REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 2 Episode 20 — “Into The Labyrinth”

With Rudeus (Yumi Uchiyama) and Elinalise (Rie Tanaka) finishing their desert crossing at the end of the last episode, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 20 “Into the Labyrinth” sees the pair meet up with Paul’s (Toshiyuki Morikawa, Buddy Daddies) party to make another attempt at saving Zenith. But the situation is more serious than was originally believed as another dear friend has become trapped in the deadly maze.

The first stop our pair of travelers makes is to the local guild hall. Here, they run into Geese, who is equally surprised and thrilled to see them. After a brief reunion, Geese takes Rudeus and Elinalise to see Paul and to learn more about the current situation.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 20 delivers an emotional moment when Paul and Rudeus are reunited. Having been worn down by the failing situation, Paul is in a state of emotional despair. Not even rising out of his seat, we see him turn in place and cling to Rudeus as he repeatedly apologizes for being a failure of a father. While Paul hasn’t always been the most upright character in the series, seeing him so low is hard for both Rudeus and the audience. Rudeus even observes how Paul used to stand so large in his eyes when he was a child, yet now seems so small.

While the reunion between Paul and Rudeus delivers, Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 20 doesn’t manage Paul’s meeting Elinalise again. Paul seems apologetic for whatever transpired between the two, but his apology doesn’t feel like nearly enough to quell how upset Elinalise has always been portrayed as being. Everything seems to be “water under the bridge” and feels sloppy. It would be reasonable if the series wanted Elinalise to take a stance that sets their differences aside until the current situation has passed. But this carte blanc forgiveness makes it feel like whatever Paul did in the past couldn’t be nearly as big a deal as it’s been made out to be.

Once the reunions are finished, the group gets down to business. Paul lays out what they are facing concerning the labyrinth and the worsening situation. Rudeus is shocked to learn that not only has Zenith been trapped in the terrible place for years, but his mentor Roxy (Konomi Kohara, Hell’s Paradise) fell victim to a teleportation trap some months back and has also become lost in the maze.

The unexpected blow to Rudeus hits hard. The animation doesn’t hold back on how it delivers this moment. To Rudeus, Roxy is a pillar of his world. Even though he hasn’t seen her since childhood, the concept of a world that Roxy doesn’t exist in has never occurred to him. The image existing in his mind is one born from childhood adoration.

She is not just a mage to him, she is the mage. That she could die is a reality check he isn’t ready for. As the concept sinks in, the visuals deliver a detailed image of Rudeus. Numerous lines form around his eyes as the camera zooms in, engrossing the viewer in his growing panic. The gentle touch of Elinalise’s hand on his shoulder pulls him out of his spiral. Her warm smile reminds him he isn’t alone, reassuring him they can save her.

Hope is renewed in Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 20 when Rudeus realizes he has information that will help them navigate the labyrinth. The book on teleportation he borrowed from the university contains knowledge concerning this very dungeon. The news is greeted with cheer, as the party can use any help they can get. On this high note, the meeting ends, and each person prepares for the hard battles ahead.

The episode jumps to evening as we see Pual, Rudeus, and Lilia (Lynn, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury) preparing to settle in for the night. This brief moment allows the family a charming scene before the adventure begins. Paul does his best to embarrass Lilia, but not in any way that comes across as hurtful. It is a fun moment that breaks the tension of the episode nicely.

From here, we cut to the party’s entry into the labyrinth. Once inside, we see the maze crawling with spider-like monsters and teleportation traps. The party’s early encounters showcase both Paul and Elinalise’s combat prowess. While they provide the frontline, other members inform Rudeus on how he should wield his magic in the confines of the narrow cavern passageways. Since this is Rudeus’ first dungeon, it makes sense for the group to make sure he knows what he’s doing despite his relative battle experience. Different combat conditions require different approaches; there is no need to leave anything to chance.

As the party passes through a nondescript walkway, Rudeus senses something. What exactly draws his attention isn’t clear, but he somehow realizes that, just beyond the wall, Roxy is fighting for her life. The scene cuts to her, as she casts spell after spell, trying desperately to hold back a horde of monsters who teleport into the chamber as fast as she can fell them. Just as it seems like all hope is lost, Roxy closes her eyes, preparing to meet her end. When she opens them again, she finds the entire room frozen solid. Every monster held firmly in place. To her amazement, Rudeus is standing across the room from her.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 20 ends with the pair starting at each other. Roxy’s shock and confusion only match Rudeus’ relief at reaching his teacher in time. This ending moment serves as the perfect wrap-up for the episode, resolving the momentary crisis while leaving fans something to eagerly look forward to.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 20 delivers emotion and adventure, which mostly land excellently. With Roxy safe, the group can now focus on bringing Zenith back if she’s still out there.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 20 is streaming now on  Crunchyroll.