REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 2 Episode 23 — “Let’s Go Home”

With Paul dead and Zenith in an amnesiac state, Rudeus (Yumi Uchiyama) sinks into a depressive spiral, isolating himself in his room. When Roxy (Konomi Kohara) approaches him, offering to help him carry his burden, the two soon spend the night together. But how will Rudeus reconcile this action with his promise to Sylphiette before leaving her side in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 23 “Let’s Go Home?”

One of my biggest gripes with this series has always been how forgiving it is of Rudeus’ indiscretions. It frequently turns a blind eye to what the character does wrong without even an acknowledgment of what he’s done. Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 23 manages to avoid this by taking a long look at Rudeus’ night with Roxy, what it means, and how it may affect his life with Sylphiette. Much of what it has to say is nuanced and thought-provoking, as it explores how broad a concept love can be. However, it does ignore a big problem with the scenario that unfolds.

The strongest element of this episode’s exploration of love is how it doesn’t fetter love to a single standard. Polyamorous love is a thing, and those who practice it love just as deeply as those who choose a monogamous lifestyle. While Rudeus struggles with whether or not his desire to have both Sylphiette and Roxy in his life is selfish, the final verdict that the show passes says differently. Rudeus can have both in his life—so long as everyone involved consents to it. That is where things start getting sticky for Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 23.

The fact that Roxy and Rudeus already spent the night together isn’t given much weight as the discussion evolves. While Roxy refuses to answer Rudeus’ proposal till he can get his wife’s blessing, she has already poisoned the well where trust is concerned. Sylphiette would be well in her right to refuse the situation for that reason alone. This disconnects the conversation that Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 23 tries to have. What it has to say about polyamorous love is good; just how the conversation gets brought up is a problem that is not fully addressed.

The other major issue with the circumstances surrounding Roxy and Rudeus’ night together is Roxy’s motivations. Roxy admits she became infatuated with Rudeus when he saved her in the cave, but she didn’t know who he was. This infatuation isn’t why she went to him. Rather, she states she wanted to help him overcome the depression she was sinking into. To give him comfort.

While wanting to help someone through troubled times is a noble goal, there are lots of ways one can do that outside of sleeping with the person. Roxy even reveals she knew Rudeus was married when she went to him. This knowledge means that she would have to know her actions had a high potential to only hurt him worse, should his current life fall apart on account of what she did.

In a contradictory moment, Roxy makes a half-hearted claim that she was simply using Rudeus in his weakened state to get what she wanted. This doesn’t feel authentic. It goes against everything we know about Roxy’s personality. Also, it is only brought up later, making it feel like Roxy is using the explanation as a way to let Rudeus absolve himself of his part in the moment.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 23‘s best moment comes when Rudeus finds himself alone with Elinalise (Rie Tanaka, Octoptha Travelr 2). As someone who has always had a far more open attitude towards love, her insights are some of the best the episode brings. Even though her current relationship with Cliff is monogamous, as much as her curse permits, she doesn’t discredit that the other option is still valid. Her broader experiences allow her a more experienced argument in the conversation.

From Rudeus’ depression in the episode’s early moments to the emotional discussions that fill the bulk of its runtime, the visual presentation brings it all to life wonderfully. The strain, hurt, and confusion of the cast always come through, enhancing each moment as it plays out.

While talking about the visual presentation, it’s also important to talk about what isn’t shown. Namely, Rudeus and Roxy’s night together. By stepping away once it’s been established what’s about to happen, the episode allows the moment to be an intimate thing that exists purely for the narrative impact it has, rather than the act itself.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 23 tries to tackle a delicate issue and mostly succeeds. While it downplays some crucial elements, its open-minded and authentic look at the complexities of love is refreshing.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 23 is streaming on Crunchyroll.