Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World Season 2 Part 2 - Episode 02 [EP Review]

Updated: Mar 5, 2021

After the second episode, a few things can be made very clear. Otto is best boy. Both Emilia and Subaru deserve each other. And need therapy.

Spoilers ahead! You have been warned!

A gray haired character clad in green (Otto Suwen) in a forest, watching in shock. — Otto looking on in shock

"The world was a hellish cradle."

The episode begins as very Otto centric, with even the title card of the first half as his full name (Otto Suwen). It takes time in the first half to give back story to Otto, and an ability that was only subtly hinted at, but never fully revealed. Those who love Otto will definitely have fun with this episode, seeing as it gives the green-clad best boy some needed depth beyond the “nice-and-accident-prone-best-friend” archetype.

Like Subaru, Emilia, and everyone in the show, Otto carries his own baggage that gives an explanation to his situation, which could be interesting as a side story to explore if ever. And the addition of his ability could be a great source of surprise drama since it doesn’t exactly bring him rainbows. Though that could depend if the show actually explores Otto more than just Subaru’s back up since the show is largely focused on giving Natsuki Subaru a therapy session every other arc.

"I’m not letting you catch me that easily!"

At the very least the show gives Otto a chance to shine in battle, which was the more exciting part of the episode. Since the last episode ended with a confrontation between Garfiel and Otto, it was a question of not who wins, but how Otto was gonna survive. While he’d shown his intelligence in a lot of different situations, direct conflict was one challenge that Otto had yet to be exposed to. So would he even be able to fight? Or would he find another way to take down this weretiger version of Katsuki Bakugou?

Surprisingly, the show gives it some justice in the short battle. Otto isn’t really a fighter, but he isn’t willing to go down without a fight. It’s fun to see the things he comes up with just to keep Garfiel distracted. But it’s obvious he wouldn’t last.

"But I look forward to seeing what flowers bloom from him."

But of course, the central theme of the arc can be seen when it finally focuses on Emilia and Subaru. The two finally have a much-needed chat on how to get past the latest hurdle to success. And to do so requires confronting the past, and moving forward despite it.

Subaru, having gone through an entire arc prior just for this, puts his character development to good use. Or relatively good use?

Black haired boy named Natsuki Subaru in a cave — Subaru is surprised

There’s a strange way how the entire conversation between Emilia and Subaru plays out. Almost like a call out to the 1st season between Rem and Subaru, this conversation almost mirrors that beat by beat. It’s not exactly a bad thing, but it is kind of surprising to see. Without getting into too much detail, there's a surprising change to how Subaru saves Emilia. Character development finally applied.

Though of course, it isn’t the same conversation, since Subaru approaches it with the same subtlety as a drunk Beast Form Garfiel. But while they both blunder and cry (in a way that would definitely be considered a bit unhealthy by contemporary standards of clinical psychology), it apparently does the job. And Subaru and Emilia, despite probably needing therapy more than love confessions, seem ready to face the future together.

Also that last bit of visual storytelling? Absolute gold.