REVIEW: ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Season 2 Episode 2 — “The Hero of the South”

Frieren Season 2 Episode 2, “The Hero of the South,” explores a hero from the past who fought the Seven Sages of Destruction and cleared the way for Himmel (Nobohiko Okamoto, Sakamoto Days) and his party to slay the Demon King. But he may have done even more than that through his meeting with Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki, Fire Force).

Despite Himmel being “The Hero,” the narrative surrounding the fall of the Demon King has always emphasized the fact that it was more than just Himmel’s heart and sword arm that brought the king low. Eisen, Hieter, and of course, Frieren were all instrumental in the grand accomplishment. Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 expounds on the theme by introducing a hero who was actually mightier than Himmel. 

The Hero of the South takes centerstage in Frieren Season 2 Episode 2.

While the Hero of the South (Kazuhiko Inoue, RWBY: Ice Queendom) was stronger than Himmel, he also fought alone. This creates an obvious difference between the two that goes a long way to explaining why the one succeeded where the other failed. But viewing these two heroes as separate elements doesn’t create the whole picture. 

As Frieren explains to Fern (Kana Ichinose, Overtake!) and Stark (Chiaki Kobayashi, Metallic Rouge), it was the Hero of the South who slew three of the Seven Sages of Destruction. This weakening of the Demon Army’s greatest warriors undoubtedly made Himmel’s attempt far more likely to succeed. In this way, the doomed hero’s crusade could almost be viewed as the vanguard to the one that would follow him successfully, intrinsically linking the two together.

Even as Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 adds depth to the momentous victory over the Demon King by expanding on the efforts required to defeat him, it also introduces an unnecessary complication to Frieren’s history with Himmel. One that does not need to be there. 

Frieren’s look back at the past raises questions about what we think we know of the story.

Frieren met The Hero of the South in much the same manner she first met Himmel, and for the same reason: He came looking to recruit her. Much like Himmel, she waved him away. Before departing, the Hero of the South confided the secret of his success to Frieren. He explained that he could see the future. He goes on to prophesize Himmel’s arrival and that she would go with him.

While he never explicitly names Himmel, this moment cannot help but color the choice Frieren made. Did she really pick Himmel purely for his coincidental mimicking of her own words? Or was her choice pushed forward due to the prophecy she had been told? Either way doesn’t ruin the moment and certainly doesn’t impact the grander story, but it loses some of the romantic quality to think Frieren wasn’t simply swayed by her memories and Himmel’s honesty. 

The back half of Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 sees the trio hunt down a demon that has stolen a sword from a local Graf. As the first significant combat encounter of the season, the eventual confrontation dazzles. The magic creates the same sense of wonder it always does, thanks to the gorgeous lighting and the vivid interactions it unleashes throughout the space. 

In our first fight of the season, Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 features a landmark moment for the trio.

Not to be outdone, the physical elements within the battle also shine here. We get to see, for the first time, a true example of why a mage, even one who can fire off spells like Fern, can need the protection of a frontliner. The way the animation displays the episode’s sword work is fantastic. Slick camera work does wonders to make the far more mundane element of combat feel just as otherworldly as its magical counterpart. 

What truly makes this a landmark moment, though, in Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 is the fact that this is the first time we see the full trio fight against a worthy opponent. Seeing the party work together harmoniously is a treat. One we will hopefully see again. 

Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 creates great drama and explores the past. While it does add some questions about critical moments in the story, the potential harm to the lore of Frieren is easily outshone by the greatness the rest of it brings. 

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episodes 1-2 are streaming now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Friday at 7:00 AM PT.

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