Unpacking the Trauma and Emotional Turmoil; Psychologists Reacts to Mushoku Tensei S1 Episode 1

[@dxrkwolfx5583]

YESSSSS IVE BEEN THINKING THIS WAS A PERFECT VIDEO IDEA “A Psychologist Reacting to Mushoku Tensei” as watching it and reading the novels I found Rudy’s actions to be extremely true to life to what i’d expect of someone with his degeneration over 20 years from the tender age of 14! Haven’t started the video yet but im hyped!

[@ArlanKels]

Yup, one thing that bugs me is how often people say Rudy is disgusting because he's an "adult", but the man never once ever achieved "Adulthood". He arguably never even got past being a teenager, he hit puberty and basically got tormented and then hid in a cage of his own making, abusing himself because he hated himself, and never once garnered any hint of growth or actual maturity. And it's shown very well in the series.

[@Tounushi]

40:30 actually he started talking in his new body in Japanese. He had to learn Human Tongue by reading books on his own and listening to his parents. Lilia spied him reading and was amazed to notice that his babbling had structure to it, as if it was an actual language. His handwriting is later noted to be off as well. The letters are carefully formed, but there's something odd about their shapes. I'm not sure if it's him being used to writing Japanese or him being used to typing rather than writing with a pen.

[@thespianmask8451]

I tried to learn some Japanese last year after my visit to Japan. When I tried to write down the characters, they looked WAY off, probably because I'm used to writing the English Alphabet instead.

[@zkeletonz001]

This show is a masterpiece.

[@psyculturists]

So far it’s quite good!

[@MadDogRyan]

I just finished the first season first and second core and I agree

[@bcnicholas123]

I haven’t been this excited for a show to continue in a long time

[@kaasimalam5848]

Omg Ed you keep dropping banger episodes. I love it but I hope you don’t burn out with so many new shows to keep up with. I relate to this MC a lot so I have a bias towards this show but we see a ton of the MCs inner thoughts which is great to analyse... Also they touch on a lot of different areas of psychology (developmental/behavioural/cognitive/etc.) and how characters react to events is very varied. Anyway thank you for picking up so many great shows and imma join the discord because your community seems really healthy.

[@johnnooyen461]

You put so much commentary into the episode that it is absolutely fair use beyond argument, yet you still sensor the video, even when other "reaction" channels that give like 1m of talking dont. Great respect!

[@psyculturists]

Thank you I really sincerely appreciate it!

[@Kinra_Jade]

Reflecting on the question, i can say the first feelings i would get are surprise, uneasiness and most likely panic ("most likely" because i do differentiate the reaction of someone who had some insights to being isekai'd thanks to fiction against someone who never had any idea about it). Of course, having years of existence within my memories would help (to what extent is another question) but i'd have to go through everything again. From what a person with DID said, having abilities within your inner self doesn't compensate your body's inability to do so meaning, i'd also have to re-learn basic things like how to talk, read, write, walk, etc. There is the "second chance" factor that comes into play but before that, i'd be probably stressing a lot over everything i wished i could have done before feeling "ready to be" in the new world (suddenly, can't see my parents, brothers, sisters, etc. I can feel hyperventilating to such a striking realization). Even if i were to overcome the feeling, i'd still be very attached to my past "self" before merging with the new one (whether i want it or not due to environmental and social changes to name a few). A point i've noticed from Isekais is how the protagonists often just shook off their past pastimes (not counting Mushoku Tensei), i don't think it would be that easy for anyone ; if you consider the body in the new world being a new one, it wouldn't have any dependency to whatever addiction the person had but it doesn't make it easily forgettable either. In such a twist of fate, you find yourself in a full-time boot camp life. 25:32 It would depend on what magics are available in the book but in this case, i'd go probably for earth magic since cleaning pebbles is easier than water stains. Afterwards, i'd most likely switch element to keep on not getting attention like Rudeus.

[@kalvon]

I love how he's analyzing the anime with his Psychological knowledge and his anime fan side of him. I'm glad you react to this anime because it is my top favourite Anime of all time. Though it got some weird elements in it but shit hit hard some part of the anime. Anyway, I'mma subscribe you bruh

[@userk2comment]

This'll be incredible as the themes explored in this series as well as the situational conflicts really line up for this sort of critique and analysis. I mean, you were already discussing about the nuances before they showed up! I can see you being to this show (MT) what Doc. Hope is to Cells at Work. Very similar.

[@Sheamu5]

I just found your channel at the end of season 2 and decided to check out the series. It's amazing on what you pick up in just a few moments about his past, and future state of mind, dealing with his old soul in a young body. I don't know if I'll binge this playlist, but it will be nice to watch it while we wait for season 3

[@thesevendeadlysins578]

Woah! Ooooh this is such a great show for you to react to and discuss. I love this anime for so many reasons. Yes, Rudy is flawed, very flawed. But, that makes him human. Plus, the character development throughout the series is amazing. Less than 10 minutes in and I love how you think and hearing your thoughts.

[@MrArrmageddon]

Since this is an old video. And you have finished this series. At least Season 1. I have read all of the Light Novels. I'm not a fan of Isekai's in general. In many Isekai the very aspect of the reincarnation or the being sent to another world does not really effect the story. Why is one of the 20 or so reasons why I feel MT is an amazing series. And I understand a lot of the things it does that can throw people off. I don't know if this happens to Phyculturist but it was easy for me to get past those. Because I honestly saw the series for what it is. In all honest I think MT tries to have it's cake and eat it too but kind of wins. They use Rudy's perverseness in a fan service kind of way to hook certain people. But also in a very organic story way to show true depth, and I think this series is about Family, Change and Forgiveness. I won't say every bad thing is intentional but I believe it mostly is intentionally cringe. And it's trying to get people to right form wrong. Or argue both sides. And I believe that is another aspect of this series is both sides of an argument. One side can be more flawed but not completely discounted either. I won't go into any specifics because this is episode one. And a lot of the concepts I'm referring to are involved later on.

[@xqzqcv7950]

MT as a show excels at portraying full, actualized wholly realized human beings/persons or people really Not solely defined by good or bad characteristics, but all of it Its too rare, and so so refreshing to see! Thank you for these reactions, thoughts and discussions that have have happened with this show Stellar all around!

[@astorlefflinker8417]

"What is self" is a really interesting question. Like what really is Rudeus? A lot of people, especially those who dropped the anime because they couldn't stand his pervy shenanigans seem to not be able to separate his adult self that died from Earth to this little boy in the fantasy world. And since whenever he speaks in his mind, he is voiced by that adult from Earth who died, it is hard to blame them, and it's clear that his memories from Earth still affect the way he thinks. But for me, I go with the title of "reincarnation". Reincarnation is being reborn into a whole new person, so its completely different from possession. I saw in the Twitch chat that someone said something about possessing the body, but I dont think that's how reincarnation works. The 34yo man from Earth died and got reborn into a new person, his soul didn't replace the soul that was already residing inside the baby. So I think its really interesting that we got a psychologist to react to this anime, but I hope someday we get someone who studies the spiritual world and or maybe even a Buddhism expert so that he or she can explain what reincarnation really means because there are people out there in our world who believes in reincarnation and claim that they also have memories of their past lives.

[@shurtgal009]

Ackchyually!!! Just wanted to add a little detail that his soul actually replaced the soul of "baby rudeus" that unfortunally died in birth.

[@fraktaalimuoto]

As a Buddhist I relate to Rudeus like a reincarnation and not exactly the same individual. Having memories and the connected identity of a different person, does not take away from the fact that he is different person now and just a child. From the Buddhist point of view, it is the "karma" that goes from life to life. Defined permanent identify has never even existed. One's mindstream is not the same as self and identity is an always changing mirage of causes and conditions. Excuse for going to the deep end. Hahahaha!

[@awesomeswifter1138]

As stated by orsted and by the LN, paul was never supposed to have a son, and the body was stillborn, meaning it was essentially souless "rudy" was just a body made of the leftovers of Lapis' reincarnation within the world, which is also why he has so much powe

[@MadDogRyan]

I can relate to the main character so much in the way of wanting to start over do to regret and this show has taught me if I want a good life I can have it if I work and reach out for it

[@honeytlbadger4365]

27:22 Lol Ed just described Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor perfectly.

[@kazadori164]

the problem with these isekai's is that the person's original personality and memories stay intact. i have many dreams where I am no longer the person typing this message, as in I have no recollection of this personality..... i will have brief moments where i would question that something does not fit with my current reality example,i may make a phone call and the phone i use would ben be something common in this reality. but that is usually what breaks me out of the dream

[@Nuts1984]

Great stuff man, instant sub after watching your 2 videos on MT, hope you keep watching it

[@kodytiffany5686]

Rudy chose water ball after doing some thinking on the consequences of success. Water Ball was least likely to do to much or be missed like air magic.

[@limbo5577]

Oh yes, I love this series

[@elsensualderin9396]

I always hoped that some expert person would upload a video like this, I loved the video

[@kulog6720]

I am now making my Pilgrimmage to the beginnings of your analysis. This really was our Mushoku Tensei

[@psyculturists]

Fair warning skip episode 16 and 17 😂😂 It’s a mess and we were all wrong haha

[@kulog6720]

​@psyculturists To be completely fair, I did watch that analysis. It was easy to see that by bringing Brady in when he had only seen the first 4 episodes, he would be left with only negative impressions, and you do trust him and his analysis. I respect you didn't take the videos down, because it lends credence to the fact you do not read ahead.

[@porky1118]

19:40 With that in mind, I hope you will discover who Rudeus is at the core. And he is not what all people want him to be :)

[@machinronii]

In the Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records the MC is a teacher in a magic school and just as you mention (in episode 2), he teaches how, depending on the changes you make to the chant of each spell, the result will be different each time.

[@fats2010]

this and monogatari are both highly controversial yet fascinating series, I'm really interested to see how you feel about them. The way they present controversial topics can be controversial in its own right, and despite loving both series I have MASSIVE problems with them. It's probably worth mentioning that there can be potentially triggering content (particularly r*pe/sexual assault) in both in case anyone is watching for the first time. Both can be very uncomfortable at times, sometimes because of the heaviness of the subject matter, but also sometimes because they can portray pretty shitty behaviour as a joke. Anyway, as someone studying philosophy of mind i love your reactions man. Learned a lot about psychology as well as stuff I didn't really catch myself on my first watch.

[@porky1118]

40:45 That's a funny question. I sometimes remember something in the wrong language. For example after watching Anime in Japamene with German subtitles, I already remembered it in English.

[@Raltxs]

I had a blast watching this video, your takes internet me a lot and you reacting to 2 of my favorite shows is very entertaining. Aot and Mushoku tensei are amazing series, psychology is also a big interest of mine coming from a different series “Dr.frost” which is a webtoon

[@mango-float]

This is definitely a good choice, thanks for reacting

[@Maxi_YT]

27:30 that remind me of « Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor » an anime that basically have this as magic system edit: lmao someone mentioned it no long after though it's not an ecchi

[@maximilianjenus]

they were actually going to mention Seiko no qwaser but kink shamed themselves.

[@maverick9708]

even somone who wants to forget their old life so badly like rudeus, he still dwells on his past life. makes me think that 99% of people would do the same thing but in their own way

[@h0ll0w0ne]

Just caught up to season 2. I am so glad I got put on to this by this community. Now it's time to get caught up on the reacts. Looking forward to it. Ed will be cooking with some premium ingredients.

[@fireskull3334]

There's going to be so much content in this show for you to cover, I'm really interested to see what your view of some of these situations will be.

[@kodytiffany5686]

I define myself in a 4 way split. Mind/Body/Soul/Perspective are my core elements. So the question of self and identity is rather interesting when applied to this stories narative.

[@RKingdom05]

my 2nd fav isekai after re zero!! POG lets goo I'd love to see your discussions about the mc

[@MrArrmageddon]

Another thing I want to mention. I'm not sure any of this comes up at all in this series. I am only 6 mins to this video. But how we act and behave also depends on our bodies chemicals. Going from a 40 year old human to a baby what I assume human maybe these are different races. But appear human. That alone is weird. Sure your memories may transfer over? But the chemical changes and growing in a new body. I feel like those are things even a Psychologist probably can't properly comment on. Like sure we can speculate. But even the processing of taking memories over to a new body is just hard to fully wrap your mind around. I'm certain going to be a big difference in chemicals. And the brain itself is still forming? I know this must be magical etc? In real life I feel like if you Copy and Paste an adult mind into a child's body even if the memories are mostly in tact it will cause major changes in personality or processing. But I don't know. And to be fair I do not think MT explores this. But in real life I think it would be worth discussing.

[@psyculturists]

My friend, you are in a for a long journey of highs, good takes, shit takes, insane analysis and more. But yeah as the videos continue you might just see some of these discussions pop up and more. I will say I personally Love this Series and it really grew on me that by a certain episode we were creating case studies and having long discussion outside of what was edited in the video. Let me know how your journey continues

[@MrArrmageddon]

@@psyculturists Interesting. Yes I got pretty far in now. Going to slowly watch this series. Thanks it's good content.

[@RenderingUser]

yes this is exactly what ive been thinking basically every isekai where people get memories when they are born somehow all neglect the biology of the brain i want to see an isekai for once actually acknowledge everything

[@MrArrmageddon]

@@RenderingUser Right that would be fun. I feel like there are small hints in MT that maybe brain chemistry is different for Rudy etc. I will not go into spoilers as this is episode 1 discussion and I'm not even sure RederingUser if you have seen more of the series or not. Please don't spoil me I am not done the full LN. And ED is only on season 2 episode 4. So either way I would avoid spoilers here to be kind to anyone who is only on episode 1 etc. Even small spoilers I hate. But I will say there are small hints that Rudy may have a change in traits like even in episode 1 he says he is just not really attracted to his mother. I put that more on body chemist or brain patterns etc. Also in episode 1 Rudy comments on how a younger body learns quicker etc. So yes I think MT actually does make it clear that the biology involved matters. Few other parts in this series that seems to draw on this a little. But we can headcanon some stuff for fun if we want. We can somewhat equate some of Rudy's judgments on these aspects too if we really want too. But the story gives us more important reasons to focus on. So I try to focus mostly on what the story gives us directly. However I think another Isekai still has the opportunity to make this a bigger aspect of the series. The concept of an Isekai involving reincarnation that can also focus on the biology of memory transfer etc. And have that affect personality, maturity etc. Maybe try to imagine what this really would be like. The kind of body horrors involved to a degree. Maybe the memory slowly unlocks as they age because the small brain can't contain it all? Stuff like that would be so cool. So thanks for your comment. You took me back to my first time visiting this channel. I still place this channel in the top 1-3 favourite reaction channels. Which is a high bar for me. I have 37 channels I go to for MT reactions alone. I am waiting for the AUG 24th release of MT Light Novel 24! The 3rd last volume. So I have read up to and including LN 23. But I won't whisper a peep past episode 1 here spoiler wise. Without spoilers RenderingUser what do you think of MT? How much of it have you read or watched? What about this channel itself? Do you like it?

[@kllrnooooova]

Oh damn i didn't expect this

[@ArlanKels]

Um, actuaaaallllyyyyy this is not the origin of the Truck-kun trope. Truck-kun's most famous, and I want to say first, murdering of an MC resulting in them reincarnating was in Magical Princess Minky Momo, from like 1983. A truck carrying toys ran her over. There was a symbolic reason behind it too, go research it I'm not your professor!

[@RealILOVEPIE]

I'm interested to see what you have to say on Hikikomori syndrome and it's potential for spread due to the pandemic.

[@wolfcub1835]

There's no way this man hasn't seen the show before LMAO he guessed like 5 different things in the show right I was really impressed with him talking about the magic system and how he unintentionally guessed how it works in mushoku.

[@Ronin11111111]

Calling this series controversial is little misleading IMO. I guess some people who spend their time shouting on twitter read the episode summaries of the episodes that are more risque and threw a fit about it, but I think it's more apropriate to regard the series as a loving adaptation of a hugely HUGELY popular novel series.

[@Shun_Bey]

I'd choose to study wind control + ice generation. A tornado mixed with ice shards sounds powerful.

[@bobcorn69]

The way he thinks about magic makes me think he'd absolutely love the Toaru franchise. The scientific powers are dependent on someones understanding of the underlying principles. A certain scientific Railgun gets really good with season 2.

[@AmirDarkOne]

29:59 that is very close to "earthsea" naming magic. if you know the true name of someone you can take their magic.

[@GinHindew110]

Being ran over by a truck is fairly common in manga, because its visually striking, but its on Mushoku where Truck-kun began as the method of reincarnation, and the reason for it was explained at the end of the novel, but at that point it had been copied and parodied so much, it was already a staple of isekai

[@abdoobaset6100]

It's a good story with a good ending of the protagonist somewhat realistic.

[@MyKokohead]

Read it the world building in this series will make you really happy. just you talking about the magic system makes me think that you will enjoy it.

[@ronann25]

Why cut out (1) the part between Zenith's healing spell to Rudy's first spell; and (2) where Roxy learns Rudy skips incantations?

[@DreavyHinker]

25:45 healing magic

[@porky1118]

29:05 Did you watch this in advance? You just found out about his former life just because he didn't cry. And now you wonder if it's actually the words or something else, that does the magic, which just gets important probably a minute later.

[@gigglestomp5403]

I mean I know this is a new anime but wasnt this Web Novel like "Truck Kun: Origins"?

[@tomsthefish2002]

Heck yeah!! Mushoku Tensei!

[@elviajerodeteyvat5053]

I began to watch this anime because of you xD, let's see what happens in the futures videos : o

[@jonathanmeeks6031]

All NSFW/pervy moments: Episode 2: 2:14 - 2:22 3:06 - 3:11 Episode 3: 15:41 - 17:25 Episode 4: 7:28 - 8:06 15:28 - 15:31 (mild) Episode 5: None Episode 6: 7:52 - 8:20 (this is a very uncomfortable moment, just a heads-up) Episode 7: 11:37 - 11:43 (mild) Episode 8: 5:14 - 5:46 (buttcheeks are shown but very mild) 7:24 - 7:29 (mild) 11:33 - 13:26 (warning, this scene is extremely uncomfortable, I would recommend even skipping it) Episode 9: None Episode 10: 6:00 - 6:08 (mild) Episode 11: None Episode 12: 12:18 - 12:25 (mild) Episode 13: 3:24 - 3:29 (mild) 7:43 - 8:01 10:38 - 10:49 11:18 - 11:27 17:31 - 17:38 Episode 14: 14:44 - 14:53 (mild) Episode 15: 0:14 - 1:31 Episode 16: 9:29 - 10:01 (lots of boob action here) 11:54 (quick boob shot) Episode 17: None Episode 18: None Episode 19: None Episode 20: 5:03 - 5:46 (kinda pervy but mild enough to show) 5:46 - 8:00 (this whole scene is pretty funny, but it's extended for too long) 18:10 - 18:13 (quick booba, very mild) Episode 21: None (Though there aren't any NSFW parts, this episode is peak season 1, it's flawless, and it's exhilerating to know that there will be so many moments in mushoku tensei that far exceed this one) Episode 22: 17:53 - 19:15 (quick boob shots, very mild) 19:15 - 21:02 (sex scene, but only implied, and executed in a tasteful way, should be safe enough to show) Episode 23: None

[@kraithUmbra]

This is truly helpful! Thank you!

[@AntiqueRem]

There is no nsfw scenes at all, lol. Lots of people react to it not cutting stuff at all and do not have any problems whatsoever

[@subarusama5673]

@@AntiqueRem Yeah, this is no Interspecies Reviewers or other "NSFW" anime... :P

[@333Revolver333]

Ah yes, the birth of Truck-kun...

[@porky1118]

Wow, a reaction which doesn't just talk about this story in a narrative sense nor judges all the time.

[@jdoggivjc]

I highly doubt Mushoku Tensei is the origin of the "truck-kun" trope. People tend to think that Mushoku Tensei is much older than it really is to the point where they call it the "grandfather of isekai", but in truth it and Re:Zero got their start in publication right about the same time.

[@kllrnooooova]

It's only called that not because it's the first, but because of how popular and influential it is. MT and Re:Zero started at relatively the same time but MT was first for nearly its whole run in the website

[@slippy47]

It's not that it's THE first, it's the one that cemented and popularised that trope. Many people just got along with whatever the Internet said without actually researching it. Remember MT'S title isn't grandfather of isekai but "pioneer of narou tensei isekai", it tensei isekai basically means reincarnation isekai. Its the one that popularised the actual reincarnation trope rather than being transfered to another world and other things such as as you've said truck-kun, etc.

[@eldrasgames7947]

Pog

[@tppcrpg6311]

hoping to see more.

[@psyculturists]

Yeah more is coming soon

[@Dr.LinardChurch]

You should read the Lightnovel's on your own time, I bought them from Volume 1 to 13 but the Lightnovel's to 1 from 15 is on KZbin

[@kraithUmbra]

Let's gooooo

[@RealILOVEPIE]

This is the first series that had the main character killed by a truck.

[@byronharris3580]

Great vid!

[@mordet2]

I don't think you understand. I literally, unconsciously, pogged out when I saw your video. Like the whole thing.

[@kodytiffany5686]

Great vid.

[@hayabusahithosi9587]

POG!!!! Damn, I hope you have a strong stomach. This anime can be uncomfortable to watch some time for those with strong morale.

[@bb.redd1t]

Great video

[@Hoshinoholic]

YOOOOOO THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD

[@spoodermanxxmlgxx]

Sheeesshh Mushoku Tensei!

[@garyscott9328]

just want to point out that maybe this was the first truck kun

[@AmirDarkOne]

debatable,but pretty sure astro boy was first truck kun 😊

[@garyscott9328]

@@AmirDarkOne thats why i said maybe,but for sure one of the firsts

[@AmirDarkOne]

@@garyscott9328 i said debatable because in astro boy , he gets hit by truck , so his father builds robot astro to replace him

[@Ronin11111111]

Dude, you're 1 minute in and you're allready talking about one of the main themes of the seires XD. Are you a prophet or something?

[@pardusmk2595]

Wait ,he just skip the healing part?😢

[@Shiro-mt1ydkoun]

13:21 hmmm how do i balance ut out hmmmm i will say im gonna live life and do all my bucket list and have fun like im thinkin always but still trying to have fun as being a child while still trying to have seriousness if it called for

[@Shiro-mt1ydkoun]

Oh so thats what your talking about hmmm discover what that memory and learn it and still learn from surrounding as a child is fast learner so learn what im thinking and memory and learn

[@Shiro-mt1ydkoun]

Who are you Hmmm im son Im a taekwondo yellow belt Im a easily emotional Im always gdt average or only little above Im always reading novel Im and can think of any excuse but after they call me in the front i forgot all thay Im me Im half kind person Im self aware Im not good at anything

[@Shiro-mt1ydkoun]

Why did i go to taekwondo Bec my mother wants to

[@Shiro-mt1ydkoun]

Why am i emotional Im emotional bec i always if prov9ke my mind go bpank think all the to get back at him Why am i always got average Bec even if i review or do the things i always got average and dont have enough motivation and i know that i always read it so that i can be good but why cant i do so i know that my friend is a genius but i always think i 100× time do that i can do that too but why am i not moving why bec i dont have motivation why i dont have motivation i always hesitate when doing something and overwhelm with all the pros and cons that im thinming at end is choose neutral option not risky or not risky why am i always choose neutral bec its better but there will be no going to club or sports

[@Shiro-mt1ydkoun]

Ok im gonna stop bec i if i continue i will not gonna watch your youtube hahah as im distracted haha

[@JMyapiliscious]

please react to a quiet voice and arcane :D

[@wiiztec]

What are the twitch chedders talking about NSFW moments? There's nothing visually NSFW in the show so far