REVIEW: ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Episode 28 – “It Would Be Embarrassing When We Meet Again”

Fern (Kana Ichinose) is a First-Class Mage. With this accomplishment, the party can cross the checkpoint into the Northern Plateau. But before they depart, there are a few moments left to experience in Äuberst. And a few goodbyes to say in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren) Episode 28, “It Would Be Embarrassing When We Meet Again.”

After Fern receives her passing grade from Serie (Mariya Ise), we quickly see how the other test takers fare. The reasons each character passes or fails are intriguing. As she accepts or rejects each candidate, we get an interesting look at the character traits Serie values. With several of the remaining candidates managing to pass, we get the biggest moment for Serie once the test concludes. Sense (Haruka Terui) meets up with Serie as she leaves the testing area. As the two walk away, Serie apologizes to the First Class Mage. Serie had scolded Sense for making too easy a test, which she blamed for so many candidates making it this far. With her new first-hand knowledge of the test takers, she can now accept that Sense wasn’t at fault. They simply got a great crop of applicants this year.

What we know of Serie makes this moment in Frieren Episode 28 a surprise. That Serie see’s and acknowledges a mistake of hers feels out of character. But, it makes more sense when we consider how much of her personality we have seen through the lens of Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki). It’s clear that Frieren rubs Serie the wrong way. While her attitude towards our hero is initially taken as Serie’s default personality, it may be more of an outlier. That Frieren and her just don’t mix. It would’ve been easy for the show to paint Serie as the outright villain in their dynamic. With some of the things we learn about her here, I can see the general view of the head of the Continental Mages Association becoming more complicated.

The layered character revelations continue as Frieren Episode 28 turns its spotlight on more of its supporting cast. Through a meeting with Stark and Fern, we learn more about the motivations of Denken (Jirô Saitô). Over tea and sweets, the struggles he carries come to light along with what his time with Frieren has taught him. This moment builds Denken into something of a grandfatherly figure. His primary use for magic has always been as a tool. Yet thanks to Frieren, he remembers that magic can be fun. Here’s hoping his positivity can hold.

We also get a deeper look into Wirbel (Kishô Taniyama, Bastard!! Heavy Metal Dark Fantasy) and his motivations. Much of the mage’s inspiration comes from stories he knows of Himmel. This isn’t exactly surprising. But which stories help propel Wirbel on his path are. Rather than epic battles and glorious triumphs spurring him on, Wirbel is most moved by the smaller deeds of the great hero. Wirbel explains that, while great triumphs make for fantastic tales, it is the smaller moments that people can truly appreciate. This prompts a memory for Frieren where Himmel says the same thing. Frieren smiles as she knows the pleasure Himmel would feel with the legacy he’s left behind.

Both of these exchanges are emotional, building up characters and allowing them to feel real. Neither ultimately turns out to be what they originally appeared. Thanks to the series’ relaxed narrative pace, we get these wonderful moments that explore the characters and world they exist in.

From here, the show comes back to focus on the woman of the hour, Fern. It’s time for all the new First-Class Mages to receive the Privilege. This is their choice of any one spell they want. It’s a gift from Serie as evidence of their accomplishment. When Fern arrives with Frieren and Stark, they get stopped at the front door. While it’s true that guests are welcome, it turns out Frieren has been banned from all Continental Mage Association buildings for a thousand years. Frieren opts to wait outside, with Stark keeping her company.

Sitting under the stars, the duo’s exchange focuses on Fern and her growth. Frieren observes that Fern is likely to become a more famous mage than her in this period. This prompts a glow of pride from both of them.The visual presentation lovingly captures the warmth of the moment. The lighting, camera work, setting, and subtle facial expressions all come together to declare how the pair feels about Fern. It’s one of the best scenes for a character that isn’t actually present.

Lernen (Atsushi Mitauchi), a First-Class Mage and Serie’s apprentice, interrupts the warmth of this moment. The mage approaches Frieren with a deep concern. Of all of Serie’s students, only Flamme is remembered. Fearing that this makes Serie feel alone in the world, Lernen is determined to write his name in the history books. Even if it’s as the infamous mage who slew Frieren.

While Lernen does manage to land a strike against Frieren, the elf brings the combat to halt. Given a chance to speak, Frieren explains to Lernen that Serie never regrets the students she takes on. Even though they rarely meet her expectations, she never regrets the whim that causes her to train them. This revelation eases Lernen’s mind, allowing Frieren and Stark to join up with Fern.

This moment further complicates Serie’s character. Her coldness towards others is still cruel, but now we know it isn’t all she is. That she seems to appreciate her students, whatever comes of them, gives the elf a kind streak that softens some of her harsher aspects. Even if she isn’t good at expressing it.

With Fern back, Frieren Episode 28 reveals what spell she selected. Rather than a powerful combat spell, Fern selected one for doing laundry. Not since we saw Fern floating in front of a full moon after blasting Lügner have we gotten so clear an indication that she is Frieren’s student. The sheer joy she shows over this new spell forces smiles from the audience. To be able to experience all that she has and still delight in something so simple. Fern’s on another level.

As the trio leaves the magical city of Äuberst, they have one last goodbye with Kanne (Azumi Waki, Shangri-La Frontier) and Lawine (Sayumi Suzushiro). Fern notices the brevity of Frieren’s goodbyes. We learn through another flashback that Himmel always said short goodbyes as well. His reasoning was a long, teary-eyed goodbye would be embarrassing to look back on when he met someone again. A montage of shots that showcase all the people and places the series has visited follows the flashback. From Heiter’s grave to the various mages still in Äuberst to a final shot of Sein, the series reminds us of everything that has come before and the promise that there is still much unknown yet to come. Who knows who may cross paths with Frieren in her journey to Ende?

Frieren Episode 28 puts a wonderful bow on the first season. Awash with warm feelings, it sends the audience off with a well-deserved happy ending to the current storyline while promising so much more to come.

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