn't Subaru, and while Steins;Gate had the same issue, Steins;Gate at least had a very long prologue that built up all the characters before tearing everything down. Here, repeatedly bringing Subaru back to the beginning is going to repeatedly make everyone strangers again? I'd have preferred if Subaru was sent back to the second time with the apple vendor, but we'll see.

- How is Subaru so capable of understanding he's been sent to a parallel universe, but so incapable of understanding that he's time-travelling right before he dies? Inconsistent. I can't really get a gauge on whether Subaru is supposed to be perceived by viewers as intelligent, or naive, or somewhere in-between.

- Gotta love the stereotype of the nerd who's a social shut-in who's somehow also athletic enough to stand even a chance against seasoned fighters in a fantasy universe

- The old man and Felt are both fun characters, though.

- I wonder why 'Satella' didn't bother giving Subaru her real name, given the two did seem to have genuine moments together in the first timeline.

[phil_]

- This is genuinely so similar to Konosuba's start -- albeit a more serious take on the tropes -- that I'm really curious as to the timing of both shows. Which concept came first? Which group of writers cribbed off the other?
The authors of the webnovels RE:Zero and Konosuba are based on are friends. So it's more they both read and watch the same stuff, and both decided to do a take on it.
- I wonder why 'Satella' didn't bother giving Subaru her real name, given the two did seem to have genuine moments together in the first timeline.
Because spoilers, that's why. She has a good reason, though. An understandable one, in any case.

As for the bunch of stuff about Subaru being an insufferably arrogant child who instantly recognizes and accepts "Oh, parallel world," and decides he must be the protagonist, but can't figure out a time loop; you gotta understand what kind of modern stock character he is. You're supposed to recognize him as the kind of nerd who reads nothing but light novels and manga, has no real life experience outside of video games, and spends all day on the internet trash talking the protagonists of said media for not instantly solving all their problems by doing x, y, and z, which is totally what he'd do in their situation. For him, being transported to fantasy land is a way more familiar experience than, say, preparing for a job interview. And that's the way lots of the characters in the media he consumes are (assume he reads Konosuba, as a short cut). So, since he's like those worthless protagonists who end up with a harem and a kingdom, and he's going through the same things they did, he must also be a perfect fit for this new world, worthy of a harem and a kingdom, because that's just how these things go.

And then he's wrong.

And then he's not wrong, dammit. (Actual spoiler, it will spoil things).

And you're supposed to just assume that from the first few minutes. Almost like the author expects you to be like Subaru and just see yourself. Man, that was longer than I meant it to be. That all folds up neatly into "Issekai Protagonist" in my brain, but it kind spills out like a road map once I open it.

[Solid Snake]

I understand what they're aiming for with Subaru, but it just strikes me as utterly nonsensical. I'm the epitome of a dork who plays videogames and enjoys fantasy worlds and if you dropped me into one of those worlds at random I sure as hell am not immediately celebrating my circumstances with an intuitive understanding that I am the protagonist in a parallel universe. Ironically, I think the time travel thing would be easier for any person to wrap their heads around, insofar as you'd have a pretty clear-cut memory of dying and then 'wake up' in an exact moment you experienced before.

Anyway!

Episode 2

...So Subaru finally runs into the extremely convenient circumstances (literally, insofar as he walks into the knife) necessary for him to put two and two together and realize he's time-traveling. Huzzah! He calls it 'Return from Death' but the way that scenes set up him up to name the 'Time Leap' I was really hoping he'd name it after something from 'Steins;Gate.'

- Jeez, this guy is obsessed with Satella. He should probably give it a rest. The degree in which his imagination runs wild with assumptions about her is somewhat grating. It's only Episode Two, so there's still time for me to figure this out, but in general I'm not really sure how much this narrative intends for me to like or admire Subaru. Am I supposed to relate to him? Laugh at him? Laugh with him? Sigh in disbelief?

- I don't really understand why Subaru keeps running into the same three thieves in every timeline. Shouldn't he be attempting to avoid them? Or has he been explicitly targeted and is he being tailed? You'd think he'd just avoid walking in deserted alleyways for a change.

- I bet I'm end up shipping Subaru with this red-haired swordsman.
"He closed our distance like it was nothing," indeed.

- The swordsman and Subaru clearly have the hots for each other. Don't tell me I'm the only one who's seeing this. They are drooling for each other. I will not accept alternative explanations.

- Running into an antagonist in a chance encounter when they have no memory of the two of you being enemies is a great advantage. ...Which is immediately completely negated by her ability to sense his emotions.

- Yes, Subaru, it is totally realistic and not at all remotely nonsensical for you, a nerd from Planet Earth, to be capable of effortlessly dodging the daggers of a trained thief with wind powers without being even slightly injured.

- Apparently, everyone in these slums are huge fans of Lance Armstrong.

- Looks like Subaru's interaction with his future boyfriend messed up the timeline a bit and had the opposite effect he intended; it's the major change between these timelines that would explain 'Satella' showing up at the Loot Store early this time.

I'm glad for the last-second plot twist, as I really hope we don't spend too many more episodes relieving this one day over and over again.

[shiney]

It's only Episode Two, so there's still time for me to figure this out, but in general I'm not really sure how much this narrative intends for me to like or admire Subaru. Am I supposed to relate to him? Laugh at him? Laugh with him? Sigh in disbelief?

I strongly encourage you to feel however you want about him as long as you promise to continue watching the series. I wanted to strangle him around midway through the season and in a weird way I am glad I felt like that. I don't think I can really non-spoilery explain it. So I won't. :D

[Solid Snake]

Well, let's keep watching, then.

Episode 3

- Subaru breaks the fourth wall during his monologue in a way that's all the more grating for me. Re:Zero can't seem to tell what it wants to be at this point...a serious narrative? Satirical parody? Unfortunately, I actually was just starting to enjoy his monologue as a moment where the poor guy finally showed some authentic agency and then that moment just took me out of the scene.

- Puck's cool, though.

- What a badass battle sequence. Kudos to the animation team for rockin' that one.

- YES SUBARU'S BOYFRIEND SAVES THE DAY
oh that ship be SOARIN' through the skies

- Reinhard you are the best

- "I guess you heard my heart's cries for help, friend!" oh you two better start making out right now

- Aww, that scene where she reveals her name and her little laugh there was pretty cute. Good job, Emilia's voice actress!

- Oh shit, he's going to die again?!? After all that?!? I'm going to get sick and tired of watching this day replay over and over again.

- "I would be glad to take him home as a guest." YES YOU SURE WOULD, REINHARD
"Please take good care of Subaru" they just met today and he's SO infatuated I can't be the only one seeing how literally every one of Reinhard's comments is in some way related to his future boyfriend

---------- Post added at 05:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 AM ----------

Episode 4

- "What a profoundly aggravating man you are." New girl who reminds me of Elise from Fire Emblem Fates, you're awesome already.

- Oh, wonderful, here comes the twin maid fanservice. Every time I'm about to feel remotely sympathetic for Subaru, he's gotta fuck it all up by acting like an immature idiot around every new person he meets in this world. '

- Why the hell do all these animes have to encourage their male protagonists to practically endorse sexual assault as an initial reaction to meeting an attractive woman? He practically mimics groping them and it's just like, eww, fuck off, Subaru.
...You see, this is my headcanon for Subaru has him lusting like mad over Reinhard. He actually has more chemistry with Reinhard because he interacts with him as a normal human being interacts with another human being.

- Subaru loves cats. This explains everything.

- "It would seem you're quite dumb, I suppose." Betty, you are the best. Please continue mocking Subaru every moment of every day

- Okay, so Emilia's in contention to become royalty. Interesting. I had thought her whole 'half-elf' reveal was intended to imply that she was of lower social standing, but that does not seem to be the case, given her relationship to this flamboyant Mansion-owning Baron character.

- Subaru can ask for anything he wants, and he asks to work. Clearly, I was never intended to understand this character. Just ask for money, Subaru!

- Of all the superpowers to possess, Beatrice's thing with doors has to be the strangest.

- So does Rem's pink-haired sister have a name?
...And, wait. What happened to his wounds? WHAT A CLIFFHANGER

(This episode was not as great as the last few because there was no Reinhard.)

---------- Post added at 09:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 AM ----------

Episode 5

...Oh, now I get it! That's actually really clever! Subaru died and went back to a new point in time pre-injuries. But we have no idea how he died. That's actually a fascinating mystery. At least Subaru didn't go all the way back to the apple vendor this time. And, now he can actually ask for something worthwhile as a favor instead of just settling for an employment opportunity.

- Okay, the pink-haired twin is Ram. Good to know.

- Oh c'mon Subaru. Use a bit more imagination. You have a second chance at your request and you're going to do the exact same thing all over again? The same routine that somehow got you KILLED?!? At least fate is going to prevent us from watching the same scenes over again.

- Rem seems pretty cool, but I suspect at this juncture that her master the Baron figure has something to do with Subaru repeating this sequence of events.

- ...Uhh, Rem, why did you burst out into a smile when Subaru started talking about demons?!?!?

- I don't think it's much of a moral victory if the only reason she's going out with you is to motivate you to actually take your job seriously, Subaru.

- Okay, sooo...he was poisoned? But that ending didn't really answer anything at all.

---------- Post added at 10:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------

Episode 6

- I guess I missed Subaru losing his left arm in that final sequence? But, I absolutely have to watch this episode immediately, I need answers as to what the hell's going on.

- So, why doesn't Subaru just reveal to the gang at the mansion the nature of his powers? He knows enough about them that he could probably convince him that he's been reliving the past few days.

- Beatrice, you're the best. Never stop abusing Subaru, who deserves all your slings and arrows.

- Finally, Subaru, you're learning! But I do wonder if choosing to simply be a 'house guest' will actually have negative repercussions with his relations with the twins and the Baron, who might see him as a bit of a parasite at this point.

- My suspicions were right. Ram and Rem are acting all cold and aloof.
- This is also a clever way to ensure that Subaru actually has spare time (in the form of repeating the same days over and over again) to learn the new language.

- I...don't really understand the point behind this whole ogre story.

- Dammit; nearly at the end of the episode and I'm still not getting any answers.

- IT WAS HER?!?!?!?!
WWWWHHHHHAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT

---------- Post added at 11:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 AM ----------

Can't Stop Watching Now: Episode 7

- Damn, clever move with your phone there, Subaru.

- Apparently, [SPOILER] didn't trust Subaru, which I feel contradicts at least one of the previous timelines -- I get the impression that Subaru may have been killed by different characters from the household in the previous iterations, as I don't think [SPOILER] would attempt to harm Subaru in the second timeline where they appeared to have bonded.

- Oh that was painful to watch. I'm never going to like [SPOILER] now, am I? This crossed a line into something downright malicious.

- I wonder why 'the witch's smell' is so prevalent on Subaru. Could he be related in some way to Emilia's rival? Maybe the antagonist of this story is also from our Earth, and that's what [SPOILER] has noticed? At any rate, this still feels inconsistent with [SPOILER's] characterization, something's really missing here.

- So, it seems he can't tell anyone his little secret. That's unfortunate. But even if Subaru can't tell Emilia about the time traveling, he should be able to tell her about [SPOILER] having malicious intentions towards him, right? I mean, there has be some loopholes around this.

- ...Man, this dysfunctional family is really dysfunctional, and they're tearing each other apart.

- This is getting really sad.

- ...Still, you've known for all of a few days, Subaru. I don't really understand why he's so attached to 'saving' them when [SPOILER] just tortured him. You're weird, Subaru.

- What's the significance of Ram and Rem holding Subaru's hands in some flashback, though? I don't quite understand that one.

[phil_]

It's like he's writing what we're all thinking!

Er, what we all were thinking.

It's pretty funny how everyone has the same questions while they watch this.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 8

...Okay, I still don't understand Subaru's obsession with the Maids' hands. Anyone care to explain that one for me?

- Apparently, once properly trained in the Dark Arts, Subaru will be able to use Shadow magic. I'm guessing this is another sign that he's related in some way to the Jealous Witch.

- I do not trust this Baron character. I do not trust him at all. He's behind all this in some capacity.

- The Jealous Witch has already destroyed half the world? Half the world?!? Damn Subaru, pack it up, you ain't got a shot in hell.

- This desperation act of yours to try to please everyone just increases the probability that [SPOILER]is going to find you suspicious and kill you, Subaru. You are not smart. You do not think through your plans very well.

- That scene with Emilia and Subaru is conclusive evidence that this is not the true timeline and Subaru's going to die again. At least he finally got to let it all out, though. Also, Emilia, don't steal Reinhard's man.

- Where is Reinhard, anyway? And why hasn't Subaru thought to seek him out for some answers, or to learn what happened to Felt? It seems strange that Subaru's completely forgotten about Felt and her old man, at any rate.

- THE FLOWERS ARE POISONOUS SUBARU, RUN, RUN FAR AWAY


Episode 9

...Dangit, I'm going to actually start liking Subaru because he's actually capable of relating to villagers and treating commoners like people, aren't I?

- What the hell is radio calisthenics?

- THE BARON TOUCHED HIM. THE BARON TOUCHED SUBARU. That's obviously the twist. Subaru's gonna think "Oh it must've been one of the villagers," but the Baron's touched him every time and he's suspicious as hell. Plus, something Subaru's doing this time around has led him to change his plans.

- Wait, wait. It was the dog?
...My idea was better, Re:Zero.
(Unless the Dog is some manifestation of the Baron's magic all along.)

- That monologue of Subaru's would've worked much better if we had actually spent any time as viewers getting to know those kids, instead of just being told who they are.

- "It's for protection." Oh, Subaru, you are up shit creek without a paddle now.

- This is a weird promise and a strangely romantic sort of moment for Subaru to share with the woman who tortured and brutally killed him in another timeline. I am confused!

- I feel like there's no consistency as to Subaru's strength against foes except whatever the plot demands of him. He's just a kid from Earth but he's holding his own against demonic dog-monsters?!? And he was surprisingly competent against Elsa, too, at certain points in their brawl. But in other scenes he's completely outclassed and incapable of much of any resistance.

- "You're strong!" Shouts Subaru, clearly forgetting he's experienced this all with her before.

- INSANE HORNED REM IS BEST REM and she saved Subaru it's taken me only two episodes to go from disliking her to lovin' her she's THE BEST please Re:Zero creators have her do that sinister laughter every episode

- Subaru does the selfless sacrifice thing again for Rem but this time I'm happy he saved her.
If he dies again and we have to restart from the bed four days ago again I will be aggravated but at least this time he knows what the source of the trouble is.

[Gregness]

- What the hell is radio calisthenics?

*snip*

- I feel like there's no consistency as to Subaru's strength against foes except whatever the plot demands of him. He's just a kid from Earth but he's holding his own against demonic dog-monsters?!? And he was surprisingly competent against Elsa, too, at certain points in their brawl. But in other scenes he's completely outclassed and incapable of much of any resistance.



Well, radio calisthenics is just publicly broadcasted (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_calisthenics) play-along bodyweight training (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calisthenics), so the implication is that even if he was a shut-in NEET, he worked out enough to be stronger than you'd expect.


- INSANE HORNED REM IS BEST REM and she saved Subaru it's taken me only two episodes to go from disliking her to lovin' her she's THE BEST please Re:Zero creators have her do that sinister laughter every episode


IT BEGINS.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 10

- So basically, Subaru's 'sacrifice' was worthless because Rem has unnatural demonic healing powers and she was never at risk of being cursed? If so, advice to this entire extended family unit at the mansion here: Communicate with each other, it will save you all tons of headaches moving forward.

- "In less than half a day, you will die," and now I'm wondering about the cruelest possible fate for cursed Subaru: What if he constantly respawns at a 'checkpoint' like the one at the beginning of this episode, where he's already fated to die in the near future? To relive the same painful death over and over and over again, and have no way to stop it...I'm guessing Re:Zero won't go that route, but it's an interesting way his powers could come back to haunt him.

- DEMON REM IS BACK and better than ever folks

- Subaru's gotten a sword. How much do you want to bet that, instantaneously and without any training whatsoever, he's going to become some incredible swordsman.
...Aww, the kids gave him presents! I don't know if there's a main protagonist in a story I simultaneously dislike and appreciate more than this guy.

- Damn, Ram, that's some Grade-A quality wind magic you're tossing out.
And Ram finally asks the fifty million dollar question. Why is everyone else so impressed with Subaru?
Looks like we're going to eventually learn some backstory as to why Ram lost her horn. (Also, that's ironic, given her name.)

- So apparently, the Jealous Witch (or the mastermind behind these attacks that are being blamed on the witch) is aware of Subaru's ability and attempting to restrain his ability to tell others about his powers.
...Current thesis: The Jealous Witch is another personality or another side to Emilia that's been locked away. The Witch needs to exploit Subaru's abilities to ensure Emilia stays alive in the timeline while she plots her own comeback.

- Way to ruin your brand-new sword, there, Subaru.

- "Men are about guts, and women are about beauty!" Yeah, Subaru, now might not be the best time to be a sexist jerk, given that Rem and Ram's been doing like 99% of the work against these dogs

- Rem for Snek's Best Waifu 2016

[Arcanum]

This is the best thread.

Can't wait to read your reactions to things that answer your questions/concerns.

[Gregness]

- Rem for Snek's Best Waifu 2016

IT CONTINUES.

On a more serious note, there's some interesting discussion to be had on that front once you're through the whole thing.

[Tev]

Yeah, having watched RE: Zero already, it has been great watching Snake ask all the same questions, and try so hard to just smile and nod, knowing when those questions get answers. Those reactions are going to be the best reactions.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 11

I had comments written up for the first half of this episode as I was watching it that were deleted when I foolishly checked another website from here.
The basic gist of it was "It's titled Rem, it's a Rem episode, I'll love it!" followed by "They're so adorable!" then "This is so unbearably sad, I do not love this," followed by "What the hell happened to the village? Why did Ram have to destroy it?" and "The only thing stopping me from becoming a man possessed by the Rem / Subaru ship is the reality that she is far, far too good for him."

- Wait, wait. The opening theme song is playing during a sequences of flashbacks where Rem is remembering her relationship with Subaru.
...Could it be? Have Re:Zero's creators played a brilliant long con? Am I finally going to watch a series that gets romance right -- that it isn't about Disney fairy-tale esque first meetings and a series of assumptions about love and first sight and instant compatibility but that love is truly found where you least expect it with people who you have genuine experi...

...Hahaha who am I kidding the guys writing these scripts aren't that smart.
Still I am dangerously close to jumping off Reinhard x Subaru and enlisting on Rem's ship.

- Wait, wait. When the hell did Subaru have the opportunity to master dark magic? Last we had seen him attempt to cast this spell it went all haywire for him.

- ...Darn, I really thought Baron was a baddie. Guess not?

- Try to be a little more appreciative, Subaru, you've earned the respect of Re:Zero's Best Waifu.

- BREAK HER HEART AND I WILL DESTROY YOU, SUBARU
All your special memories with Emilia are from doomed timelines
Your bond with Rem is real
I will repeat this as a mantra until you understand it

- Goddamn it, Subaru
This scene is somehow twenty times better than any of your scenes with Emilia
The Rem ship is goin' full throttle here
It's like a modern day battleship facing off against medieval galleys
"You call yourself a replacement, but no one could replace you" REM IS MAKING SUBARU SOUND COMPETENT AND DECENT

- They're genuinely bringing out the best in each other
Fuck my life this ship is going to consume me
"We can lean on each other as we move forward" Hhhhnnnngggggg my heart

Best episode, best music, best characters, 10/10, get rid of Emilia, get rid of Reinhard, get rid of everyone else, just have Subaru and Rem travel together to all the villages or something
Those are not tears in my eyes, shut up

...Oh it's still going, no one cares about Ram and the Baron
I do not care about their kind-of-creepy relationship, it is unimportant
Go back to more scenes with Rem and Subaru plz

- ...Wait. The Baron wants to kill the Dragon? I forget what I'm supposed to think about that.

- DON'T END WITH A SCENE BETWEEN SUBARU AND EMILIA, THEY'RE NOT TRUE LOVE

- Yeah you see with Emilia he just goes back to being a perverted asshole with zero redeeming features
You're better with Rem, Subaru
NO NOT A DATE
THIS IS THE WRONG DATE
STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT
Goddamn it Subaru I don't know what the fuck to think of you

[Gregness]

*snip*

Am I finally going to watch a series that gets romance right -- that it isn't about Disney fairy-tale esque first meetings and a series of assumptions about love and first sight and instant compatibility but that love is truly found where you least expect it with people who you have genuine experi...

...Hahaha who am I kidding the guys writing these scripts aren't that smart.
Still I am dangerously close to jumping off Reinhard x Subaru and enlisting on Rem's ship.


There are quite a few decent romance anime I can think of if you're interested.


Best episode, best music, best characters, 10/10, get rid of Emilia, get rid of Reinhard, get rid of everyone else, just have Subaru and Rem travel together to all the villages or something
Those are not tears in my eyes, shut up


Without spoiling anything, the author wrote a non-canon, what-if side chapter where Subaru and Rem run away together.

[Arcanum]

- ...Wait. The Baron wants to kill the Dragon? I forget what I'm supposed to think about that.


At this point all I think that's been established is "Dragon good."

So killing it is probably bad.

[Solid Snake]

]
Without spoiling anything, the author wrote a non-canon, what-if side chapter where Subaru and Rem run away together.

...That means Subaru and Rem don't end up together in canon, doesn't it.
It wouldn't be written if they did.
...Oh no, my heart.
Don't mind me just going to sob uncontrollably for a minute now

[Gregness]

...That means Subaru and Rem don't end up together in canon, doesn't it.
It wouldn't be written if they did.
...Oh no, my heart.
Don't mind me just going to sob uncontrollably for a minute now

Don't jump to conclusions. The way I understand it, the anime's being adapted from the RE:Zero light novels, but the light novels are being adapted from the original web novels, of which the anime covers like a third of what's available. The circumstances surrounding the what-if chapter deal with stuff that's coming up in a few episodes, so my saying any more really will get into spoiler territory. The point is, there's a lot of story left, and the what-if chapter branches from a point that's relatively soon.

[Solid Snake]

Was gonna watch more episodes tonight, just gonna keep watching this instead

bX9uhUq-j7E

[shiney]

You're on to the good part now. And yeah, Rem is best girl. There's a world of silly Re:Zero memes waiting for you

[Solid Snake]

Gotta hand it to Re:Zero, for the first time since Trump's election I've spent a majority of my free time on a given day fantasizing about a relationship between two fictional characters instead of dwelling on the horrors of Trump's ascension to power

...Also, I haven't even watched any episodes lately, just binging on every piece of Subaru and Rem fanart and non-spoilerific videos I can possibly find
I mean, after Episode 11, is there any point in continuing further? I feel we've already reached the apex
This was not what I expected when I was sold on the concept of trying a new anime that was compared to Steins;Gate and Konosuba, folks

[phil_]

There is an entire episode that is just Rem and Subaru talking. It is important, and it is amazing. Keep going.

[shiney]

The episodes that come after that one are really awesome too. Like I'm sitting here mildly geeking out that you're going to get to experience that for the first time cause I'm such a goddamn loser fanboy for it

[Solid Snake]

All right, the show most go on.

Episode 12

...Okay, Snek, before we dive into this, let's have a word.
You're going to struggle with these next episodes because Episode 11 has shattered your expectations for this series and you're no longer in line with author Tappei Nagatsuki's (who is somehow YOUNGER THAN YOU ARE, jeez, talk about feeling unaccomplished) expectations for the plot and story. You're now convinced that this is going to be an unconventional love story and every episode will now deal with Rem and Subaru realizing their feelings for each other and Subaru confronting his immaturity regarding women and relationships and how for his own sake he needs to give up on the fairy tale fantasy with Emilia and concentrate on the person who's really important to him.

...This is not the story Re:Zero wants to tell, because Tappei Nagatsuki is a jerk who's unwittingly written a phenomenal love story but it's not even the love story he thinks it is HOW COULD HE BE SO BLIND but maybe just maybe the big twist at the end will actually be that Nagatsuki knows great storytelling all along but just needs to have Subaru mature a bit more before coming to the necessary revelations Re:Zero wants to tell a different story apparently that's about suffering and continual deaths and time traveling hijinks that are utterly uninteresting and inconsequential compared to the perfection that is the Rem and Subaru ship but that's okay, we'll get through this, just enjoy what Re:Zero has for you.

Let's just go with the flow. It'll be fun! There will still be some interesting stuff here.

Here we go.

...What the heck is up with your hood, Emilia?!?

- So Emilia and Subaru appear practically transparent in what I assume is an art-related error while walking through the woods early in this episode, which I choose to view as not at all a reflection of just a mistake made with that scene but rather conclusive evidence that Subaru and Emilia's relationship is so fake that it is LITERALLY HOLLOW and empty, devoid of life or meaning
(I'm not kidding, watch that scene early in Episode 12 again. You see outlines of the forest background behind the characters!)

- Their bonding moments are just so shallow and stupid compared to...
...Yeah I'm not going to be very impartial while watching this.

- A visitor from the capital! Finally, a new character. It's rather strange to reflect on the fact that Reinhard hasn't stopped by after all that commotion in the city. It did seem as if he and Emilia were friends, and as much as I've suspected Reinhard for crushing on Subaru, perhaps Reinhard could be attracted to Emilia and thus save me from that atrocious Subaru-Emilia pairing

- "Given the circumstances, I'll try not to do anything dumb."
...Subaru. You're going to do something dumb.

- LOOK SUBARU SHE JUST SHUT YOU OUT
SHE DOESN'T LIKE YOU THAT MUCH, SHE DOESN'T TRUST YOU, SHE'S NOT THE ONE, I KNOW WHO IS THE ONE THOUGH
...I'm going to react like this for the rest of the series, aren't I

- You see, Subaru! Your infatuation with Emilia makes you a jerk.
I will repeat this forever and ever.
Your infatuation with Emilia makes you a jerk.
I can't be the only one who sees this. Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees this.

- "It is a steep path you climb." Yes, please keep discouraging Subaru, kind stranger, we shall deflate this idiot's ego together

- ...Every anime has to have the cute cat girl who says "Nyan" all the time. It is a law of animes. I'm guessing this one will be about as relevant as Faris in Steins;Gate, which is to say, not terribly relevant at all.

- REM IS BACK yyyaaayyy

- Rem 'assists' Subaru because she's the bestest best and Subaru pats her head and she blushes and IT IS ADORABLE my heart is going to burst
please, PLEASE Tappei, I found out who you are on Wikipedia, please tell me you know how to write real romance and you know what you're doing

- I still don't trust you, Baron. You clearly have some ulterior motive for all this.

- "Those are the eyes of one who has experienced death several times." Daaaymn old man Wil, you're going to be a serious factor moving forward aren't you.

- Subaru-kun kawaii
NO REM, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS KAWAII

- Hey, it's the apple vendor again!
How much do you want to bet that this spot and this scene is Subaru's next Return-from-Death point.

- Finally, they mentioned Reinhard again!

- "Hot guys really have it good"
Oh Subaru, it's too late for you to feed my yaoi fantasies with you and Reinhard, good effort though

- New purple-haired swordsman is Julius, and he's now my favorite character if he's going to be established as Emilia's long-time love interest who she's really cared for all along and Subaru needs to get out out of their way and accept true love with Rem already

- YEAH THAT'S RIGHT SUBARU AND YOUR STUPID EMILIA SHIP
GET REKT
GET DUMPED
Sit there in time-out until you reflect upon your grievous error

- Oh yeah you sure do love Emilia, Subaru, what with your near-instant desire to roleplay a damsel in distress' boyfriend instead of something more innocuous like her brother
...God I want this asshole to die sometimes, which is so great, because given this story's narrative structure he gets to die horribly all the time!!!

- "Are you three the capital's only hoodlums?"
I'll give you credit Subaru, that's a great question.
...Rom to the rescue! Good to see him again.

- So this new girl has some super-High School Level luck powers, eh? Someone call Makoto Naegi, we've found him the perfect match

- Generic soldier escorting Emilia who talks down Subaru in this scene is awesome, he totally calls out Subaru for caring more about her interactions with other men than for her well-being, this guy's the best, 10/10
Also if our story's illustrious author understands the awful tropes of Subaru's affections for Emilia enough to criticize Subaru's infatuation MAYBE he's got the guts to write a different ending than the stereotypical bullshit

- Yes Emilia you glare at Subaru all day and all night
Give him the evil eye
Scold him for his utter stupidity
Also REM IS BACK REM IS BACK REM IS BACK REM REM RRRREEEEEMMM totes perma-blushin' too

- "So please wait here with Rem, alright?"
...Emilia actually says this.
Now, let's analyze the evidence.
1: There are multiple other people in the mansion, not just Rem.
But Emilia singles out Rem and wants Subaru to stay with her.
2: Emilia's been desperate to push away Subaru all episode, but he won't listen to her because he's a jackass.
3: Rem is the bestest best, therefore she and Emilia must be super-close and good friends

Clearly Rem confessed her feelings for Subaru to Emilia and Emilia's trying her best to help set them up BECAUSE SHE DOES NOT LIKE YOU that way, Subaru

- FINALLY A FUCKIN' SCENE WITH SUBARU AND REM this is like my crack now, I am now a ship addict

- Subaru's going to immediately break his promise to Emilia and violate her trust in him, because he's a jerk and they're not meant for each other.

- Oh my fucking God, Subaru, I AM GOING TO FUCKING PUNCH MY FIST THROUGH THIS COMPUTER
...She's willing to risk her hide to help you BECAUSE SHE'S AWESOME
She cares more about you than Emilia ever will
If you dare break her heart I swear to whatever God exists in that shitty universe I will HUNT YOU DOWN AND KILL YOU MYSELF
and keep fuckin' killing you until you finally make the right choice and the right choice this time is TELL REM YOU LOVE HER


- "I'm such a scumbag for relying on Rem all the time..."
Realize you can rely on her because she's Best Waifu, you pathetic corpse

- Conversing with the competition, Subaru. Smooth. Real smooth.
Please tell me Emilia exiles his sorry ass over this

- HAHAHAHA Emilia immediately sees him escorting Priscilla she's gonna think he's been some sort of enemy spy all along this is fantastic
Get REKT Subaru

- Reinhard's back!
...Maybe we can still have a Rem-Reinhard-Subaru threesome.

...Okay, so it's not Faris from Steins;Gate, it's Ruka from Steins;Gate
Glad he gets to tell Subaru off like that, though.

- The woman in military garb with the green hair looks great.

- Felt's in contention, and she's Reinhard's pick.
Interesting. Guess that explains his fascination with her after they fought Elsa.

This episode gets a 6/10 as it included a couple great moments with Rem and a couple great moments of Subaru getting destroyed by people who actually know things, but it's still an inevitable letdown after Episode 11

[Sithdarth]

Oh man episode 13 is going to be such a treat for you.

[shiney]

^

[Solid Snake]

Episode 13

...The episode starts off on a lovely note with Felt inflicting some violence upon Subaru (albeit as some form of friendly greeting?)

- I don't really understand what it means to be 'recognized as a priestess' just yet. It appears to be a prerequisite in the prophecy for the contenders for the throne, but beyond that, I'm wondering if these women have special powers or some innate ability or something.

- Looks like the Imperial Knights and the old clergy dudes who run this process don't exactly see eye to eye on most issues. Then again, being deserted by the ex-King and having half of your world consumed by some dark entity is bound to have a negative effect on just about every remaining institution.

- So, about a month has passed since Reinhard found Felt. Let's do the math, here.
We don't know how much time passed between Subaru falling unconscious in the slums and waking up in bed healed with Ram and Rem, but we do know that the mansion arc in total basically took...a bit more than four days? Maybe five or six days? A week at most?
So unless Subaru was out cold for three weeks in the mansion, several weeks probably passed between the end of Episode 11 and the beginning of Episode 12.

- I really feel for Felt here. It was mentioned a bit in passing in the first couple episodes while Subaru roamed around the capital, but it seems there are major class issues in this Kingdom.

- "I was only trying to teach an untrained little bitch her place."
Wow. Note to self: Priscilla is awful.
Her assistant Al's pretty cool, though.

- Calling it right now: If not for the existence of Rem, Crusch Karsten would be my favorite character in this story. She strikes me as my type of person, even if her hostility to the dragon is ill-advised.

- Anastasia's going to be the one I barely even remember.

- "I desire to create a nation where all citizens are equal!"
Way to be a complete Mary Sue, Emilia. Does she even know anything about the pragmatics of governing? Or is she just some nonsensical idealist with no concrete notion of how to implement her objectives?
(Sorry everyone, my shipping allegiance requires me to hate Emilia now)

- Subaru's going to do something stupid...
...YUP!!!
...This is going to be delicious.

- Subaru's Current Status: REKT'D by Emilia
Oh he just got schooled
This is an exquisite portion of Subaru's angst I am devouring at the moment

- ...Wait, I thought Puck summoned ice against Elsa? But now he's a spirit that controls fire?!? Maybe I'm just misremembering his powers.

- "He knows little of our world" is some suspicious banter from the Baron. If he really knows that Subaru is from a different world entirely (and not just some other nation or continent or whatever), I believe he had something to do with how Subaru ended up here in the first place.
...Still, is it really that easy in this Kingdom to become a knight? Usually that's not a title you can just bequeath to yourself.

- God, I hate everything about this force-fed Emilia / Subaru ship bullshit.
...Everything.
It's just gross.
Subaru, declaring you're going to make her wish come true without giving a damn about HER FEELINGS about any of this is just awful.
It boggles my mind how competent and decent he can sound around someone like Rem, or really any of the characters he isn't irresistibly attracted to, but then Emilia shows up and this dunce acts like her affections are some kind of entitlement he can earn

...Ending this story with Emilia and Subaru together would reinforce the very worst stereotypes of how shut-in dorks perceive relationships with women
Which means the ultimate outcome really depends on the following question:
How much of a shut-in dork is Tappei Nagatsuki?
Like, is he Japan's equivalent of a Gamergate, Trump-voting misogynistic turd?
If so we're screwed.

- Fortunately, Julius is asking the right questions here.
(I thought Julius was interested in Emilia, so I'm curious to learn whether he really supports Anastasia's bid or if he secretly wants to help his wannabe-girlfriend behind Anastasia's back.)

- Is Subaru's instinct right here? He claims that all Knights are 'born into' their position, but I haven't seen any evidence to confirm that; maybe it's something the anime forgot to include in a previous scene or maybe my memory's just bad.
Also: Antagonizing every Knight in attendance will sure help Emilia's bid, you supremely dense asshole.

- "SUBARU IS NOT MY ATTENDANT"
YES, YES, YYYYEEESSSSSS
Take that Subaru
Now sit the fuck down and shed a few tears and run back to Rem and accept her far-more-exquisite love like a decent person

- ROM to the fuckin' rescue
(It now occurs to me suddenly that we have a Ram, a Rem, and a Rom.)
(...I'm shocked I did not notice that until now.)

- I almost wonder if the Knights, who clearly (if Reinhard is any indication) want Felt to become the Ruler for some unknown reason, allowed Rom to go through with the kidnapping attempt in order to put Felt in a situation where she had to go through with her candidacy to save him

...And right after I finished typing that, Felt confirms my suspicions by asking Reinhard directly. Heh. I am on your wavelength, Re:Zero. Surely that means Rem and Subaru are destined for each other.

- "I hate this Kingdom! I hate everything about it! So I'm planning to tear it all down!"
FELT FOR PRESIDENT 2020
Reinhard you have great taste in candidates

- ...I thought Emilia dismissed Subaru from her service, but everyone's still acting as if Subaru is her Knight.
Now I feel bad for Emilia because no one is actually listening to her.

- Julius is going to administer the 'Death Penalty,' hmm? I'd almost rather he didn't kill Subaru. I don't want Subaru to have a second chance to endear himself to Emilia at the ceremony.
And DAMMIT Julius, he's NOT Emilia's attendant!!!

- Hahahaha Subaru tried a classic RPG style trick and failed utterly
GET REK'T SUBARU

- "You like to watch vicious beasts torment weak creatures, don't you?"
Damn, Al
Subaru's Status: TOLD / 10

- Disobeying Emilia yet again: This is NOT how prospective relationships actually work, Subaru

- "You are irredeemably powerless."
Oh Julius, you are leaping into third-favorite character status with such ease

- I'm going to take this moment of Emilia screaming "SUBARU!" to note that I will be so pissed off if this ends with them as some loving couple or something given how completely off-his-rocker Subaru is around her
Like at this point, even if Rem did not exist, I would be against Subaru and Emilia as a pairing because he is at his absolute worst around her

- Nice subtle touch with Subaru on this next scene with him in bed, though.
This time when he says "I didn't die," you can actually tell he's disappointed he didn't die, as he probably wishes he could do this all over again.

- "Let's talk, okay?"
SUBARU YOU ARE GOING TO GET DESTROYED, here comes the fun part

- I'll give Subaru a marginal amount of credit for actually being honest, here
...Still, I just wish Emilia would stick up for herself for a change. She just lets Subaru and everyone else walk all over her without really getting her point across most the time. If she really wants to rule a Kingdom and bring about massive change she has to find her voice.
...Even here, she's being too empathetic with Subaru. Trying to see his reasoning, identifying with his perspective as a reason to ditch him for his own good. She's not wrong, but it wouldn't kill her to actually be a bit of a feminist and just tell him off for being a cancerous misogynistic jackass around her on some quixotic quest to win her affections against her will.

- "It was for you, wasn't it?"
FINALLY, Emilia. Goddamn this is gonna be good.

- "I asked you to wait at the lodging with Rem."
YES YES YES YES YES YES
I am totally interpreting this as Emilia trying to get this loser to recognize Rem's the one for him even in the context of this scene where she's berating him for disobeying her

YES YOU DID DO IT FOR YOURSELF, YOU LOUSY LYING SACK OF SHIT
SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP, FILTH
(I am getting way too into this)

...No, Emilia, don't give him an out. You shouldn't ever believe him. He's lying to you and to himself. KICK HIS ASS.
YES SHE STILL DOESN'T BELIEVE HIM

- This episode is actually beginning to redeem Emilia a bit for me. I hope her perspective of Subaru doesn't change and I REALLY hope Subaru can't go back through his death-powers to make this a failed timeline. This needs to be Prime-World Emilia. This needs to be how she continues to feel about him.

- Rem helped you too but I don't see you drooling over her and desiring to make it up to her you conceited jerk, now love Rem instead or I will continue to hate you

"The version of me that lives inside of you must be amazing."
YES
FINALLY
YES
YES
YES

...This is what I've wanted Emilia to say all along. All along. She's finally done it. She's finally realized the toxic nature of Subaru's idealization of her and she's fighting back.

This is perfect. Perfect! It's setting up Subaru and Rem in the exact way I wanted the author to set up Subaru and Rem. Subaru's illusions about Emilia have to be torn down and Emilia has to be clear with him that she's never been the goddess he thinks she is. Now that Emilia's free from this bullshit and now that Subaru's going to be cut out, he's going to have rebuild around people who he actually accepts for who they are and who he has authentic relationships with and not just the first pretty girl who does something nice to him in a new world.

Oh this is SO PERFECT. Re:Zero got me to this point where I just assumed Emilia would take all this abuse from Subaru without objecting but NOPE, Tappei Nagatsuki actually knows what he's doing!

Now Emilia's done to Subaru what unrequited crushes justifiably do to shut-in nerds with stupid forced romantic fantasies all the time, and now Subaru's going to man up and move on eventually and become more human.

AHAHAHAHA Subaru's losing it
He's batshit insane
He wasn't batshit insane around Rem, I'll tell you that

- Phenomenal crazy-person voice acting by Subaru's VA, by the way. You can just feel it all slipping away from him.
...We've all been there before, Subaru.
You'll live.

- "You've done enough, Subaru." ICE FUCKING COLD

Incredible episode. I mean, assuming this is it for Emilia and Subaru, and it should be, this is an 11/10, Everything I Could Have Possibly Hoped For episode.
This is exactly what I've wanted Emilia to say to Subaru for many episodes now but I assumed that this would follow more conventional heroic tropes and this would never happen because Emilia's usually so passive around him. She needed to stop the heroine-worship and she needed to stomp on his heart a bit to get him to open his eyes. She did. It was beautiful.

Mind you, I will be pissed if Emilia's conveniently written into some weird plot shenanigans where she suddenly gives Subaru another chance, because that doesn't happen in reality, this is normally where you're rejected and you just move on like a reasonable adult.

I kind of have this fear that we're still indulging some fairy tale nonsense and this is just a hiccup along the way, but given Rem's previous development and the way her episodes with Subaru played out I'm actually optimistic Nagatsuki knows what he's doing. He's laid the groundwork for Subaru to start making better choices and become a better person.

...Well, I understand why y'all told me this episode was gonna be worth watching now.
I like Subaru so much more when he interacts with any character who isn't Emilia, so here's hoping he now spends time with anyone else.
Like Rem
Also, Emilia is so irritated with Subaru on Rem's behalf, I don't care what you tell me, it's absolutely true

...Just don't erase this timeline.
Don't erase this timeline, Subaru.
If you can just pretend this never happened it ruins the whole damn story.

[Sithdarth]

So pretty soon there is going to be a stretch of episodes that are so emotionally charged it's crazy. It is probably best if you avoid the temptation to binge them and watch like one a day.

[Gregness]

When it was airing, that was the half-season finale. You can feel the mic drop.

[Solid Snake]

So pretty soon there is going to be a stretch of episodes that are so emotionally charged it's crazy. It is probably best if you avoid the temptation to binge them and watch like one a day.

I've basically moved to one-a-day already because the process of periodically pausing the video to type my commentary has become so all-encompassing (SO much is happening) that it's basically an hour-long experience just to crank one out.

When it was airing, that was the half-season finale. You can feel the mic drop.

Episode 11 is still my favorite by a narrow margin because Rem is the best, but Episode 11 and Episode 13 are just such wonderful foils for each other. It's like a mirror image of "Subaru is at his best with Rem" / "Subaru is at his worst with Emilia." I really hope it was intentional.

It flows so well, though, because in a very short span you get to see Subaru at the peak of his most generous and heroic -- essentially being the version of himself he really wants to be, with someone who he can let his guard down and be himself around. And just as you're kind of starting to like him, or at least see what Rem sees in him -- his kindness with the village kids, his ability to speak to Rem's issues with confidence and lift her up -- he swings back to a couple episodes with Emilia and suddenly you hate him again.

Like, I guess what I'm saying is, even objectively and independently of my crazy Rem shipping, Episode 11 was an absolute necessity before Episode 13 because if Episode 11 doesn't exist you'd really despise Subaru right now but Episode 11's existence actually gives you some degree of hope that Subaru will be able to grow into a better person and make better life choices. So, kudos to the author to plotting that out just right.

Anyway, I'm glad I stuck with it because the first few episodes weren't all that gripping (the production values were incredible; the plot was somewhat lacking) but it's really picking up steam now.

[Gregness]

Like, I guess what I'm saying is, even objectively and independently of my crazy Rem shipping, Episode 11 was an absolute necessity before Episode 13 because if Episode 11 doesn't exist you'd really despise Subaru right now but Episode 11's existence actually gives you some degree of hope that Subaru will be able to grow into a better person and make better life choices. So, kudos to the author to plotting that out just right.

Anyway, I'm glad I stuck with it because the first few episodes weren't all that gripping (the production values were incredible; the plot was somewhat lacking) but it's really picking up steam now.

I am really looking forward to the post-watch discussion. There's gonna be a lot to unpack.

To make give this post a little bit of content of its own, the way I understand it is at this point in the story, his fans had something of a minor revolt against the author, because a lot of them were the sort of people for which Subaru's bullshit in 13 hits too close to home.

[Sithdarth]

Anyway, I'm glad I stuck with it because the first few episodes weren't all that gripping (the production values were incredible; the plot was somewhat lacking) but it's really picking up steam now.

That's pretty much what it was like for everyone. You start of giving it a shot and are fairly impressed at the animation quality and then suddenly it's got total and complete control over your emotional state and you don't even remember how it happened.

[Gregness]

To make give this post a little bit of content of its own, the way I understand it is at this point in the story, his fans had something of a minor revolt against the author, because a lot of them were the sort of people for which Subaru's bullshit in 13 hits too close to home.

To add to this, I saw this mentioned in the Reddit discussion threads for the show, so I went back and grabbed one of the relevant discussions. (https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/4pyrvu/spoilers_rezero_kara_hajimeru_isekai_seikatsu/d4oyo6c/) As far as I can tell, there's no real spoilers in there, but it's really the first two comments that are relevant.

then suddenly it's got total and complete control over your emotional state and you don't even remember how it happened.

You know damn well how it happened. (http://i.imgur.com/EINp6fV.jpg)

[Solid Snake]

I am really looking forward to the post-watch discussion. There's gonna be a lot to unpack.

To make give this post a little bit of content of its own, the way I understand it is at this point in the story, his fans had something of a minor revolt against the author, because a lot of them were the sort of people for which Subaru's bullshit in 13 hits too close to home.

I'm really glad I did the blow-by-blow episode-by-episode, scene-by-scene Commentary because even now it's really fun to go back and read my old thoughts and contrast what I suspected could happen with what actually happened. Similarly, it's fun to reflect upon how little I had to say back when I was only lukewarm about the series, and how I gradually had more and more commentary as I got sucked into this black hole.

Also, I particularly enjoy how Rem's introduction made a mildly negative impression on me. I was really roped in there. It's rare for a show to deliberately introduce what appears to be a secondary character with little importance, only to then shock you by elevating that character into the stratosphere.

Still, in the earlier episodes I really didn't have a concrete notion of what I wanted Re:Zero to be like, so it could go in any direction it wanted to and it did not risk severely disappointing me. Now, that's definitely changed. And the unintentionally discouraging aspect of your post is your commentary on how my own expectations for the plot at this juncture appear to deviate from the intended audience's.

That makes me worried because I feel like Subaru and Rem are so obvious but if the majority of the audience at this point is angry with the author because they're still shipping Subaru and Emilia for some godforsaken reason, maybe that just means that I'm blind to certain Japanese cultural norms or certain tropes that are popular in anime that hint at an entirely different outcome.

Subaru and Emilia are terrible for each other, though, I'm sticking to my guns on that one. I don't care if this travesty sparks some maturation in Subaru, you don't get second chances with unrequited crushes like that after completely disrespecting their agency. It saddens me to imagine that anyone could disagree with that sentiment. Like, it saddens me to hear that so many men in Re:Zero's audience were incapable of accepting the necessity of Subaru getting shot down there. They can't have all been unaware of just how possessive and manipulative Subaru was being.

Anyway, enough of that, there's an episode to watch.

Episode 14

...This episode is titled "The Sickness Called Despair." Sounds delightful.

- I'm surprised to see Subaru is back at the Mansion. After Emilia's smackdown I thought she was going to leave him to recover in the city and I suspected she probably wouldn't be in any rush to have him reappear in her life in any capacity. My initial thought is: Has someone brought Subaru here against Emilia's will? Rem's present here and would be an obvious feel-good choice, but I can't help but wonder if the Baron might be plotting something where Subaru is still integral, and the Baron might've arranged Subaru to remain here despite Emilia's protests.

- Aww, Rem, don't you worry. Subaru deserves this beatdown but I'm sure he'll pick up the pieces and discover his true feelings for you and romance you in anime's most beautiful love scene soon enough

- I wonder why Wil's here, for that matter. Wasn't Wil part of the entourage supporting Crusch Karsten?

- Julius is also here. This is a weird arrangement. Has the Baron just decided to host everybody from the selection ceremony?!? If so, what's his game here? He must be plotting something. I never did trust him.

- The real answer to Ferris' question to Julius here is that Julius has feelings for Emilia, but he can't just confess that, I suppose. (Where is Beatrice these days, by the way?)

- Wait. Is this actually the Baron's mansion? I think I've been assuming that because Rem's here but she might've just followed Subaru to Crusch's mansion or something.

- New Intro!!!
And it seems like Subaru is literally being torn between Rem and Emilia in it.
...Rem and Subaru are riding a black chocobo!
Demon Rem is kicking ass!!
aaaand Subaru's still obsessed with Emilia
...God damnit, Subaru.

- Rem just looks so adorable in all these shots where she's hovering behind Subaru. BEST FUCKIN' WAIFU, Subaru if you don't realize this I will personally become the next antagonist who kills you

- Reinhard's a great guy. If Rem didn't exist, I'd totally still be shipping Subaru and Reinhard. It's clear he still has more a connection to Subaru than Emilia ever did, at any rate.

- SUBARU'S HEAD IS RESTING ON REM'S LAP SQUEEEEEEEEE
...One thought: Was Rem present in any of the scenes where Subaru either pestered Emilia to rest his head on her lap, or when Emilia actually led exhausted Subaru do just that? I am curious because this seems a very deliberate romantic gesture on Rem's part, given how Subaru wouldn't shut up about wanting this from Emilia in those early episodes.

- "Rem, you don't think I'm pathetic?"
It's like there's this switch in Subaru's brain that turns on whenever Rem is around him where he'll suddenly act like a normal decent contemplative human being but it will only happen when Rem is there because Rem is love, Rem is life, Rem is everything he's ever desired, KISS REM ALREADY YOU JERK

- She's RUBBING Subaru's forehead
It's so cute
It's SO CUTE
SO KAWAII

- "Because I want to." Rem Rem Rem Rem
Rem Rem REM REM
REM REM REM REM RRREEEEMMMM
Rem's my Waifu she's not yours get your own other Waifu everyone else including Subaru I'm entering the ring buddy you're too indecisive she's totes gonna fall for me unless you man up, loser
Rem is so bestest I wanna give her a hhhuuuuggggg

- Anyway, I love how brutally honest Rem is with Subaru here. She doesn't pull any punches, just like Emilia didn't, but she's still approaching Subaru out of compassion and love for him, instead of recoiling from him. Bestest bestest bestest best

- Did Emilia not help the apple farmer find his child in this timeline? I've forgotten already. But it'd be cruel of him to be so prejudiced against half-elfs if Emilia was still somehow responsible for helping his family.

- Goddamnit Subaru SHUT THE FUCK UP already
She dumped your sorry ass, left you behind, get over yourself before you dig an even deeper hole with your idiotic infatuation
...Plus, you know that the Jealous Witch destroyed half the damn world, why are you shocked that the villagers would be prejudiced? If anything, their fear is comparatively understandable, still deplorable possibly, but somewhat justified.

- Crusch Kartsen to the rescue, and she wants to share a drink. Damn it, after such an incredible Episode last time, you're going to go the typical harem route with Subaru? Please tell me this isn't a date, Crusch isn't compatible with this scrub.

- DAMMIT STOP PUSHING A DEAD SHIP, OTHER FOLKS
It's sunk, it's buried, it's gone, it's burned to a crisp, don't you DARE try to revive it

- Crusch is cool and all, but stop pushing this FUCKIN' SHIP I swear

- "It looks like the weather will be rough again tomorrow." Foreshadowing!!!

- "Subaru! We must discuss something important!"
Like...your eternal affection for one another, perhaps?!?
Or maybe how Emilia is so last episode's news?!?
Maybe Emilia's sent Subaru some final message and he'll get over her and move on?
...Or...some presence. From Roswaal's territory. (Okay, so they're at a different mansion. And of course Rem drops everything to be by Subaru's side. SUBARU DON'T YOU EVER FUCK THIS UP

- Oh my fucking God
Subaru
Subaru
SU-FUCKING-BARU
Have you LEARNED ABSOLUTELY NOTHING?!?
ARE YOU REALLY THIS FUCKING DENSE?!?!?!?!?
After she told you she didn't want you do to anything more out of some twisted desire to compel her to feel obligated to care for you, after she told you NOT TO PUT HER ON A FUCKING PEDESTAL
...Only YOU can save her. Sure. Yeah, buddy.
You're going to die gruesomely and I really hope I get to enjoy your cries of agony as you realize just what pile of shit you're diving down into.

- Of course Rem's the only one here with her head on straight. Of course.
Rem for Best of All Peoples, Rem is love, Rem is life, Rem is the perfect pink glow that emanates from the sky as the sun just peaks above the horizon on a perfect summer morning when the birds chirp elegant serenades and you can feel the soft, damp dew brush against your bare feet as you walk into a meadow of the most gorgeous flowers

- We finally have confirmation that Subaru's been invited to stay at Crusch's mansion as her guest, though of course the maniacal witch Emilia is involved
...And why the hell is Subaru antagonizing this woman? This doesn't even make any sense.

- REM PETTING THE BEAST is ssssoooo adorbs kawaii to maxes

...What the fuck is the White Whale?!?

- Poor Rem.
Think about this from her perspective
This is torture, listening to her future husband rant and rave about some other girl who enthusiastically rejected him as if he has a prayer in hell
And Subaru can't even take a moment of his time to think about anyone else

REM CAN'T SLEEP
SHE CAN'T SLEEP
Here we go Subaru
Here's your fucking chance, slugger
Hit this one out of the park and all will be forgiven
Fail to do so and I will find that White Whale, pulverize it with a thousand arrows, then take its bloated carcass and smack you repeatedly with it

"I hoped we could talk" YYYYYYEEEEESSSSSSS
YES
YES
ROMANCE TIME
FINALLY
**FUCKING FINALLY**
Snek's dream is coming true
It is time for a candlelight dinner
And the sweet sounds of hushed voices
Whispering the promise of true love
As their fingers caress each other's bodies
And their lips quiver with the ecstasy of anticipation
Yyyyyyyeeeeeeeessssssssss my ship, Tappei Nagatsuki
My glorious battleship ascends to the heavens
And we all ascend along with it, into ecstasy

Subaru wants to talk too it's time it's TIME don't fuck this up Subaru don't act like the entitled twat you are for once in your FUCKING LIFE do the RIGHT THING

...That's not
Subaru
Subaru
Subaru
Su. Bah. Ru.
That's not
That's not what you're supposed to talk about
Look at her face you fucking...god DAMN it she's just going to smile and play this off
Because she's Rem
And that's who Rem is
And that's what Rem does

Goddamn it
There are fucking tears in my eyes
This is worse suffering than all the deaths and all the gore
Bring back the deaths bring back the gore
I just want Rem to be happy
DON'T TURN AWAY FROM HER WHEN SHE'S HUGGING YOU YOU FUCKING FUCKING FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK MY LIFE
SUBARU YOU FUCKING
I AM POUNDING MY KEYBOARD I AM GOJNG TO FUKIN BREWK IT
DO ONE THING FUCKING RIGHT IN YOUR PATHETIC LIFE I SWEAR TO GOD
A couple months ago you were a nobody loser in some nothing town in Japan with nothing of value to offer anyone or anything and now you have this chance in this reality to actually become a real person with a real connection that is vibrant and strong with someone who you understand and she understands you and she's not Emilia BUT EMILIA WAS JUST A FUCKING COINCIDENCE YOU MET HER AT RANDOM IT COULD HAVE BEEN FUCKING ANYONE ANY NICE PERSON COULD HAVE TRIGGERED YOUR UNDYING AFFECTIONS becaues you are not smart opposite of FUCKIN SMART

Come on, Subaru you're almost...
FUCK NOT EMILIA
DON'T MENTION EMILIA NOW
WHAT THE FLYING FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU YOU IMBECILE

"If you take the time to properly face her...and communicate how you feel with words..." She isn't talking about Emilia Subaru you're presently facing away from Rem she is on some level maybe even subconsciously TALKING ABOUT HERSELF WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING THIS NAGATSUKI

Oh
Oh
"You are a wonderful person, after all."
...Oh my fucking God
Subaru if you are not going to romance Rem
Then get the fuck out of my way
Because I am somehow going to learn how to transcend dimensions and teleport into your fictional world
And I am not going to be some incomprehensibly stupid waste of carbon like you buddy

WHY THE FUCK IS HE STILL MENTIONING EMILIA
EMILIA IS DONE
IT IS *****OVER***** SUBARU
WALK THE FUCK AWAY

Oh Rem you are too perfect for this universe


...And of course she leaves. Probably to go to the mansion without him.
So only now does Subaru actually man up. Okay. Here we go. *sigh*
So, Subaru, you understand that if Rem dies for any reason, you are fucking committing suicide to make this right, right?

- I feel for you right now, Otto, I really do.

Subaru you idiot
I am so done with you right now
You can just jump off a bridge an infinite number of times for your infinite number of lives

...
...What is this
What is happening
The village
Where is everyone

Oh...
...Oh no
All the villagers
Oh shit I didn't think...
...He only thinks of Rem
THANK FUCKIN' GOD FINALLY
No Emilia just Rem
No Emilia just REM
Finally Subaru's realizing what's most...

...
.......
...................
...........................................
.................................................. ..........................................
Hey Subaru
Subaru
Subaru you hearin' me bud
This is what you gotta do to prove your newfound affections for the girl you've hopefully finally realized you love all along
KILL YOURSELF AND MAKE THIS RIGHT


This episode gets a 1/10 if Rem stays dead (in which case I'm no longer watching this abomination of a show), an 11/10 if this episode proves to be the catalyst for Subaru recognizing who he's actually compatible with and who he can't live without, resulting in him saving both Rem and Emilia at the mansion but just when Emilia starts to get upset at the possibility that Subaru's showed up randomly to save her Subaru starts making out with Rem and oh this scene in my head is SO GLORIOUS it is not 11/10 it is 999/10 and then they go out on tons of cute dates and eventually Subaru buys a ring...

...but I still also give this episode a NEGATIVE SIX THOUSAND OUT OF FUCKING TEN FOR MAKING ME SEE THAT CORPSE TAPPEI NAGATSUKI I AM HUNTING YOU DOWN YOU DON'T DO THAT
YOU DON'T
DO THAT

...Anyway horrific image aside I'm still fairly confident the show's going in the direction I want it to. This needed to happen shortly after Emilia's pseudo-breakup scene so Subaru stops sulking over her and realizes who he really cares about. And it wasn't Emilia! He wasn't thinking about Emilia while he ran to that mansion, no it sure was not.

[Sithdarth]

As much as I love reading your comments you might need a break of a day or two before going onto the next episode. I watched a couple bits of the next episode to verify it was the one I thought it was and legit started to well up from like 10 seconds of it. I can't really say anything because spoilers but I feel obligated to give you a heads up on the literal tsunami of suffering about to crash into you. Even with a week between episodes it was crazy.

[Solid Snake]

As much as I love reading your comments you might need a break of a day or two before going onto the next episode. I watched a couple bits of the next episode to verify it was the one I thought it was and legit started to well up from like 10 seconds of it. I can't really say anything because spoilers but I feel obligated to give you a heads up on the literal tsunami of suffering about to crash into you. Even with a week between episodes it was crazy.

...I can't even begin to imagine an episode that could be more emotionally devastating than what I just watched.
At this juncture my only hope is that you are a diehard Emilia / Subaru shipper (they have to be out there somewhere, right?) and your devastated emotions stem solely from Subaru saving his true love Rem, hugging and kissing her, then their confessions of true love, and impending marriage being too much for your soul to take

In the interim I am just going to look at pretty pictures of Rem fanart
She'll be just fine

In slightly related news: You know who's really underappreciated?
Rem's voice actress.
Inori Minase can switch from devilish laughter to the sweetest voice for a love interest imaginable, she's good.

[Gregness]

That makes me worried because I feel like Subaru and Rem are so obvious but if the majority of the audience at this point is angry with the author because they're still shipping Subaru and Emilia for some godforsaken reason, maybe that just means that I'm blind to certain Japanese cultural norms or certain tropes that are popular in anime that hint at an entirely different outcome.



I think you're misunderstanding me. So, Subaru's is supposed to look like the normal 'NEET goes to another world and is totally OP' dude that's been popular the last few years (Kirito from SAO and so on), right? The point isn't that those people were Emilia shippers, the point is that Subaru trapped them into thinking he was a self-insert, and then this shit happens which amounts to Tappei calling each and every one of them a piece of shit. Just like their self-insert.

[Solid Snake]

People actually saw themselves in Subaru?
...That's a frightening thought.

There's really only a few moments when Subaru acts remotely admirable, and Rem's involved in most of them.
(Yes, of course I'm gonna flip this back to my ship.)

[Tev]

...What the fuck is the White Whale?!?
An upcoming story arc that may start off breaking you. Then make you happy or pissed depending on how you feel things shook out.

[Solid Snake]

Well, no matter what happens I guess I have at least one more episode in me.

That being said, you've all spooked me enough that I'm going to let me sit this one out a bit longer, and we're going to do things a bit differently this time.
I'll be watching this bullshit tomorrow night at 9pm MST (11pm EST, 8pm PST) and posting real-time reactions on Discord.
If I find out how to do microphones with my tablet, maybe I'll even do some voice chat shenanigans. No promises there, though.

[Gregness]

Well, no matter what happens I guess I have at least one more episode in me.

That being said, you've all spooked me enough that I'm going to let me sit this one out a bit longer, and we're going to do things a bit differently this time.
I'll be watching this bullshit tomorrow night at 9pm MST (11pm EST, 8pm PST) and posting real-time reactions on Discord.
If I find out how to do microphones with my tablet, maybe I'll even do some voice chat shenanigans. No promises there, though.

I'll watch it with ya, but do keep notes so this thread doesn't just wither.

[Solid Snake]

I'll watch it with ya, but do keep notes so this thread doesn't just wither.

Nah, this is a one-time only deal. (Though I may repeat something like this for an episode like the finale. So, a two-time only deal?)

Assuming I continue to watch Re:Zero, future episodes will just continue with the old-fashioned notes in this thread.
(I am definitely leaving myself an out to ditch this series if I have to, there's absolutely a couple things that could happen that would be irredeemable for me.)

I might copy-paste Discord chat comments to here for 15.

[Gregness]

Assuming I continue to watch Re:Zero, future episodes will just continue with the old-fashioned notes in this thread.
(I am definitely leaving myself an out to ditch this series if I have to, there's absolutely a couple things that could happen that would be irredeemable for me.)

I know we're coming on strong, but it'd be a shame to drop it at this point.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 15

I think all the commentary around this episode built it up in my mind as something where a horrible tragedy would occur that couldn't be reversed, and I imagined all kinds of horrific outcomes for Subaru and Rem that did not actually happen here, so in a sense, y'all shielded me from the worst of this episode.

Like, I thought Rem and Subaru were going to have some fight that ended things permanently between them, or Subaru would be prevented by an opponent from killing himself in such a way as to reset when he'd revive to when he died so that Rem couldn't be saved, or that Subaru would break Rem's heart by prioritizing saving Emilia over saving her, or it'd be something equally crazy.

Watching Rem suffer was agonizing, particularly that one moment where she wasn't dead, that wasn't fun, but in the back of mind I kept telling myself that this was exactly what needed to happen for Subaru to wake the fuck up and start actually getting shit done as opposed to just passively enabling bad things to happen, and I also feel that Subaru needed those moments with Rem to reaffirm what he should really be looking for when it comes to a prospective partner, and both of those things seemed to happen here, so I'm fairly satisfied.

My hope is that Subaru continues to realize how much Rem cares for him and what she's willing to sacrifice for his sake, and my hope is that he becomes more proactive in dealing with the antagonists he's up against.

I am also incredibly confused as to what Sloth's agenda is, who he is, what his relation is to the Witch, how he's able to operate so freely in Roswaal's territory (there's clearly more to the Baron than we think at this juncture) and why the Kingdom's Knights haven't taken more aggressive actions to curtail them and protect the royal candidates. I mean, if this is a commonplace kind of occurrence you'd suspect Roswaal would ensure that Emilia had much more than just two dedicated maids as bodyguards.

That's actually a bit of a worry with Re:Zero I've been struggling to articulate for a while now, that it seems sometimes like the author's endgame for the characters dictates the state of the world and the twists and turns of the plot as opposed to it working the other way around. It's like there's this preconceived goal in mind for each arc, and the characters are going to be as dumb or as smart as they need to be to ensure the next domino falls, and new antagonists are just going to show up at random (including apparently a White Whale at some point?) when the next round of suffering dictates their introductions.

What would benefit Re:Zero is an approach where a lot more of this backstory would be explained and foreshadowed so, for example, the existence of Cultists based on the Seven Sins wouldn't come as a complete surprise here but instead it'd be like "Oh yeah, we heard a lot about those guys at the ceremony and how the Knights were worried that they'd show up and attack the Royal Candidates, it makes sense we'd meet some here."

I guess Subaru just doesn't know much of anything at this juncture but I'm mildly concerned that 15 episodes in I still don't really have a concrete idea as to what the antagonists are trying to achieve or who they are or what they believe or how they operate, and you'd think that'd be the pieces of information everyone from Emilia to Rem to the random thieves and villagers Subaru interacts with would be most eager to share with him given the outrageous threat they are to the half of this world that remains.

Random guess: I suspect that either Subaru or Emilia -- one or the other but not both -- are one of the 'Sins' in the Witch's army. In Emilia's case she could even be the witch herself, suffering from some sort of amnesia. In Subaru's case we've just seen Sloth inquire as to whether he's Pride and now I'm actually wondering about an alternative possibility entirely: That Subaru was originally from this fantasy world and not Earth, lived as Pride, was captured or somehow subdued by the good guys, they sent him to Earth as punishment and eroded all his past memories of the Kingdom and his past life, he lived in Japan as a shut-in dork who loved video games and anime because it resembled his true origins, and somehow the Witch called him back to his true home and that's how all this started.

Just a current thesis I'm running with. It would explain why Subaru is so intrinsically selfish, if nothing else.

Demon Rem is such a badass and I'm so glad we got to witness her wipe out a large number of those freaks.

In the end, Rem's still okay and everything Subaru had to witness is only going to drive the two closer together. The ends justify the means. So long as Subaru retains his powers, the quiet scenes where he ignores or mistreats Rem are much worse than the gruesome moments where he watches her suffer but has a way out.

Also, given the nature of Puck's outrageous power levels at the end there, I'm somewhat surprised the Cultists stood a chance against him alone, that monster could wreck just about anything.

[Gregness]

Episode 15

I think all the commentary around this episode built it up in my mind as something where a horrible tragedy would occur that couldn't be reversed, and I imagined all kinds of horrific outcomes for Subaru and Rem that did not actually happen here, so in a sense, y'all shielded me from the worst of this episode.



You say that, but:

"I was expecting this episode to be tortorous but so far it is just bizzare"

later

"She's still
No
no no no
No no no no no don't
No
No no no"

:smug:



*snip plot critique*


Yeah, the pacing is a very common critique. I don't think it's spoiler territory to let you know that isn't the last you're gonna see of the cult, and some more of that gets explained. But yeah, definitely valid critiques.


Also, given the nature of Puck's outrageous power levels at the end there, I'm somewhat surprised the Cultists stood a chance against him alone, that monster could wreck just about anything.

Emilia mentions in episode 3 how her trump card would only leave her standing (http://i.imgur.com/SYvMgD9.jpg), so I think it might actually be because of his power level that they have a chance to do the kind of damage they're getting in. If Puck cuts loose with his full power the destruction is almost worse.

[Sithdarth]

I am also incredibly confused as to what Sloth's agenda is, who he is, what his relation is to the Witch, how he's able to operate so freely in Roswaal's territory (there's clearly more to the Baron than we think at this juncture) and why the Kingdom's Knights haven't taken more aggressive actions to curtail them and protect the royal candidates. I mean, if this is a commonplace kind of occurrence you'd suspect Roswaal would ensure that Emilia had much more than just two dedicated maids as bodyguards.

I think Sloth is supposed to be confusing really. As for Emilia's guards it is easy to forget that she's pretty much universally hated for being a silver haired half-elf. So while Roswall is rich he isn't actually that rich and literally no one wants to help him in anyway because of Emilia.

That's actually a bit of a worry with Re:Zero I've been struggling to articulate for a while now, that it seems sometimes like the author's endgame for the characters dictates the state of the world and the twists and turns of the plot as opposed to it working the other way around. It's like there's this preconceived goal in mind for each arc, and the characters are going to be as dumb or as smart as they need to be to ensure the next domino falls, and new antagonists are just going to show up at random (including apparently a White Whale at some point?) when the next round of suffering dictates their introductions.

What would benefit Re:Zero is an approach where a lot more of this backstory would be explained and foreshadowed so, for example, the existence of Cultists based on the Seven Sins wouldn't come as a complete surprise here but instead it'd be like "Oh yeah, we heard a lot about those guys at the ceremony and how the Knights were worried that they'd show up and attack the Royal Candidates, it makes sense we'd meet some here."

If I recall correctly the Witch's Cult showed up for the first time during the Ram and Rem as children flashback. Not that anyone actually called them that then or you got any indication of the Sins thing. RE: Zero foreshadows a lot actually it's just super subtle and vague so you only really know that its foreshadowing the second time you watch it.


Also, given the nature of Puck's outrageous power levels at the end there, I'm somewhat surprised the Cultists stood a chance against him alone, that monster could wreck just about anything.

The problem there is that I believe he has literally no control in the sense that he can't do that at will and when he does do that he can't actually not just kill everything.

[Solid Snake]

You say that, but:


I did point out in my title there that there were two terrifying minutes packed in there.
Those would be the two terrifying minutes.
I may genuinely skip those minutes if I ever rewatch this episode.
(But I probably won't because Rem still declares her love for Subaru with her dying breath and it's still adorbs, and Subaru just reverses it all happening anyway.)

[Gregness]

I did point out in my title there that there were two terrifying minutes packed in there.
Those would be the two terrifying minutes.


:ohdear:

You know, so many forums don't have a title field for posts that I forget and skip over them when I come back here.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 16

Well, let's see if I can start this episode on an objective and impartial note, after all it's been a while since...

- He's holding Rem's hand it's happening it's HAPPENING all the haters of this ship can SUCK IT FUCK THE HATERS Rem and Subaru is everything that matters in the entirety of human existence IF YOU DISAGREE AND PREFER EMILIA OR ANYONE ELSE WITH SUBARU YOU ARE THE VERY DEFINITION OF AWFUL and should feel sorry for yourselves but don't worry Rem and I are forgiving people and we will forgive your sins if you repent hhhhhhnnnnnggggggggg

...Interesting, they're returning to Crusch's mansion. This is a different plan than the one I expected Subaru might devise to deal with this situation.

- I don't recognize this Treasurer dude. Russell. I'm surprised that he apparently recognized Subaru (and Rem?)

- Based on the title of this episode and Russell's position as Treasurer, I'm guessing this is all because he's actually Greed, a member of the Witch's Cult of Sins. You'd have to admit that the Jealous Witch probably has some connections with corrupt insiders in Lugunica's government.

- So it sounds like Subaru has three days before the attack. That's more time than I had thought had passed in that series of events.

- Not sure if I really care for this plan, Subaru. You should have gone to Reinhard, who you know is a fundamentally decent human being and who'd stop to help Emilia regardless of his support of Felt's claim. We're not sure if Crusch and her supporters are so generous...and in fact, based upon that previous scene where Crusch reminded Subaru they were technically 'enemies', it seems a bad idea to expect these folks to drop everything for Roswaal's sake.

- I know Rem's infatuated and all, but from her perspective, isn't it a bit suspicious to witness Subaru claim to have insider information of an attack from a Cult that she believes Subaru has never interacted with before?!? We've seen her outright kill Subaru based on that kind of misunderstanding in another timeline.

- "My next question is how you chose me to assist you." ...Good question, Crusch! You and I are on similar wavelengths here. Wild guess at this juncture but I feel we're witnessing another failed timeline for Subaru.

- That's not true, Subaru; Reinhard would definitely be more willing to assist you than Crusch.

- Yeah, it's not surprising to see Crusch is a bit pragmatic here in negotiating a deal of sorts. She's not the type to act on any emotional bond or empathy for others.

- Continuing with wild speculation: Assuming Subaru agrees to these terms, it's not going to help patch things up with him and Emilia. He'd be unilaterally agreeing without Emilia's input for her to drop her claim to the throne and that's a skeevy move, particularly as Emilia is unaware of the threat on her life.

- Wow, was not expecting Crusch to be quite that brutal a pragmatist in a situation like this. Suggesting that it's of 'equal benefit' for her whether Emilia resigns from contention or dies shows a fundamental disrespect for human life and an unawareness of the scope of the threat of the Cult in a way that actually somewhat lessens my opinion of her.

- Crusch's other argument here, that Subaru knows a bit too much and is suspicious himself, is a better argument to justify her non-involvement. Subaru, you didn't think this through.

- Best Fuckin' Waifu outright lies for Subaru's sake here when she pretends she never felt a trace of the witch's scent on him, and I hope Subaru appreciates that, you fuckin' jerk you BETTER fuckin' appreciate that

- This is one of the better episodes already because it's playing with some really delicious ideas about how Subaru's powers would be misinterpreted in the eyes of others who just witness his actions in individual timelines. Crusch comes to the conclusion that Subaru has some past connection to the Witch's Cult that has led him to an egregious hatred for them (ironically, this would be a more accurate description of Rem) and it perfectly explains Subaru's behavior in this scene, and it makes perfect sense as to why Crusch would jump to that conclusion; only Subaru and us (the viewers) know what's really motivating Subaru.

...I still feel as if Subaru hasn't done enough digging into finding potential pseudo-loopholes that would enable him to explain his future premonitions without risking his life by revealing the true nature of the secret. If he lied and just said he had some magical ability to foretell the future through spiritual arts or some shit, would that be different enough from the true explanation of his powers to immunize him from any consequence?

- "You haven't once said that you want to save Emilia."
My own interpretation of this moment is that Subaru hasn't said this because he's more interested at this juncture with saving Rem, who's being set up as his true love and who he's actually witnessed suffering. He's slowly but subconsciously being led to the truth, here.
But this is a sign of maturity for Subaru anyway, as he's mentioned saving the villagers several times and it's objectively more important to rescue many people than just the life of one woman he may have feelings for. Like, it's weird for Crusch to hold it against Subaru that he actually has the right ethical outlook on this for a change.

- "Subaru-kun, please calm down."
Best Goddamn Waifu Everybody

- I gotta say, as much of a jerk I find him in most situations, this is a great scene for Subaru. He doesn't back down, he doesn't give in, he's angry but it makes perfect sense in context for him to act out like this, and he doesn't selfishly make it all about Emilia. He bites his lip and won't even accept healing it. I know this isn't working out the way he intended, because it was kind of a shoddy plan on his part, but independently of his poor planning this is still a moment of solid character from him, which is something he's generally lacked in many other scenes.

...Of course, I attribute all this character growth directly to Rem, because these kinds of moments from Subaru happen when she's around (see: Episode 11) and do not happen when Emilia's around. Rem...her presence, the threat of her suffering or dying, their connection and bond...all of these things seem to prevent Subaru from defaulting back into his standard role as the irredeemably self-centered douchebag.

- "I hope you become a great ruler, the kind of dictator who abandons the weak." DAY-EMN Subaru's bringing the FIRE out this evening

- Subaru, put two and two together during this scene with Rem and ask who's requested Roswaal's presence. I'm betting they're related in some way to the Witch's Cult, as the timing for his absence is too perfect.

- FINALLY SUBARU REMEMBERED REINHARD
Goddamn Subaru, how could you forget him so easily? This should've been your first idea from the very start.
...Oh, he's away from the Capital. Damn.

DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING CALL REM USELESS WHILE SHE'S LOOKING AT YOU LIKE THAT
Subaru you are wasting through all that previous goodwill from last scene
I am gonna reach my fist into this screen somehow and bludgeon you to fucking death if you make her feel bad again
I swear on all the gods and goddesses ever known I will find a way to haunt you you shut-in scrub

YOU DIDN'T EVEN FUCKING APOLOGIZE
Subaru you deserve fifty million more deaths
Just millions upon millions of agonies

-She's your first idea of the 'other candidate' to track down, Subaru? The transparently evil one?!?
...That was not smart.
You are not smart.

(...And I may well have immediately been proven wrong depending on the nature of this 'chance' she's willing to give him.)

- He just has to lick her feet? What's the catch?!?
...Dammit Subaru, don't waste all that positive character development immediately by indulging in stupid "I wuv Emilia" flashbacks

- Aaand the catch is she's just going to kick the crap out of him.
Still, I can't blame Subaru here. It's not so much that her criticism is wrong, but like Crusch, she's judging Subaru based on incomplete information.
Any village idiot could've told Subaru that she'd be unwilling to help, though. Yet again, I can't really fault Subaru's decisions in the moment, but he generally lacks a cohesive longer-term plan.

- Wow.
She really hates him and it's for quite possibly the one reason I can't begrudge Subaru for.

- Al (who has a very long and much more medieval-sounding full name I'll never type here) is still as delightfully nonchalant as ever.
...And we learned he wears that helmet all the time because his face has been 'ruined' in some capacity.

- Aww, it's a cute little demi-human.

- Hey, maybe Anastasia's going to do something that will actually lead me to remember her as not just 'the other one!'

- She's actually being helpful! Now, try not to talk her out of helping you, Subaru. Sometimes you just can't look that gift horse in the mouth.

- That adorbz kid is second-in-command of an army?!?!?
...Yeah okay.

- Hey, we finally have a canon lesbian!
At least that's what I'm assuming based on Anastasia's mostly-inappropriate declaration here.
A sarcastic 'Huzzah' here for Japan's obsession with technically-of-age girls who still look like prepubescent children

- ...They have cheeseburgers in this fantasy universe.
Hmm. Sure.

- Crusch is going to war? Interesting.

- Aww shit Anastasia is in the big leagues now. Even she's managing to school Subaru.
(Though given Subaru's powers, can Subaru really 'lose' in any capacity, given that this is all just knowledge he can turn around and use against them when he inevitably replays the timeline?)

- As if on cue, Anastasia blurbs about reputation and notes that Subaru can't change the past, only he actually can, so it'll be interesting to see him turn the tables when he inevitably redoes all this.
(...If he even turns the tables. This all assumes Subaru is smart enough to play his cards right, and he's nothing if not capable of utterly fucking up any hand he's dealt.)

- Hahaha everyone else there was a part of Anastasia's gang.
That would have ended poorly if Subaru acted as much of an angry dolt as he did with Crusch.
And strangely enough, I'm back to think Crusch is the most honorable candidate who isn't Felt or Emilia in this royal selection shindig

- Of course Rem shows up at the end her to cheer Subaru up...
...Sadly she doesn't have the best of news.
And Subaru's new 'plan' isn't very well thought out.
...Oh, it's Otto!

- Where is Subaru going to get the money to buy all this stuff?!?
REM TO THE RESCUE, OF FUCKIN' COURSE
Goddamn I love her so much she's my Waifu not yours get your own you jerks


- ...How the hell does Subaru's cell phone still have battery life? Well, I guess he hasn't had much reason to turn it on lately. But it seems dangerous to waste what little battery life is left before we can turn a profit by selling it.

- ...Hmm. Apparently Subaru was talking to a ghost.
Or a cultist?
OR A GIANT FREAKY EYEBALL WUT


...So, uhh...
...What happened to the guy next to Subaru in the caravan?
I'm guessing he was...apparently...some manifestation of that creature?!?
What the hell was that thing, anyway?

Kind of a boring episode from a Rem and Subaru perspective, but there was still some interesting character development there

And the ending sequence song ENDS WITH REM AND SUBARU
SUBARU AND REM
HAPPY TOGETHER
REM AND SUBARU
SUBARU AND REM
REM AND SUBARU
SUBARU AND REM
happy happy happy smiling so happy
No Emilia No Ram No One Else
SHIP IS 100% CONFIRMED LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO
BLAST OFF TO THE HEAVENS YYYYEEESSSS

[Gregness]

Awwww yiss. I was getting withdrawals from going too long without this thread's suffering.

Before I get into addressing any of your specific concerns, think back to the episode title. The Greed of a Pig? The 'pig' isn't the treasurer, it's Subaru.

[Solid Snake]

Before I get into addressing any of your specific concerns, think back to the episode title. The Greed of a Pig? The 'pig' isn't the treasurer, it's Subaru.

...Interesting. I appreciate the show's, and the other characters' willingness to call Subaru out as an ass when he truly behaves like one, but this was honestly probably about the least insufferable he's been. He sort of botched things with Crusch (but I almost appreciate him acting justifiably frustrated for a change) but I don't think he did anything wrong with Anastasia aside from misjudging her character.

It also almost seemed akin to a net positive for Subaru to show that, when given the opportunity, other characters with even greater positions of authority could be just as selfish and incapable of compassion as he's been.

Still, he sucks with long-term planning. Given how Rem's lovely and perfect affections for the poor boy have clearly led her to instinctively believe and support him, I almost wish Subaru was like "Here's the problem, Rem...do you have any ideas?" because she's evidently the brains in their impending relationship.

I think a lot of the issue I had with this episode was actually the candidates collectively mistaking Subaru's sheer unbridled idiocy with all the 'greedy' traits they ended up labeling him with and lecturing him over. Crusch's otherwise more decent points were tempered by her strange notion that Subaru ought to have cared *more* about Emilia specifically when Subaru was actually acting appropriately empathetic for a change, and I wasn't really convinced that Anastasia knew or cared for Subaru enough for her lecture to even feel like a genuine in-character moment for her, felt more that the author was using her in the moment to voice his own objections to Subaru.

...All in all there are a few problems here that prevent this from being a top-tier episode for me, but I do appreciate that Subaru isn't being written as the infallible protagonist. I'm just not convinced that the other candidates were the ideal vessels of said criticisms. I actually wish Rem was written as three-dimensional enough to lose her cool with him just once as he dragged her from diplomatic incident to incident and seemed to lack a concrete vision to win anyone over.

[Sithdarth]

...So, uhh...
...What happened to the guy next to Subaru in the caravan?
I'm guessing he was...apparently...some manifestation of that creature?!?
What the hell was that thing, anyway?


Your confusion is understandable but hilarious nonetheless. Answer are coming in the next episode.

[Tev]

I was mentally prepared to see you rant about episode 16 because of what I thought I remembered happening in it. Turns out that what I remembered happened in episode 17 instead. I look forward to your next review.

[Gregness]

I think a lot of the issue I had with this episode was actually the candidates collectively mistaking Subaru's sheer unbridled idiocy with all the 'greedy' traits they ended up labeling him with...

Oh see, but that's the thing. They weren't mistaken at all. Taking the Crusch negotiation for example:

...He sort of botched things with Crusch (but I almost appreciate him acting justifiably frustrated for a change)...

...Crusch's otherwise more decent points were tempered by her strange notion that Subaru ought to have cared *more* about Emilia specifically when Subaru was actually acting appropriately empathetic for a change...

'Acting appropriately empathetic for a change'. Is he, though? Subaru's big flaw has been that he's incredibly self-centered. Now, what was the first thing he offered Crusch when she asked him what she got out of all this? 'I'd owe you a huge favor'. Natsuki "literally who" Subaru would owe her a favor. It is then established that Crusch's aid would void Emilia's claim to the throne, which he agrees to. The first time he mentions the villagers is after Crusch refuses to help. At which point he gets mad and lashes out. Listen to his tone of voice. He wasn't bringing them up out of any kind of altruism, he was doing it to make her feel like shit. At no point in all this does he mention wanting to save Emilia, it was all about killing the cult. Crusch's bit at the end wasn't saying 'you should care more about Emilia than the villagers' it was 'here's how I know you don't really give a shit about saving anyone'.

I actually wish Rem was written as three-dimensional enough to lose her cool with him just once as he dragged her from diplomatic incident to incident and seemed to lack a concrete vision to win anyone over.

Yeah, as much as Rem is BEST there's a lot of (what I find to be) interesting discussion here, but I'm not sure exactly how much I can get into at this point.

[Solid Snake]

'Acting appropriately empathetic for a change'. Is he, though? Subaru's big flaw has been that he's incredibly self-centered. Now, what was the first thing he offered Crusch when she asked him what she got out of all this? 'I'd owe you a huge favor'. Natsuki "literally who" Subaru would owe her a favor. It is then established that Crusch's aid would void Emilia's claim to the throne, which he agrees to. The first time he mentions the villagers is after Crusch refuses to help. At which point he gets mad and lashes out. Listen to his tone of voice. He wasn't bringing them up out of any kind of altruism, he was doing it to make her feel like shit. At no point in all this does he mention wanting to save Emilia, it was all about killing the cult. Crusch's bit at the end wasn't saying 'you should care more about Emilia than the villagers' it was 'here's how I know you don't really give a shit about saving anyone'.

I'm gonna be stubborn and disagree with you here.

But first, I'll mention a couple points where I do agree with you:

- Subaru has always been hopelessly flawed when it comes to his self-centered attitude, and that flaw is specifically on display with Crusch when he believes an unknown 'favor' from him carries any leverage, and also when he believes he has any authority whatsoever to negotiate Emilia's withdrawal from the royal selection process as a condition of a deal.

- Subaru never had a plan at all with any of the negotiations (he obviously stumbles blindly into meeting Anastasia, which she obviously arranged in advance after learning he had met with the others) and seemed to sincerely believe that merely articulating the threat of the cult would be sufficient to ensure the others' aid. I view this as less moral ineptitude by Subaru and more just extreme stupidity and negligence, as he's hopelessly naive and generally assumes that his 'protagonist in an RPG with special powers' status somehow automatically bequeaths him wisdom he sorely lacks and some sort of otherworldly charismatic power to move people to commit to his plans of action.

So, yeah, he's an imbecile. Rem is numb to that now because she's infatuated, which is simultaneously slightly disappointing in terms of how it erodes her own agency but also realistic insofar as lust really does fuck with peoples' judgments like that.

So, here's where I do disagree with you.

In Crusch's mind, she determines (in the absence of knowing about Subaru's time-bending powers) that Subaru was likely the victim of some previous attack by the Witch's Cult and that this attack has blunted his judgment. She subsequently determines (as she's apparently great at spotting liars) that Subaru is telling the truth that he 'sincerely believes' an attack on Emilia is imminent but that he's mentally unstable because of his past trauma. I follow her there! That makes sense so far.

But then she proceeds to attempt to claim the moral high ground and lecture Subaru about him really being motivated out of 'selfishness' (for basically the reasons you articulate) and that's where I flip over to Subaru's side in this ordeal, because that's a ludicrously insensitive accusation to make against someone you believe has suffered severe mental trauma at the hands of an objectively evil cult that regularly commits atrocities. (And Subaru has been traumatized by all this, even more recently than Crusch suspects.)

The Witch's Cult have basically been set up as Worse than Actual Goddamn Nazis in this universe. They've apparently destroyed half the world already and they're hard at work at destroying what remains. Crusch is obviously aware of what they're capable of, even if she doesn't know Sloth's capabilities specifically.

So, you know how every once in a while a member of a minority community or the LGBT community or another community oppressed in everyday contemporary western society rants about wanting 'revenge' against his or her oppressors? And sometimes the language can get pretty violent, and out of context, particularly if you're privileged in ways this person is not, you might assume the person in question is actually the aggressor. At the very least you might catch some of the borderline-incoherent "I'LL KILL THEM" style ranting and assume mental instability.

In truth, the person in question is mentally unstable, but that instability stems from an external source. It's coercive and the result of genuine trauma. Here my claim isn't that Subaru's tactics here are 'smart' or that he's going about his circumstances 'right,' but rather that Crusch loses her moral high ground when she witnesses someone she correctly identifies as the clear victim of a traumatizing assault by evil forces...and she proceeds to lecture him about his selfishness in desiring violent revenge against the people who persecuted him.

I mean, imagine Crusch's interpretation of Subaru's background was right and in some hypothetical alternate reality Subaru had witnessed his parents' and hometown's brutal execution at the hands of the Witch's Cult. For Subaru to lose his goddamn mind over this in a moment of witness -- particularly if he's under the genuine notion that another attack against people he cares about is incoming (even if it's mistaken, Crusch knows he sincerely believes in the threat, and she even knows he sincerely cares about people like Emilia, even if he's not articulating his emotions properly in the heat of the moment) -- is absolutely normal. It's self-centered to an extent, but we expect and should encourage victims of atrocities to be self-centered. It'd be fucking bizarre if Subaru suffered at the hands of an evil cult and was nonchalant about it.

Do I believe Crusch has reason to suspect that Subaru may be unintentionally over-inflating the nature of the threat? Sure, absolutely. Do I believe Crusch should be obligated to aid Subaru out of some moral imperative to risk her own life for others? Well, she is in contention for the Crown of the Realm, so that kind of burden should come with the territory, but it's not Subaru's place to enforce that responsibility upon her with unsubstantiated rumors of a possible attack.

But Crusch tries to argue with a mentally unstable, traumatized person that he's being selfish and that he's been morally corrupted in some way and that he should feel ashamed of himself. If you're a good person, you just don't do that to a victim. Under any circumstances. The morally right response would have been for Crusch to empathize with Subaru over his loss and his plight but to articulate calmly and logically that Subaru needed to present more evidence to justify any intervention. Then, get the poor guy help, don't just kick him back onto the streets if you genuinely believe the Witch's Cult has somehow broken him. Crusch herself isn't a psychologist and she isn't the appropriate one to express the empathy Subaru needs but she could've also handled her interaction with Subaru here better, just as Subaru could've gone about this much differently.

I dunno, I just don't see this as quite as cut-and-dry, black-and-white an example of Subaru's moral ineptitude as -- for example -- Episodes 12 and 13. Subaru is clearly risking the pain of death (if not the ultimate outcome of death as a finality) to save people he cares about, and he's not just doing it this time to get in Emilia's pants. He does want revenge, but he wants revenge because of what he personally suffered and the horrors he witnessed that were inflicted on Emilia and the villagers. His irrational state of anger directed at the Cult is a direct response to the extremely cruel and malicious acts of terror he witnessed. He loses his cool over all this, but it's not out of a selfish impetus. If anything I really want to encourage him to continue acting assertively and proactively -- I just wish he was smart enough to come up with a better plan to tackle the issues than the awful plans he's settling on.

Also: If someone appears to deny or any way attempt to mitigate the atrociousness of an objectively atrocious group's atrocious actions, it is totally appropriate for a victim to lash out and attempt to make that person feel like shit. I have no issue whatsoever with Subaru trying to transparently claim the moral high ground like that, moral outrage was about the only card he had left to play against Crusch that had any chance whatsoever of moving her to action.

Just my two cents, but keep in mind that I've generally had a track record in previous episodes of finding Subaru's actions and behaviors indefensible and offensive.

[Gregness]

So, here's where I do disagree with you.

In Crusch's mind, she determines (in the absence of knowing about Subaru's time-bending powers) that Subaru was likely the victim of some previous attack by the Witch's Cult and that this attack has blunted his judgment. She subsequently determines (as she's apparently great at spotting liars) that Subaru is telling the truth that he 'sincerely believes' an attack on Emilia is imminent but that he's mentally unstable because of his past trauma. I follow her there! That makes sense so far.

But then she proceeds to attempt to claim the moral high ground and lecture Subaru about him really being motivated out of 'selfishness' (for basically the reasons you articulate) and that's where I flip over to Subaru's side in this ordeal, because that's a ludicrously insensitive accusation to make against someone you believe has suffered severe mental trauma at the hands of an objectively evil cult that regularly commits atrocities. (And Subaru has been traumatized by all this, even more recently than Crusch suspects.)

...

But Crusch tries to argue with a mentally unstable, traumatized person that he's being selfish and that he's been morally corrupted in some way and that he should feel ashamed of himself. If you're a good person, you just don't do that to a victim. Under any circumstances. The morally right response would have been for Crusch to empathize with Subaru over his loss and his plight but to articulate calmly and logically that Subaru needed to present more evidence to justify any intervention. Then, get the poor guy help, don't just kick him back onto the streets if you genuinely believe the Witch's Cult has somehow broken him. Crusch herself isn't a psychologist and she isn't the appropriate one to express the empathy Subaru needs but she could've also handled her interaction with Subaru here better, just as Subaru could've gone about this much differently.


I would dispute the claim that she's attempting to seize any kind of highground in this. All she does is keep Subaru from deflecting blame onto her with the 'so you'd let them all die' comment, and then remind him that Emilia's people aren't actually her responsibility. See, just like Crusch going in to save Emilia's life would all but eliminate her from contention, the people surrounding Roswaal's manor are their responsibility. Honestly, she's practically begging him to make this worth it to her. She doesn't really lecture him (those come mostly from the other two) other than explaining patiently to him that what he thinks he's offering isn't really worth anything.

She does not, for instance, say 'how dare you insult me when you come begging my aid'. Just a simple 'don't change the subject'.

I doubt very much it's even that she doesn't care about the people, but she's just not going to let Subaru's attempts to lash out and appeal to emotion get the better of her. If Subaru were making genuine appeals to compassion, I doubt she'd shut him down like she does here, because we've seen she's not unsentimental. If Subaru were coming to her like a scared and hurt warrior who needs support, I think she'd treat him a lot better than she does here. She's a feudal lord though, and Subaru is trying to come to her as a fellow noble for negotiations. The part where he breaks down at the end isn't even subtle; his entire objective is to kill the cult, saving people is an afterthought.

Honestly, I don't see anything in that conversation about Crusch taking any kind of high ground. She's polite and professional to him the entire way through, even after he tries to make it personal.


I dunno, I just don't see this as quite as cut-and-dry, black-and-white an example of Subaru's moral ineptitude as -- for example -- Episodes 12 and 13. Subaru is clearly risking the pain of death (if not the ultimate outcome of death as a finality) to save people he cares about, and he's not just doing it this time to get in Emilia's pants. He does want revenge, but he wants revenge because of what he personally suffered and the horrors he witnessed that were inflicted on Emilia and the villagers. His irrational state of anger directed at the Cult is a direct response to the extremely cruel and malicious acts of terror he witnessed. He loses his cool over all this, but it's not out of a selfish impetus. If anything I really want to encourage him to continue acting assertively and proactively -- I just wish he was smart enough to come up with a better plan to tackle the issues than the awful plans he's settling on.


Again, he's not doing this to save people, he's doing this to kill the cultists.

"If your own lie isn't going to fool you, it won't decieve anyone else."
"You haven't once said that you want to save Emilia."

If saving people were what he was after, she would have been damn near the first thing out of his mouth.


Also: If someone appears to deny or any way attempt to mitigate the atrociousness of an objectively atrocious group's atrocious actions, it is totally appropriate for a victim to lash out and attempt to make that person feel like shit. I have no issue whatsoever with Subaru trying to transparently claim the moral high ground like that, moral outrage was about the only card he had left to play against Crusch that had any chance whatsoever of moving her to action.

Just my two cents, but keep in mind that I've generally had a track record in previous episodes of finding Subaru's actions and behaviors indefensible and offensive.

I can't agree with this. I think you're conflating 'understandable' with 'appropriate'. Yes, it's understandable why Subaru is in the state he's in, but it doesn't excuse his actions or make them anything resembling 'appropriate'. Or was it 'appropriate' when he lumps Rem in with everyone else for being 'useless'? That's exactly the same kind of emotional lashing out.

[Solid Snake]

I don't really hold Crusch's responses against her, it's entirely in the realm of her characterization to be pragmatic and look out for her own best interests.
...I just don't really hold these series of interactions in Episode 16 as an ethical failing on Subaru's part, either, which is what the episode's title implies.

This conversation was sparked when you noted that "The Greed of a Pig" referred to Subaru, and my reaction is that this is one of the few episodes where I don't feel he's particularly greedy or pig-like. He's stupid, naive, fails to adequately consider the consequences of his actions and blinded by his understandable hatred for Sloth and the Witch Cultists, but in my opinion he's also trying to be proactive and trying to do the right thing, and the criticisms some of the women (including Crusch, albeit to a lesser extent than the others) are based on incomplete information and inapplicable to Subaru under his actual circumstances.

And that makes perfect sense, mind you. From the perspective of characters like Crusch and Anastasia, Subaru is just some dope whose infatuation with Emilia led him to make an ass of himself during the royal selection initiation ceremony. And they're absolutely right to think poorly of him for that mess. And that's all they really know about him, so of course they're going to judge him poorly.

Still, moreso than your other points the one that sticks out to me as one I viscerally disagree with is this:


Again, he's not doing this to save people, he's doing this to kill the cultists.

"If your own lie isn't going to fool you, it won't decieve anyone else."
"You haven't once said that you want to save Emilia."

If saving people were what he was after, she would have been damn near the first thing out of his mouth.

That's ludicrous logic. It's the logic Crusch attempts to use that I find most abhorrent, because it's utterly idiotic for people to try to dictate how victims of traumatic events of violence react to those circumstances.

Some victims react exactly the way Subaru reacted -- lashing out in anger and seeking revenge, having those thoughts permeate their being and cloud their judgment. But if an ethnic minority or a member of the LGBT community reacts to physical abuse or incidents of bigoted violence in the wake of Trump's victory in America by typing walls of text demanding that all Republicans in the country be viciously killed, the key is understanding that they're coming from a place of deep pain and they need to be comforted and consoled for what they've suffered through, not demonized for 'emotionally lashing out.'

Forget about what Subaru actually experienced and assume that it's exactly as Crusch incorrectly assumes for his backstory. As a child, the Witch Cultists terrorize his village, kill his family and friends, torture and abuse him as they've done to so many others. You're then going to judge Subaru for 'lashing out' and ravenously desiring the deaths of objectively evil people? That's crazy.

I'm not remotely bothered, as Crusch is, by the notion that Subaru is possessed with the thought of violently murdering those assholes instead of immediately expressing a more logical or 'compassionate' view of saving the prospective victims. For one thing, logically speaking, the two are intertwined; Subaru wants to murder those psychopathic assholes because of the pain they inflicted upon him, Rem, Emilia, and the villagers in the alternate timeline. It's not like Subaru is just responding with rage to an abstract harm or a hypothetical injury. He himself suffered, people he presumably cares for suffered, and if anything it's almost offensive for Crusch to assume that Subaru doesn't care about the villagers or anyone else just because he's too busy raging against the Cultists for being scumbags worthy of slaying to engage in some academic discussion over rescuing people he cares for.

Another example: If a friend of mine who is Muslim rants incoherently and screams and shouts at the universe for a half-hour about the desire to see Trump's head delivered to him on a fucking platter after Trump starts his awful registration program, it is not my place to interject with "How immoral of you, you spent the last half-hour raving about inflicting harm upon Trump and you never bothered to articulate an underlying motivation to save your fellow Muslims! You're concentrating on the negative and not the positive and that speaks poorly of your character!!!"

It isn't just understandable, it's also quite appropriate for Subaru to rage. It doesn't lead to the outcome he desires and, again, I do not fault Crusch for refusing to join Subaru's crusade for purely pragmatic reasons. Among other things, Subaru doesn't even articulate a cohesive plan to ensure victory against the Cultists so it'd be irrational for Crusch to risk her life to make it happen. Subaru calling everyone useless is just another example of what an exceedingly poor diplomat he'd be.

But it's simultaneously possible to believe that Subaru fucked up any chance of garnering desperately needed aid because he descended into rage against his tormentors at the wrong moment, and to believe that Crusch was still wrong to take the victim of some horrific incident caused by the Cultist and assume, without meaningful evidence, exactly what the victim's thought processes were or what he did or did not care about in a moment where he's bordering on a complete psychological breakdown.

In my mind, Re:Zero would be a weaker story and not a stronger one if every episode boiled down to "Subaru is always wrong, and also every other character is basically the author acting as a narrator, speaking through them to criticize every egregious fuckup he makes." That's quite often true, but I think the interaction between Subaru and Crusch is a more nuanced moment because they both fuck up -- Crusch fails, entirely within the confines of her characterization, to express appropriate empathy to a victim and instead views this dispassionately as an opportunity to lecture a boy who she (justifiably!) views dismissively as an arrogant, pompous douche. And Subaru is so blinded by his hatred towards Sloth and so eager to exact revenge that his rage boils into something that Crusch can easily dismiss as another sign of his immaturity, even though it's much more complicated than it seems at first glance.

[Gregness]

This conversation was sparked when you noted that "The Greed of a Pig" referred to Subaru, and my reaction is that this is one of the few episodes where I don't feel he's particularly greedy or pig-like. He's stupid, naive, fails to adequately consider the consequences of his actions and blinded by his understandable hatred for Sloth and the Witch Cultists


Bolded for emphasis. Yes, this is the metaphor. This episode is Subaru acting on impulse to satisfy his (understandable!) urges. Like an animal, you might say?


That's ludicrous logic. It's the logic Crusch attempts to use that I find most abhorrent, because it's utterly idiotic for people to try to dictate how victims of traumatic events of violence react to those circumstances.


See, I don't think Crusch is judging him in the sense you mean. Subaru's the one who keeps bringing up the 'just listen to me and that will save everyone' line and she only calls out his motives in order to block that angle of attack.


Another example: If a friend of mine who is Muslim rants incoherently and screams and shouts at the universe for a half-hour about the desire to see Trump's head delivered to him on a fucking platter after Trump starts his awful registration program, it is not my place to interject with "How immoral of you, you spent the last half-hour raving about inflicting harm upon Trump and you never bothered to articulate an underlying motivation to save your fellow Muslims! You're concentrating on the negative and not the positive and that speaks poorly of your character!!!"


In the interest of not further derailing the thread, I'll just say that yes, I believe that does speak poorly of your hypothetical friend's character. We can take this to PM's or whatever, but it feels like this would be getting beyond the scope of show commentary.

[Solid Snake]

In the interest of not further derailing the thread, I'll just say that yes, I believe that does speak poorly of your hypothetical friend's character. We can take this to PM's or whatever, but it feels like this would be getting beyond the scope of show commentary.

I actually think we're mostly in agreement over all but the tiniest of semantics (I mean, if we define the 'Greed of a Pig' the way you have, there isn't even a disagreement at all) and it really isn't worth going over the top with PMs to defend someone like Subaru from a charge of poor character when Lord knows he'll do something spectacularly egregious in the next couple chapters.

Anyway: Without spoiling anything I haven't seen, are there any details yet regarding whether a Season Two is happening?

[Sithdarth]

As far as I know and can find via google searches nothing official has been announced about another season. However, there is still a significant amount of material out there that hasn't been adapted.

Oh and I highly suggest you don't try to google search anything about another season. Basically everything I've found has been super spoilery about stuff that is coming up.

[Gregness]

As far as I know and can find via google searches nothing official has been announced about another season. However, there is still a significant amount of material out there that hasn't been adapted.

Oh and I highly suggest you don't try to google search anything about another season. Basically everything I've found has been super spoilery about stuff that is coming up.

Yeah, the way I understand it, the original web novel has a lot of material out, but that web novel is getting cleaned up and edited into a series of light novels, and the light novels are technically what's being adapted here.

Edit: Oh, and you say:

I actually think we're mostly in agreement over all but the tiniest of semantics (I mean, if we define the 'Greed of a Pig' the way you have, there isn't even a disagreement at all) and it really isn't worth going over the top with PMs to defend someone like Subaru from a charge of poor character when Lord knows he'll do something spectacularly egregious in the next couple chapters.


like going way too deep into semantics isn't your thing. ;)

But I really appreciate how the show has enough substance for these kinds of discussions to be somewhat meaningful.

[shiney]

I love how this show gives really great discussion! Snek it's been fun watching you watch it. :D

[Solid Snake]

Episode 17

Apparently, this episode is entitled "Disgrace in the Extreme."

...I'm already starting to feel a bit nervous.

- Oh damn, this Episode's wasted no time whatsoever. Fifteen seconds in and Subaru's already in trouble...and Rem's already saved the day. I was not expecting this.

- It's...a giant whale.
Flying in the sky?!?
In the sky.
Okay, sure.
That makes sense.
Tappei Nagatsuki, your imagination is fucking bizarre.

- "What the hell is going on?" asks Subaru, and he is asking a great question, for I too am quite confused.

- So, in addition to Sloth and the Cultists, the White Whale is also invading the Baron's lands at a pivotal moment when the Baron just so happens to be absent? Yeah, I'm calling BS on this. Our 'friend' the Baron is in some way responsible for arranging these events to happen.

- New scenes in the opening song sequence -- at least these sequences feel new to me, I don't recall having seen them earlier -- Crusch is kicking some ass.
And is that SUBARU AND REM HUGGING NEAR SOME BEAUTIFUL VISTA ON A SUNLIT DAY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Be still my heart, it is **happening**, it is going to happen.
Also: Waifu wieldin' a Morningstar against some Cultists like the universe's cutest badass, and...

...Subaru's still running after Emilia in the end.
Fuck that shit.
Stop making me hate Emilia simply because you're still so grotesquely obsessed with her, Subaru

- KICK ITS FUCKING ASS, ULTIMATE-WAIFU

- What the fuck is even up with this whale
What's its association with the Cultists?
Is it just some random monster out for blood or does it even serve some higher narrative purpose?

- No
NO
NO
Rem DO NOT sacrifice yourself for this deceitful manipulative piece of shit
I know you love him but he is so not worth it and I can't handle you dying again even if Subaru brings you back DON'T ENCOURAGE HIS STUPIDITY
Subaru if you agree to this dumbass plan I am personally traveling to your fantasy universe and I will kidnap and imprison you in a dark, moldy prison cell and I will show up every day to slowly and methodically break each and every single one of your bones and laugh manically as you writhe in absolute agony and beg for the sweet release of death, a release I will never grant you

- Otto of all fuckin' people wins massive respect points for me right now by caring more about Rem's survival than a shitty payment
Date Otto instead, Rem, he is a decent person

- "Subaru-kun, I am not very smart..."
...No.
Rem please, don't.
I am fucking teary-eyed right now this sounds like a death speech
Rem you can't give a fucking death speech you can't die I can't take it
THINK OF A BETTER PLAN SUBARU
THINK OF A FUCKING BETTER PLAN OR I WILL PERSONALLY DIG MY FINGERS INTO YOUR BRAIN AND PLUCK OUT YOUR NEURONS ONE BY ONE YOU FUCKING SAD-SACK PIECE OF USELESS CARBON ATOMS

- Aww Rem gets one last hug by virtue of fate intervening with with a conveniently-placed rock in the path of the wagon
This leads to the following inevitable conclusions:
A: I like Rem so much I can't even hold her crush on Subaru against her;
B: The universe itself is conspiring to make this happen, the ship is still alive, REM MUST BE HAPPY AT ALL COSTS;
C: Don't fuck this up, Re:Zero, you don't want me personally taking a flight to Japan to just start randomly wrecking your country over this;
D: I will vote for any politician without question who threatens to declare war against Japan if Rem and Subaru does not happen;
E: Even now, in these circumstances, knowing Rem is probably about to die again, I am so happy in any moment where she is happy

ULTIMATE WAIFU LEVELS MAXIMUM PLUS 9999

- "I believe I was born for this very moment."
No, Rem.
There are so many great moments ahead of you.
And if there are not I will find any means necessary to coerce Tappei Nagatsuki into giving you that happy ending
ANY MEANS NECESSARY FOLKS

- Oh man I do not feel good about this
Not good at all
That last look back
Nagatsuki, don't you dare fuck with me

- Finally.
Finally.
Subaru's starting to get it.
He's starting to understand.
"Go back," he moans, after Otto breaks the news.
Go back.
Maybe this had to happen. Maybe Subaru needs this as he's needed every moment with Rem before to convince him of what's truly important to him, who he truly cares about and who he desperately needs in his life.
The answer is Rem, Subaru.
The answer has always been Rem.

- Otto.
Otto I liked you.
For a split second back there, I liked you.
And now you will abandon Rem.
Now you forsake your one and only responsibility in your pathetic, miserable excuse of a life.
You are DEAD to me, Otto

- I don't care if that fucking shit fuck asshole white whale killed every master swordsman in the history of the existence of swords YOU FUCKING GO BACK AND SAVE HER you deranged loons

...Wait.
WHAT.
Otto just asked
Otto just asked
Otto JUST asked
......
................................
.................................................. ............................
.................................................. .................................................. ...................................

...
......
..........
what
Whaaaaaaaat
.......
............
That did not just happen
That was not just said
How the hell did he forget about Rem!?!?

Does the White Whale have some memory-erasing attribute? Does it, or the fog it drifts in with, cause some sort of selective amnesia?!?
How does that even make any sense whatsoever?!?
Don't toy with me, Re:Zero
I am in NO MOOD TO BE TOYED WITH
At least Subaru seems to finally be realizing how important Rem is to him
It IS all your fault, you piece of shit

- Yes, Otto
YES let him die
DIE SUBARU DIE
DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE
DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE
YES YOU WANT to die, Subaru
...What a selfish dick
I'd kill myself for Rem in your shoes, you twerp

- Where the hell did the whale go?
Why didn't it kill him?!?
Why didn't it kill you, Subaru?!?!?!?!?

- ...Oh, he's back in the mansion.

- Rem is...
...No, it's just Ram.
DAMN YOU NAGATSUKI, YOU'RE A MONSTER
...Ram is not going to happy to hear about what happened to Rem.

- Emilia hasn't really interacted at all with Subaru on-screen since that showdown in Episode 13. This could get pretty brutal.

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SHE FORGOT REM TOO WHAT?!?!?!?!?

what
what
what
what
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
WHAAAT
rem
rem
Rem
reeem
remremremremremremremremremrem
remremremremremremremremremremrermermermermermerme rmermeremremrmermermeremrmermermermermermermermerm ermeremremremremremremremremremremrermremrermeremr emrermermeremremremrermeremremremeremremremremremr emremremremremremrem
REMREMRMEMREMREMEMREMREMEMREMRERMERMREMREMREMREMRE MREMREMREMERMREMREMREMREMREMREMREMREMREMREM
Remremremremremrermermermermeremremremmrermermerme rmermermeremremremremremremremremremremrermermerme rmemrermermermermermerrmermermeremremrememremremem remremremremremremremrememremremermeremremremermer mermermermremermermremremremremremremremremremremr rem

NAGATSUKI YOU ARE DEAD
I kill you
I kill you
I kill you
I KILL YOU
I KILL YOU
I KILL ALL OF YOU
I KILL ALL OF YOU
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL SUBARU KILL NAGATSUKI KILL RAM KILL EVERYONE KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL

why would you all do this to me
Wwwwhhhhhyyyyyyyy
I can't
I can't take it

This has to be something Subaru can reverse. It has to be.
It has to be. Unless those scenes in the OP music were lying...
Could Nagatsuki actually be so heartless? Could they have actually all faked those scenes? No, no, no, no, NO, NO, no, no, no, NO, NO, no, NO, Nooooo

...Wait, wait.
There's a maid with blue hair in the Episode 19 thumbnail.
OH THANK GOD IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY
You do that again Nagatsuki and I will finish you
It will be like you and I are opponents in Mortal Kombat

...God I'm just paused on this image of Ram looking at Subaru like he's crazy
And I don't want to hit the 'unpause' button
I do not want this torment to continue
This is so much worse than just the suffering I assumed I'd be watching with Subaru dying fifty trillion times
Please, Subaru, reverse this bullshit

- How do the White Whale's retconning powers here even work? If Rem simply ceased to exist, you wouldn't actually have remotely the same timeline. The new timeline that would be created upon such a retcon would include Subaru probably having already died horribly somewhere around Episode 10 or 11.
Are Subaru's memories of the past still accurate, but everyone else has been deceived? Maybe their memories were collectively erased? But none of Rem's stuff seems to exist anymore, either. That seems to suggest Rem was somehow erased entirely, but that doesn't make any sense either. Such a change to the timeline would result in massive alterations to the world as a whole, to such an extent that Subaru would barely even recognize the past sequence of events that led him from Point A to Point B.

- Also, you'd think if the White Whale had such power, we'd have fucking HEARD ABOUT THIS BEFORE MAYBE, Nagatsuki are you just a SHITTY FUCKING HACK OF AN AUTHOR making up shit on the fly to justify your ragingly incoherent desire to ruin your own story by destroying your best creation in the best character ever?!?!?!?
...But equally importantly, if the whale can do this why didn't the whale do it to the Master Swordsman mentioned earlier this episode? You think s/he'd also be a prime candidate for memory erasure or whatever the fuck this shit is. Are there any rules to this? Does any of this make logical sense to anyone?!?
Shouldn't Rem have at least been like, "Hey Subaru the White Whale might make everyone forget about me somehow, this is what you do to fix this?!?"

- "Lend me your courage, Rem!" Subaru shouts as he opens Emilia's door.
I hope this means his Emilia obsession will abruptly end, particularly as Emilia's going to act cold and indifferent to Rem's existence now. Understand who is truly important now, you rotten filthy miscreant.

- Subaru, use your brain for half a second. Just half a fucking second.
Emilia has no clue why you're here and ranting and raving like you did with all the other candidates isn't going to convince her to leave.
Of course, given that Rem is apparently the rough equivalent of 'dead' already in this timeline, you might as well fucking slit your wrists and try again, why you haven't thought of just antagonizing Puck into killing your sorry ass again is beyond my comprehension

- "If you protest, I'll drag you away, if I must!"
Oh come the fuck ON Subaru, at least actually try to explain yourself, at least mention the White Whale that canonically attacked you even in this fucking timeline it doesn't even require you to spill the beans about your secret raise-from-death powers
...No, instead you're just going to be a douche around Emilia, because you are ALWAYS a douche around Emilia, whereas you are always better around Rem, fucking just make out with Rem already what the fuck is your problem you dense Neanderthal

- "Just do as I say!"
...How the fuck could anyone ship this pairing.
Any of you.
If any of you idiots who recommended I watch this extremely depressing anime series actually ship Emilia and Subaru you should disappear.
Nagatsuki should erase you from existence.
Not Rem.
Never Rem.
Emilia and Subaru is a bad ship and you should feel bad.

- If you're that worried Subaru, just risk your life and tell the truth for a change. What's the worst that can happen?!?
...Oh, Rem's going to finally push him to do just that.
Okay.
Aaaand that immediately backfired. Just get it out, Subaru. Don't...
...Wait.
Emilia?!?
It's going to kill EMILIA?!?!?!?
I thought it was going to kill Subaru.
But it killed Emilia?!?!?
THIS MAKES NO SENSE

- Oh, it's Beatrice. Nice to see her again.

- "Please kill me. Right here."
Well, now you're finally thinking, Subaru.

- Beatrice is losing her mind, it seems.
...At least she could have teleported them to such a height that the fall would instantly kill the bastard.

- Aaand here are the Cultists.

- So is Sloth the White Whale? Like, is the White Whale an alternate form of Sloth's or something?!?

- Hmm. Subaru can see 'unseen hands.' Whatever they are. And Sloth is pissed off about this.
That's weird.
...And here comes Puck to the rescue.
Kill them all, Puck!!!
KILL THEM ALL.


...Negative Ten Trillion out of Ten for this episode, Rem can never cease to exist, she is the sole pertinent reason for all the universe's existence itself
Also this is the episode y'all should've asked me to watch live, I actually shouted "NO!" loud enough to startle my Mom at one point can you guess when?!?

But Rem appears in the thumbnails for 19 and 20 so it'll be all right.
Thank God Almighty for the spoilers contained in future episode thumbnails.
Fuck you Nagatsuki, don't ever do this to Rem again. You can screw around with Subaru or Ram or Emilia or Crusch or Puck or Rom or Felt or Reinhard or anyone else, Rem is off-limits.

Also I ended up spending about thirty minutes pacing after pausing the episode about midway through that scene with Subaru and Ram
My Mom was like "What are you doing?" and I had no answer beyond a pervasive feeling that life is meaningless and full of pain
I may have spent at least fifteen of those minutes fantasizing about some magical device that would enable me to enter Lugunica and rescue Rem during her fight with the whale
And then she'd say like "Who are you?" and I'd be like "I'm Snek" and she'd be like "Snek you're so much more amazing than Subaru" and I'd be like "Yeah, Subaru would be terrible for you, you deserve so much better"
And then we'd end up cuddling on a moonlit night in a beautiful meadow
This is now my happy mental space

[Tev]

-
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FJKLSDJFSKLDFJIOWEFJROIWEJFLKFHWUIERHWEIUGNMSVBSNB VHFHWEUIHFWUIEFHJKFBWEFHGWEUIFVBHGDQWYDHWFJKHEWFGW EHFHWEFHEUWHFKJSDFHDGHDFHGDSKJFHSDJKHWEUFHEWRFWEIF HEFJWHWEJHWEUFHFSDKJFBADHJGQWDGQWUIFHEWUIFHEWFEWFK JEWFHJWEFHEWFHEWUIFHEWFHEsDFjoiwqeuhJKFHWEUIRHEWFK JDFHhjkegheuirghuiohoeuhfgijwghrejghekjfheuighejrg hjkefhquifheqfhjkdvbkjdgbekjfghewuih2eurhejrsgkagh kjaghkdjasfhsdjkfhsdfjkhwuirewhrwehfweuwehfjwehfwe ufewhfjkwefhweuehrwefhasjkfhsakjfbsdajkvbasdjfhwea fhweuifhwefhkjSHFSDJKFHDSJFHSDKFHUEWIFHUEWHREWHEWR HEWRUHFJDHFjdfhasdjkfhasdjkasdfjkKDKDOdofiweofwejf rwjefkwejwaehfjaewhfjahfjksdhfjksdhfsdjkasjkfaskfj kDJSKFHEIUFEWJFEWFJEWHFJDSFJDfhsjafhsdjkfhjsafhawu erhawejkfjksdjdfhsjfhsjfhsjdfhweirhwieoajjkffhjFHJ DSFHSDFHSDJFHEUWRWQOEWSJKDJWEIREWJEIJSDJSFHJDHFEWH FFhsdjfhasjfafjhfbncbvhdfhwehfwauehiaSADJWIJWEIrwr aiouerwaioeruuuaworiaoieiweorioeaioaeifasifsaifsfi JFKDSFHSDKFSFJKJKFSasfaskjfsancsbaherweauiofhafhsb ahfweuwahfJDFHSJDFHSDBFDSFUWEIHRWHJHSAHFEWRIERHEWF JHFSJDFHSDFHEWIURHWHWEJHfadfsfaggewewagreghaasdfgr reyretragergreehthgagaggwerrgrgeergrewaa
SHE FORGOT REM TOO WHAT?!?!?!?!?

what
what
what
what
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
WHAAAT
rem
rem
Rem
reeem
remremremremremremremremremrem
remremremremremremremremremremrermermermermermerme rmermeremremrmermermeremrmermermermermermermermerm ermeremremremremremremremremremremrermremrermeremr emrermermeremremremrermeremremremeremremremremremr emremremremremremrem
REMREMRMEMREMREMEMREMREMEMREMRERMERMREMREMREMREMRE MREMREMREMERMREMREMREMREMREMREMREMREMREMREM
Remremremremremrermermermermeremremremmrermermerme rmermermeremremremremremremremremremremrermermerme rmemrermermermermermerrmermermeremremrememremremem remremremremremremremrememremremermeremremremermer mermermermremermermremremremremremremremremremremr rem

NAGATSUKI YOU ARE DEAD
I kill you
I kill you
I kill you
I KILL YOU
I KILL YOU
I KILL ALL OF YOU
I KILL ALL OF YOU
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL SUBARU KILL NAGATSUKI KILL RAM KILL EVERYONE KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL
KILL KILL KILL KILL

why would you all do this to me
Wwwwhhhhhyyyyyyyy
I can't
I can't take it

This has to be something Subaru can reverse. It has to be.
It has to be. Unless those scenes in the OP music were lying...
Could Nagatsuki actually be so heartless? Could they have actually all faked those scenes? No, no, no, no, NO, NO, no, no, no, NO, NO, no, NO, Nooooo
Thaaaaaat's the reaction I was waiting for. :dance:

[Solid Snake]

You are a cruel person.

[Gregness]

I am not enough of a masochist to enjoy Re:Zero any more

You mentioned something in chat about a way I could have 'gotten' you better with one of the wisecracks I made, but I'm not actually all that interested in 'getting' you at the moment 'cause there's times I'm genuinely worried you're gonna drop the show.

[Solid Snake]

You mentioned something in chat about a way I could have 'gotten' you better with one of the wisecracks I made, but I'm not actually all that interested in 'getting' you at the moment 'cause there's times I'm genuinely worried you're gonna drop the show.

Oh, don't be ridiculous, Gregness. We both know the author is simply allowing all these terrifying events to occur in every single goddamn episode without so much as a moment's respite from the insanity because the author has to tear down Subaru in order to ensure that he recognizes that Rem is his true love, and once he saves Rem and Rem exists again he will surely declare his everlasting eternal affection for her and Snek will love this show again

...That is what's going to happen, right?
That is what I'm telling myself will happen.

[Tev]

You are a cruel person.I love you too Snake.

But anyway, the White Whale arc was, in my opinion, the most insane arc of the season. After that, I feel things just kind of gently coasted to a standard anime non-conclusion so as to leave open the door for season two. So, not to spoil anything, but expect interesting, if calmer seas ahead.

[_mike]

...has to tear down Subaru in order to ensure that he recognizes that Rem is his true love, and once he saves Rem and Rem exists again he will surely declare his everlasting eternal affection for her and Snek will love this show again.

This is the logic of a yandere, Snek. Please don't fully give in to madness for the entertainment of your internet friends.

[Solid Snake]

This is the logic of a yandere, Snek. Please don't fully give in to madness for the entertainment of your internet friends.

Bad logic is Subaru believing he's entitled to Emilia's affections just because, in his warped and distorted mind, she was the first attractive woman he ran into in the fantasy world, therefore she must be the love interest. Bad logic is Subaru believing that a good deed or a heroic action from him necessitates Emilia reciprocate his misplaced affections. Bad logic is creating an entity capable of erasing people from existence just to torture people who love the objective Best Character.

By contrast to all those illogical disasters, Subaru and Rem have an actual meaningful bond together. Watch the end of Episode 11 again. Then watch the pivotal moments of Episode 15, or 17, or any episode where Subaru and Rem interact after Episode 11. That is how good people who really like each other support each other.

I do not know what logic of mine you're referring to as 'yandere.' I do not care. I am not doing this for anyone's entertainment. If I wanted to be entertaining maybe I'd just ship Subaru with Reinhard or Crusch or something outlandish and unsubstantiated just to generate fun reactions to wacky theories.

This is real, dammit. I am on the front lines. The front lines of True Love, and the enemy is all those who do not understand what love is or how romantic compatibility works. Convincing an undecided person of the merits of the true divine pairing is akin to convincing a diehard conservative to understand the impacts of climate change, or a diehard creationist to understand the validity of evolution. It simply must happen, for the preservation of society as a whole, people must understand basic logic, facts must still have a place in all narratives.

It is mad to fight against the truth; to disown truth is its own perilous blasphemy.

[Gregness]

If I wanted to be entertaining maybe I'd just ship Subaru with Reinhard or Crusch or something outlandish and unsubstantiated just to generate fun reactions to wacky theories.


Not even gonna (https://67.media.tumblr.com/14273c92b69c96d4c71104ed5420b2c8/tumblr_o92199bqfv1qehrvso2_500.gif) mention Felix? (https://67.media.tumblr.com/e366c3804f58ffe1c5d87619ff46b6f0/tumblr_o91bip9PCD1qa94xto1_500.gif)

[_mike]

No one said that yandere logic was necessarily bad, or that Subaru isn't a semi-delusional ass with a terrible conception of how love works who can only grow from his suffering. Hell, Subaru's dispair is what made me enjoy these episodes so very much.

But your phrasing brought to mind a girl in a dark room with a knife trying to make the boy she likes understand that he'll love her once the suffering is over. It's more an issue of impressions rather than of the substance of your views.

[Solid Snake]

Not even gonna (https://67.media.tumblr.com/14273c92b69c96d4c71104ed5420b2c8/tumblr_o92199bqfv1qehrvso2_500.gif) mention Felix? (https://67.media.tumblr.com/e366c3804f58ffe1c5d87619ff46b6f0/tumblr_o91bip9PCD1qa94xto1_500.gif)

Both Reinhard and Crusch are far better non-Rem options for anyone than Felix.



But your phrasing brought to mind a girl in a dark room with a knife trying to make the boy she likes understand that he'll love her once the suffering is over.

How delightfully appropriate (http://pa1.narvii.com/6129/5d46c6d1a71956380dc7e3987a6766604a1c3186_hq.gif)

[Gregness]

Both Reinhard and Crusch are far better non-Rem options for anyone than Felix.


Shit. I have reaction gifs for this, but they're from future episodes.

GET TO WATCHIN' SNEK!

[Solid Snake]

It isn't quite my preferred ship just yet or anything, as there's really no evidence in canon to support the pairing, but it randomly occurred to me on my flight today that perhaps the single most hysterical thing that could possibly happen to Subaru in a future episode would involve him learning that Emilia and Rem became a couple.

...Just watching him lose his mind over that would be glorious.

[Sithdarth]

It isn't quite my preferred ship just yet or anything, as there's really no evidence in canon to support the pairing, but it randomly occurred to me on my flight today that perhaps the single most hysterical thing that could possibly happen to Subaru in a future episode would involve him learning that Emilia and Rem became a couple.

...Just watching him lose his mind over that would be glorious.

Subaru and Julius Euclius are totally the one true pairing.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 18

...I didn't like this episode.
I didn't like it at all.

Here's what's strange: On the basis of a mild amount of relatively vague spoilers I had been exposed to prior to watching this episode, this is how I thought Episode 18 would go:

A: I'd love the episode at first. I'd be shouting "YES!" and talking all about how the animation was beautiful (it was) and the music was touching (it was) and how Rem and Subaru are perfect for each other and it's finally happening and yadda yadda.
B: I'd continue loving it until Subaru said the stupid, immature, nonsensical thing I suspected Nagatsuki would coerce him to say.
C: Then I'd scream "NO!" a zillion times and sulk over my ship sinking.
D: The optimist in me would frame the episode as a consequence of Subaru's immaturity and would hold out hope that he'd eventually grow up and see the truth. The pessimist in me would threaten to give up on the show or just throw one of those melodramatic frenzied fits over how Nagatsuki was stupid to inadvertently write the perfect romance only to yank it all away from us.

(...Coincidentally, I thought based on the spoilers I'd read that Subaru would simply reject Rem's affections and they'd move on as friends. I did not think he'd be so stupid as to reaffirm a love for Emilia, given that they haven't even canonically interacted since Episode 13. Subaru's declaration for Emilia is awful, I really hated it as it happened, but it isn't even what I want to talk about, or what I really object to.)

...So, that's what I thought would happen, and what I braced myself for.
Instead, I got an Episode that was far, far worse.
And what really aggravates me most is, just reading others' reactions to this episode and what everyone else complained about in their criticisms and reviews of Episode 18, I really don't feel that my perspective on this episode, or Re:Zero as a whole at this juncture, is shared by anyone.

I'm going to share my thoughts anyway, albeit in a different format than usual because I really don't feel like I captured why I disliked this episode adequately in my set of initial in-the-moment reactions.

While the art and the voice acting and the music and all the production values were phenomenal, I hated pretty much every moment of the episode after Subaru brought Rem to those Roman ruins. This reaction surprised me. I went into this all thinking I'd at least enjoy the first half or so of the dialogue, particularly given that Rem was there, and Rem's always been the best.

But everything was just...awful. And bizarrely, it wasn't only Subaru who was awful. Rem was kind of awful, too! That was surprising.

Allow me to elaborate:

1: I don't object to Subaru's initial plan to run the hell away at all. His experiences were bound to break him sooner or later. What I do object to is how lazy it felt, and how unrealistic it felt, for Subaru to practically propose marriage to Rem during that sequence, before the two had any opportunity to even explore their feelings for each other, before the two dated or had any interactions I'd describe as genuinely romantic.

Mind you, I ship these two! You'd think I'd be thrilled to watch Subaru confess a desire to run away and spend his life with her, right? But it was all so sudden. I know it's not sudden from Subaru's perspective but it certainly was sudden from Rem's, and even Subaru hadn't really processed any of these emotions while having the crap kicked out of him in the other worldlines.

What I wish happened here was that Subaru should've told Rem he was running away and possibly offered for her to join him, if only to prevent her from dying or being erased from existence, like maybe he could insinuate her life was in jeopardy too without describing the true nature of his resurrection powers. But I wish that plea to run away didn't also include Subaru propositioning Rem, then and there, to practically marry him and live with him. That's inconceivably stupid. Even knowing Rem liked him, a crush and about a week to a month's worth of unrequited glances and 'Subaru kawaii!' comments doesn't justify that.

2: But then, even under the pretense of refuting Subaru's logic and challenging him from running, Rem proceeds to destroy her own independence and her own agency as a human being by buying into the fantasy.

And it actually becomes genuinely creepy, even for her, and she's one of my favorite animated characters ever! She starts talking about living with him in a new nation and even begins detailing what their children would be like. This whole sequence might've worked if it was just Rem imagining the fantasy in her own head, we all have overactive imaginations when it comes to people we're crushing on, but as an overt declaration made verbally to Subaru it is so weird. It is completely out of character for her, given how she's generally been the shy one compared to Ram, and nothing Rem's experienced in her current continuity justifies it. Maybe as she's dying in Episode 15, if she were in slightly better shape while she was in Subaru's arms, she could gush about this fantasy and it would feel organic and well-placed as a final confession of her innermost desires.

And it just keeps going. She's going to stay on his side as they grow old, she's going to love him even as their children grow cold and distant...
...I was known back in my days as an idealistic young'un as the one in my group of guy friends who made all the most cringeworthy confessions of fairy tale style 'True Love' to my unrequited crushes but even in my worst moments of singing half-baked songs or writing gushy poems I wasn't like this.

It's just so much, it's utterly unearned...
...and it strips Rem of her humanity.

3: I really liked Rem in earlier episodes because she was presented as her own person, with her own flaws and issues to overcome, with her own tragic backstory and her own personality and attitude. She was never just Subaru's designated love interest, I never felt like she was portrayed as just a sort of perfect Guardian Angel / doting fangirl of Subaru's.

By contrast, the circumstances that led her to love Subaru felt organic and natural. She falls for him at the end of Episode 11 because, around her, Subaru isn't the same delusional, manipulative jerk he's been around Emilia. Subaru lets his guard down with Rem because he views her as a person and not just the designated love interest, and so he relates to her on a level that's profound and moving and that exposes both their vulnerabilities but gives them both a chance to heal and grow together.

And Rem works so well between her introduction and Episode 17 because she feels fully realized as a person who falls for Subaru, but whose attraction to him isn't 'preordained' by fate or the Gods or some other fictional trope. Hell, she spends the first few episodes distrusting and suspicious of Subaru and kills him in a couple worldlines as she perceives him to be a threat to Emilia and Roswaal. It wasn't exactly a moment full of mercy for her, either. She's a demon, after all, so it's within the realm of her characterization to be a bit brutal and cruel to those she perceives as enemies -- particularly enemies affiliated with the Cult that burned down her hometown and killed nearly everyone she knew as a child.

Subaru's initial challenge in those worldlines was to try to find a way to convince Rem that he was an ally and not an enemy -- and when he does, he exposes himself in a such a way that Rem's attraction to him is based not on some fantastical interpretation of his heroism or his character but rather on the fullness of his flaws and broken nature. That worked. It worked so well! I will always love Episode 11.

But this...this is a real regression for Rem. It doesn't make any sense to me. I can't fully wrap my mind around it. I can only think of one explanation for it...and it makes me angry to dwell on it.

4: This whole sequence feels like Tappei Nagatsuki attempting to force his hand and sink a ship that organically grew from well-written chemistry between two characters who played off each other's warts and flaws effortlessly in places like Episode 11 by reframing the realization of their love as the immature and selfish option. Even Rem realizes that in the context of Subaru's pleas to run and that's ultimately why she opposes the notion.

But it's bizarre for the pairing to even be framed like this.

5: I keep reading online that people perceive Rem's confession and her longwinded imaginary detour into old age as heartfelt.
...It didn't ring as heartfelt to me. It seemed hollow and denigrating to her. It reduced her from her own person to just 'Subaru's staunch and devoted love interest' and it...

...even more so than last episode (ironically!), it felt like Nagatsuki was erasing Rem from existence. Like, now she's just going to be this unwavering lover of all things Subaru, free of criticism or condemnation even when it's earned, free of any of the nuance we've seen from her in the past, just kind of drooling over him and dreaming about him as if Subaru has always been and will always be the sole thing that defines her and gives her meaning.
...Like, where even was her beloved sister Ram in her fantasy?!?

I always liked Rem's crush on Subaru because I didn't really think it'd consume her like this. It's sad that it reached this level and it's sad that Subaru, in his moment of weakness, actually feeds into this delusion. The whole thing feels exceedingly poorly written. Real people aren't like this. Well-created characters in fictional narratives, even harem animes, shouldn't really be like this. Rean Schwarzer in Trails of Cold Steel has his massive harem of girls from all walks of life with monstrous crushes on him (http://legendofheroes.wikia.com/wiki/Rean_Schwarzer/Relationships) (seriously, just look up all his 'bonding events' with them on Youtube) but none of them give up their own independent hopes and dreams and agency as unique human beings just for the off-chance he'll reciprocate romantic feelings.

Maybe, just maybe you could argue that Subaru's been broken down repeatedly through a series of existential agonies that suddenly everything's been laid bare for him to such an extent that this doesn't look so crazy...but to Rem, who has none of those memories and who barely has reason to believe she has any reason for running, this is all fucking crazy. It's unprompted and unprovoked and it's needlessly destroying an excellent ship.

It angers me so much. I know you didn't expect this reaction from me but goddamn it, I always prefaced my desire for a confession between these two with the hopes that it'd be well-written and realistic and convincingly sensible.

6: Weirdly enough, Subaru actually showing the conviction (even if it's misplaced and selfish) to bark back at Rem for insinuating he was just 'giving up' without cause was one of my favorite moments in this episode.

I think that's actually because Subaru is actually standing up to what I'll call 'Angelic Rem', this notion that this iteration of Rem who loves Subaru so unconditionally is so attuned somehow to the circumstances of Subaru's suffering, that she's so compassionate and so considerate and so effortlessly perfect. Subaru actually reminds her and the viewer that's not the case, and that his trauma is much deeper than what Rem can reasonably speculate, and in a weird way it also casts even further doubt on Rem's fantasy delusions because it shines a harsh spotlight on the fact that she's descending into such baseless fairy-tale lunacy without even comprehending where Subaru's irrational mental breakdown is coming from.

Later, Subaru rants about Rem not knowing him as well as she thinks she does, and I actually agree with Subaru there too! Subaru's had this whole past on Earth before he arrived in Lugunica that Rem knows next to nothing about. It's strange to watch 'Angelic Rem' speak with such confidence and authority as to the depth of Subaru's character when she's seen him act shallow and manipulative nearly as much as she's seen him be brave, heroic, compassionate or endearing.

The irony here is that Subaru spends much of this being realistically harsh on himself, as he should be in order to encourage his character growth through persevering through the realizations of his failures and inadequacies...and Rem threatens to undo that potential growth by talking him up into the generic harem-style unwavering protagonist he shouldn't be. Subaru is reaching a breaking point that could actually be constructive to his long-term goals if he works through it and Rem might well prevent that with some big-shot hero speech.

...My God, I'm siding with Subaru and against Rem on something.
This episode is just Snek's-in-Opposite-Land in so many ways.

7: We finally get to a part of Rem's confession that I actually appreciate, where she reveals the positive traits she's seen in him during their past interactions that led her to fall for him. That's nice! I wish we didn't spend ten minutes in fantasyland before reaching this point, as this is actually the context that underlines my appreciation for Rem and Subaru as a pairing, but by now it just feels too little too late, and I've spent too much time feeling let down by the previous sequence to feel the emotions I should be feeling when Rem tries to heal Subaru's emotional wounds with praise here.

Even still, what I dislike here is how so much of Rem's speech to Subaru is based on her assumptions about him. She's falling into the old bad author's trap of telling us information about Subaru's character without showing us. Simply stating that Subaru would 'never give up' doesn't make that so, and a single example of Subaru caring about villagers or saving Rem in Episode 11 isn't enough of a sample size to drive her point home.

...You know what this really feels like? It feels like a Season Five style monologue for Rem to give Subaru that's been dropped in Season One for some reason. This would be perfect to hear after Rem's known and cared for Subaru for months or even years and after they've faced all kinds of trials together. This would be perfect for her to share with him before they confront the Final Boss, before they reach their tale's ending, when Subaru faces threats so paralyzing that even after standing firm for years on end he finally reaches a true breaking point. Here it's just...this weird climax moment while we still haven't defeated the first of the seven sins. To say Tappei Nagatsuki struggles with pacing issues at this juncture would be a massive understatement; this is him pigeon-holing dialogue from Chapter 77 into Chapter 18.

8: Beyond all that, I'm disappointed that Nagatsuki didn't utilize this as an opportunity to give Subaru depth with a genuine Earth backstory. Instead it's just him generically ranting about having accomplished nothing before reaching Lugunica. I may be alone in this, but I want Subaru to have a unique backstory that differentiates him from other shut-in nerds, not just be an everyman we can all see parts of ourselves in. Shouldn't he have a family to miss by now, a friend to speak highly of, a favorite TV show or anime or videogame he misses? Isn't there anything we can give him so he'll stop being so paper-thin and boneless, a walking cliche built upon lifeless cliches?

9: There's about a minute or two packed in here that I really did like, and it's the actual meat of what I'll call Rem's "real confession" around the 18 minute mark. It's just superficial enough that it actually works in a human way -- she's not talking about any larger-than-life fantasies or any way-too-deep infatuation but about the small, subtle physical attributes and gestures she appreciates in him, the little moments where she loses herself in feelings for him.

That's real. That's genuine. That's authentically how crushes work. It's a little corny, sure, but it works so much better than anything before it did. It works much better than all of Rem's misplaced assumptions of Subaru's virtuous character. It works because it shows a certain perceptiveness I've always appreciated in Rem, that she picks up on these tiny signs of Subaru's fundamentally goodhearted (albeit miserably imperfect) nature through something as simple as the way he walks.

It's simple and human and endearing and exactly how two young, inexperienced prospective lovers might describe the traits they appreciate and it encapsulates everything I loved about this pairing before this episode.

These are wonderful things Rem actually knows about Subaru, and it's actually the most fitting way for her to rebuild his demoralized psyche...
...which is why Nagatsuki and the artists have to ruin that moment less than two minutes later.

"When Subaru is all immature and blurts that he really loves some other girl who just rejected his sorry ass and who he barely even knows?" you inquire.
NOPE!! It's ruined when Rem proudly declares she sees Subaru as her 'hero' and then a flock of goddamned cliche birds fly behind her reinforcing that...
...she's Angel Rem.
Or maybe Aerith Rem or something.
Like, this is all it: This is her purpose now. She's just going to talk Subaru up, in a way that doesn't even really address his needs or offer him genuine consolation; she's just going to praise him and refuse to call him out on his shortcomings; she's just going to become the perfect member of the Subaru harem that Subaru probably imagined he'd garner in this fantasy world the moment he realized he was the protagonist in a fantasy RPG.

You know what's really sad? If Emilia's going to keep calling Subaru out when he behaves like a misogynistic, manipulative asshole, and Rem won't, maybe Emilia is better for him at the end of the day, at least there's something fundamentally human in having a partner who challenges you when you're delusional and who forces you to own up and accept responsibility for your most egregious mistakes.
...I can't believe I just typed that.
This episode is making me lose my fucking mind.

10: There are still so many little things about Rem and Subaru that I appreciate, in spite of all this. When Rem spoke about Subaru rescuing her and 'unfreezing' her heart, I was genuinely touched. I knew it was true and that her affections for Subaru were real in a way I had suspected since the days I typed long borderline-incoherent rants about how adorable the two were in Episodes 11 and beyond.

But by the time Subaru muttered the insensitive sentence that upset everyone else in Episode 18 I was actually relieved. I was relieved because this was not the way I wanted this romance to begin, this episode just felt so off and forced and cliche to me that I just wanted it all to end before anyone did anything else that was stupid.

It's possible Subaru and Rem could still end up together, but it for to really work, it has to earned in a lot more than just a few episodes (and really, just a few weeks of time for Rem, who is oblivious at this juncture to all Subaru's worldline shenanigans.)

Subaru needs to man up and actually defeat a few of these Cultists, starting with Sloth. He needs to be more mature and more decent before this will feel right. For her part, Rem needs to discover a way to more effectively balance her real feelings for Subaru with a bit of self-care. Because when Rem describes how Subaru saved her, it's like...yeah, it's great that you finally woke out of your decades-long slumber Rem, but if anything your single-minded dedication to Ram and now Subaru shows a disturbing pattern of co-dependency, and you're so much more than just someone's sister or lover. Your identity is not found in your work as an associate of Roswaal's or buried in the ashes of your home village or as Subaru's beloved wife destined to die in his arms. You'd be just as awesome a person even if Ram and Subaru both had terrible run-ins with that existence-erasing White Whale.

Bonus Thoughts:

- That "No...from Zero!!!" line from Rem with the conveniently-placed sun in the background sure was cringeworthy. Those kinds of moments work when they feel like authentic representations of chemistry (like, you know, that moment with the sunlit window at the end of Episode 11) but when it's forced, it's ugly.

- Subaru genuinely believing to appear that whatever it is he feels for Emilia at this juncture constitutes 'love' and not lust is still disturbing. The fact that Rem's affections for Subaru shouldn't really constitute 'love' at this juncture either or be defined in that way doesn't change the fact that Subaru's somehow even more immature about Emilia. At least there's a sensible basis for Rem's feelings for Subaru, even if she's erring a bit in turning the raw lust for him Up to Eleven with some Romeo and Juliet-esque melodrama.

- "You are a cruel man, Subaru. You ask all this of someone you just rejected?"
...At least Rem got one great zinger in there at the end.
But of course she will help him, and lose her own dreams and her own agency in the process, and she'll continue to love him dearly too, because this is going to be a continuation of Angelic Rem in a boring harem route with a boring harem anime protagonist.

Re:Zero could have been something so much more, but it looks like we're going to get a generic fantasy story anyway. That's the real tragedy. I bought into this notion that Re:Zero was going to tell a truly unique story that hadn't been told before. Now Re:Zero feels like the same kind of story I've read from countless other authors.

If this is just going to end with either Rem sacrificing herself for Emilia and Subaru's fairy-tale ending, OR Rem and Emilia both happily joining half the rest of the cast on the Subaru's Eventually Perfect Harem Train, get me the hell off this ride now, I'd rather watch better anime.
...But of course, we don't know that, we can't know that yet, and I'm not sure how patient I can be waiting for years before we even have an answer.

- There's still hope for Rem to remain Best Waifu but she needs some new friends and a new perspective on life to help her achieve her own dreams. She's still a great character and I maintain that her infatuation with Subaru is somewhat justified, BUT ironically she's a lot more like Subaru than I anticipated: Just as Subaru is at his worst when solely preoccupied with thoughts of his beloved Emilia, Rem is at her worst when it's all about him.
...She needs a mission with someone like Crusch or Reinhard to give her some bonding time with someone else.

Sorry for the Wall, but it wouldn't be a Snekpost without one.
I'll keep y'all posted if I do watch more episodes. I'm not sure whether I will just yet. It feels like Re:Zero and I are headed in very different directions and that may not be such a bad thing.

[shiney]

Watch the rest of the show. It really starts to hit its stride in this upcoming arc and is worth it. The action scenes are superb and the character development continues its impressive streak. Episode 18 is the pivotal turning point for Natsuki Subaru.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 18 is the pivotal turning point for Natsuki Subaru.

A slightly more competent Subaru wouldn't be a bad thing, but your attempt to console me has actually conveyed the one potential plot twist I'm most afraid of witnessing in the next several episodes, which is this creepy pep talk from Rem being played straight as an unambiguously good thing that resets Subaru into true hero protagonist status, complete with the inerrant planning and the sudden shift into a series of inexplicable victories and everyone who previously despised Subaru now suddenly likes or even just tolerates him and he's given an ever-growing harem of infatuated gals for his efforts.

At any rate, I'll watch another episode or two before making any definitive conclusions.
Relying on this kind of trope to convey 'instant character development' is lazy, it'd have been far better for Subaru to keep failing but gradually improving in new worldlines and show him very gradually maturing as he figured out the rules and tenets of the new civilization he's in and, y'know, a healthy and appropriate relationship with someone like Rem, if she was written like a real human being and not dangerously skirting the line of yandere-style unhealthy co-dependency, wouldn't hurt either.

[Gregness]

Episode 18

...I didn't like this episode.
I didn't like it at all.

*snip*

Sorry for the Wall, but it wouldn't be a Snekpost without one.
I'll keep y'all posted if I do watch more episodes. I'm not sure whether I will just yet. It feels like Re:Zero and I are headed in very different directions and that may not be such a bad thing.

Okay, so there's a lot to unpack here, and I mentioned some of what I'm about to say the other day in chat, but I'll do my best to flesh out any repeats. I think the best way for me to go about this is to give some brief comments on your bullet points, then get into the big discussion.

1. I think if you treat this the same as you would a 'normal' marriage proposal, you're going to miss some of what's going on here. What exactly is 'inconceivably stupid'? I'm not just being rhetorical here. Asking Rem to run away with him is incredibly rash. It's 'stupid' in the way that people at the end of their metaphorical ropes are stupid, but that's not the way you're using the term here. You use the word 'justify' when talking about it, but he's not trying to 'justify' it. He's offering Rem what he thinks she wants in exchange for following him.

2. I don't think Rem's buying into the fantasy strips any of her agency (any agency of hers that is gone is related to something else I'll get into later). Now, this is me reading subtext into your post a bit, but it seems to me like you're taking her whole train of thought as her being swept up in the moment. As if Subaru asked his question and her brain shorted out from cardboard cutout girl-dreams. Instead, it's all just the build up to her refusing him. It's not 'pretense' as you put it. It's delivered with the same emotional arc as 'of course I've considered it, but...' and it's full of hopeless romantic fantasies because she's a hopeless romantic. Sure, from her perspective it's quick, but at the same time in-show it's been like a month or so? It'd be weirder if she hadn't fantasized given how hard she was crushing. Regardless, the choice was on Rem here, and she chose to refuse him. Your assertion is that her making a choice is robbing her of agency?

One last note I may or may not get back to later vis-a-vis this being out of character for her: 'reserved' is not the same as 'shy' (I'm not actually sure 'reserved' is the right word either, but Rem is definitely not 'shy').

3. This is closely related to the last one, so I'll just keep going I guess. The crux of this point seems to be that Rem's behavior here actually removes depth she'd acquired to this point? This is kind of weird to me since just taking the episode's events at face value, you have Rem being offered the only thing she's really wanted for herself since she was a child, and exercising the towering force of will necessary to not only refuse it, but give the pep talk to end all pep talks that makes it less likely for her to get it since Rem (and everyone else with eyeballs) knows how Subaru feels about Emilia. That kind of self-sacrifice has certainly been amply established as being in-character in a physical sense, given the beatings she's taken over the last few episodes, but now we see emotional endurance as well.

4. I think you have some weird ideas about what happened here. What she says when she refuses is "If you could wish for that future with a smile, I would be truly happy to die that way... But I cannot. Because I know that if we run away together now I would be leaving behind the Subaru that I love most." That's not about whether or not their love is selfish, it's about her knowing that if Subaru leaves now he won't be the same Subaru. So, uh, that's maybe a kind of selfish on her part? But I don't think that's what you meant. She knows that this isn't what he really wants, he's just at the end of his rope.

5. This... seems like more of the same from the last few points. Safe to say, I don't agree that her... uh... reverse-browbeating(?) Subaru into not doing the thing he started the episode set on doing somehow reduces her agency or personhood (more than it was already, I'll get to that later).

6. Again, don't think of Rem's fantasies as delusions. Consider it from the angle that she knows she's going to turn him down, and she knows what all that means for the future. It's more of a 'let me have this, just for a moment'.

7. If this is the part I'm thinking of, there's not really any assumptions there. She's saying 'I know you'll never give up, because you didn't give up on me.' Well, no assumptions except for the ones baked into that sentiment, but it's not baseless from her perspective, anyway.

8. Subaru having a genuine backstory is counterproductive to his purpose as a character. He's a deconstruction of a self-insert.

9. Yes, I thought the flock of birds was a bit much, myself, but the rest of this hardly describes anything found in the actual episode. Doesn't address his needs? He needs someone to pump him up right now. No genuine consolation? She counters his 'I am completely no good to anyone' with 'you've been good to me. I am the proof.' The bit about her not calling him out on his flaws is just you fearing for the future and giving in to hyperbole I think. Rem's never been shy about admitting his faults before, and when he's in the middle of a breakdown is maybe an okay time to not bring them up, yeah?

10. While I'm not going to say that Subaru's reply to all that isn't insensitive, from his perspective it's an 'I need to be honest and explicit with you for a second, that way we all know what we're getting into.' Even though it's crazy to still be so fixated on Emilia after everything he and Rem have been through (granted, love can be pretty crazy), he cares for and respects her enough to not lead her on.


Okay, shit, lemme gather myself up after all that...

Regarding Subaru and 'love' versus 'lust', one thing that's relevant here is that in Japanese, there's three common ways to say you 'love' someone. There's a lot of good discussion about it in the various subthreads here (https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/4vi2mg/spoilers_rezero_kara_hajimeru_isekai_seikatsu/d5ylqm7/), but I'll try and sum it up. "Suki desu" is roughly 'I like [THING]'. You can use suki with objects, food, and the like and it has the usual connotations as in english. Use it with a person, and it usually means 'I like like you', and so is often translated as 'love' based on context. "Daisuki desu" is literally 'big like', and when used with a person means a proper 'I love you' like you'd say to a boyfriend or girlfriend. At the high end, you have "Aishiteiru" which is getting into some Romeo and Juliet 'you are my one true love' levels, to the point that the commenters in that thread say that some people are uncomfortable using it a lot/in public. So, to bring this back around, Subaru used 'suki' when telling rem how he felt about Emilia. You can take that, as I suggested above, as him just being completely straight with Rem, or maybe more optimistically for Rem, you can take it as something like 'I need to work out my feelings on this', but the way I understand it it's not intended to be taken as a stalker thing.

I think I'll save the 'Is Rem the ultimate waifu, or not' question for after the series, as I started going off on tangents writing it out just now and this shit is long enough as it is. ::V:

What I will say is that I think you're right that Rem is showing co-dependent tendencies in the way that her old fixation on her sister seems to have been focused on Subaru, but it also could be that that's because the last time Rem and Ram actually had any interaction was what? Seven episodes ago? With the series as focused as it is on Subaru's perspective and the way it follows him through loops it kind of plays hell on our ability to get accurate reads on the interactions between characters who aren't in-focus at times.

I think what all that leaves me with, is that while some parts of this episode were exasperating, (http://i.imgur.com/sRXstZk.jpg) Rem demonstrated the strength of character to refuse something she desperately wanted (http://i.imgur.com/28itIek.jpg) because she knew it would be settling. Even the co-dependent vibes serve to add depth that are consistent with her character before now. While the birds may have been a bit hokey, this part (http://i.imgur.com/DSTDilU.jpg) just a couple minutes later served to really hammer in the 'the dawn has come' atmosphere. Rem exercised her agency in turning Subaru down, and in so doing drove out the darkness that has been Subaru hitting rock bottom over the last few episodes.

I agree that a "supporting cast's night out" with Crusch and Ram and Reinhardt kicking the shit out of, just, all the monsters would be fucking amazing.

And a bonus (http://i.imgur.com/b8QpZGP.jpg) because I couldn't think of a more clever place to link this.

I'm just gonna end with 'keep at it'. It's worth seeing this through to the end, even though I'm not really wanting to say anything else for spoilers.

[Solid Snake]

It's worth noting before I dive into this headfirst that I actually agree with more of your points than you might anticipate, the nature of this conversation is going to be argumentative and focus on areas of dissension by default but I did find a few of your points convincing enough to lead me to a slightly gentler assessment of Episode 18.

It's also worth mentioning that part of the impetus for my objections to Episode 18 stemmed not from objective criticisms but from a more subjective disappointment that the 'Rem Confession' scene, which I suspected was inevitable from the start, played out quite differently in my head than it did on screen. I actually anticipated that Subaru would reject Rem (at least for now, and despite all my misgivings toward him for making such a stupid decision) but I still expected that I'd really like Rem at the end of it all.

The damage the episode did to my impressions of my favorite character, and how the author wanted to write her and the role he wanted to play, really just set me off down Vitriol Avenue. I think I wanted Rem to show human flaws and act angry or call Subaru out for some of his bullshit regarding his misplaced affections for Emila in a constructive way, and instead I got Angelic Rem with the only humanization to her characterization present in the flaw of codependency, which STILL ends up giving Subaru a pass because her one flaw is all about elevating him beyond his station. Like, in the end, Episode 18's saving grace was Subaru actually being really hard on himself for a change, and had he not criticized himself the episode would have been far, far worse.

Anyway:

1. I think I mentioned this in my Wall, but I actually have no objections to Subaru wanting to run away in the wake of what he's going through. That isn't what I was referencing as 'inconceivably stupid.'

My objection was Subaru trying to entice Rem with what amounted to a "Let's live together / let's get married" style offer. In the context of how long they've known each other (not that long) and how long she's really liked him (even less long), it's just stupid. It's arguably even worse with Subaru confessing mere moments later that he loves Emilia because the offer is unnecessarily deceptive and manipulative on his part. Assuming Rem could have accepted the offer to leave under any circumstance because of her affection for him, merely offering to run away together with her, without all the extraneous fluff, would have been more appropriate given their respective circumstances.

"He's offering Rem what he thinks she wants in exchange for following him." I mean, that's part of the problem! Even in a moment of desperation, Subaru using someone else's romantic interest in him as a bargaining chip doesn't really give me much faith in all in his character's understanding of what love even is.

But, mind you, a large part of my negative reaction to this episode was drawing by my shipping fanboyism instead of any attempt to be objective as a critic. A lot of what I felt 'went wrong' here was the nature of Subaru's offer and Rem's reaction basically presenting the exact conditions where both Subaru's offer itself and Rem acceptance of the offer (as you noted) would be the ethically wrong choice. It felt like the author was giving himself cover to sink the ship with minimal resistance to its sinking. If this conversation had happened in another context it could have been different, and it circumvents, for example, a discussion between Rem and Subaru about the possibility of romance without framing that discussion on the fantasy of running away (after all, they could be a couple and continue to serve Roswaal.)

2. I don't object to Rem buying into the fantasy mentally, privately; I objected to her verbalizing it and losing herself down that rabbit hole for quite a large portion of the episode. It just struck me as unrealistic.
Then again, it's worth noting that despite shipping Rem and Subaru hardcore, I never got the impression Rem's feelings for him at this moment in time were that strong.

As for the "build up to her refusing him," I think a key distinction in our interpretations of Rem's 'rejection' is that you seem to view Rem as making the choice with the conscious knowledge that doing so would terminate the possibility of a relationship with Subaru. That's not how I interpreted it, particularly as Rem herself continues to praise him, declares her love for him and tells him everything she loves about him after her pseudo-'rejection.' I think Rem still indulges in the hope that he'll confess right back to her, and they'll remain some sort of couple in Roswaal's employ. I think that's a fantasy she indulges in as she turns him down and refuses to run.

In terms of agency, I view the unrealistically strong nature of Rem's feelings for Subaru at this juncture as something akin to an erosion of her agency. I'll concede she did choose not to run. But I think her 'choice' in that moment wasn't about valuing her responsibilities to Roswaal and Ram and Emilia over Subaru or making the pragmatic or 'ethical' choice when pressed; I think instead, as she herself elucidates while arguing with him, it's all about preserving her vision of him as the virtuous hero, and preserving the characteristics she finds most attractive in him. If he ran, she'd be confronted with a coward and the fantasy of him in her mind would be harder to maintain.

I also never really got the impression that Rem was much of a 'hopeless romantic' in previous episodes, the codependency argument as pseudo-justification for her harping on Subaru after he 'rescues' her strikes me as more accurate at this juncture. She seems pretty cold, calculating and pragmatic -- even around Subaru post-Episode 11.

"It'd be weirder if she hadn't fantasized given how hard she was crushing."
Again, I have no issue with her fantasizing about him, I just found it unbelievable that she'd go into such absurd amounts of imaginative detail verbally. That's the kind of stuff I wouldn't say to a girlfriend I had been actively dating and courting for several months, and I consider myself a pretty romantic person.

And, sure, she isn't shy, but she's also never been shown to be particularly assertive in pursuing Subaru before this sequence (unless you're counting a confession she makes with her dying breath.) She's been the type before to make comments about how 'kawaii' he is outside of his hearing range, or blush from some of his more lewd or suggestive comments, but she hasn't been like I imagine Crusch would be like. Crusch is the kind of character who I'd believe would see someone she likes and haphazardly throw herself into contention with some blunt, aggressive foreplay (akin to what she does to Subaru, actually, albeit with him specifically I interpreted it as more akin to her abusing his naivete to pull information out of him.)

3. But, you see, I don't think Rem really is refusing Subaru here; she's just refusing a version of Subaru she wouldn't be as attracted to anyway, and she's trying to build Subaru up to continue to fight instead of flee.
That's not her tossing herself out of the Subaru Romance Sweepstakes, though. I think in her mind she's still pretty passionate about wanting to see that happen.

But we're operating on different defintions of 'Rem's agency,' here. You're interpreting 'agency' within the narrow context of, "Is Rem capable of making her own choices or are others making those choices for her?" That's an argument that misses the crucial distinction with fiction; with fictional characters we have an extra layer, as the characters' own decisions are being led by the invisible, unseen hand of an author.

I'm more interested in asking about Rem's agency in the context of: "Is the author of this fictional character writing Rem believably as an independent character with her own goals and objectives, or is she just being written as a kind of a tool or an object with a static, flat personality whose sole purpose is to elevate the protagonist and offer him unconditional support?"

Because to me, in a more meta sense, when you write characters acting as selflessly and as 'angelic' as Rem appears to be here, you're eliminating their agency as unique individuals. If you write characters into positions where they act illogically, that erodes 'agency' in my mind.

Take some snippets from the Geek Feminism Wiki as an example of what I'm talking about:
Agency is the ability for a person, or agent, to act for herself or himself. A person who is not allowed to act for her/himself is lacking in agency, or is said to have been denied agency. In geek circles, women (real and fictional) often lack agency compared to their male counterparts...Fictional female characters who act at the behest of male characters, without any will of their own, lack agency.

Here, from Rem's perspective, Subaru is acting normally in the marketplace when he suddenly and inexplicably has what appears to be a mental breakdown. He grabs her hand and coerces her into running away with him for some time to some abandoned Roman-style ruins, where Subaru then proceeds to try to convince her to grab everything and run away, and not only should they run but if she runs with him he'll marry her and they'll live together. He does so in the context of appearing incredibly mentally unstable.
Mind you, at this juncture we know Rem's crushing pretty hard on Subaru and her interest in him is adorable, but most the times, if your crush suddenly and without explanation makes you this kind of offer and you haven't even dated each other or had a single authentic conversation about your feelings, this is the kind of thing that's going to lead women written capably as actual people to ask all kinds of questions.

Instead, Rem seems intuitively capable of understanding the exact nature of Subaru's suffering, expresses she has no interest (conveniently enough) in prying into the details, then gushes about the fantasy unrealistically before cutting back to reality with the intention not of reminding Subaru of her responsibilities so much as she's interested in reminding Subaru of the traits of his she admires most and how his decision would undermine his own virtue.

Here, she's less an actual human being -- asking the kinds of questions normal human beings would ask, even to someone in clear mental anguish -- and more a prop or a tool of the writer's to solve a jam with Subaru and further Subaru's character development. And that's in direct contrast to the kind of agency Rem actually expressed in previous episodes, where her interactions with Subaru felt a more dynamic give-and-take than this.

That's my opinion, anyway.

4.
"She knows that this isn't what he really wants, he's just at the end of his rope."
Again, my objection here is more centered around putting ourselves in Rem's shoes in that moment and asking ourselves whether it makes sense for a person to react that way given only what she's seen and experienced. Your explanation of her behavior here requires Rem to have made a whole lot of accurate assumptions about Subaru's soul-breaking experiences in other worldlines. From her perspective here, Subaru's been in relative peace and comfort since recovering from the injuries Julius inflicted way back when.

5. So the reason I'm repeating myself often with the points above is that I was rewatching the episode for a second time while writing my commentary and pausing the episode every few minutes to type my thoughts organically during the rewatch. Since I had already watched the episode once prior to that experience, I knew exactly how everything would go down and had a rough idea on what my objections would be, but I ended up typing very similar arguments at certain points as I felt specific lines of dialogue reinforced points I had previously typed.

6. Sorry but I do think it's kind of delusional to verbalize the hypothetical personalities of your children with someone who you haven't even dated yet.
And yeah, Rem goes that far. They're going to be cold and distant as they grow older, apparently! But by your own admission, Rem's fantasies are delusional because Rem herself knows they won't come true (at least in part, possibly, because Subaru doesn't quite feel that way about her.)
It's just not the way writers should write decently fleshed out women characters. Even in the context of her illogical fantasy, Rem's reduced to a doting housewife style figure supporting a man she loves, and his love for her is all she needs, and even long-lasting couples in happy marriages in the real world aren't that lost in a whirlwind of fairy-tale romance that they forfeit their own dreams and ambitions.

8. Every character should have a genuine backstory, even self-inserts, because the irony with self-inserts and their deconstructions is that we can relate to them more and not less when we know more subtle details about them, even if those subtle details don't perfectly match our own IRL experiences.
That's just my two cents though. I understand the underlying logic to leaving Subaru's history empty, I just disagree with it. I don't think it achieves the effect the author intended.

9. Regarding Subaru's flaws, I just really hope you're right.
It just felt like Episode 18 gave into a lot of tropes about the infallibility of the virtuous protagonist that I was hoping Re:Zero would continue to cut down and hack to pieces. The fear may ultimately prove misguided, but in the context of this episode it felt appropriate to raise those concerns.

10. I think we both, at various points in our arguments, fall into the trap of making assumptions for the characters' motivations that we should both probably be avoiding.
Like, in the context of what we watched there's really no way to tell whether Subaru blurts out that he loves Emilia in a spur-of-the-moment reaction at the wrong time that would be insensitive, or whether he's trying to be honest and explicit with her.

And a sidenote: Sure, love can be pretty crazy, but what Subaru feels for Emilia at this juncture is categorically not love. It's lust, it's attraction, it's something he may erroneously perceive as love, but love requires tangible commitment and a degree of intimacy and familiarity that Subaru and Emilia have never had. He's fond of Emilia, he may well really like her, but he doesn't love her. I still don't object to Subaru saying the phrase (particularly now knowing the Japanese he's invoking is a rather weak variant of 'love', and given Subaru's age and immaturity it makes sense he'd fuck this up like Romeo in Shakespeare), I think it's entirely within his characterization to do so, as much as it pains me to type that. But I'm more concerned that Tappei Nagatsuki as the author might genuinely believe that what Subaru feels for Emilia now truly constitutes 'love.'

Aaand by the time I get past your comments on Number 10 I realize you address this directly anyway, and it seems we have similar conclusions on all that.

In the end, I played myself: I bought into a false narrative in my mind about how things would go down and ultimately, a lot of my disappointment over this episode just relates to a wish that it had played out differently, and that Subaru and Rem were written a little differently. Beyond that, though, I have concerns about the future of the series as Episode 18 at least appears to be setting Subaru up for a stereotypical Triumphant Protagonist narrative where he gets his insecurities in perfect order just in time to lead the charge against the baddies, save the day and win Emilia's everlasting affections.
Will that actually happen? Maybe not, but even if it doesn't, it's sort of disappointing for a series that's been so deconstructive to include an episode that plays so many tropes painfully straight.

[Sithdarth]

Maybe not, but even if it doesn't, it's sort of disappointing for a series that's been so deconstructive to include an episode that plays so many tropes painfully straight.

It occurs to me that a trope can't be deconstructed unless you set it up first. Your characters or story have to follow the trope for at least some amount of time before you can start tearing it all down. For example the first couple episodes or so give you the distinct impression that Re: Zero is typical fantasy fare before it just isn't.

Now it's up to you to decide if going forward some of the tropes you see being played straight right now are deconstructed or not. I'm not going to say anything either way because there be spoilers.

[Gregness]

It's worth noting before I dive into this headfirst that I actually agree with more of your points than you might anticipate, the nature of this conversation is going to be argumentative and focus on areas of dissension by default but I did find a few of your points convincing enough to lead me to a slightly gentler assessment of Episode 18.

It's also worth mentioning that part of the impetus for my objections to Episode 18 stemmed not from objective criticisms but from a more subjective disappointment that the 'Rem Confession' scene, which I suspected was inevitable from the start, played out quite differently in my head than it did on screen. I actually anticipated that Subaru would reject Rem (at least for now, and despite all my misgivings toward him for making such a stupid decision) but I still expected that I'd really like Rem at the end of it all.

*snip*

In the end, I played myself: I bought into a false narrative in my mind about how things would go down and ultimately, a lot of my disappointment over this episode just relates to a wish that it had played out differently, and that Subaru and Rem were written a little differently. Beyond that, though, I have concerns about the future of the series as Episode 18 at least appears to be setting Subaru up for a stereotypical Triumphant Protagonist narrative where he gets his insecurities in perfect order just in time to lead the charge against the baddies, save the day and win Emilia's everlasting affections.
Will that actually happen? Maybe not, but even if it doesn't, it's sort of disappointing for a series that's been so deconstructive to include an episode that plays so many tropes painfully straight.

Let's see if I can group these by topic...

1. I'm pretty sure this is just a semantic disagreement, as I'm going to be repeating myself on this. Yes, offering to marry Rem if she runs away with him is stupid, but it's stupid in the way that characters at the end of their ropes so often are. 'Subaru doesn't even know what love is, why is he offering Rem marriage'. No shit, he's a dumbass NEET teenager. Of course he doesn't know a goddamn thing about real love. Why is that inconceivably stupid? That kind of stupid is very conceivable to me. ::V:

Like, for some reason this is a kind of stupid which is taking you out of the story, where I agree it's meant to be stupid, but more of an 'OH NO, THERE'S A MONSTER INSIDE THAT DOOR DON'T OPEN IT' kind of stupidity where the audience is invested because they know the ways shit's about to go wrong.

2-6 (a) Yeah, Rem considers herself definitely still in the running for the Subaru cup, and I didn't do a good job acknowledging that in my post, but at the same time, she knows this is basically her chance to take a free second or third place trophy, and she turns it down in large part because she wants to win the whole damn thing. But this is a choice she's making with the knowledge that losing is a real possibility.

(b) So, on this whole agency question, I started off by starting in on how your own definition of Agency seemed to agree with my interpretation more than yours, but I realized that that's not really the heart of the disagreement we're having here. Going down that road is just gonna be us talking past each other.

Instead: Why do you think that this 'angelic' behavior constitutes a loss of agency?

I think this is, if not the heart of it, closer to it than wherever I was gonna take this before hand. Throwing definitions of what is or is not agency is ancillary to this, though it is something she is choosing. It also doesn't represent a departure from what we've seen of her character previously.

If I can hazard a guess based on what's been said so far: agency was never the problem. You're worried about character depth instead. These are somewhat related, but you can certainly have shallow characters with lots of agency (Kirito, Kefka, etc.). So, you're afraid she's going to be a one-not cheerleader from here out. This episode required her to be a cheerleader, but that's not the same as a full regression in character.

10. I think you're probably right that I do that in some places (doubtlessly again in this post, too) but I don't think that specific instance is an example. For me, the way Subaru's VA changes the tone and inflection signal to me that it's an intentional 'being honest' moment. Now, part of being fluent in a language is knowing how to pick up on subtle cues and inflections and I am not even remotely a fluent Japanese speaker, but thankfully everyone is acting the shit out of their parts in this episode so when the slight waver in Subaru's voice that was there from 21-22 minutes is gone in favor of a very flat affect and slightly lower tone at 23:15 when he starts 'the line' I feel pretty safe in reading (hearing, whatever ::V:) that as a deliberate shift.

It occurs to me that a trope can't be deconstructed unless you set it up first. Your characters or story have to follow the trope for at least some amount of time before you can start tearing it all down. For example the first couple episodes or so give you the distinct impression that Re: Zero is typical fantasy fare before it just isn't.

Now it's up to you to decide if going forward some of the tropes you see being played straight right now are deconstructed or not. I'm not going to say anything either way because there be spoilers.

We usually see it the other way around, don't we? Madoka Magica spends so much time deconstructing only for the end to play it sorta straight. Evangelion deconstructs giant robots, only for most of that same crew to make Gurren Lagann later on.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 19

- So we immediately cut to Subaru offering an alliance to Crusch 'on equal terms.'
...Only, Subaru isn't in any position to offer an alliance as he has no standing as a member of Emilia's faction.
I suppose Rem could have that authority but I'm not really sure what Rem's even doing here in the first place beyond following her crush because Emilia or Roswaal wants *someone* keeping tabs on him.

- Subaru offers the White Whale's next appearance as a bargaining chip, but isn't that kind of akin to him outing himself as in league with the whale?!? How the hell else would he know anything about the White Whale? He can't tell them the truth.
If I'm Crusch this sounds fishy as fuck. I thought we were going to start seeing competent Subaru here but this actually makes me oddly hopeful that Subaru's just going to get his ass shut down for being an idiot again.

- ...Oh, now we get some flashback to Rem and Subaru at the ruins again.
At least they're going to fill us in on some pertinent details I suppose.
Rem indicates that Roswaal 'feared this could happen as well' but it sure seems to me as if Roswaal doesn't have any plan whatsoever to deal with the threat. I still don't trust Roswaal. Something is horribly off about him.

- What the hell are these "Magic stones found in Roswaal's domain, in Elior Forest." Am I supposed to know anything about this based on what I've seen in this show already?
...You see, this is why one of my major criticisms of Re:Zero is that we need to be shown more of the geography and history of Lugunica. Subaru could spout just about any name or title of a place or object and I'd shrug it off because yeah, I guess it could exist. But really, if we have no context for any of this, what's even the point?

- Now Subaru's negotiating for mining rights. This makes no fucking sense.
This isn't even Subaru flipping a switch to suddenly become competent, this is the author waving his magic wand and giving Subaru exactly what he needs to win the day, only it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for Subaru to act as if he's an arbiter capable of offering this. What if Emilia and Roswaal hear about Subaru's negotiations and say "Naaaah, we refuse to honor the bargain as Subaru's no agent of ours?"

- Wonderful. Subaru's somehow become capable of reading minds and understanding the exact intentions of all the involved parties.
...At least him utilizing the time of the cell phone to predict the White Whale's actions makes sense. But that opens up another giant can of worms, namely: The White Whale was following Subaru, so the time and place of its last appearance in the earlier worldline was due to Subaru and Rem acting on their plan to rescue Emilia as they did. So in this new worldline, where Subaru's already changing things around and enacting new plans, the White Whale should NOT appear in the same time and place.
I mean, for the White Whale to actually consistently appear we'd need to have some reasoning to expect that the White Whale is tied to a particular time and place with its movements and actions, like it's bound throughout all worldlines to act in a particular way or seek a particular static objective. If that's not the case, then Subaru's chosen a plan that should just backfire.

- Maaan Crusch has some terrible security if her rival Anastasia could just randomly show up at her own mansion and spy on her like that.
...Oh, okay, they were invited. But by Rem and not Crusch, so my complaint is still valid. For a candidate of the royal selection, Crusch needs better protection than this.

- It appears that Subaru trying to garner alliances against the White Whale is a more fruitful avenue than allying them to fight off the Cultists. But what is Subaru's plan to deal with the Cultists, anyway? If anything, the Cultists should be the more immediate threat to Emilia.

- I'm glad to learn that in the past day or so Subaru's taken a full course on Negotiating Mining Rights. I had to take a semester's worth of Contracts in Law School and it'd still take me much more time to negotiate such a deal with any legal finesse whatsoever.
For someone who knows nothing about this world, Subaru sure is instantaneously becoming a subject-matter expert at an convenient moment.

- I guess my criticisms are slightly negated by the reveal that Anastasia did much more of the planning than I anticipated, but that earlier scene when Subaru would've negotiated terms with Anastasia and learned everything he needed to know is crucial stuff, and so the pacing is just out of whack for that material to be skipped and just thrown at the audience like this. The earlier scene between Anastasia and Subaru that we didn't see is actually even more important as it was the crucial first step for him to making this all happen, and it's skipped?!?
Meanwhile, poor Rem's just been standing there, saying nothing. Great character development to reduce her to just Subaru's passive source of unwavering support and encouragement.

- "You are surprisingly shrewd, Natsuki Subaru."
Yeah, but you see, for me to believe that Subaru actually is shrewd and not just be told that he is out of left field, I needed to see so much more of the behind-the-scenes stuff that went into this than to just fast-forward to Subaru's moment of unearned triumph. Subaru mentions preparing for this moment and...we needed to see bits and pieces of that preparation.

- "Yes, you are truly wonderful, Subaru-kun."
That's it. That's it from Rem today.
...Shoot me now.

- Now even Wilhelm is thanking this chode.
Fuck my life and stab me with a skewer, this really is going to be some 'Subaru gets a pep talk and then he becomes magically perfect and saves the day as everyone's beloved hero!' bullshit.

- So Wilhelm's wife was killed by the White Whale, but Wilhelm still remembers her existence? Shouldn't he have forgotten all about her?!? Or is the White Whale just random and selective in applying the world-retcon powers?!?

- And so nine minutes into a new episode, Subaru has arranged a goddamn army to materialize out of thin air.
Great. Just great pacing. This sure feels like a well-earned victory.
At least Ferris is taking the opportunity to flirt a bit with Subaru, this is a new ship I could get behind.

- Rem's new role on this show is just to stand silently by Subaru and listen keenly to whatever bullshit he's spouting. She's just there. Maybe once in a while she gets to spout some line where she's in awe of Subaru. Huzzah.
...She sure has regressed.

- Oh cool, a giant werewolf! That is a legit awesome character design.
Here's hoping this new character actually shows up for more than just one scene.
His name is Ricardo. Excellent.

- At least Crusch is still capable of giving Subaru some well-earned shade.

- All these strangers just love Subaru now.
All he had to do was mention the White Whale! That's some advanced level strategy right there.
...Half an episode and we've already formed the team to fight the whale. This is so rushed.
It is so bad and so rushed.

- It seems like all these people actually remember the lives that the White Whale has taken. Hmm. Inconsistent powers, or is there some deeper meaning behind who the White Whale erases from continuity?

- Mimi and Hetaro are adorable, but also completely extraneous and unnecessary characters to introduce at this juncture.
...Ricardo, you are my last hope here. Please don't die.
...
......
........Oh God I can predict the future, Ricardo's going to be erased from existence next won't he

- At least the tree is pretty.
And here's a quiet romantic moment for Subaru and Rem that could have been meaningful if Nagatsuki hadn't already sunk the ship.
I really do dislike how Rem's only talking around Subaru and not the others and...
Of course she tells Subaru he's wonderful again. Of fuckin' course.

- How the hell does that phone still have ample battery life for all this, anyway? Where is Subaru recharging it? In the previous worldline, he barely had any battery left when he turned it on around the time the White Whale attacked. This worldline he's turned it on twice now and is keeping it on to presumably keep track of the time.
This makes no sense.
Why do I feel like I'm the only one who's realizing that this is such bad, convenient, awful, trite writing.

- "Because I have complete faith in you, Subaru-kun."
Rem why are you making me really dislike you all the sudden
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO YOUR CHARACTER
Someone help me change my avatar to something new
It can't be an avatar of these two kissing anymore

- In another context, in another world, with better writing and better character development, and a more independent Rem with greater depth and agency, this scene between Subaru and Rem could've actually been sweet.
...At least the art and music is excellent as always.

- Wilhelm, I barely even know enough about you at this juncture to be moved by your story of your lost wife. (But I do wish there were more moments in Re:Zero like this where the supporting characters had a chance to shine.)

- Please tell me that Subaru's changes to this worldline result in the White Whale not showing up here, and he gets in trouble for talkin' out his ass, that would redeem this entire episode in my book.
...Nope.
Well, it was a nice dream while it lasted.

- Hahahaha Subaru charges ahead like a dunce and then Rem does all the work for him while he just pretends to contribute.
That is so emblematic of the entirety of their relationship to each other.

- Given how high the whale can fly, how the hell can ground troops deal much damage to it anyway? Rem has her magic, of course, but the others are going to need more tricks up their sleeves.

Seeing as this is yet another episode where primary-worldline Emilia is nowhere to be seen, it's going to be all the more unbelievable when she randomly shows up in one of the final episodes just in time to miraculously fall for Subaru in a mere matter of days.

...My love affair with Re:Zero is over. I could keep watching this, I suppose, but the magic just isn't here anymore. No, that isn't just because the ship's sunk; something more is missing. I don't know what it is, it's just missing. And this story isn't very charming anymore, it's just filled with all these glaring inconsistencies that needle me and all these missed opportunities to more fully explore a fantasy world that remains horribly underdeveloped.

All my criticisms of Re:Zero -- and I've made many more in Discord that I won't bother repeating here -- they all could have been worked around and this story could have been salvaged if, say, Nagatsuki invested heavily into a romance with well-written leads to counterbalance his inability to develop a world or give a damn about pacing his plot, but nope, we can't even have that any more, because Subaru is an idiot.

Please die several terrifying deaths in the next episode, Subaru.
I will not be satisfied unless the White Whale meticulously breaks you bone by bone, bit by bit, as you scream in agony, and then maybe to top it all off it erases you from existence and we're left with the final scene of Re:Zero just being Rem thinking to herself "Who the hell was Subaru?!"

[Tev]

I wonder if the White Whale would erase him from existence...what would happen? All the stuff he did still happened up until that point, but people would clearly not remember him or why they were working together.

[phil_]

I wonder if the White Whale would erase him from existence...what would happen? All the stuff he did still happened up until that point, but people would clearly not remember him or why they were working together.Well, given that Crusch has been preparing this army to kill the White Whale for a while now, which is why said army can "materialize out of thin air," she just didn't know when it would next appear, everybody would probably just think Crusch lead them out here to kill it, with no idea how she knew where it would show up. Now if Crusch was erased, and Wilhelm was erased, and all the other leaders of this army were erased, then, yeah, things would get confusing. But Subaru only matters right now as the "where and when" guy.

[Tev]

This kinda trailed off into not happening anymore, but I just wanted to show Snake what won honorable mention in this years Anime Awards.

http://68.media.tumblr.com/4e0ad0fd6056b61f2fa94d2b0b96bfe8/tumblr_ojltt35ACz1sfv2mzo4_1280.jpg

[MuMu]

Why post that and not the one that is really aimed at Snek

http://i.imgur.com/l1VfuaG.png

Double because somehow both RE:ZERO and KonoSuba made it to the same award.

[Tev]

I hadn't seen that one yet. That one is better.

[Solid Snake]

I'm actually a lot more excited about Yuri and Victor winning Best Couple than Rem being awarded 'Best Girl.'

'Best Girl' is often interpreted as Best Waifu, and so many guys like Rem right now for all the wrong reasons -- the same reasons they're supporting Subaru and Rem as a couple in spite of her glaring codependency issues, his glaring selfishness and immaturity and her desperate need to find her own voice as an independent person. Even I fell into the goddamn trap for a while of viewing Rem as simply 'Waifu material' for Subaru and downplaying the signs of just unhealthy those kinds of relationships are for her at this juncture. I, like so many other men in Re:Zero's audience, was viewing Rem as a woman but not as her own person in that kind of so-called 'benevolent sexism' kind of way where I wanted 'what was best for her' but was subconsciously interpreting her more as an object for Subaru's affections than as her own entity.

And now that I'm freed from the trap, it's simultaneously annoying and humbling to see so many other guys fall headfirst over Rem because she'll do anything for Subaru, and seeing that be the sole rationalization or justification for their relationship. I don't think Subaru and Emilia are any better as a couple, mind you. In fact, assuming they do end up together they'd arguably be even worse. And I don't even despise Subaru so much as a character as much as I despise the heroic image of him that I suspect the author is conjuring, completely oblivious to the larger world around him.

But that's repeating a ton of points I've made already, and in more depth, in the past couple months or so. For now I'll just say, kudos to Victor and Yuri winning out, and Rem voters are the exact kind of men who reaffirm stereotypes about nerdy heterosexual male entitlement issues over women. The only way a relationship between Rem and Subaru would work would involve exactly the kind of long-term plot that voters would hate insofar as they'd need to spend a lot of time apart and grow independently before they could come back together. And, the only way Rem grows as a person involves her repudiating at least a few of the traits and qualities that so many immature boys want her to retain and that validated their support of her as 'Best Girl'.

Rem still has tons of potential to be the best character in Re:Zero, but right now even Emilia is better balanced and more centered as a person. Rem could actually learn a couple things from someone like Emilia or Crusch. Right now based on what I've seen I'd actually lean toward Reinhard as best character -- he's the most genuinely selfless without expecting anything in return, and he just comes across like a guy with the right values in a world where even the other protagonists desperately lack those values.

[Solid Snake]

Episode 20

...Okay, for some random reason this episode starts with some guy and some girl looking at a pretty sunrise or sunset or something. He has a sword. They're probably dating? I don't know what's going on here. I guess we'll find out.

Back to the whale. Rem summons some ice at it. Subaru gives the troops a thumbs-up. Crusch orders the attack. They fire some sort of...inexplicable light 'banisher' cannon that appears have some unstated impact on the whale? I do not recall this ever being described as a strategy in a previous episode. It feels like they're making this shit up on the fly.

The music is great, at least.
Hahaha the whale looks so silly. I like how the animators draw it to experience emotional responses (it's mildly annoyed with the banisher!) but we still have no freaking clue what this White Whale is, why it exists, why anything whatsoever is happening in this story right now, oy vey.

...Stomach through this, Snake. You can do it.
Why doesn't the whale just erase all these losers from existence?

Okay back to the action. Crusch does more attacks and orders the soldiers to disperse. Wilhelm? He's the old guy who works for Crusch, right? He does some sort of age-defying backflip. He's waited years for this. I'm guessing that was his younger self in the intro. ...Yup, that was him!
So is the whale a sentient creature? Like, does it remember Wilhelm or Crusch and does it recognize people and have some sort of complex reasoning as to what it's doing or trying to accomplish? Or is it just some beast who erases people from existence more on instinct?

...Well, Wilhelm's gonna OHKO this thing.
Fire mages show up randomly to unleash a broadside.
Subaru and Rem sound like they're announcers giving us the play-by-play.
Hahaha the Whale's perturbed face in that shot. It's just like "What the fuck did I do to deserve this bullshit from these assholes today?" The Whale is the true MVP of this episode right now and probably the series as a whole. He's as sick of this incessant bullshit dearth of halfway decent storytelling as I am.
...I am rooting for the whale now. I probably am not supposed to be rooting for the whale.

"I've just become a slightly better man," says Subaru. No you haven't.
Hahaha that attack move made no sense whatsoever. Wilhelm is falling to the ground and the werewolf utilizes his own broadsword as some sort of fucking launchpad with which to send Wilhelm straight back towards the whale like this is pinball or something.

You know what I actually kind of miss about the first episode, and the earlier episodes in general? Back when the fight sequences were generally intended to show the viewers how Subaru was woefully ill-equipped to handle himself in a new and foreign fantasy world, everything felt more realistic. Like that woman he and the others fight in the first couple episodes. She slices folks up with daggers and whatnot, the swordsman has a special attack, but it doesn't feel too out of place. That action was fun to watch.

...This battle just makes me laugh.
Hahaha he slices the eyeball clean off the whale and it lands right next to Subaru. You know what would have been even more hysterical...and entirely possible, given how little control Wilhelm had over where that eyeball was landing? If it landed right on Subaru. That'd be the best way he's died yet. Succeeding with a plan of attack and on the cusp of victory, only to redo everything because of friendly fire.

...Apparently this causes the whale to summon the Mists of Pandemonium or some shit with some funky flute music and a bloodshot eye. This makes absolutely no sense. I guess it's effective at being terrifying insofar as I imagine I'd be so confused if I ever had to try to fight this thing.

...
.....
"Have you grown to like flowers?"
"No. I still hate them."
This is actual dialogue between Wilhelm and his girlfriend in a flashback or some shit. It's like they went back in time, found me back when I was in Middle School, asked my younger self to write dialogue for this scene, then decided that Middle School Snake was actually too sophisticated, so they went back to even further in time to accost me when I was in Kindergarten.

...That was pretty much it for the flashback, by the way. We're back to the whale fight now.
This is sssssooo fun you guys everyone watch Re:Zero posthaste

...Wait. If the fog attack from the whale is erasing folks from existence, how could Crusch's subordinates tell that anyone was lost at all?!? From their perspective their units would always have just been a few short, right?
...I don't understand how any of this works. I barely comprehend why I still care about how any of this works. You know what would've been more effective? If the people who wrote this damn anime bothered to show us how this all worked before the episode where we actually fought the Whale.

But it doesn't erase them entirely from existence, Subaru, or the others wouldn't even understand that folks were lost. They'd be like the merchant in that flashback you just had, they'd respond to any inquiries about missing soldiers by acting like none of them had ever been there. Where's the consistency?

...Subaru's special for some inexplicable reason again, as he is completely unaffected by the Whale's insanity attack.
Yeah, Subaru, you lead an attack on the Whale to divert its attention. That will end incredibly well for you.

This battle's going to go on for the whole episode, isn't it? I'll be lucky if it even ends here.

"Of course. Anywhere," says Rem, who is still completely smitten with this obtuse waste of human flesh.
A woman's face appeared behind Subaru when he started talking about 'Return to Death' again. This appears to be his new Whale-slaying tactic. Delightful.

...Why not aim for its other eye right about now, Wilhelm? You already got halfway there, blinding it entirely would make this ludicrously easy.

Okay, credit where it's due, having the flower-loving girl in the flashbacks actually be a master swordswoman who humiliates and emasculates a sexist Wilhelm with her mad skillz is a fun twist.

So we saw those flashbacks just to...witness Wilhelm's death immediately thereafter. Yeah. That makes perfect storytelling sense. You finally gave those flashbacks a mildly intriguing context and gave the character a mildly intriguing backstory to explore but nope, he's dead now!!
And now Wilhelm's death appears to have multiplied the whales. Or maybe the whale summoned its family or something. I don't even know anymore. This makes absolutely no sense. It makes no sense.

Why do people watch this shit
Why am I still watching this shit
It's becoming like the worst most stereotypical of fantasy teenage boy fantasies with all kinds of inexplicable twists and turns and unexplained superpowers magically exploding things and there's no underlying reason why anything is happening or what the story of this Whale even is

Someone find me a steel pipe to repeatedly slam against my forehead, maybe that pain will somehow cancel out the pain of having witnessed this atrocity

On that note...

Come back here next time for...Snake's reviews of Infinitely Better Animes!!!
It's true ladies and gents, Snake's going to watch and review episodes from the following shows, all of which are infinitely better than this steaming sack of crap:

- Sailor Moon!
- My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU!
- Yuri on Ice!
- Witchcraft Works!
- and Konosuba Series Two!

Yes it's true, join Snake next time for actual decent anime instead of this crime against humanity.

And now, friends and foes, we bury Subaru, by leaps and bounds the worst protagonist in anime history, and Emilia, who had one great monologue where she tore Subaru to pieces but then she basically disappeared from the plot, and Crusch, who's cool I guess, and Reinhard, who was also cool for those precious few episodes he bothered to appear in, and the thief whose name I can't even remember, and Rem, poor Rem, who deserved so much better than the fate that's befallen her...
...Seriously Re:Zero should just rebrand itself as the tragic tale of Rem getting stuck in a piece of crap narrative

[Tev]

It's probably for the best. Apparently things go even worse for Rem in this next season... (http://www.inquisitr.com/3519473/re-zero-season-2-release-date-spoilers/)

There is this though:

In the anime industry, TV shows often surpass the manga or light novel source material quickly, which in some cases caused the fans to demand a reboot. The good news is that Re:ZERO Season 2 is unlikely to diverge too greatly from the author’s original intent since there’s plenty of source material to catch up with. But, as might be expected, the anime did have to make some concessions due to time constraints. For example, the anime version had Rem and Subaru merely discussing the possibility of running away together, but the web novel for Re:ZERO Arc 3 has extra “what if” chapters where Rem and Subaru live happily ever after with two children. (The Re:ZERO Blu-Ray includes a 290 Japanese novel Re:ZERO IF which focuses on the couple fleeing to the Japan-like country of Kararagi. No love for Team Ram, I suppose.)

Could a Re:ZERO OVA video eventually ship Subaru and Rem together for all those Team Rem fans? No one has publicly suggested such an idea, although director Watanabe Masaharu once made it clear he considers Emilia to be the real heroine of the story.

“People will get mad at me no matter who I say. But I suppose that Rem’s role in the story is that of a sub-heroine, while Emilia is the main heroine. I directed episode 1 myself and did as much as I could to enhance her presence in the scenes to make up for her lack of screen time. I’d change her outfits and made sure she gave off a strong impression. As far as I’m concerned, the heroine is Emilia, but perhaps nobody will believe me when I say that. After all, Rem clearly acts more like a heroine. But please don’t forget the scenes that showcase Emilia as the heroine.”

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/Loneglade/Re-Zero-Subaru-Rem-And-Alternate-Life_zpsckhm2vs2.jpg

[shiney]

Well, since you're apparently not going to watch anymore, you won't care that he's not dead.

[MuMu]

Hahaha that attack move made no sense whatsoever. Wilhelm is falling to the ground and the werewolf utilizes his own broadsword as some sort of fucking launchpad with which to send Wilhelm straight back towards the whale like this is pinball or something.

Whoa there, champ. The Fastball Special is a time honored tradition all around the globe. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastball_Special)

[Arcanum]

Hahaha the whale looks so silly. I like how the animators draw it to experience emotional responses (it's mildly annoyed with the banisher!) but we still have no freaking clue what this White Whale is, why it exists, why anything whatsoever is happening in this story right now, oy vey.

You learn in a previous episode that the whale is Gluttony. Why it exists is still a mystery because we don't know yet why any of Satella's Sins exist.

So is the whale a sentient creature? Like, does it remember Wilhelm or Crusch and does it recognize people and have some sort of complex reasoning as to what it's doing or trying to accomplish? Or is it just some beast who erases people from existence more on instinct?

As far as we know it's an animal that roams the countryside devouring whatever it wants. It's Gluttony after all.

...Wait. If the fog attack from the whale is erasing folks from existence, how could Crusch's subordinates tell that anyone was lost at all?!? From their perspective their units would always have just been a few short, right?
...I don't understand how any of this works. I barely comprehend why I still care about how any of this works. You know what would've been more effective? If the people who wrote this damn anime bothered to show us how this all worked before the episode where we actually fought the Whale.

But it doesn't erase them entirely from existence, Subaru, or the others wouldn't even understand that folks were lost. They'd be like the merchant in that flashback you just had, they'd respond to any inquiries about missing soldiers by acting like none of them had ever been there. Where's the consistency?

This is, as far as I know, actually a huge plot hole. Like some people are completely erased, while others are still remembered. Like Wilhelm's wife died while hunting the White Whale, and I just kept waiting for the revelation that she actually ran off or got crippled or something which is why Wilhelm still remembers her. But nah, if the plot needs you to remember an erased person then it's okay.

...Subaru's special for some inexplicable reason again, as he is completely unaffected by the Whale's insanity attack.

Because he's got that witch magic all up in his business. It's the same reason he can see the Unseen Hands. He has some aspect of the witch entwined with him that lets him deal with other powers originating from the witch. But it's not like he has the power to beat them, just the power to not get incapacitated, or to be aware of them. So it's likely that the White Whale can also see Unseen Hands, and that Betelgeuse wouldn't get affected by the Whale's attack, since they're all using powers that originate from the witch. In other words, they have friendly fire disabled.

And now Wilhelm's death appears to have multiplied the whales. Or maybe the whale summoned its family or something. I don't even know anymore. This makes absolutely no sense. It makes no sense.

It's explained in the very next episode. But since you're being super dismissive and stated you're not going to keep watching, here it is: the whale has the ability to use its body mass to create copies of itself. Think of an RPG slime enemy splitting into two smaller slimes, only the slimes are the same size they just have less mass and are less dense than the original. The copies are controlled by the true white whale, which in the next episode retreats further up into the sky out of harms way while its copies do the fighting.

Why do people watch this shit
Why am I still watching this shit
It's becoming like the worst most stereotypical of fantasy teenage boy fantasies with all kinds of inexplicable twists and turns and unexplained superpowers magically exploding things and there's no underlying reason why anything is happening or what the story of this Whale even is

Probably because nobody else went into Re:Zero with blown out of proportion expectations, making it easier to roll through the low points and truly enjoy the high points.

While some of the newly introduced powers are sudden they are usually explained shortly after and as far as I can remember nothing (outside of the memory fog) is inconsistent with established rules of Re:Zero's world.

As for the story of the whale, it was established in previous episodes that it roams the countryside and is often treated as a natural disaster like a tornado or tsnumai; best to just avoid it and weather the storm. However in looking online to double check something about the whale while writing this I found later parts of the story will elaborate on the whale's origin (I don't know the details because as soon as I realized what I was reading I clicked away).

I don't know why you have such a seething hatred for the mysteries Re:Zero sets up, but personally I like having things to theorize about while waiting for the next episode or season. They're not perfect, but they are nowhere near as bad as you are making them out to be.

[Solid Snake]

I like that picture, Tev, that's how I'm going to headcanon Re:Zero into ending, except Subaru somehow stops being a douche, which really implies that he's no longer Subaru.

I think that Watanabe Masaharu's statement sheds light on a major problem with Re:Zero, which is that the best stories are ones that happen organically and where the author is willing to deviate from his or her original plans once the story clearly heads off in a different direction that what might have been first intended or anticipated. When it became clear as he started writing Re:Zero that it wasn't headed for the all too conventional, all too stereotypical direction of Emilia being the heroine, the author should have adjusted his own plans and expectations for his series, not expected the audience to adjust for him.

Emilia's a very important person in the Re:Zero universe, so the problem with pairing Subaru with Emilia is that you gotta go the conventional protagonist route of building Subaru up to be 'worthy of her affections' in order to make it work. He's suddenly gotta be assisting the army win major battles and be instrumental in making all kinds of important shit happen or it just becomes an unbelievable farce. But the story of someone like Subaru proving his intrinsic worth through trial and error and rising the ranks isn't nearly as subversive as what Re:Zero claimed it could be in those earlier episodes, nor is it nearly as interesting as the teases of forcing Subaru to accept that he couldn't be that person, that it wasn't his destiny, and maybe the subheroine would be a better match (or no heroine at all, if we're being honest; Rem's no longer a great option for him either.)

Good authors adjust their own expectations as their stories come to life, and are willing to see their original plans dashed when they happen to stumble across themes that resonate more. In the craft of writing, that process is often referred to as 'killing one's babies.' Unfortunately, the guy who wrote this has a baby and it's Subaru and Emilia being in some dopey relationship. And so we're stuck with convention.

And people call this anime 'suffering.' Given the guarantee from the author that Subaru will ultimately succeed, the only true suffering in Re:Zero is the suffering I had to endure in watching the least likable protagonist in anime history ultimately promised everything he wants from the God of his universe. How subversive is it to give the protagonist in a 'normal guy wakes up in the fantasy universe of his dreams' plot everything he wanted? Not nearly as subversive as Konosuba's story, which for all its many faults y'all should be watching instead.

---------- Post added at 02:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:13 PM ----------

You learn in a previous episode that the whale is Gluttony.

I have no memory whatsoever of the Whale being gluttony but, I guess it fits, but it leads logically to the next inevitable question: If we don't know what the heck these sins are or why they exist or even have any rules or guidelines as to their existence, how could any scenes with them have any resonance or impact?

It'd be like Godzilla and King Kong showing up to fight in a city but you have no idea what their backstories are, what their motivations are, what their powers or capabilities are, and the sum total of what you understand is what's communicated during the fight scenes as some sort of play-by-play commentary. "Godzilla's firing lasers out of his mouth!" shouts the commentator as it's happening on screen, and you're just like, "Okay, I guess that's something Godzilla can do apparently."

That's just poor writing, is what I'm saying.

Because he's got that witch magic all up in his business. It's the same reason he can see the Unseen Hands.

I don't mind Subaru having the powers.
I do mind the anime not bothering to even give us hints as to why he has these powers or what the significance of him having these powers are.
Good stories have foreshadowing and make sure to have discussions among the characters that provide an audience with some fundamental foundation of understanding as to the why so you're not just fumbling around in the dark but actually are in legitimate suspense.

It's explained in the very next episode. But since you're being super dismissive and stated you're not going to keep watching, here it is: the whale has the ability to use its body mass to create copies of itself.

1) My whole point as to why I am being super dismissive about all this is that these powers should have been explained as the Whale's powers to the viewer before you saw it happening on-screen during the big fight. If it's not explained, then the viewer has no stakes in the fight because the viewer has no rational basis to anticipate anything happening whatsoever because the Whale could do absolutely anything (including making copies of itself, apparently) and the viewer's just gotta be like "Oh, okay, that's a thing." Throughout Episode 20 there's subsequently no way for the viewer to make any rational assessment as to how the fight is even going, because the Whale's capabilities are largely unknown. What's even more annoying is the characters fighting the Whale, and even Subaru, appear to have been informed of the Whale's abilities but the viewers still know virtually nothing, so we're even worse off than the characters.

2) You know what really aggravates me? It's like y'all are incapable of accepting criticism of Re:Zero to such an extent that you'll attack me for daring to dislike it.
Well, I mean, tough? If y'all are going to enjoy the past times when I ranted and raved about how much I loved certain developments I loved, you also gotta accept the possibility in a thread where I'm critiquing each episode that I'm not going to love it. Me not loving something you love isn't some categorical statement on your value as a human being or anything, it's just...me not loving something you love!

And the passion I display in not loving Re:Zero is every bit as consistent as the passion I displayed in really loving it back when I thought it was going in a different direction and telling a fundamentally different story. Like, if you loved that passion and encouraged me to type Walls and Walls of Text gushing over the story when I thought I loved it, then surely you can accept the possibility that I might take that exact same attitude and write with scathing cynicism if I have a genuine reason for changing my mind.

And Re:Zero was just so hyped (including by acquaintances who do not post here, but perhaps especially by some of y'all) as the best anime of 2016, of course I'm going to harp on its faults. Because the default status of Re:Zero is the exact opposite problem, where tons of folks are claiming it's the bestest best. Assuming over-exaggerated praise of Re:Zero wouldn't offend you (because hell, my previous over-exaggerated praise of Re:Zero didn't), over-exaggerated criticisms of Re:Zero that are based on genuine objections and not just ad hominem attacks shouldn't be much different. It promotes good discussion!

And it's not like me hating something you like somehow erases anything you've liked about Re:Zero. It still exists. It's still going to give you all the heroic Subaru earning Emilia's affections you could possibly want.

[shiney]

Your like or dislike of the show has no impact on my viewing or enjoyment, I will state though it seems like you wanted to hard for the Rem/Subaru ship to happen that when it collapsed you started finding reasons to nitpick much of what is otherwise a perfectly fine and fairly standard fantasy anime.

Like a phrase like "this steaming sack of crap" are a lot more than just harping on faults, yknow? So of course people who truly enjoyed it are going to roll their eyes and bite back a little bit, it feels like you decided to not like the show and started going out of your way to find reasons to not like it instead of giving the development a fair chance.

Whether or not this is the case is of no real interest to me inasmuch that you're perfectly welcome to hate Re:Zero until the very end of time! Indeed it seems this is your desire. But I'm not sure it's fair to expect people who enjoy the show for a variety of reasons and who were enjoying your former play-by-play that turned to a dressing-down that turned to something altogether more hostile, to just like, not respond and stuff.

[Solid Snake]

Your like or dislike of the show has no impact on my viewing or enjoyment, I will state though it seems like you wanted to hard for the Rem/Subaru ship to happen that when it collapsed you started finding reasons to nitpick much of what is otherwise a perfectly fine and fairly standard fantasy anime.

Funny you should say that, as I'd have to think the worst thing that could possibly happen in Re:Zero would involve Rem and Subaru getting together.
In fact, the one net positive from the assurance that Subaru and Emilia will get together is that their pairing precludes Rem and Subaru ever happening.
Must feel good to justify your own dismissiveness of my perspective by just pretending I'm some aggrieved shipper, though.

Like a phrase like "this steaming sack of crap" are a lot more than just harping on faults, yknow?

But that reinforces my point, insofar as I've been nothing if not consistent.
I've used outlandish language to describe an infatuation with Re:Zero back when I liked it, and that bothered none of you.
I'm using equally outlandish language to describe my disgust with Re:Zero now that I hate it, because that's just my writing style when it comes to these dopey reviews.
Like, it seems silly to accept outlandish praise and then recoil at outlandish insults.

it feels like you decided to not like the show and started going out of your way to find reasons to not like it instead of giving the development a fair chance.

...I've watched twenty episodes and that's not 'giving the development a fair chance?'
Twenty episodes in, the show's had plenty of chances.

But I'm not sure it's fair to expect people who enjoy the show for a variety of reasons and who were enjoying your former play-by-play that turned to a dressing-down that turned to something altogether more hostile, to just like, not respond and stuff.

From the start, this thread was advertised as "Snake watches a show and gives his spur of the moment thoughts, good or bad, as he's watching it." It's not like there was an implicit promise that I'd be an echo chamber for your own opinions or anyone else's about the show. Good or bad, the reactions on my end are genuine, and I was hoping the dialogue it would spur would be interesting whether I liked or disliked it.
It sounds more to me like there are a bunch of people here who can't handle the notion that I'm not fond of a show they love. After all, I'm not forcing anyone to respond or participate. Anyone's free to ignore me if they'd like.

[pochercoaster]

I'm glad I'm at a point where no one can fool me into thinking that a show that appears to be a generic poorly written teenage boy wank fantasy in its first ten minutes isn't a generic poorly written teenage boy wank fantasy.

Edit: how could you deceive us about your anime opinions Snake? How could yooouuuu???

[Sithdarth]

1) My whole point as to why I am being super dismissive about all this is that these powers should have been explained as the Whale's powers to the viewer before you saw it happening on-screen during the big fight. If it's not explained, then the viewer has no stakes in the fight because the viewer has no rational basis to anticipate anything happening whatsoever because the Whale could do absolutely anything (including making copies of itself, apparently) and the viewer's just gotta be like "Oh, okay, that's a thing." Throughout Episode 20 there's subsequently no way for the viewer to make any rational assessment as to how the fight is even going, because the Whale's capabilities are largely unknown. What's even more annoying is the characters fighting the Whale, and even Subaru, appear to have been informed of the Whale's abilities but the viewers still know virtually nothing, so we're even worse off than the characters.


I'm going to have to disagree with this on a fundamental level. For starters I can't think of a single story in any basically any format (with a caveat below) where the audience was given perfect information about even the heroes powers before a big fight much less the enemies. Lack of information creates drama. The very fact that you can't actually anticipate what is coming next is what makes basically anything worth watching/reading/whatever actually worth watching/reading/whatever. You're not really supposed to be able to evaluate how well the heroes are doing at any moment in basically any fight because that literally kills the dramatic tension. You usually can guess the good guys will win but you don't know 100% for sure and you certainly shouldn't know how or what it is going to cost them.

The one caveat I would make is that the one medium where this does not work is videogames. Doing this in a videogame is probably a recipe for disaster. Not telling me what my characters are capable of or what to expect from the next boss is just going to piss me off. But the key here is that I control the actions of the characters. The drama and excitement comes from the decisions I have to make and the uncertainty of those decisions. Because that uncertainty exists you don't actually need to create uncertainty by hiding information from the audience.

In short, for a story to be compelling in anyway requires some source of uncertainty and generally speaking the best (and almost the only) place to generate that is the antagonists. Except in interactive media where the audience can be the source of the uncertainty.

[Solid Snake]

I'm going to have to disagree with this on a fundamental level. For starters I can't think of a single story in any basically any format (with a caveat below) where the audience was given perfect information about even the heroes powers before a big fight much less the enemies. Lack of information creates drama.

To some extent, I agree with this! But I think lack of information works better when audiences have most the information necessary to make reasonably informed assumptions about how a fight is going...but might be missing a single crucial tidbit that could swing the tides, that was subtly foreshadowed but not explicitly revealed. That's when I feel it works.

Where it doesn't work, in my mind, is when you know virtually nothing whatsoever about the antagonist and therefore anything is possible. That level of lack of information just completely removes me from the action because I see no reason to be invested when something like the Whale can do literally anything -- make sudden duplicates of itself, for example -- and I'm in no position to ascertain much of anything beyond shrugging dispassionately and saying "Okay. Now that's a thing."

Take a Sith in a Star Wars movie, for example. I may not know this particular character's exact skillset or powers or moves, but the unwritten rules of the Star Wars universe allows me to make certain assumptions; he probably wields a lightsaber and has some control over the force, but he probably can't make sudden duplicates of himself or completely bend the fabric of reality to his will. Our understanding of the broader universe the characters are in informs our expectations of relative power levels and gives us reasons to anticipate certain outcomes...for example, a single Sith can probably handle a Jedi or two but not an army of Jedi. Subsequently, expectations can, in limited yet extremely effective contexts, be thwarted -- perhaps a brilliantly executed plan tailored to his strengths enables the Sith to pull out a miraculous victory against that army of Jedi, but we expect the catalyst for his victory, even if surprising in the moment, to be something that's been subtly foreshadowed or at least something within the realm of possibility that doesn't shatter any suspension of disbelief.

It's one thing in that kind of context to write in an unexpected twist that surprises, but creating a whale in a universe where the whale has no context to compare it to or understand it with and giving the audience no understanding of its powers whatsoever before the fight creates a situation where literally anything whatsoever can happen and the audience just has to roll with it, which kills dramatic tension for the opposite reason -- there's no tension because literally anything could happen and I'd just have to roll with it and say "Okay, that's how that works now."

In my opinion, a single source of uncertainty works -- maybe you don't quite understand how a Sith's single specific new power works that differentiates him from others you've seen before -- but you gotta have some baseline, some degree of comprehension or there's no reason whatsoever for me to invest myself in the conflict because I barely even know who or what the antagonist is.

[Sithdarth]

It's one thing in that kind of context to write in an unexpected twist that surprises, but creating a whale in a universe where the whale has no context to compare it to or understand it with and giving the audience no understanding of its powers whatsoever before the fight creates a situation where literally anything whatsoever can happen and the audience just has to roll with it, which kills dramatic tension for the opposite reason -- there's no tension because literally anything could happen and I'd just have to roll with it and say "Okay, that's how that works now."

In my opinion, a single source of uncertainty works -- maybe you don't quite understand how a Sith's single specific new power works that differentiates him from others you've seen before -- but you gotta have some baseline, some degree of comprehension or there's no reason whatsoever for me to invest myself in the conflict because I barely even know who or what the antagonist is.

This is basically the root source of our disagreement and it probably goes back to my education and job. I have a bachelor's in physics and am basically done with a doctorate in materials science (thesis writing is a pain). Just about any explanation of how a fictional world works at any level of detail is going to destroy my suspension of disbelief because I can usually find many inconsistencies. I prefer to form my own explanations based on what I observe because that's kinda what I was trained to do while learning to do science and any inconsistencies in the explanations I come up with are hidden from me by my brain. Also, exposition feels way too much like reading a scientific paper which I do for work and sometimes fun but not something I want to happen when I'm attempting to escape from reality for a bit.

Honestly, I usually don't even bother to come up with any explanations because again that's basically what I do at work. I consume fiction (that is not in interactive form) for the express purpose of not thinking critically because that is literally what I do all day and if I don't spend some time not doing it I'll burn out. I do still care about the motivations of the antagonist but explanations of how/why the abilities of the antagonist work are generally superfluous. Motivation is important but what the force is and how living things interact with it (midi-chlorians) is largely irrelevant to me unless it ties into someone's motivations directly.

I guess because I see all explanations as equally implausible asspulls it doesn't bother me by default when an explanation is skipped. Though it still can be done poorly.

[Gregness]

Fucking goddammit. Internet ate the first version of this and it's late here. This'll be the brief version.

Snake, it's fine to try something and not like it, and after 20 episodes you've certainly tried this show. The thing that's baffling (for me at least), is how you're railing against stuff not being explained when the show has established a clear pattern of 'Subaru encounters weird shit. Weird shit is eventually explained (usually after killing him once or twice. Add suffering to taste)'. From the first few episodes to the mansion arc to the shit in the capitol to the fight with the whale, it's all the same. So, that in mind it's a little weird for me that all the stuff with Subaru's powers and this stuff with the whale are suddenly dealbreakers for you when it so obviously has 'Will Be Explained Eventually' painted all over it.

This, I think, is the disconnect that's causing everyone to think you're looking for excuses to dislike the show: It's not really doing anything that different than it was at the start. Structurally speaking.

Granted, the powers thing are more of a slow burn overarching thing that'll probably only get fully explained at the end.

As an aside: Arcanum, near as I can tell there's actually no plotholes with the whale and it's un-personing mechanics. I seem to remember them explicitly saying right before they show the soldiers counting up their squads that it's only the breath weapon fog that erases someone (which, I believe, was animated differently to the ambient fog that surrounds the whale). So, if Wilhelm's wife had been crushed by the whale or something she'd have died just like normal and left all the normal memories.

[Solid Snake]

Snake, it's fine to try something and not like it, and after 20 episodes you've certainly tried this show. The thing that's baffling (for me at least), is how you're railing against stuff not being explained when the show has established a clear pattern of 'Subaru encounters weird shit. Weird shit is eventually explained (usually after killing him once or twice. Add suffering to taste)'. From the first few episodes to the mansion arc to the shit in the capitol to the fight with the whale, it's all the same. So, that in mind it's a little weird for me that all the stuff with Subaru's powers and this stuff with the whale are suddenly dealbreakers for you when it so obviously has 'Will Be Explained Eventually' painted all over it.

Well, first, it's worth noting that this was only one of several criticisms I've levied at Re:Zero in Episode 20, and I'm not even sure if it'd make a theoretical Mount Rushmore on my list of major issues with Re:Zero right now. I mean, if it was the only reason I cited and therefore a true singular 'dealbreaker' you'd have a bit of a point, but I think it's more something I was willing to 'forgive' in earlier episodes. Start piling up other problems with the show, though, and this kind of stuff becomes more and more frustrating.

Second: I think I was slightly more forgiving in the earlier episodes because I felt like it was appropriate to dangle a bit of a mystery in the earlier episodes but I was really hoping it wouldn't necessarily become a long-term pattern. There's a huge difference between a plot device that's utilized once and one that's relied upon repeatedly to build suspense. And in the earlier episodes, it sort of makes sense to leave the viewer in the dust because everything's new for Subaru. We're seeing things from Subaru's perspective, and that's okay.

Where that approach becomes more problematic is when Subaru actually knows more than the viewer. Or at least he should know more than the viewer. With the mansion sequences it makes sense for Subaru to have no clue what's going on because there's so much crucial context he's missing (regarding him tripping Rem's alarms because he smells like the witch, regarding his own return-from-death powers, regarding Emilia being a target for all kinds of assassination attempts and the like, etc.)

But with the Whale, Subaru has plenty of time to get all his questions about the Whale answered from Crusch and Wilhelm and Rem others who know its MO (enough so that they're describing exactly what the Whale's doing as it's happening.) Subaru obviously is sufficiently informed of the battle plan to know the strategy with the light cannon, as he mentions it. And really, all you need to do is show the viewer the scenes where the attack is planned, and that additional context makes all the difference in the world. I think the sequence with the Whale would be so much more effective if I knew it was truly capable of and I had a more firm understanding of the stakes and what was planned.

For example: Rem points out to Subaru that they anticipated the initial wave of attacks (ending with the fire mage strike) would've grounded the whale, and therefore Subaru celebrates a 'victory' in his mind where he assumes that hurting the Whale is some major accomplishment and she corrects him. That sequence would've been so much more effective if a scene in the last episode had someone like Crusch detailing the plan to her troops and telling them then, and therefore informing the viewer, that the goal of the first wave of attacks was to ground the beast. Then you don't need Rem to play the role of play-by-play commentator. The failure of the attack is shown to the viewer and not told after-the-fact.

The battle with the Whale is just framed differently than, for example, the proceedings in the episodes when Subaru was at the mansion, which I still believe were relatively well done. The mansion episodes are evoking a sort of a horror mystery, a puzzle that Subaru needs to solve with incomplete information -- so it makes sense to keep him and the viewer in the dark and have the detectives unravel the mystery together in real time.

The Whale is a conventional multi-episode Shonen style battle against a beast with Power Levels over 9000. In that context, I want to know exactly what the beast is capable. If I don't, every twist with additional superpowers that weren't even foreshadowed adequately before (like the Whale clones) feels like some sort of cop-out, some sort of stereotypical Shonen way to stretch out the conflict and overpower the antagonist to even more ludicrous heights. With more conventional antagonists in battles that don't play out as detective mysteries you want clear-cut rules and guidelines to establish what's possible and what isn't beforehand, I really do believe that. You can then sometimes incorporate a twist where your expectations based on your flawed understanding of those powers are proven false, but even that's something I'd argue should be indulged sparingly by authors or readers/viewers will quickly learn to distrust the narrative.

But really, it's worth reiterating that on my current list of "Things I Think Re:Zero does Wrong", the Whale's powers not being thoroughly explained beforehand might not make the Top Five.

As an aside: Arcanum, near as I can tell there's actually no plotholes with the whale and it's un-personing mechanics.

I actually agree with you that there are no plotholes regarding the Whale not un-personing Wilhelm's wife (based on my limited understanding of how the Whale's powers work.)
Where I disagree is that there are no plotholes with those powers whatsoever, there's a pretty glaring one with the same power working completely differently with the merchant (what was his name? Otto or something?) in the previous episode and the army captains in this one.

To be consistent with the previous usage of said power, the very existence of the missing soldiers should've been erased to such an extent that they never would have existed and joined the army, and therefore the size of the Corps would've always been smaller in the minds of the people who've somehow been warped into believing those poor souls never existed.
We know this because (Otto?) doesn't have a memory of there having been a merchant who's missing, but lack any contextual understanding of who that person could be; instead, in his mind the merchant was never there in the first place, as in the merchant party always left with one less than what Subaru remembers.

Like, when Rem disappeared: If the power worked the same way across the board, Otto would've remembered that two people (Subaru and someone else) came to him with the offer that led to the merchant caravan, he'd just have no memory of who the hell that person was. If Subaru pressed Otto on it he'd be like "Oh yeah, there were two of you. Huh, strange I don't remember the other one."
Alternatively, in Episode 20: To make it consistent with the previous episode, the complete erasure of certain troops in an army would've resulted in the army captains misremembering the size of their own Corps, they'd have no way of knowing that X were missing because reality would've been rewritten so that their Corps were never actually at 'full strength' in their minds.

But really, if the earlier criticism might not make the Top Five, this criticism isn't even Top Twenty material. It's just something minor that took me out of the fight in that moment and caused me to waste time thinking about the mechanics of how the Whale's power works instead of enjoying the episode. Which is, coincidentally, yet another criticism I'd levy as to why it's bad idea to keep the viewer completely in the dark as to the antagonist's capabilities before the Ultimate Battle -- you want the audience to enjoy the fight, not constantly get sidetracked by incessant questions as to how and why certain mechanics seem inconsistent.

If you had no idea how Sith and Jedi fought before Vader confronts Luke on Cloud City, you're going to waste a lot of time wondering about lightsabers and the force and the "I am your father" part might well sail over your head or somehow seem less important than trying to grasp the abilities of the force attuned.

EDIT: A really simple way to deal with the above discrepancy with the Whale's powers would've been for Subaru to vaguely reveal to Crusch -- without revealing the true nature of his return-from-death ability in the way he's barred from doing by the Witch apparently -- that he's immune to the Whale's memory-rewriting powers. He could even have factored that into his excuse to Crusch as to how he knows when and where the Whale strikes next -- he knows because he's survived an attack by the Whale before and he's had experience that's proven his immunity to the Whale's reality erasure of others who he remembers.

I mean, from Rem's perspective she'd be clueless as to how this could've happened with her understanding of the timeline, but if she's so infatuated with Subaru she's bound to play along anyway, just as her infatuation leads her to canonically accept Subaru's claims that Emilia's in danger without questioning his sanity. And then, this explanation does away with the plothole assuming Crusch responds in the way any leader would at this revelation: Subaru's role in battle is to keep track of who's erased, because he alone can do that. Everyone else would just completely forget those folks ever existed and have their own realities 'rewritten' to incorporate their non-existence but Subaru's immune, so Subaru could say "Corporal, you originally had 25 members of your Corps. If you say you've always had only 18 now, seven were erased in the attack."

[Fenris]

So one of the posts in here got reported for being a shitpost. You guys want a shitpost? I'll show you a shitpost!

0la5DBtOVNI

For alla you.

As you were.

[Solid Snake]

Fenris' post begs an important question.

Can I report myself?
Can I report all of my previous episode reviews where I praised Re:Zero and drooled like a Neanderthal all over it?

Because like, I am experiencing extreme embarrassment over approximately the written content of reviews between Episodes 10 and 17. Past Snake is by far the most offensive participant in this abomination of a thread.

[phil_]

I feel like maybe it was a mistake for me to only imply, one time, and behind spoilers no less, that eventually the fun times where Subaru's just some schmuck getting repeatedly shit on by fate would end. Because maybe the part where he becomes the chosen hero of destiny and accepts love and treasure and rules over the hidden world of awesome like the perfect little butthole that he is wouldn't have been such a shock if maybe I (or anyone else) had let you know it was coming.