REVIEW: ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Season 2 Episode 4 — “Other People’s Homes”

Frieren Season 2 Episode 4, “Other People’s Homes,” delivers a pair of stories. Fern (Kana Ichinose, The Beginning after the End) and Stark’s (Chiaki Kobayashi, Too Many Losing Heroines) date shares time with the party’s first adventures in the Northern Plateau. This creates a significant contrast for the episode as the focus shifts widely. 

Character development can be extremely hard to deliver. As we connect with our favorite characters, there is a deep-rooted desire to see things go well for them. However, forcing things to go right when it doesn’t feel natural can lead to immersion-breaking scenes in which the characters feel inauthentic. Forcing a character to remain true to themselves when it means creating an unsatisfactory outcome, for both them and the audience, is a daunting ask, especially when it comes to romance. 

Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 doesn’t shy away from the possibility of displeasing with the way Fern and Stark’s date plays out. Largely awkward and at times boring, the date feels like exactly how two kids on the first date of their lives would play out.

Love plays out sweetly and oh-so-awkwardly in Frieren Season 2 Episode 4.

Stark is so set on his plan that he misses clear opportunities to elevate Fern’s experience. Meanwhile, Fern is so nervous she brings little energy of her own, rather waiting for Stark to initiate. These stumbling moments will craft a recognizable experience for many, one that will elicit both cringes and smiles. 

However, as the date reaches its close, Stark steps up at the last moment to confront the elephant in the room. The discussion that follows is a lovely example of the importance of letting others know the whys of our actions. As Stark explains his choices, the less-than-expected date is elevated. As she learns how hard Stark tried to make everything special for her first date, you can see the events that make up the experience take on a new light for Fern. Context is the all-important element that shapes our world.

That Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 takes an understated approach to the couple’s first awkward steps into romance is ultimately for the best. The greatest strength of the burgeoning journey of love the youngsters seem to be walking on is how real it feels. It may not be the rousing success some fans were hoping for, but it delivers on who the characters are and fits in with the journey they are taking. 

This pivotal first date is both understated yet remains in line with character personalities.

The back half of Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 sees the party arrive at the Northern Plateau. After being allowed to access the region thanks to the presence of First-Class Mage Fern, the group is able to pass through the checkpoint with ease. However, it doesn’t take long for the fights to begin. 

Given the sheer volume of montage sequences the series uses, I was surprised to realize that Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 is the first to feature a combat montage. As the party pushes deeper into the threatening region, we see glimpses time and again of the trio in battle, or fleeing from it. 

The variety of circumstances and scenarios that play out provides for a lot of quick exploration of the show’s concepts. There is humor in a moment when we see Stark once again carrying his companions to safety, as well as the majesty of magic as spells blast enemies with all the visual luster the show consistently delivers. 

While Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 starts with sweetness, the second half deals in violence.

Amidst all the excitement, the trio reaches a small town that lets them stay in an unused cabin in exchange for getting rid of a powerful monster that’s cutting off trade. While the group cheerfully accepts, Stark asks why the residents don’t simply move to safer lands to the south. 

The reply Stark receives is emotional and powerful. It delves into how people connect with the past and with what matters to them. Life may be easier in other places, but homes are things worth fighting for. 

The battle with the powerful monster ends Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 on an epic note. The foe tests the trio’s abilities, highlighting just how much greater the challenges will be in this new leg of their journey. The animation delivers tons of speed and power, as the trio comes together to watch each other’s backs and chip away at their foe. 

Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 brings both charm and adventure in its latest entry. Its unwillingness to betray its characters’ authenticity for bigger payoffs in the moment promises that their eventual arrival at their destinations will be all the sweeter. 

Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 is streaming on Crunchyroll.

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