REVIEW: ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Episode 23 — “Conquering the Labyrinth”

Everyone has caught their breath, and it’s time for the First-Class Mage Exam to continue. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren) Episode 23, “Conquering the Labyrinth,” sees the next test proctor, Sense (Haruka Terui, Shenmue), task the remaining mages with exploring a dungeon. Anyone who can reach the lowest level will pass. It sounds so simple. But what traps and threats await the mages within the ancient paths beneath the surface?

The opening explanation of the newest challenge that provides the story’s focal point delivers some excellently subtle elements that give it character. It was established in the last episode that Sense’s tests are notoriously difficult. While few succeed at passing her trials, this isn’t due to the usual brutality that such challenges tend to come with. Sense’s challenge looks dangerous but has measures to help ensure the mages’ safety. A one-time use “golem in a bottle” that will carry a mage to safety upon release displays a sensibility often omitted from these challenges in anime. While these precautions may limit the tension the moments can provide, they help establish a measure of common sense where the world is concerned.

As Frieren Episode 23 sees the mages prepare to embark on the test, Denken (Jirô Saitô) suggests they all team up. With no need to antagonize each other, pooling their strengths offers the best chance for victory. This pragmatic approach perfectly aligns with how the character has approached previous problems in the series. Unfortunately, few opt to go along with his plan. The groups splinter into smaller packets with many bitter feelings lingering over actions taken in the last test. While many parties form around the groupings that made up the previous test, Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki) and Fern (Kana Ichinose) elect to go alone together. However, Sense opts to accompany them as an observer. She has to go to the bottom to confirm who arrives safely and decides Frieren’s party will most likely get there smoothly.

While Frieren has an unparalleled level of knowledge about dungeons thanks to her countless journeys into them with The Hero’s Party, Sense soon questions her choice when the absurdities of Frieren’s personality begin to crop up. That this legendary mage gets suckered by a mimic is surprising to the test giver, if not the audience. While Frieren has the group take a break so she can pursue some junk she has found, Frieren Episode 23 turns to a more reflective moment as Sense asks Fern an important question.

As the pair watch Frieren joyfully examine her latest finds, Sense inquires why Fern continues to pursue magic, While Fern is the most talented young mage she has ever seen, Sense detects no ambition or drive from her. If she doesn’t desire a deeper knowledge of magic, why continue to search for it?

Fern’s explanation is a lovely reflection on her character and her growing connection to Frieren. How her master has influenced her has been shown in the past when the battle ensues, and Frieren Episode 23 gives us a deeper glimpse into how Frieren’s absurdities have come to impact her protege. This sequence brings a ton of warmth. It highlights Frieren’s impact on Fern, reminding the viewer of how long the two have been together.

While calm reigns in Frieren’s side of the narrative, Denken and his group have a harder struggle ahead. Less skilled at dungeon navigation, they find themselves up against gargoyles and traps, each providing deadly challenges.

The highlight of these battle sequences is the variety of magic the party uses. From Richter’s earth manipulation to Laufen’s speed, every mage uses their style of attacks to breathtaking effect. Even when a familiar trick like the basic defense magic is implemented, the animators at Madhouse make the moment captivating regardless. Seeing energy beams splinter on the familiar honeycomb barriers never gets old, thanks to the detail taken to bring every moment to life.

The spectacle of these moments takes the forefront. They also call attention to how thoroughly the show has detailed the magic system that governs mages. While watching a barrier block an incoming attack, the viewer is left critiquing the mage’s style of defense. Seeing a huge wall erected to block a small beam leaves the viewer judging the waste of mana shown. These details feel purposeful—another way to highlight the difference between experienced mages and those who are simply powerful.

As Frieren Episode 23 draws to a close, we learn the true reason why the dungeon is such a danger. Something, or someone, within has the power to create doppelgangers of those who enter. For some, like Wirbel and Ehre, it means coming face to face with copies of themselves. For Denken’s party, they find themselves face to face with a copy of Frieren. How the party will overcome this challenge is the question left hanging as the credits roll.

Frieren Episode 23 encapsulates practically everything great about the show in one episode. It has heart, reflective moments, a bit of absurdity, and breathtakingly dangerous battles. It’s a perfect entry in this fantastic series.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 1 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.