Overall:
Having been in an unproductive slump lately, this anime gave me a lot to think about than, say, many a year ago, when I dropped it after the first episode (I really can't stand excessively lewd characters). But, because of the raving reviews, I decided to give it another shot and was somewhat pleasantly surprised by well-executed characterisation and plot.
The anime is very character-driven, with a strong focus on both familial and romantic bonds, alongside a pervasive theme of growth. Every character was fully fleshed out and multifaceted, with their own individual strengths and flaws. Even the main character, Rudeus, has much more to his
...
personality than just his perverseness.
In terms of art and sound, I really liked how the opening of each episode set the scene for different cities, contributing to world-building by depicting diverse architecture and peoples. The soundtrack complemented this, often evoking feelings of hope and poignancy.
For those hoping the fanservice would die down after the barrage in the first episode, it doesn’t really fade away. While it’s not as overwhelming as the first episode, it remains a consistent presence throughout.
Although it definitely panders to some unhealthy wish-fulfillment fantasies and is certainly not for everyone (myself included), it has a lot more to offer than most shows in its category, so I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to try it. That said, at least for now, I doubt I’ll continue, as my poor mind is not particularly willing to cringe at the problematic elements any more than it already has, especially when witnessing the lack of consequences for, well, rape-y behaviour. And with this being the kind of contrarian anime it is, later seasons adapting the web novel could flirt with even larger landmines. Still, perhaps the novel has more depth and nuance that was lost in translation to anime, as is oft-occurring.
———
Content Considerations:
Overall, due to themes might be difficult for younger or sensitive audiences to handle, I'd recommend this only for viewers 16+, with content warnings as follows:
- Depression
- Group sex (insinuated)
- Fanservice
- Heartbreak
- Infidelity
- Non-consensual acts
- Partial nudity
- Perverted characters
- Polyamory
- Polygyny
- Rape (mentioned)
- Severe bullying
- Sex between minors
- Sex between master and servant
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment (played for comedy)
- Sexual innuendo
- Sexual objectification
- Social isolation
- Systemic misogyny
- Trauma
———
Capacity for Change
I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I liked Mushoku Tensei up until I read some comments on Reddit. One described it as a critique of how our conception of 'normal' others groups deviating from that norm. This binary categorisation snowballs. Disgust at their difference can inhibit our ability to socialise and sympathise with them, leaving them marginalised if our conception of normal aligns with enough of other people to form a majority. Since the majority wields authority over the minority, the resulting stigma faced by outcasts—how their traits, actions, and nature are weaponised to further dehumanise them—creates a self-destructive cycle. Those most in need of help often don’t seek it, fearing further rejection by society.
The author of Mushoku Tensei created a deeply flawed character and then humanised them, reinforcing the idea that no matter how messed up someone is, they remain fundamentally human and capable of change—and perhaps, eventually, redemption. In an interview, the author hoped that people would be more receptive to people like Rudeus, who are trying to change. Anyone can change, but sometimes, they need a little help.
It’s similarly unfortunate that many dismiss the existence of alternative personal ideals and values in other people (let alone fictional characters). I find that rather closed-minded. In theory, we should be able to recognise and respect that people are diverse—whether in ability, cultures, religions, ideologies, generations, or even in interests. But in reality, most people struggle with this. Perhaps the limits of humankind are such that we are inherently closed-minded, always subject to the inherent biases in our judgment. Even though, without any divergence, every thing would simply converge into monotony.
Ghislaine’s past is another example of this theme of change. People can have vastly different opinions on the same person, especially if that person has changed. This is summed up well when Rudeus says, "I like Ghislaine, but the Ghislaine we know might not be the same as the Ghislaine they know..." Sometimes, all it takes is a change in environment to catalyse personal transformation, but that isn't always recognised or appreciated.
The theme of change and the fear of "the other" is again exemplified by Rui, who is seeking to rebuild the bloodcurdling reputation of his people, the Superds. His struggle mirrors what many face when trying to change their identity or society's perception of them. Though inherently gentle, Rui becomes violent when others go against his rigid moral compass. As Rudeus advises, "It doesn't matter who you kill: people will always talk about the killer," emphasising that even in the pursuit of change, one's past actions and moral choices can continue to shape their current self.
Character Development:
For an insufferable letch, Rudeus did grow on me. So how did Mushoku Tensei manage to make me feel for a character I found so morally abhorrent? Why, by amazing characterisation, of course! But it was certainly a trying ride. As I watched the first episode for the second time, I had to consciously remind myself many a time: the worse a character is at the beginning, the more room for growth they have.
Rudeus's past life plays a significant role in shaping his emotional journey throughout this isekai. It’s not a mere revenge fantasy; rather, it’s a story of self-growth and healing. Since Rudeus has mentally been an adult since birth, he is considered a gifted child. Despite this, Rudeus's parents comment, 'You act your age when I least expect it,' especially when Rudeus struggles to leave the safety of home or socially interact with children his own age. These moments not only highlight the emotional stunting caused by the trauma he experienced in his previous life, but also suggest that even adults—despite their apparent intellectual maturity—sometimes need extra guidance and reassurance, much like children do. Rudeus's emotional development is far from complete and he must work through his past experiences to become a better version of himself.
Rudeus appears to be polite and respectful ('nice guy' skills that he honed in dating sims...), but this demeanour is a pretty façade for quite the depraved mentality. Rudeus' initial behaviour is jarring and his mind is in the gutter throughout the whole of the first episode. Rudeus' gaze sexually objectifies every woman he encounters, even eying his own mother as a baby and making deeply uncomfortable remarks about other female characters in his head. His lewd expressions and icky smirk unsettle even the stoic and astute Lilia.
This behaviour could be lauded by those who view it as a unfettered reclaiming of male sexuality, while for others, it may be considered an opportunity to change. I, for one, belong to the latter camp. If anything, Rudeus' false bravado is a defence mechanism for repressing his past trauma. His lack of self-respect materialises in his lack of respect for women.
Rudeus’s unhealthy relationship to women speaks to how he went a long time without having any healthy relationships in his past life. His emotional growth was stunted (or perhaps even regressed) after enduring severe bullying, and he wallowed (almost indulgingly) in self-pity for over a decade, despite people reaching out to him. Trauma can increase empathy, but, conversely, it can decrease it too. In Rudeus’s case, his victimisation left him unable to humanise others, particularly women, the same way he was robbed of his own humanity in being bullied.
The Greyrat bloodline’s libido is frequently referenced as being notably higher than that of the average person. This is evident in the way Rudeus, Paul and the male members of the Boreas family maintain a heightened interest in multiple women. While this could be serve as a form of polyamorous representation, the line between healthy polyamory and a lack of sexual restraint is often blurred. In the beginning, Rudeus seems to sexualises every woman he encounters, but eventually, his focus narrows to three primary love interests. On the other hand, Paul cheats on Zenith and is mentioned in passing as having sexually assaulted Lilia when she was sleeping (a long time before the events of the story).
Nevertheless, Paul still has his good moments, playing a role in Rudeus' positive character development. For example, he's the only one who had the sense to somehow put a stop to Rudeus grooming Sylphie; Rudeus literally says to himself: "I'll gradually raise her to be my ideal woman". Paul recognised that Rudeus and Sylphie's unhealthy dependency on each other would mutually stifle their growth, and so prevented their relationship from progressing further.
My heart really went out to Rudeus during emotional moments that showcased real vulnerability, such as when his reunion with Paul didn't go well or when his heartbreak was exacerbated by the trauma of his past life. I found myself rooting for him as he struggled to drag himself out of his depressive slump. These emotional struggles highlight the complexity of change, as it is not easy nor immediate. In a similar vein, when Rudeus retreats into his mental place in dealings with Hitogami, he 'reverts' to his old self by mentally envisioning the version of himself in his past life, despite knowing that he has turned over a new leaf. True change has yet to come from within.
In the final episodes of the season, due to the trauma of heartbreak, Rudeus falls into a deep depression, mirroring a similar experience after he endured severe bullying in his past life. The previous him "rejected the people [including family and friends] who reached out, thinking, in paranoia, that they were all mocking me", despite the fact that overcoming trauma requires being willing to accept help from others. However, the changing Rudeus takes a different approach in his present life, using the memory of Zenith and her love for him to push himself forward, breaking free from his shut-in phase. I also really appreciated how the anime wrapped up with this heart-warming theme of familial love.
Over the course of the season, Rudeus' relationship with women does become healthier—shifting from objectifying every woman he meets to focusing on just a few—but only because he's afforded that chance. We also get to see less of his uncomfortable, lewd smirk. However, true change doesn’t happen overnight. Even when Rudeus appears to have turned over a new leaf, he sometimes reverts to his old behaviours. A troubling example is his interaction with Eris, where he gropes her while she’s asleep. This incident is disturbing, especially since it's treated as a joke in the narrative, and it leaves a feeling of disappointment. Although overcoming old habits takes time, even after apparent growth, his actions aren't excusable.
Despite the setbacks, Rudeus does become more considerate and emotionally balanced, learning to form healthier relationships along the way. There is an underlying hope that Rudeus can continue to mature and channel his sexually charged nature into more positive outlets. His journey serves as a reminder that change is possible, but it often requires guidance and support from others. It’s ultimately a coming-of-age story. As the wiser and more content Roxy reflects on her childhood, she mentions how she was obsessed with growing up and didn’t understand her limits. This retrospective of hers reminded me that perhaps a coming-of-age story can only be fully appreciated once you’ve actually come of age yourself.
Family:
This anime turned out to be more family-oriented than I expected, particularly in terms of Rudeus' relationship with his family. Zenith and Paul gave him a relatively healthy childhood, and Rudeus, in turn, was a filial child. Some familial moments really made my heart swell with emotion. Though Paul let Rudeus down a few times as a father, they worked through their issues and made amends each time. It is reminiscent of the saying, “While growing up, you don’t realise that your parents are growing up alongside you.”
The anime also delves a bit into into alternative family dynamics, showing how historically lesser forms of partnership—such as mistresses, concubines, and live-in servants (though mistresses weren't typically considered part of the household)—were considered pragmatic. Extramarital affairs often left the mother and child facing the brunt of social stigma, but these arrangements, while not carrying the same status as full marriages (and varying across cultures), offered more security for women than bearing a child out of wedlock. They shielded mothers from being labelled 'loose', easy targets and children from being seen as illegitimate, of dubious parentage. This is reflected in the case of Lilia, a maid with a crippling injury, whose situation could have led to public scandal and danger had Zenith sent her away. Likewise, Aisha would have borne the consequences of her parents' actions.
The circumstances arising out of Paul and Lilia's extramarital affair offer a uniquely sociological aspect of world-building, where social norms distinct from dominant cultures are considered (think modern Western sensibilities and values, now globalised via social media, etc.). While in no way am I condoning Paul’s behaviour (the onus is on the married persons), the way it’s executed allows for exploration of themes that are often left out of mainstream narratives and not afforded much screentime. That said, it would have been much more pleasant if Zenith hadn’t had to endure the pain of being cheated on (then again, to her credit, the lovely Zenith was still so gracious toward Lilia!).
Surprisingly, something positive emerged from Paul's infidelity. Both Norn and Aisha were welcomed into the family with open arms. In the novel, Paul takes Lilia as a second wife to take responsibility for his actions. In the anime, they continue living together as family, though it’s unclear whether or not Zenith allows Paul to maintain a sexual relationship with Lilia. Whichever it may be, these unorthodox family dynamics raise the idea that a larger family unit could be more supportive and nurturing than the modern, often small and isolated, nuclear family. After all, it takes a village to raise a child.
I'm all game for normalising consensual and healthy polygamy without endorsing infidelity (though, I'm still not too sure about other aspects of the broader ethical non-monogamy umbrella). Of course, since this is a seinen anime with a medieval European inspired setting, (where polyandry would never be formally adopted due to medieval ideals that emphasised female chastity, modesty and obedience—not so much male), what’s explored here thus far is only polygyny, not polyandry.
Romance:
I didn’t watch it for the romance, but what’s being foreshadowed is somewhat interesting, especially since Rudeus eventually gets separated from each of his love interests. I also appreciate the diversity within his love interests, in terms of personality, character designs and ages. Interestingly, since they all are also of different races, their lifespans will likely diverge.
There is contention on Rudeus's being attracted to characters similar in age to his present body, but much younger than his mental age. Although it is jarring that Rudeus' mental age and voice are markedly older than his physical body, I don’t really think it is so clear-cut. For instance, he can't be attracted to his current body's mother, which suggests his desires are influenced by his present form.
Of course, it’s still troubling to think about someone being attracted to individuals much younger than their mental age—how could they intellectually stimulate each other, unless the younger person is exceptionally emotionally mature or the older exceptionally immature? Maybe maturity evens out at a certain age, but that’s rarely the case in the teenage years and the cultural age gap is just too big, at least in modern society.
At the same time, this trope of isekai-ed characters being attracted to others their present body’s age is common in isekai, regardless of whether they are targeted at male or female audiences. Additionally, several religions, including Japanese folk beliefs, embrace the concept of reincarnation, which I think may heavily inspire isekai. (On another note, Roxy is closest to Rudeus in mental age.)
Sexual relationships between minors is also another topic broached, as they existed in many societies before the modern era. This could reference the argument that the modern education system stunts emotional growth, causing individuals to be ready for relationships much later than in previous societies. It also raises the distinction between physical maturity and emotional maturity. While an individual may reach physical maturity at a young age, emotional maturity—such as the ability to form healthy relationships and make thoughtful decisions—often develops much later. This is evident in Eris’s complicated decision to leave Rudeus. Her decision was motivated by her dependency on him—she wanted to grow stronger to protect the younger Rudeus, while also believing she was hindering his potential. Eris’s inflated impression of Rudeus led her to believe he would understand her choice. However, the trauma Rudeus experienced in his previous life predisposed him to an unhealthy sense of self, resulting in a very heartbroken Rudeus.
Female Agency and Misogyny:
Female agency in sexuality is explored through live-in servants, who, despite seeming passive and having restricted outlets due to their occupation, also experience sexual desires. One such instance is the maid Lilia's seducing Paul, her married employer. Unlike the Boreas family culture shown later, Zenith views a relationship with a servant as infidelity and, therefore, was given the autonomy to decide what happened upon reveal of the infidelity. The master-servant relationships within the Boreas family may also serve as another example. Although the power imbalance may be uncomfortable, it doesn’t seem that the instances depicted in the anime (thus far) are non-consensual, unlike in some other anime of this genre.
There's an interesting reversal of gender roles, particularly between Eris and Rudeus, where she not only protects him but also propositions him, displaying sexual assertiveness, perhaps suggesting that the above average Greyrat libido is also present in women. While passive female characters do exist, so do active ones, reflecting the diversity within the population.
Despite the presence of strong and independent women, they are often treated reductively, subjected to routine and unsolicited sexual behaviour. There are too many instances of characters either sexually harassing or being sexually harassed, with very few characters falling outside of this binary. It is not 'only fiction'; shows can definitely encourage disturbing behaviours in reality, particularly for younger and more impressionable audiences, and especially when said behaviors are played for comedy and lack meaningful social commentary.
Similarly, casual and systemic misogyny is prevalent in the world of this anime, yet it is never overtly critiqued. It was particularly grim when Eris' own father suggested force in marrying her to Rudeus ("binding" her to bed). Perhaps, as an only daughter of nobles, she was merely a political tool to her father, but it was still harsh. While Eris did like Rudeus, that didn't make the scene any easier to accept. It’s also disturbing that Eris's mother taught her to seduce men from a young age and that her grandfather trained her to beg in imitation of a Beast maid. In hindsight (the connection is a bit difficult to make, given how the Boreas family is presented with such levity in the anime), it's no wonder why Eris was so violent and emotionally unhealthy when she was first introduced, considering the environment she grew up in.
Female agency is also somewhat undermined by advice like "Women like men's weaknesses. It makes women feel more secure, knowing that men, who are generally strong, have weaknesses too." While it's an interesting psychological observation that may ring true for a number of people, coming from a womaniser and rapist like Paul—who would probably use this insight to exploit emotional vulnerabilities—it doesn't feel too good.
Mar 9, 2025
Overall:
Having been in an unproductive slump lately, this anime gave me a lot to think about than, say, many a year ago, when I dropped it after the first episode (I really can't stand excessively lewd characters). But, because of the raving reviews, I decided to give it another shot and was somewhat pleasantly surprised by well-executed characterisation and plot. The anime is very character-driven, with a strong focus on both familial and romantic bonds, alongside a pervasive theme of growth. Every character was fully fleshed out and multifaceted, with their own individual strengths and flaws. Even the main character, Rudeus, has much more to his ... 
Jan 8, 2025
Giji Harem
(Anime)
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Premise:
Giji Harem has a cute premise involving two drama club members: actress Rin and stagehand Eiji. After Eiji makes an offhanded comment about every guy dreaming of being popular and having a harem, Rin uses her acting skills to simulate a harem, adopting many typical anime personality tropes. Eiji plays along and appreciates her effort, setting the stage for their growing connection. Rin and Eiji are introduced as friends in the manga, which allows the premise to feel more natural. In contrast, the anime rushes into the harem scenario immediately after their first meeting, making the premise jarringly rushed. Character Interactions: In the first few episodes, Eiji feels ... 
Jan 5, 2025
Fairy Tail: 100-nen Quest
(Anime)
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Story and Pacing:
While the nostalgia is strong, Fairy Tail was definitely more intellectually engaging when I was younger. The pacing in 100 Years Quest can be uneven, with many slideshow-esque scenes disrupting the flow. The story feels convoluted and disjointed, with little build-up to major moments, making it feel episodic—almost like a monster of the day setup. Additionally, the inclusion of two doppelganger guilds (Fairy Nail and Edolas) seems redundant and Irene’s role felt quite like a deus ex machina. Humour: The blend of action and comedy is a Fairy Tail staple, but the humour sometimes undercuts the gravity of the battles. While it’s part of the ... |
