REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 2 Episode 0 – “Guardian Fitz’

Princess Ariel Anemoi Asura was enjoying a quiet day in her garden when a murderous boar monster burst from the woods, assaulting her bodyguards. It might’ve been the end of her if not for the timely arrival of Sylphiette, who happened to come crashing out of the sky to slay the boar, saving the princess. Now, serving as her bodyguard, Sylphiette “Silent Fitz,” watches over Ariel as she maneuvers through courtly intrigues in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 0 produced by Studio Bind.

The opening moments of this episode provide a gripping entry that is sure to pull viewers in. Having a main character enter your story by regaining consciousness in the middle of freefall far above the ground is a startling setup. As she plummets toward the awaiting earth, the camera does a great job of capturing the disorientation that Sylphiette struggles with as she comes to grips with her rapidly worsening situation. It is made even more striking as it is initially brought into the moment of relative quiet in the royal garden with Ariel. The shocking impact of Sylphiette hits with a resounding force, not just in the moment, but for the series as well.

From here, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 0 dials the energy back as it introduces the viewer to life at court for Ariel and her loyal guards Luke and Sylphiette. The energy of the court quickly reveals itself to be ripe with plots and intrigue. Several players are introduced, and initial plans are seen put into motion to deal with the presence of Ariel.

The way the show approaches its exploration of court life is instantly note-worthy. Many anime feel the compulsion to keep the tone and energy of a series high, infusing odd bits of humor or other tactics into slower moments. Such tactics are avoided here, allowing the quiet danger of the court to settle in with the viewer, as well as lending more weight and danger to the intrigue.

But while much of the threat in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 0 is built in hushed whispers, the show does allow the dangers to burst forth into a solid scene of combat, offering viewers a taste of the action to come. Short as it is, this sequence hits all the right notes as it delivers a moment that feels dangerous for the protagonists. It also demonstrates that Sylphiette isn’t just raw power when she is wielding her elemental magic. The scene captures her resourcefulness as well, while also allowing her a perfectly setup moment to gloat over her opponent.

As the episode’s credits begin to roll, we get a glimpse of where the larger story will be taking the trio of princesses and guards. A classic fantasy situation that sees them setting out, moving from one peril to the next promises lots for future episodes.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 0 delivers a banger of an opening. Intrigue, combat, and moments of great character between the episode’s stars get the new season off to a fantastic start.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 0 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.