The Lonely Horror of Re:Zero

Re:Zero played on the Otaku horror of dying alone and unloved. Season 2 digs into something deeper, darker, and even scarier.
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In the depths of his Mother's Basement, Geoff Thew creates videos analyzing the storytelling techniques of anime and video games. He has been named the number one Worst KZbin Anime Reviewer by The Top Tens.

[@mothersbasement]

Just to clarify something at 14:43, when discussing abusive parental figures, I'm talking about Echidna and Roswaal. The footage used is of his parents because they're reflections of them. Echidna is as observant as Subaru's mom, but cold and manipulative where she's sweet and encouraging, whereas Roswaal is a confident badass like Subaru's dad, who explicitly says he wants Subaru to become like him.

[@360NoScopeHardcore]

Holy shit, I've never noticed that before. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@prakulsingh1797]

Thanks for pointing that out

[@Swordhunter0817]

"That is horrifyingly accurate."

[@Razorcarl]

true...

[@wolfz.3859]

Queria legenda em português

[@JustinY.]

Re:Zero is also the only anime where being told about Subaru's death isn't a spoiler

[@guragurashaak7383]

So Justin Y. Has mothers basement's channel notifications on

[@debban6397]

Or any charecter for that matter. Remember searching up Frederica's name in Google and death popped up in the autofill. She already died once at that point in the anime.

[@kbyebleha2978]

Re:Zero is also one of the only anime with the mc having as many lives as there are Justin Y. comments on KZbin

[@applejackceralbox4088]

Cheese

[@fatpikachu1712]

63rd like.

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

24:26 wanna hear something sad? Tappei himself stated that had Subaru never been Isekai'ed, his dad would have eventually helped him overcome his NEET/Hikkikomori state alone, and Suabru would have lived a happy life. Nice way to make that situation sadder tappei.

[@thomasallen9974]

ReZero is a low key Grimdark fantasy, cause there is just no way this is ending on a happy note.

[@markoantonijevic9683]

@@thomasallen9974 I think it's more about the light at the end of the tunnel

[@calidabrisadeverano]

Makes sense, Subaru's parents aren't perfect but they are supportive and understanding, that's a lot more than many people have.

[@animeotaku307]

Also, his parents are currently worried sick and trying to find him while he's been Isekai'ed. There's something terrifiying about that, too. Just the thought of your kid just suddenly vanishing and you have no clue where he is or what happened to him.

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

@@animeotaku307 kinda wish Tappei could do what futurama did of letting subaru somehow tell his parents he is alright. relatively. then again i wouldn't be surprsing if tappei gave a sugar coated diabetes inducing happy ending for everyone at the end of the story EXCEPT for subaru, who will probably be summitted to the 9 circles of hell at the end of the Re: Zero story. SO yeah, he would never let subaru have that, and by proxy his parents

[@duchi882]

11:13 - *_"A very angry man who is sometimes a giant tiger"_* *Plot Twist:* That's actually Garfield who is often times a very angry man. Mondays has finally gotten into him

[@errolsmith1463]

*"I'm sorry, Jon..."*

[@Pedro_eqw]

Omg the names are so similar

[@joddelrealingo7737]

Just give him a lasagna, he will be fine

[@sockthief9138]

Boy*. He's a boy. 14 y/o

[@baneicorn7969]

Garf is a jellybean, he just kinda sucks right now.

[@Rikuo86]

Most anime horror: Oh no a pillar fell on that guy with the CRAAAaaZZzzYYY eyes Re:Zero: You will die an infinite number of times so long as you wish to save the ones you love from a horrible fate. You cannot tell anyone. If you do, your heart will be squeezed into silence, or _the listener_ will be killed. The one person you can tell? A psychotic Witch who does not value your feelings and is already dead. And your power to reset time after your death to an earlier point, are you sure that's how it works? Are you sure you're not just body hoping to a different version of yourself at specific points of OTHER timelines? Weep for the more you learn of this world, it's rules, and your place in it, the greater the burden grows. The greater your suffering grows. And that there is no escape in sight. Persist and suffer Or break and be left to rot.

[@saikithepsiioniic1358]

*Behold, an unthinkable present.*

[@Rar830]

Jesus, now thats an accurate description of season 2.

[@Nionivek]

I dunno... the Witch of Envy doesn't seem to "not care" about his feelings. She feels more delusional. Though it certainly DOES seem to follow the ice of a witch of envy trying to keep him all to herself. I just don't know if that is why she is doing it.

[@Robo92]

@@Nionivek Think he was refering to the witch of Greed

[@charlx8979]

Or let satella yandere you into madness

[@ghostly7253]

Just to put it in perspective what a contract with Echidna would be like: Nagatsuki Tappei (the author of Re:Zero) confirmed that Subaru died 5 times in arc 3 (around second half of the first season), but if he would've made a contract with Echidna before arc 3 he would've died 10000 times just to find the "optimal" solution. There is a What:IF story written by the author himself where Subaru actually accepts Echidna's contract.

[@miickydeath12]

The What:IF stories are very interesting. Pride:IF, Wrath:IF, and Sloth:IF introduced some very cool scenarios

[@seankim5762]

Sorry I’m confused... did Subaru have 2 chances to make the contract? One before arc 3 and one during arc 4 (the latest re zero ep or Episode 12 season 2)

[@xavmanisdabestest]

@@miickydeath12 i want a proper lust route just because i so much enjoy these what ifs.

[@seankim5762]

Cuz I dont remember echidna trying to make a deal with Subaru, until arc 4

[@miickydeath12]

@@xavmanisdabestest We don't talk about Butterfly Dream.

[@jameswest6232]

I've actually never thought of Roswal and Echidna being twisted versions of Subaru's parents. That's a really good callback to his trial and growth he had then.

[@aarfran]

Not to mention Satella being a twisted version of the love he desires from Emilia. Unflinching and solely devoted to Subaru, Satella’s love is the natural extension of the love he thought he wanted from Emilia. So many great ways to look at these characters

[@jameswest6232]

@@aarfran I think that's one of the more obvious ones (Satella and Emilia), but I don't think it's any less well done since Subaru seems aware of it on some level (ie, when he's horrified by Emilia's declaration of love when he knows she's broken mentally)

[@tsengelerdenetuya3259]

Subaru's father: you don't have to become me Roswaal : become like me Subaru's mother: just do things your own way Echdna: follow my instruction so i can get you to the most optimal future

[@hello-gx6oi]

Let's not forget that betelguise is Subaru not literally You can just see some parts of Subaru in betelguise

[@janpiorko3809]

@@hello-gx6oi Especially the obsesisve "love"

[@trickstrgod911]

I seriously started to tear up in that latest episode when Subaru said "You mean it's possible that the people I like... like me back?" I have been struggling with social anxiety for so long to a point where I've worried on *multiple* occasions that everyone I'm friends with secretly can't stand me and wishes I would just shut up and go away. That moment of realization for Subaru is something I've had trouble accepting in my own life, being convinced there's nothing likeable about me and "why would anyone want to be friends with me anyway." This anime is god damn powerful.

[@Link10103]

Obviously with there being no real time constraint , the web novel was MUCH more powerful for pretty much the entirety of Arc 4 with so much of Subaru's inner thoughts included. Arc 6 even revisits these same points but in an even STRONGER form which I wouldnt have expected to be possible. Absolute masterclass.

[@somerando4875]

same

[@JohnWickPotter]

That scene alone made me text my gf and thank her for liking me back

[@nezunish-898]

This scenes has made me cry and you know what my teachers call me how I am during this covid right and I just tell her what I feel throughout the school like unable to find friends and lonely. She call me right after I finish watching it like the timing couldn't be more perfect.

[@nezunish-898]

But at the same time I'm glad that I tell her about it. I'm glad that I watch this anime . It so powerful . I don't know how to put it in word but you just did.

[@andrewlemerond4688]

Re:Zero is what I like to call “Monkey’s Paw” horror; Subaru got both the fantasy adventure and the solitude that he desired from his old world, but in the worst possible way. He wanted to go to a fantasy world, so he was taken to one, but it‘s not a place of thrilling adventures where he could live out his power fantasies. It’s a real place with people and forces with the capabilities to hurt him in ways he could’ve never conceived as a result of it being the exactly what he wanted: a fantasy world. He wanted to be left alone to do as he pleased in his own world, so he gets to be alone in this new world; crushingly so. He is constantly surrounded by crushing loneliness that cannot be remedied even by the likes of Rem or Emilia, and ironically enough, ESPECIALLY not by the people who actually know what he’s going through. It’s as if life is telling him, “You wanted these things, so here, have them.”

[@gehtdichnichtsan2418]

The first word that came to my mind was "believable", real "humanns" with real problems and their own interests. Nothing just happens in a fortunate way for Subaru. I really need to read the LN until the second part releases.

[@HarleySB]

I REALLY like this comment.

[@wysp272]

Kinda like genies giving you what you asked for but vaguely so as that it’s not what you wanted because you weren’t specific enough

[@youtubedeletedmyaccountlma2263]

Ngl the people in rezero universe are broken af

[@eatatjoes6751]

Monkey's Paw, the anime.

[@GenerousHobo]

*looks at news* Behold, an unthinkable present.

[@capt.raptor4650]

underrated comment.

[@Mathewrath]

I just want to know who decided to return by death to put us in this situation

[@leenordgomez4275]

*goosebumps*

[@terracottafred5126]

After 2016: Behold, an unthinkable president

[@Mathewrath]

@@terracottafred5126 Same for Brasil but in 2018.

[@indifference1015]

A series that can make being devoured by cute monty python bunnies horrifying deserves recognition.

[@thomasallen9974]

Look, people tend to forget that Monty Python and the Holy Grail is what saved us from such an evil menace.

[@callmekanda5662]

Not really. I love Re:ZERO but that is a concept is already horrifying, it doesn't take elaborate skill to convey that.

[@MaJuV]

Thou shalt not underestimate the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog!

[@juliam.426]

MaJuV Holy Hand Grenade!

[@user-lo1dl6el1f]

king arthur: JeSUS CHRISt

[@Silva-xl2et]

he basically just recorded "Re:Zero IS a Masterpiece. F*** You, Fight Me." but again

[@R3in_Ch]

the sequel

[@Eloux]

"Re:Zero Is STILL a Masterpiece. F*** You, Fight Me."

[@tttttt4546]

Re zero is sooo tucking trash bro..................

[@Ltmqt]

@@tttttt4546 that a joke right?

[@-monke1820]

@@tttttt4546 POV: you only watched Naruto

[@RobertoBlake]

I loved the message of personal development and introspection in this essay

[@SamiTheCuber69]

A* for this one.

[@seven4280]

@@SamiTheCuber69 it is not strange how sometime different people around the globe has similar interest, But How the f we meet again like this

[@SamiTheCuber69]

@@seven4280 Sorry? Lmao

[@seven4280]

@@SamiTheCuber69 nothing Brother ,it is just that I saw you before somewhere on youtube and seeing you here again is kind amusing to me that's all. Also Tohru is made of Gold, that's why I didn't forget your profile "I am in love miss kobayshi" "Be serious"

[@SamiTheCuber69]

@@seven4280 epic

[@armorfrogentertainment]

The most effectively horrifying aspect of Re:Zero is how Subaru can't share his struggles with anyone. He has to experience Return by Death without anyone else understanding or supporting him.

[@Bokatisha1234]

The way he breaks down when he realizes that Echidna knows, that he can talk to her, made me cry. I can't imagine going through what he has and not being able to talk about it.

[@armorfrogentertainment]

@@Bokatisha1234 and then, several episodes later, he realizes just how inhuman and vicious Echidna really is. The only person he can share his struggles with is an embodiment of sin. God, this story is so good at making Subaru feel isolated.

[@saikithepsiioniic1358]

​@@armorfrogentertainment And don't forget Roswaal, the only other person that knows about Subaru's ability. That fucking asshole is the reason for all of Subaru's suffering. He planned all the hardships and wants Subaru to lose everything but Emilia. I bet he even sent Elsa to steal the insignia in the first arc.

[@somedragonbastard]

That's honestly one of the most raw and painful things in the story. That isolation and pain that comes from an abusive relationship, and how it seems impossible to overcome, even when you think you've found an out. The implicit threat that if he shares what's happening, everyone he loves will be hurt is a very real thing that a lot of abusers unfortunately threaten their victims with.

[@armorfrogentertainment]

@@somedragonbastard huh. I guess Satella is a lot like an abusive lover, isn't she?

[@mackenzycooper98]

I've been considering the relationship between Ram and Subaru, trying to understand it and the phrase, "Tolerates him...lovingly" is probably the best phrase possible.

[@thomasallen9974]

She finds him irredeemably annoying, but sees him like that irredeemably annoying brother. Which is painful because Rem is gone (spoilers: I hear she does not take kindly to the Gluttony dude later on in a time line)

[@mackenzycooper98]

@@thomasallen9974 She does not, and I think Ram is one of Subaru's most important relationships because it is so sibling-like, which is something Subaru never had growing up. Having an older sister he can annoy, but still depend on, is probably one of his favourite things about his new life.

[@KhanMann66]

Tum Tum Calling Ram older sister isn’t wrong either considering he marries Rem in another timeline.

[@VBandit47]

*Very* minor future arc spoilers: Just wait till arc 6 where she finally starts to show him a few crumbs of affection. it takes *6 STORY ARCS* to get to that point but it does, in fact, actually happen

[@FlySwann]

As a combat veteran with PTSD who had seen things and been through things I can only describe as those things shouldn't exist. This show has been both therapeutic and one of the most painful shows I've ever watched. It hurts. But it helps to think if someone could write this then someone must understand that pain.

[@VBandit47]

Damn dude, I could only imagine that type of shit. Must be so surreal watching the show with that context

[@Schalla1641]

"if someone could write this then someone must understand that pain" damn dude thanks for putting that cathartic thought into words :)

[@Mark3nd]

The only thing, the only one thing nobody would ever understand, is you. No one truly understands each other. "I can understand what I can't understand. I can't understand what I can understand." That's what I can say

[@OHHHHUSBANT]

@@Mark3nd you say this like no us citizens has realized the top 1% lied about our wars and wasted billions just to lose to mountain dwellers

[@dubiousdeliquite6641]

Otto is the fuckin’ MVP of season 2. He went from “that one merchant he makes a deal with and works with a bit in the climax of season 1” to one of my favorite characters in all of anime in season 2

[@justarando1737]

The line “I know hell” hits harder after watching this video

[@hotdoghero1875]

By far one of his most bad ass moments no cap

[@Turfen1]

Hell got worse after that episode😂

[@King-wn9qw]

Roswaal reading his book : oh really... My poor boy...

[@Electric_Bagpipes]

I feel like he can add "and the angels that live there" now too.

[@sthoughtsarchive2791]

@@King-wn9qw lmao

[@zydricc5379]

"Echidna's Windows Wallpaper" I cannot un-see that now.

[@Mathewrath]

I knew that was something eeriely familiar with the whole scenery, like a place i had visited many times. lol

[@breadman0512]

I never couldn't see it.

[@wahyutriwibowo1803]

Subaru : What are you doing when i am not here? **Flashback : Echidna mowing grass with push mower** Echidna : Just Witch's stuff

[@WinedandDined27]

idk how you couldnt see it to begin with haha. first thing i thought of.

[@CORF.]

I’ve never been more consistently TENSE watching a show than I have been watching Re:Zero. You’d think Return By Death would make the stakes feel lower to the audience since Subaru always gets another chance, but it really does the exact opposite. Knowing the main character can die at literally any moment strips away the typical “plot armor” safety net I expect characters to have in other shows and it leaves me absolutely on the edge of my seat during every episode. Every scenario is life or death and I can never be certain which way things are going to go. Sometimes Subaru makes it out alive on his first try, sometimes it takes him 5+ deaths/attempts. That unpredictability grabs my attention and never lets it go and I love the show for it. It’s one of the main reasons I refuse to read ahead in the manga because I feel like it would lose some of that magic if I knew what was coming

[@MoneyMakingBaby]

It's not him just dying, its the way he's dying too. Painful painful deaths

[@evenfate5906]

Y'know that return by death is somewhat that plot armor,that safety net for our main protagnist subaru.

[@cuongquoc5877]

@@evenfate5906 i mean it is but it also not. Most anime wont even bother to kill or hurt its protagonists, especially if they were not in the end game. Meanwhile, ReZero can kill and hurt its protagonists and the other people however the story likes to. Subaru can fail horribly in every loop and he basically given a Requiem Treatment

[@evenfate5906]

@@cuongquoc5877 what i am saying is that its a plot armor cause the plot requires him to live no matter how painful no matter how horrifying it is it requires him to live even if he doesn't want that even if he doesnt want that future its like a plot armor that has spikes in it .everytime the plot moves it hurts its painful and it gets more and more painful even when u get use to the pain or it becomes numb a new spike is made to pierce you

[@iceball3xd]

@@evenfate5906 Subaru: like Guts but arguably suffering even more

[@thedapperdolphin1590]

Oh god, I never realized that the hand holding scene during his first death may have caused him to form a contract and get his powers. And there’s the fact that he thought Emilia’s name was Satella at that point. Aaaaahhhh

[@jon99867]

🤯

[@VBandit47]

There's a REALLY good theory that, as you know, RBD is the Witch of Envy's authority yeah? So that means before Subaru got it, she was the one that had that power. So, for all we know, Subaru could have had *dozens* of loops with her where his antics caused her to fall in love with him and she used her power to save HIM, but he just doesn't remember any of that since, of course, you don't remember the previous loops if you aren't the current Envy authority holder. Subaru could have been in the world already for an indeterminable amount of time before RBD was transferred to him, and he would have literally no way of knowing

[@hello-gx6oi]

Ohh shit

[@ashrafi_raian]

heyy please, this comment is almost as terrifying as "behold an unthinkable present"

[@phines8499]

That wouldn't really make any sense. If the first Emilia was the holder of the envy authority then the next Emilia would've remembered herself having that ability

[@jprodell]

“Name Rom as best girl” *Old man Rom blushes*

[@cahsahhhhhhhn]

In Ram ラム the a is actually open and it’s pronounced closer to ra-m (or ramu in Japanese as there’s not really consonants without vowels). But Old Man Rom (ロム rōmu) thought confused about what you’re talking about, drunkenly appreciates it

[@seisosimp]

The captions are killing me But Otto is best girl, fite me

[@VBandit47]

Old man Rom is fucking GOATed, don't @ me

[@_ikako_]

yeah idk why geoff always prounounces "Ram" as "Rom".

[@eagleeye7743]

@@seisosimp patrache is the best girl change my mind

[@veronicayusufov1039]

A lot of people only talk about it being "incel horror", but the notion kinda infuriates me, I am not an incel nor a proper "otaku" or whatever you wanna call it but the loneliness resonated with me as well, it's not right to just say its horror for incels because loneliness is a very human emotion that I think a lot of people feel. re:zero is what made me think anime is more than op characters winning every fight it showed me that the medium can be very serious and deal with heavy topics and even if I will leave watching anime behind soon because I started watching it because of my friends I sure as hell will come back to this anime because imho its outstanding.

[@Rar830]

I relate a lot to Subaru, he's my favorite char in fiction. So it makes me sad when Im told "I've heard people relate to this guy, whats wrong with you?" Forgot which video that was.

[@catsukisubaru3715]

@@Rar830 that podcast with gigguk, theanimeman and some random schmuck what said that. Dude's fucking stupid if he thinks relating to subaru is bad.

[@edcaous]

Subaru isn't even an incel, he wanted to be special and felt bad because he couldn't live up to his parent's expectations. It's weird how we all loved Subaru from the first two arcs, if not found him a little awkward, but once the third arc rolled around everyone started hating him (unfairly).

[@AlteredNova04]

@@edcaous I mean he gets a little incely for like 2 episodes where he rants about how much Amelia owes him because he did so much for her and acts like he owns her. He gets over it pretty quick though and yeah his struggles are more about loneliness in general and it's very relatable for most people I think.

[@endinessendiness7842]

@@AlteredNova04 yeah but the thing is, Subaru is very clearly presented as being in the wrong in that sequence. I don't get how that has any qualities that incels would be fine with. The main character is an asshole and learns and grows from it. That is anathema to the incel worldview, which allows for no growth whatsoever. An actual incel isekai is Shield Hero.

[@oddeyes9413]

As a writer, this show has given me the push to be okay with pushing the envelope with dark aspects when I know it's going to make a good part of the story. I let my writing breathe more because I know it's possible to further push my own boundaries and skills as a writer. I'm so glad I finally watched it.

[@KusogakiRenfir]

Last time I was this early was when people were calling Re:Zero overrated. I'm glad those people are starting to acknowledge how great it really is now.

[@justsomeguywithaforeheadmu6209]

Agreed

[@Senny_V]

Or not talking about it at all. Both is fine by me

[@JustRamm]

Same

[@markallieu7097]

Good overrated, just like AOT. They both overrated but both are masterpiece, only one problem though with Re:Zero fandom. Most of them (probably anime onlys) too underestimated Subaru, they only see Subaru as a cringey problematic stupid kid, when in reality, he's the most realistic and great protagonist

[@gamebond6248]

@@markallieu7097 the heck you are talking about? Just compare the S1 of both shows you dimwit! Only S1 which was nothing more than a fun ride of AOT was overrated while S1 of re zero was incredibly great!

[@KaX321]

Echidna reminds me of the old legends about the fae. Utterly alien, completely incapable of empathy.

[@naikou1633]

Echidna is the Kyubey of this show.

[@reasonnottheneed]

@@naikou1633 I dunno. Kyubey always seemed to me _knowingly_ manipulative. It always omitted the exact things that would make the girls agree--a sociopath who perfectly understands (but doesn't feel) human emotions. Echidna, though, seems like she genuinely doesn't know why Subaru rejected her, because she said "I think it's wonderful" about Beako's situation. Unlike Kyubey, she genuinely believes her deal is win-win. She's a sociopath who treats human emotion as another area of study. Minor difference, but I think that's what makes Kyubey a villain, and Echidna ambiguous. Also Echidna's best girl.

[@dominiccasts]

@@reasonnottheneed Agreed. Kyubey was basically a shady army recruiter in the body of a cute cat-ferret-y thing, Echidna is just a cold researcher.

[@RedRocket4000]

I agree and am tell all that the Fae a great comparison.

[@6ixlxrd]

Subaru would've gotten "access" to Echidna's body too though. Didn't seem like a bad deal at all to me. If you don't mind dying 1000+ more times than you normally would've.

[@venommurks3122]

I dont always agree with MB but when it comes to re:zero this man knows what's up. A total fucking masterpiece.

[@nepotsuki6856]

ya same

[@NipahAllDay]

I don’t really like him, but damn, his Re: Zero’s vids are top tier.

[@edcaous]

@@NipahAllDay Only because Re:Zero is top tier. He makes a couple of -bad- boring videos from time to time, but he can make really good content when he wants to.

[@NipahAllDay]

@@edcaous yeah. His “what’s in the opening” videos are pretty good. I just thought his later contents were meh and the fact I don’t really agree with his takes. He’d be much more watchable if that wasn’t the case.

[@edcaous]

@@NipahAllDay I'm in the same boat buddy.

[@flipboy420]

ReZero hits home for me. I lost both my parents around a decade ago and understand how incredibly hard it can be when your in a place that’s increasingly testing and keeps pushing your frustration until you break down, unable to talk to or connect with those who understand you. That moment where Subaru breaks down in front of Echidna when he finds out she knows about his return by death was tough to watch, but also a great moment for him.

[@nepotsuki6856]

sad to hear buddy . I hope u are fine now

[@21_315]

Existential terror > horror

[@21_315]

@Igame X no there two very different things

[@jon9428]

@Igame X horror is temporary, existential terror is with you till you die. It's something deeper and more terrifying than just a scary monster.

[@r.daneel.90]

I see, you've played SOMA as well.

[@leeworley6727]

What makes re zero so amazing is that you get an existentail crisis mixed with old fashion horror gore and disgusting natural acts of humanity.

[@saudbintalib2567]

@Igame X mother's basement has made the entire anime community toxic

[@leo_1581]

“There is no world where we can escape that loneliness without changing the core” I feel like I am gonna keep this phrase in mind, something cool about it

[@onesmileybaldy8303]

Better yet,I’m gonna try to apply it in my life

[@alurimel]

for me, it's the "every kind gesture is a gust of wind through her aching heart that threatens to reignite the smouldering embers of hope that she worked to hard to extinguish". This guy writes so well it's kinda amazing

[@leo_1581]

Ana Luíza Meloni yeah he does

[@tenaciousbiscuit9927]

Something very true about that statement..

[@illogicalparadox6343]

There's a video by Kyle Robes titled "The Loneliness of Re:Zero" that covers the isolation Subaru goes through pretty well also. I would suggest you guys check that out.

[@eidolon9767]

I genuinely think that Re: Zero is one of the best pieces of literature ever written. There is so much depth. There is something new each time I watch it. And each episode gets better and better. The characters are fantastic. The plot is fantastic. The setting is fantastic. This story is a true masterpiece, and I hope it earns its place in textbooks for ages to come.

[@hello-gx6oi]

What's also great is that it surpirses you I tried predicting the show in some momens But then it's crushed by a plot twist

[@matthewbeland8443]

10:45-13:30. It took nearly 3 minutes just to SUMMARIZE all the things that Subaru is simultaneously having to deal with other than the crushing loneliness. Damn.....

[@thefanwithoutaface8105]

If nothing Else, Subaru was more mental strength than any Shonen character we've ever seen. Even Luffy, Goku and Naruto would probably break after all this shit.

[@nintendoROX121]

luffy loses ace and gets separated from the straw hats and almost breaks from it, hed definitely be broken by now in subarus shoes

[@mysarla]

Yeah, his mental fortitude is pretty damn inhuman for such a human character. Near death experiences can traumatise almost anybody. And now let’s get those experiences, make them 100 times more painful, and multiply that by like 20 times and there ya go!! Okay but seriously think about being cut in the stomach and having ur organs being split out while still being conscious. And that’s just his first death and not even close to his worst death. I dunno why or how he reached out for Emilia’s hand at that moment...

[@Drilling4mana]

I'd say he and Homura should have a battle of determined wills but I don't want to see Subaru's brain be consumed by the screaming void of wrought-iron despair that is the core of Homura Akemi's mind.

[@markallieu7097]

Yeah he's the most realistic MC we ever get in an Isekai genre

[@blazefactor6849]

@@markallieu7097 I wouldn't necessarily say most realistic, but definitely much more interesting. The only issue is that Subaru is almost absurdly stable as a human being considering his flaws. Frankly speaking, experiencing the pain of dying once or twice would break most late-teenagers.

[@sirpdubs]

"Loneliness is an inescapable part of the human condition, but that means none of us are alone in facing it." I've been trying so hard to get such a concise summary of what I consider to be this series main message so far. In a setting where the main character *could* solve everything by doing it over and over until he triumphs, it's profound to see that the message is telling him that he *should* do the opposite. Yeah, maybe you can bear this weight alone, maybe if you can withstand enough pain things will turn out alright, but those around you care about you just as much as you care about them. If you refuse the help of your friends because you want to protect them, you're really just hurting them by forcing them to watch you suffer alone.

[@SeaCow1g]

Season 2 of Re:Zero is basically a lesson in psychologically abusive parenting. Spoilers for next cour, but Echidna and Roswaal really ARE dark versions of Subaru's parents. Some might find the comparison flimsy, but bear this in mind: Both Echidna and Roswaal have children of their own in this story. It is revealed that Beatrice was created and raised by Echidna. To Betty, Echidna IS her mother. It is also revealed that the current Roswaal is just one in a long line of Roswaal children that was conceived and born for the sole purpose of housing the original Roswaal's soul from 400 years ago so that he may reach his cherished goal of reuniting with Echidna. He has no problem taking over the bodies of his descendants, erasing their individuality and using them as vessels for immortality because they are his children; that's why he had them. Without him, the children would not exist. So with this in mind. How do these two figures treat their children? Beatrice was raised to follow her mother's instructions to the letter and was abandoned by her for all eternity with no instructions on a whim, just out of curiosity to see what she'd do. And how does Roswaal treat his children? Merely as tools to extend his legacy. These are the people trying to "help" Subaru achieve his desired future. There is nothing about these people that inspires confidence that they have Subaru's, or anyone's best interests at heart. And to make things worse, are actively trying to turn Subaru into a person just like them; into a sociopath who manipulates the people he supposedly loves to get them to do what he wants with no regard for what they actually want. Another detail that proves that this season is about parenting is how Subaru ultimately resolves Emilia's mental hangup and mind break. He convinces Puck, Emilia's "father" to end his contract with Emilia so that she has to develop the strength and mental fortitude to press on without him. He has to let her leave the nest so that she can find the strength to stand on her own two feet. This is something every good parent has to do at some point in their child's lives and it's something daddy Puck does for the sake of his daughter.

[@vincent8460]

A really good analysis dude. I read the spoiler despite being mostly an anime only, even so this makes me appreciate the series even more.

[@Featheryfaith7]

Foreshadowing and spoiler alert. In the future, Subaru will get married and have kids with someone. It is Rem since Camelia showed Rem to Subaru. This show is about coming of age. About growing up.

[@SeaCow1g]

@@Featheryfaith7 This is possible, but not likely with Rem. The stories of Rem and Subaru having kids are part of the branching IF stories and this one is the Sloth IF that takes place after episode 18 of season 1. I am a Rem stan myself so I would be glad if Subaru ended up with Rem but I don't think it is likely. Emilia is heroine of the story and is at the forefront of the author's mind at all times by his own admission. I do think Rem's importance in the story is far from over but I don't see Subaru ending up with her.

[@vincent8460]

@@Featheryfaith7 LMAOOO, bro what are you smoking?

[@Featheryfaith7]

@@SeaCow1g I do not like Rem and so I hope not. I did have a dream where he ended up with Emilia/Satella and had a little girl.

[@liaavv_4959]

I feel like Re zero season 2 is even better than the first one. Which is rare that sequels are better. Ofc the first season is absolutely great too. I guess I love the series way too much☺

[@ivanbackfromthecardshop8093]

I mean that's because it isn't really a sequel in a traditional sence it's just the next arc in the same story. It's no different then the 3 arcs that make up the original season and it only split apart due to limitations on how much can be adapted at a time

[@Tanisray]

niaraa and I’ve heard the next 2 arcs are better yet

[@turtlenuggs5677]

Honestly, even after season 2 the source material is still as good as, if not better than season 1. As long as Tappei doesnt ruin his perfect creation, it will stand as my favorite show and novel of all time.

[@clairedex]

@@Tanisray From what I've heard, the arc we're at is peak Re: Zero, but we haven't reached the best part of the arc yet. Makes me indescribably excited for the second cour. I've also heard good things about the next 2 arcs though, that they're still better than the first 3 arcs.

[@senyagotoku135]

wait till you witness the greatness of arc 5 (season 3), ohhh my lorrrrddddddd

[@cguralol]

My dad saw me watching the show, he liked a lot and a week ago we reached the ep 12 of S2. When I talked with him of why he asked me to watch the first season and now the second, he just answered me that this was completely different of what he thought anime was. Sorry for my bad english :(

[@hotdoghero1875]

That's pretty awesome man

[@jishnusuresh4007]

I see ur dad is a man of culture as well

[@Lieblingsmensch-un1bv]

Yeah I got my mom to watch it as well and my aunt already liked the series before so its a winwin here

[@hotdoghero1875]

@@Lieblingsmensch-un1bv bruhh I wish my family was into this stuff.

[@bluesleeper8677]

That was my dad with Death Note, actually

[@MrLightlike78]

Emilia's voice just saying "liar liar liar" haunted me in that scene. I love that a strong theme in this season is loving yourself- and as always love your analysis Jeff-

[@lewisroach8723]

The part that got me the most was when Emelia started fawning over Subaru in the trial place...because she'd been so isolated and emotionally broken that she had nothing left to rely on and was latching on to him in such desperation that she didn't even notice he was dying. It's like, here, your dream princess but in the worst way possible. Really strikes to the heart of 'what's the point of a person loving you if they cease to be who they are in the process' or something like that. But even days or weeks later, thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.

[@shinyevie5502]

I really liked the “unthinkable realities” that was probably one of the worst things that happened to Subaru. The scary part is that they could be a reality somewhere, just leaving him regret that every time he killed himself there’s a possibility that he left his friends all alone to suffer.

[@GuitarHeroHardyMaste]

there's also the very high possibility that the only person who could ease his worries about it will ignore them due to her manic obsession with him, and the only person that could offer a very solid spot of reassurance has revealed herself to be more interested in manipulating him to her own ends than to understand him and what he is thinking, easily being capable of misleading him without a hint of a lie. what's worse than knowing that the truth is he changes to a new timeline is just frankly not knowing at all, and having to struggle with doubts while also having to choose the opposite to be true, even if you don't know if it really is which will always eat at subaru if he doesn't get an answer.

[@gctypo2838]

What's interesting is that Subaru is uniquely susceptible to this second trial. A normal person could just say "no, that's not my reality", and have a lot easier of a time accepting it. But Subaru has lived in all these timelines. This is isn't just "what could be if things were different" for him, it's "what could be the result of my own failures". The decisions that led to these events aren't just possibilities he only imagines, they're memories he's experienced, and paid the price for.

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

@@gctypo2838 Even tappei had in the web novel have the witches comment the 2° trial is the usual easiest for everyone but for subaru is the most difficult

[@GuitarHeroHardyMaste]

@@gctypo2838edit to preface: one big thing i had meant was we all do little things or make decisions not knowing if they're the right choice and we never really know if we are going to get closure on things, all those factors go into the present day and essentially the trail would be as immersive as it was the first, you'd think you're actually acting things out in the present, you wouldn't recognise you are being trailed and you will be made to endure the worst possible outcome of your actions and failures, just like subaru is being, you just wouldn't be subjected to multiple versions that would completely overwhelm you one after another without rest. i think that the trail isn't uniquely hard for subaru because it's harder for him to deny that it is real, he in fact catches onto it really quick that he is being tested, i think the trail is equally as hard to come to terms with in that way no matter who takes it - even the part about the consequences of your failures, it's just that a person who only has experienced one continuous set of events will only have the one set of catastrophic results of their failings come to light, whereas subaru has to endure each and every one which makes it a whole lot more about his mental endurance. however i think that the reason what it is uniquely hard for subaru is that his ability is something he barely actually understands and is directly tied to heavily traumatic events, of which leave a lot completely open ended and leaves the question of how many present timelines exist if they do at all, which is why subaru keeps getting pulled back into the trail. whereas i believe that if emilia would have undergone the trail, even multiple times, she would only have to face the one present as it's constructed from her memories, but at no point would there be an option for her to question multiple different versions of events, because she has never experienced it. however, i think that the one unthinkable present she experiences would be as hard to deny it's legitimacy as it would be for subaru, just because the point of these trails seem to target your deepest insecurities, the difference with subaru is that he is trapped within his own web of multiple realities. this essentially means that the trail itself can be as many times longer than it should be for him as is proportionate to the amount of deaths he has succumbed which would mean he would have to come to terms with each one.

[@markoantonijevic9683]

@@GuitarHeroHardyMaste Doesn't the trial test only one unthinkable present? And it only switched him to the next after he failed the one before.

[@OneInchAsh]

Ep 13 spoilers Basically, Subaru's loneliness in time when he is not alone during this season comes from his mindset. He hadn't learn to love himself yet. He doesn't believe that he belongs to his place, that he has right to be with people he loves. And that is what to be fixed yet soon enough

[@markallieu7097]

Yeahh... I love Satella, but I love Emilia more. He will learns to value his life more and he won't bear it alone again, he will gained help from the people he saved and the ones that close to him. Basically he won't he so lonely anymore

[@jacewhite8540]

so is Stella best girl?, or if Emillia was already best girl was Stella best girl the entire time? So many questions

[@OneInchAsh]

@@jacewhite8540 there is always a possibility that they are the same person though. I personally believe they are not but Emilia is her clone or smth, but i just really dislike the whole Subaru timetravel theory in re:zero

[@buckiez]

@@OneInchAsh personally i choose to think he's travelling to a different world whenever he dies, because #1, at the start he was summoned to another world, meaning multiple worlds are a thing in re:zero, and #2, it makes the title make so much more sense

[@________dQw4w9WgXcQ]

Also isn't it hypocritical of the witches to tell him he needs to grow as person considering they haven't changed in centuries?

[@sharpsied]

8:21 "the only thing more painful than the loneliness you feel when you're alone, is the loneliness you feel when you're not." damn.

[@AdorianDelmore]

I love this show. Subaru is my favorite MC because of the psychological nature of the show. HE FEEL SO REAL. I literally had to make a mind map to understand all the characters and what info Subaru learned after each death. Two pages long.

[@justarandomonyoutube7158]

Compare to arc 1-3 (Season 1) arc 4,5,6 is a masterpiece so much details and world building I'll say I know this show has a bigger fandom than most shows but it's highly underrated because many people doesn't understand the series it's not about op protagonist winning every fight it's about a man over coming his selfhatred and saving everyone he loves, people hates him because he's weak but he's mentally stronger than any fucking character in anime I know he can be annoying sometime but he's relatable he's like us a human completely powerless against demi humans/monsters people are simping on re:zero waifu's I know re: zero has top tier waifu's and characters they are extremely detailed hopefully we will see in future seasons but my boi subaru needs love and respect.

[@daanduijkers4845]

Arc 4, yes! Dunno about arc 5 and 6 though. Arc 5 is basically one big battle against the Witch Cult and Arc 6, while having great worldbuilding, takes time to get going.

[@-mistypanda22-9]

that's the big thing here though... the author intentionally backed up a lot of the world building or the main juice of the series to arc 4 and beyond so he could have a good hook... made of three arcs...

[@jacob3223bocaj]

@@daanduijkers4845 I honestly really like arc 5 despite it essentially being a big action set piece that takes up literally all of the arc. I really like the setting, Sirius probably has the "Coolest" ability of all the witch cultists, and the introduction is really good. I really don't like Liliana and Priscilla, but I read the web novel and am hoping the light novel at least improved their dynamic a little. Arc 6 is a little too early to comment on, and the desert section definitely takes too long, but it at least has unique ideas.

[@markallieu7097]

@@jacob3223bocaj I love Arc 5, it's when Subaru become badass, using RBD as less and as effective as possible. Boy that speech is great, Regulus got fucked by Reinhardt is so satisfying lmao. I really enjoyed Arc 5 because it's after Arc 4, which develops all the character ; Subaru, Garfiel, Ram, Roswaal, Ryuzu, Emilia, Beako, Frederica etc. Re:Zero definetly become more enjoyable after Arc 4, that arc is a masterpiece but I enjoy the arc after arc 4 more

[@jishnusuresh4007]

Arc 6 is by far the most horrific of them all can't wait for it to be finished

[@Bards.98]

It's weird how an anime where lives don't matter, makes me so anxious

[@taylormoreira1266]

The writing is just so good

[@Rubick471]

Ah, but isn't Subaru just now learning it is BECAUSE of the throwaway nature of "return by death" that MAKES all of his and the other people he likes lives matter so much more than they would otherwise? After all, he allowed himself to finally _believe_ what so many viewers hated him for not believing in season 1: "just kill yourself and reset to change everything for the better it's so easy". He was actually _intentionally_ dying to even learn simple information, let alone saving people. And now in that process he is learning that by believing what so many viewers wanted him to believe, it made him more of a monster than ever before.

[@nightowl9005]

@@Rubick471 Yeah I remember reading the web novel at this point of the story and think "Is this Subaru?" It really felt like I was reading a different character and it still felt natural, it was disturbing

[@VBandit47]

The reason it makes you so anxious is because the lives DO matter. They actually took the time to get you to care about all the characters and then show you that they can literally *die at any point*

[@sisyphus4441]

Re: Zero is one of the few series to just really fucking hurt to watch or read especially the second trial and tea party. I read it and just felt so isolating and set in paranoia like no other series

[@sleepingpotato3620]

Back in episode 15 Subaru didn’t fake his madness, it was genuine that he lost his mind. Betelgeuse called him out since he saw that he had no reason to lose his mind even though he could never know what he went through

[@armandogimenez7576]

Re:zero is legit a masterpiece with so much depth and emotion behind it. Truly an unforgettable experience.

[@GuitarHeroHardyMaste]

makes it all the funnier thinking back to 2016 and digibro trying his absolute hardest to hate on the first season

[@hallofmemories816]

robyru what makes it even funnier his point is way off what the series is about

[@ianterada6821]

I’ve been super impressed by Season 2

[@fangerzstanky]

And random fan service and cringe

[@hallofmemories816]

Fangers Stanky fanservice ? Did you watch the show ?

[@konacoffee3396]

I didn't think that this was what the series was about, I gotta get on Re:Zero holy shit

[@Drilling4mana]

It's very good.

[@pills-]

Same. I dropped it about halfway through season 1 because Subaru kept pissing me off with how... obtuse he was. I very quickly lost most of my sympathy for him. That and suggestive violence does a number on me far worse than explicit violence...

[@GrowingDownUnder]

dang you spoiled the anime the for yourself, it's way better when you watch it with no expectations not knowing what's going to happen. Re:zero is one of the best anime made of all time and I don't just say that lightly, I actually mean it but it's the type of anime you can only really watch once because it's mostly valued off the suspense of what's going to happen next, fear of the unknown and shock value. And once you know what's going to happen next the show isn't really all that great anymore that's why it's an anime you absolutely can't spoil for anyone or yourself.

[@GrowingDownUnder]

@@brokensubaru4502 I disagree with that, time loop anime are only good when you don't know what's going to happen next and for the surprise of it. That's the only reason re:zero is even good without the surprises and fear of the unknown the anime is actually just another terrible isekai with a generic time loop cliche.

[@kazuo398]

It's about kawaii twin maids, a half-elf, some other weirdos, and an incel

[@Ryutix]

Subaru finally being able to openly cry to Echidna about everything he's gone through hits me as hard as Uncle Iroh singing leaves from the vine.

[@KDPenland87]

What a great in depth analysis of what it is that makes Re: Zero so great, and the character of Natsuki Subaru enjoyable to watch. As much as I want him to develop some skill or talent that would allow him to better handle his situations, his inherent weakness and ignorance is what makes the show so good. He is like a permanent low level character trying to survive in a level 100 world, the only perk being that he can reset and work with others to achieve things. Everyone knows he is weak, but most respect and love him for his character rather than because he is powerful. Of course he wants to figure things out on his own, but in the end it's only through his relationships that they survive and the story progresses. This show is a psychological masterpiece.

[@rastynicc]

7:36 "That too can be remedied" *cuts to scene of Rem* Nicely done.

[@mothersbasement]

Editor Trey is a genius

[@beanonthefloor3750]

Hmmm only one reply and 62 likes

[@osamudazai579]

Re:Zero is the only anime that I have ever said "Man I fucking love this show!" after every episode. It just keeps getting better and better, despite how scary it is just how much I relate to Subaru.

[@leavemealone3427]

its one of the only anime where i actually feel emotions, its great

[@goosegoose5879]

Dude same

[@Terzy]

Hahaha I literally say the same thing to myself after every episode too

[@onee-chansplaytoy5863]

effin SAME, i only feel something when watching if its RE:ZERO

[@BayesianBeing]

Yep, Re:Zero really has that effect

[@averyaerodynamiccow5447]

This video honestly puts everything into a better perspective for me. I've always had serious trust and self-worth issues ever since I was a kid for various reasons and I only just broke the silence about it recently. I have a girlfriend and a small group of people that seem to not hate me and I really want to get myself to believe that they do want me around, that they do care about me, but it just feels so hard. Everything feels like a lie. I've gotten so used to throwing myself under the bus for other people with a smile on my face, just so that I could be accept for a split second, that I basically just accepted the silence and loneliness that came with it. What you said between 7:25 and 8:46 really put it into perspective for me and I feel like it summed up what I felt so incredibly well. I feel safe, but lonely when I'm alone, scared when I'm around others and petrified when people say that they care about me. All I ever really wanted was a friend, someone that I felt that I can trust in and not have to worry about being shot in the back about. I've started to take my first steps towards learning to trust people and to lower my guard around them, and to just be a better person overall, but I feel so small, hopeless, and alone. One day I hope to stand alongside them and to truly feel like I belong somewhere.

[@nobodyvirus1749]

Fun fact: In the Op: Realize, when the unseen hand changes into somewhat of an human arms, I think it represents what happened in Ep 13 where he learns what satella wants

[@RblastonYT]

I do love how both Emilia and Beatrice’s feelings are totally in the deep rooted solutions of the arc. But Subaru is understandably caught up in the problems himself and worried that people close to him would get hurt. Subaru needs *REALIZE* that he should learn how to share the burden not only surface level but personally (as much as he’s allowed).

[@poporipopes4876]

yeah, I don't know if it counts as much of a spoiler, but he'll be told that he needs to understand that he himself should be among the people he would like to save, instead of having so low self-esteem to the point where you think no one would miss you if you were to disappear, and only caring about all the others. He's so hard on himself because he believes that won't be of any help and that the only thing good that he has is the Return by Death because is the only way (in his POV) to become useful to the people he would like to save.

[@RblastonYT]

Popes XD well as long as you don’t say who then I will be good because it’s thematically consistent.

[@poporipopes4876]

Rblast yeah, you’ll know soon, but I won’t spoil, it’s fine

[@daanduijkers4845]

SPOILERS That is exactly how Subaru will get out of this loop! Roswaal has set up all of this arc's events to break Subaru, but he didn't account for him sharing the burden. In the winning loop, Subaru chooses to have faith in Emilia and coaches her through the trials. Meanwhile, it's revealed that Garfiel could leave Sanctuary the whole but was scared of the outside world. So Subaru has him take the first trial to have him overcome his problems. With Garfiel, Subaru and co. defeat Elsa with moderate difficulty while Emilia is revealed to have a huge amount of magic, which they use the lure the rabbit and kill it.

[@daerdeere9222]

9:23 "those rabbits only chew you down to the bone" and then they continue to eat the bones.

[@johnf.cawkwell9840]

They even suck up all of the spilt blood leaving no trace of the body whatsoever

[@roojackaroo8517]

@@johnf.cawkwell9840 absolutely zero,which is why Sanctuary was absolutely empty that time.

[@whateverwhatever4476]

@@roojackaroo8517 I heard Otto and co had burned themselves to death rather then being eaten

[@onionlamento]

People talk about missing Rem a lot. What about my girl Crusch?!

[@Alacachoo]

Second to best girl Crusch gone mia this season :(

[@riberium1739]

spoiler season 3 my friend, season 3, you will be satisfied on 100%

[@Ayelaeonao]

Who's Rem?

[@woooshifgay1393]

She's my fourth favourite character next to rem, next to echidna, next to Otto.

[@balakkei]

Re:Zero is also a great case study about Generalized Anxiety Disorder and self-fulfilling prophecies. Subaru's maladaptive beliefs (especially once the dread sets in) and intolerance of uncertainty is laid bare in his internal monologuing, and was definitely unsettling to watch, being someone who has struggled with these things myself.

[@keith6293]

"And Rosewald has...uses for him" perfection right there!

[@muhammadazeem1346]

Not gonna lie.... This season broke me, I was happy when Subaru found comfort in Echidona's understanding but absolute horror when the details of the deal with her were revealed

[@hotdoghero1875]

Same. But let me tell ya. The pay off that's gonna come in the end is gonna be amazing once you look back where everyone started

[@jeremiahp17]

8:13 is literally explaining my depression. You can have people, you have alot of people pushing you and having your back. Even loved by many but in my heart there is nothing there. I'm basically a zombie, that works and pay bill and enjoy my friends but once everyone gone that tiny bit of happiness is gone. Even when people are around, sometimes there no real feeling at all.

[@cryguy0000]

The part about his mom trying to micromanage his life and shape him into someone who suits her needs sounds eerily similar to my own mother. Even my father wanted me to do all the things he did despite me simply not being suited for it. It feels like Subaru's journey reflects my own life and circumstances more and more as time goes on

[@AlexDaBigBaum]

When you said that he may of unintentionally made a contract with Satella I unconsciously gasped because the world building in Re Zero so well melded and interwoven that its entirely possible that's what happened... I am really enjoying Re Zero and I am hopeful that Subaru will eventually find his happy ending.

[@Oboreru493]

Well Subaru actually does have a contract with Satella though that detail wasn't revealed in the anime for some reason. We still dont know how he has that contract yet but he does seem to have some sort of connection to someone from the past but i wont say anything more for spoiler reasons

[@AlexDaBigBaum]

@@Oboreru493 Gotcha I appreciate the courtesy of no spoilers. It feels like with every episode we learn so much but not just in that episode but in the context of previous episodes. I am looking forward to reading the light novels when I get some free time 😀

[@vincent8460]

@@AlexDaBigBaum Definitely read the novels, Episode 13 of Re Zero does cut some important foreshadowing and characterization for Satella including the reason behind the difference in her attitude and Subaru's actions such as biting his tongue make much more sense in the novels. Keep in mind the LN is behind the anime ATM So in order to read Arc 4 you'll have to read the WebNovel.

[@clairedex]

Re:Zero is maybe the only piece of media I can think of that can be labelled as horror while also making me cry so heartily. And even in that, I've cried tears of sadness and tears of joy watching it. I don't know if it's my favorite of the year (Eizouken has a soft spot in my heart as an animator myself) but it's certainly up there, which is rare for a fantasy LN adaptation (especially as a sequel).

[@clairedex]

Oh rip I edited my comment, well at least *I know* that Geoff enjoyed my comment.

[@kamarassakka9922]

Mine is Promised Neverland. That shit made me cry

[@MH3Raiser]

It's not a story about a boy who endures endless suffering. It's a story about a boy who finds himself hopeless yet finds hope again and again and again.

[@clairedex]

​@@MH3Raiser I absolutely agree, and I'm happy to see more people are realizing that there's so much more to this series than suffering.

[@MH3Raiser]

@@clairedex What makes it better is that line is a direct quote from the writer, so that's how the series is intended to be as well ^^

[@pastamasta4355]

The scripts you write for these videos are all so amazing you’re a really talented writer

[@nighttimestalker]

I just finished the second season. This is easily now my favorite series. It's just such a well done set up. The animation, music, score, characters, plot, writing, etc. It's just so well done and consistent. I'ma start ordering the books tomorrow lol

[@jpjones8392]

It's so good because the "incel horror" is relatable even if you aren't an incel. Not being loved is just straight up scary, and being used like Echidna does to Subaru is even scarier.

[@edcaous]

I really don't think the "incel hero" video from exclamation point is all accurate because I feel like he mischaracterizes Subaru a bit. As if prior to Rem's confession he had no redeeming qualities.

[@sthoughtsarchive2791]

Um why don't you love yourself first lol. You don't need love from other people for you to be happy, nor that is scary lol

[@andrewmurphy2093]

@@edcaous That's a really good point. People often forget how much good Subaru actually did before making a fool of himself in front of the knights. Looking back at the first season, you can see how he can think on his feet, how brave he can be, and his willingness to help those in need (Let's not forget him rushing into the forest to save the kids). His bad qualities do overshadow a lot of that though, especially in the second half of the first season. Still, he isn't bad all around.

[@mike-0451]

Я that’s not true at all. You can’t love yourself unless others love you

[@daneverharen1694]

@@mike-0451 others will have a hard time loving you until you love yourself

[@jessied.potter5438]

There is no feeling more suffocating than that of being lonely because you are surrounded by people that you thought cared about you and who you still care about.

[@generalgarchomp333]

Especially when you can't believe that they truly do care about you.

[@thomasvieira4094]

What i find most interesting in Re:Zero videos commentary section: - Ppl that drop re:zero don't drop it because of the story but because of Subaru (that to me makes no sense), and then calls the whole show generic.. - Arc 5 has alot of fighting but no one talks about the crazy foreshadowing and revelations that shows up.. - Calling Emilia useless. To all those who think this.....wait and you shall see These are just a few but i never see people give a actual reason to call the Anime generic, this Anime is a masterpiece and it just keeps getting better and better, it's easily one of the biggest and most complex worlds i've seen and the characters that have their own traits, it just makes the story as a whole very enjoyable to read and keeps me sunked in for the ride.

[@LeoLeo-]

Re zero is on of this shows that gives me season 2 aot mystery and confusion . It’s so refreshing and fun to analyze , I’m half way through arc 5 can’t wait to finish it .

[@seisosimp]

ReZero is a wonderful show. Season 1 makes you relate to Subaru, seeing his troubles which are similar to ours, seeing his despairs that might happen to us if we don't strive to get a good ending, and seeing the results of his perseverance, patience, and efforts give us hope that every problem can be resolved once you overcome the roots of the problem (which are mostly internal and caused by our mindset, beliefs, and emotions). We see the world through him, feel his pain, and celebrate whenever he topples over what seems to be an insurmountable obstacle. Then comes Season Two, where we stop relating to Subaru and seeing ourselves in him, and start sympathizing not through his perspective, but through the perspective of an outsider similar to Rem's situation. He becomes his own person and we are forced to separate our perspectives from him, seeing that his circumstances can never be fully understood and related to. Subaru stopped being a person we see ourselves in, and became a character moving on his own. One that suffers trials and tribulations and overcomes them with sheer willpower and effort. We are left behind at the sidelines, sympathizing with his experiences but never fully relating to them, cheering him on. He becomes a figure to be looked up to, a person that would inspire us to overcome ourselves just like he did. A person who was once nothing, but became something just for the people he loved. Dang, this is a masterpiece.

[@hitchano]

The reveal with the horror of the witches, and the implication of doing what envy wants, really is one of the best pieces of physiological horror, on par with promised Neverland I feel.

[@Prathmesh31]

"doesn't goes school/work/outside" - 2020 @everyone

[@janina3879]

Great! Now everyone can enjoy the show! XD

[@Prathmesh31]

That's the plan (☞^o^) ☞

[@BigHeadClan]

Wish that was the case for me, sadly IT is one of the fields that have gotten way more active been between 50-60 hours this entire month. Honestly getting furlo'd doesn't sound too bad right about now. lol

[@Prathmesh31]

@@BigHeadClan I can understand, I'm also in working in IT industry. (I know hell)... ಥ‿ಥ

[@BigHeadClan]

@@Prathmesh31 Hah always happy to meet a fellow sufferer.

[@Minboelf]

Re:Zero has set the bar too high for modern isekai anime

[@PhantomGamZ]

And then there is konosuba doin its own thing over there.

[@GorgeousHotRat]

@@PhantomGamZ but its konosuba A GOOD ANIME

[@PhantomGamZ]

@@GorgeousHotRat Who said it was bad?!

[@GorgeousHotRat]

@@PhantomGamZ no one bc the show is good

[@eetu54]

White fox has set the bar too high TWICE

[@VBandit47]

Can't wait for Season 2 part 2. People are gonna' FLIP when they find out about Emelia's past

[@VBandit47]

@McReFund I mean the Frozen Witch is just a derogatory title that the people of the village near the forest gave her, and she's now using it as a term of empowerment. I guess you wouldn't know that if you haven't watched the movie

[@hello-gx6oi]

I already flipped when it was Emelia who froze the forest

[@VBandit47]

@McReFund Hell yeah, arc 6 is CRAZY

[@VBandit47]

@McReFund Same bro, and it's already starting off strong

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

4:47 ACTUALLY from i have been told, according to Tappei himself (author of Re: Zero), Subaru DID Broke. Petelguese just thought Subaru was pretending because subaru's insanity was different from his (19:30 Again. didn't pretend, but then again it kinda hurts that you could say he "returned to that cave": broken, incapable of doing anything, while people mock him for his weakness, but no one mocks him worse than he already does it himself) 14:33 Huh. that explains the Greed/Kasenaru IF? 16:39 Again. Kasenaru IF.

[@worldweaver2691]

yeah if Subaru had a Call of Chuthlu character sheet it would read out of sanity. Petelguese won't be regonized as a sheet of paper merely a tide-dye/rainbow factory exploded-puked on it.

[@gctypo2838]

Yeah, it's a common misconception that Subaru is "faking" his madness in ep15. That's just Petelgeuse gatekeeping there; he's just seeing Subaru and comparing it to his own, far more extensive (and deep-rooted) madness.

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

@@gctypo2838 yeah, that's a very nasty case of lack of empathy and "comparing miseries". just because subaru's misery is different to his, doesn't mean Petelguese has any right to say subaru's misery isn't as valid as his"

[@callmekanda5662]

@@ianr.navahuber2195 do you have proof of this being said? To me it makes way more sense thematically that he was faking it as a defense mechanism. If he truly lost his mind, how the hell would he just bounce back so quickly? At that point it just seems forced

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

@@callmekanda5662 I got it from some Facebook groups about the Light Novel if i recall. But i am not sure.

[@Serothil_and_stuff]

Re:Zero is hands down my favorite Anime. I can relate to Subaru so much that just thinking about it makes me cry. And the horror elements good god...

[@Synchro-tq1mo]

It was meant as a joke in the show

[@novelle.27]

ESPECIALLY the part shown at 21:14 like holy shit I got chills

[@cosmiceggs2385]

I haven't watched Re:Zero before but it really sounds great. I love psychological horror and it's even better if it touches on isolation and loneliness like that. The human condition and loneliness are themes that are always cool to see. Even knowing nothing about Re:Zero, this sounds like a great analysis of the show and those themes. I definitely want to watch it now.

[@threadEvent]

Coming back to this so much later... This is one of the most poetic, sincere, elevating scripts you have ever written. Going through some hard times, your words give me inspiration. This video is the reason I subscribed to you back in 2020, and I've had a ton of fun catching up on much of your work since then but this one is... Like that moment you realize what it means to have talent. You certainly have talent, sir.

[@waxi11iam34]

Dear god that written segment was far more intimate and terrifying than I though possible. As a writer and just as a human in general I have but a single question. Why? Why would you place that there for all of us to read. I didn't have to pause the video. I didn't have to keep reading. But, like those ghost hands in this horror of a show, I was gripped by it. That paragraph grabbed hold of me and I was unable to escape. Did you just want others to share in your suffering? Was it a cruel joke to you? Why Geoff? Why Keep up the good work, I always love your video essays. All hail the Anime Pope

[@Rubick471]

That's how the web novel/light novel was written. *That* is the quality of what they're trying to adapt for Re: Zero as an anime. The light novel made some cuts from the web novel, and the anime subsequently made some cuts from the light novel. There are, to my dismay, quite a few things I wish weren't cut.

[@nightowl9005]

@@Rubick471 Emilia slapping Roswaal and disregarding the royal selection because rem killed Subaru would be the one I wished was still there and the reveal of Dona's true intentions after the last tea party with Subaru, that sold me on her character plus her interactions with Emilia

[@motorstormking]

The focus on eyes in this show to convey what a character is feeling is second to none. I've never seen an anime that zooms into the individuals eyes during a conversation to show the audience what they are thinking or how they're feeling is incredible

[@Junior13113]

I've been watching anime for the vast majority of my life, and I've seen many, many anime in my day. None have been as difficult to watch as this one has. The intense amount of suffering that damn-near every character endures is legitimately heartbreaking. This anime was emotionally draining, to say the least; had to watch an innocent slice-of-life after I finished the season to reset😂

[@TheeActualKeyboardWarrior]

as Subaru is simply a 17 year old teen i think RE:Zero breaks down the common barriers of a young protagonist not being able to understand the real world around him and not only that but i feel as if his own youth is the very thing that helps him stay afloat in the unchanging formless void that Subaru is introduced to as he dies over and over again forced to face the sins he's committed. RE:Zero is horror in a second hand sense in my opinion. when Subaru feels alone you feel it too, when Subaru cries its hard not to cry with him. this anime combines the incredible world building and character development that animes like Jobless Reincarnation and Darling in the Franxx does so well and puts its own horrific twist on an overly-saturated not so popular subgenre of anime. in conclusion RE:Zero is incredibly amazing and i dont think anyone can wait for season 3. P.S. Rem and Ram best girls dont @ me.

[@MoneyMakingBaby]

True, everytime Subaru cries you feel for him

[@TheGeminiProject6525]

I find your videos about Re:Zero to be blessings, for they serve to not only affirm opinions I was afraid only I might have had, but also to give me deeper insight into this maelstrom of emotions. I’ve cried more times than I care to admit watching this show, and I will definitely be conflicted with the end of the next episode. It will no doubt end with an amazing cliffhanger that will no doubt make me smile and giddy, but it will also be painful knowing that one of the things that I was looking forward to - more like could depend upon - every week the past three months will be gone. I love this show so much that it scares me.

[@markallieu7097]

It will be great after Arc 4, trust me. Second part will be masterpiece, you will be stunned of how well the character developments are.

[@miltonmerlo4103]

@@markallieu7097 Maybe it will get 9 + en MAL and become an indisputable masterpiece

[@willchalloner6643]

Me: refreshes KZbin feed hoping a new video is out “The lonely horror of-“ Me: well, that’s topical

[@brendanmuse7920]

Big 2020 mood

[@brandondavidson4085]

" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."- 1 Corinthians 13:1 This is why Subaru x Amelia is the only possible pairing: Amelia is the only person who can understand Subaru's depression and anxiety. Amelia is the only person who can treat him fairly, patiently, and gently. Rem idolizes him the way the Witch does, and neither of them can feel how he has.

[@mike-0451]

🙏

[@Rar830]

Amelia.....?

[@nathandingy]

This show is easily one of my favorites along with FMA and Code Geass. This show tackles everything you explained and so much more I wish I remember the video I watched going over everything re zero tries to make a commentary about but it was nearly 2 hours long and makes u appreciate the this show even more.

[@j.c.5245]

I remember when Isekai Quartet was in emition, some dude was saying Kasuma has suffered mor than Subaru... I'm not talking about wich one is better, but there is no way Kasuma's life is worse

[@animeotaku307]

Eh... they have different types of crap they have to deal with. Kazuma's party is made up of the worst people possible (not that he's much better) and he has to deal with their shenanigans and all they ways they fuck up a situation (even though it's played for comedy). Subaru... well, Geoff's explained that pretty well. Though I would take Kazuma's troubles over Subaru's. And I'm far from a people person.

[@l0sts0ul89]

@The FBI What are you going on about? Subaru also has hot anime girls around him...

[@serulu3490]

@The FBI its not comparable but if i had to chose whether i would be subaru or kazuma i would actually chose subaru. I just dont like to deal with kazuma's party its like very annoying i would rather be subaru . So it depends . But yeah majority of people would rather be kazuma then subaru.

[@mdraj5655]

It's a joke bro there is no way kazuma's problems are more than subaru's he gets conered in every possible way specially in season 2.

[@boiyado6717]

@@serulu3490 my very existence has been shaken, you have given me the stupidest thing that has ever been said, thank you kind sir.

[@remuj6457]

Rezero has become one of my favorite anime. I dont think I've ever been so invested in a story due to the plot being so interesting

[@Liam-ix3ui]

This season of Re:Zero hits like a pint of cocaine

[@dust1431]

Ah yes a good ol pint of cocaine

[@lightrayz3805]

25:33 “Ferris having lost HER closest friend”

[@herbertwalter8693]

Jeff is still in denial xD

[@EVERYWHERE_MAN]

The bunnies are what scares my the most

[@ahmadasfour6715]

Love how the media can make a fluffy bunny-corn more horrific than a giant super whale

[@aliji3]

I feel you, I can't imagine being eaten inside and out.

[@noe4354]

Naw the scariest one is that lady assassin

[@SteveSkits]

Re:zero is amazing. I agree it does bring out some raw human emotions when we watch it.

[@chromiumex2384]

Oh, yeah, watching Subaru with his parents made me ball my eyes out.

[@VBandit47]

Sameeee, I've literally gone through like, 90% of all the shit Subaru did in those days. It felt super surreal because of that

[@javaughnbailey9610]

I just wanna say thank you for explaining the deeper meaning behind these stories, every time I watch one of these videos I learn something I didn't know before, and with such great production!! Thanks.

[@princeofstride5557]

The only anime’s that will keep me alive this year is re zero season 2, attack on titan last season, and Kings avatar season 2. I’m happy I have something I like to watch in 2020 and 21

[@skullknight8106]

Attack on titan is gonna be a hella badass once the finale season has been released.

[@KuronoXD]

"Wait, did he say nibbling?" *Remembers the bunnies* "Oh... right."

[@ChronoShadow69]

I kept thinking this video was a re-upload, or that I'd heard it before, until you mentioned Explination Point's video on the subject, and I remembered how much I loved his videos! Kudos for the shout-out to him, and kudos for a great video tackling the subject as well!

[@arcsoulphantom2678]

I’m here after the last episode of the first half and Damn some of those scenes really push this idea forward. Great video Geoff