REVIEW: ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Episode 19 — “Well-Laid Plans”

The first day of the First Class Mage Exam is done. But with no Stille, Frieren’s (Atsumi Tanezaki) team must find a solution to their problem. However, a plan may be in the works, so long as they can survive the ire of the other teams. Meanwhile, Fern’s (Kana Ichinose) team captures the coveted bird. Now they just have to hold on to it in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sōsō no Furīren) Episode 19, “Well-Laid Plans.”

This week’s episode opens with a brief flashback as Frieren contemplates the differences between adventuring parties. How she compares how her current companions differ from the Hero’s Party is an interesting moment. This narrative highlights that neither is inherently better and that each party is different. Himmel (Nobuhiko Okamoto, My Hero Academia) inspired his compatriots with gentle words. Lawine’s (Sayumi Suzushiro, Bocchi The Rock!) approach to pushing Kanne (Azumi Waki, DO It Yourself!!!) along is a bit more forceful but it’s what the young mage needs.

Once Frieren’s pondering is done, the story pushes forward with how the trio will capture their query. Taking stock of what they know and the skills they have on hand, Frieren hatches a plan that should work but will antagonize the other teams. This is when Frieren Episode 19 makes an important observation. Catching the Stille may be challenging, but holding onto it could be deadly.

We learn of this reality when the episode leaves Frieren’s party to catch up with Fern. Her team has the Stille, leading Fern to believe the hard work is done. Until one of her teammates points out that other groups can steal their bird rather than capture their own. Thus, the task of retaining the bird will likely be far harder than capturing it. Furthermore, there seems to be nothing in the exam’s rules that says the mages can’t kill for the little birds either.

Returning to Frieren’s party, we see their plan to catch the quarrelsome birds put into motion. While Lawine freezes the main water source in the testing area, Kanna infuses every other pond she can find with mana. This keeps the Stilles from going near them. Lastly, Frieren suppresses her mana and silently waits by one of the few water sources left that Stilles will approach.

This ingenious plan highlights Frieren’s cleverness. While the series has frequently shown her to be insightful, this level of strategy is a new look for the mage. Given what she has been through, it makes sense that she can think outside the box.

The moment depicting Frieren’s waterside vigil is beautiful. It’s quiet reserve is amplified by both gorgeous visuals, this time thanks to some wonderfully soft color choices, and the lovely score. These elements wrap the moment in a calm that makes it stand out as much as the most thunderous explosions ever could.

In contrast, Fern’s team finds itself engaged in battle. Another group has come to take their prize. As the battle begins, we find Fern’s opponent perplexed by her choice of combat tactics. Rather than flashy spells and unique attacks, Fern continues to use only the basic attack and defense spells we have seen her utilize all along. The mage likens battling Fern to dueling her grandfather. When the mage questions Fern’s choice of spells, Fern once again shows how much she is becoming like her master. She states matter-of-factly that to beat modern mages, basic spells suffice. Ichinose’s deadpan deliver makes it hard to decide if the character meant it as an insult or just an observation.

Between visits with the series’ stars we meet Denken. A Dwarven mage with some unique outlooks on the test and mages in general. These thoughtful introductions present an intriguing personality to the audience. The sharp mind the character possesses promises to be a new style of challenge for Frieren when the two seemingly inevitably clash.

As Frieren Episode 19 draws to a close, the series sets the stage for two pitched battles. Frieren’s party also finds itself assailed by mages looking to claim their bird. With more mages in combat than we’ve seen so far, next week’s episode promises to be something new for the amazing series.

Frieren Episode 19 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.