Has it really been over 4 years? Time sure flies fast and we’re in 2020, blessed with another infamous season of ReZero. Yes, I said ‘infamous’ because this isekai throws rules out the window. ReZero Season 2 makes its long awaited return for the Summer 2020 season after the inital delay. And what’s more? We haven’t even reached endgame yet. This is just part one of a long saga following Subaru and his despairing adventures.
Coming into the season took me some bits of time to digest. I’m not going to lie, watching the second season since the break felt almost surreal at first. Since defeating the White Whale and Petelgeuse, he’s been traveling with Emilia. Everything seemed normal at first but we quickly learn a revelation in their timeline. Rem’s existence seems to have been forgotten by almost everyone except Subaru while Crusch seemingly also lost her memories. With such an opening episode, you can imagine the ride the audience will be in for. Furthermore, we are introduced to the Witch of Greed, Echidna, a mysterious individual with major importance this season.
Who is Echidna? To put it simply, she is the character Subaru meets after opening the Sanctuary. With a cunning smile and intimidating presence, she invites Subaru to a tea party in some dimensional pocket space. It’s the kind of trickery this show pulls on its audience, by introducing mysterious characters and make us form countless speculations about them. Still, we have to keep an eye on Subaru as his adventure takes him to one world he didn’t imagine before: Japan. In episode 4, we are introduced to Subaru’s former home Japan where we also learn more about his parents. It’s an interesting concept added to this season because we didn’t learn much about Subaru’s family before. Furthermore, Subaru has to embrace the fact that he cannot return to his former life anymore. He is now part of something much bigger.
From the first half part of the season, I must say that ReZero Season 2 isn’t shy to open the physical and psychological scars the show had before. From what we’ve seen, Subaru’s suicide attempt from early on shows how desperate he is to go back in time to save Rem. Of course, his plan doesn’t work and instead, he has to settle with another solution. That triggers the meeting with Echidna, who proves to be a dangerous individual, but different from many of the other character he has encountered. In fact, Subaru’s encounter with both old and new characters this season is perhaps some of his most memorable experiences. Among the returning character roster includes Beatrice and Elsa. That’s right, I just said Elsa. Hearing that name time should trigger some tragic memories for Subaru and she’s not here to play around. She still retains her killing instincts and it doesn’t take long for her to make a move. It seems the season adds more and more problems for Subaru to overcome but at the same time, he also makes some unlikely allies. Among them includes Otto Suwen, who risked his life to save him, and also considers him as a friend. Furthermore, Subaru’s unlikely alliance with the Sanctuary guardian Garfiel adds more firepower to the team. And if that wasn’t enough, how about a badass maid who can transform into a fierce beast? Meet Frederica, the older sister of Garfiel. With her beast abilities, you can bet that blood will be spilled in her presence. Honestly, having these allies gives Subaru’s a glimpse of light in his dark world. Maybe this season isn’t just a despair fest for him after all.
Like the previous season, Subaru’s relationship with Emilia still remains important. Their tender moments shows trust and loyalty as the two work together to make the world right. Even if Emilia can’t remember Rem, she still wants to help him and seeks the truth. The truth may seem almost impossible to reach with Subaru encountering problems from every corner. In one of the later episodes, we’re introduced to other witches representing the seven deadly sins including wrath, gluttony, and pride. If there’s anything to learn by, it’s that you should never judge a book by its cover in ReZero.
Watching ReZero Season 2 also shown me that the character Satella is merciless in her personal quest involving Subaru. Her shadow abilities is only a testament of her power but it’s the mind games she plays against others that truly shows her malevolence. If you don’t believe me, just ask Subaru when gets tormented by memories and having the words “I love you” repeated endlessly at his face. However at this point in the story, Subaru knows how to face despair and isn’t afraid to take risks like committing suicide. Remember, death is only just the beginning and possibly a salvation for others. An example this season is Beatrice as we hear her despair and reason to die. But as always, Subaru wants to be the person to resolve her problems. He’s the problem solver and thanks to his Reset ability, he can make the impossible, possible. If you’ve been watching ReZero from the start, you can tell how persistent Subaru is and the monumental risks he takes. He’s fought against fate, cheated death, and now is fighting against the unimaginable. Welcome to ReZero Season 2 where anything, and I mean, literally anything can happen.
White Fox’s return to the sequel still carries their talent of animation despite the four year break. Have no fear as this season doesn’t suffer from any animation quality. We are still treated with the light novel-animated style of the character designs with an elegant world. And of course, there’s gruesome scenes with blood. I hope you don’t have a fear of rabbits because there’s going to be some gore feast. Character designs for the new witches are also decorated with fashion and aesthetics unique to each character. I think at the end of the day, it’s safe to say that ReZero Season 2 is in the right hands.
Regardless how long it’s been, watching this season felt like exploring the deeper and emotional journey of a young man fighting to make a change. This has been a journey that chronicles the despair but also hope during the darkest of hours. In essence, Subaru represents a selfless protagonist that challenges the limits of impossibility. And there’s more to come! As this is only part one of season 2, prepare for another saga in this fantasy thriller.
