REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 3 Episode 3 — “Life Back At Home”

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3, “Life Back at Home,” catches up with Rudeus (Yumi Uchiyama, Rising Impact) and his family as the protagonist prepares to return to his scholastic studies. But before classes kick into gear, there is still time for him to take stock of all that he has. 

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3 completely dedicates its runtime to reestablishing the cast that surrounds Rudeus. It explores his life at home and at school through a calm, slice-of-life presentation. Where this episode shines the brightest is with Rudeus’ wives, Sylphiette (Ai Kayano, The Grimm Variations) and Roxy (Konomi Kohara, Hell’s Paradise).

While there are questionable elements in how the current relationship came about and the narrative’s handling of it, now that it is here, it is showcased in a lovely and warm way. All three members of the relationship are relaxed and comfortable with each other. Sylphie even goes so far as to casually ask how Rudeus treated Roxy the previous night. There is no tone to indicate heckling, just simple curiosity. An open and mature approach to their relationship.

The relationship between Rudeus, Sylphiette, and Roxy is quite lovely.

Roxy shines in her part at home, but Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3 makes a bizarre choice with her new role as an instructor at Rudeus’ school. Namely, that she will be the one in charge of her husband’s class. Seems like a questionable choice where fairness and special attention could come into play. You’d think there would be somewhere else they could’ve assigned her that would be less conflicting. 

The school portion of the story comes with an even bigger miss when Rudeus is reunited with his friends Zanoba (Satoshi Tsuruoka, Sand Land The Series) and Cliff (Ryôta Ôsaka, Daemons of the Shadow Realm). Upon seeing the pair again, Rudeus soon learns that the duo has been working on a special gift to welcome him back to class: a magical glove to replace the hand he lost fighting the hydra last season. Upon slipping the glove on, Rudeus is instantly able to function the new mystical appendage as if he had been born with it. 

Obviously, the gesture made here is a lovely one, but the choice to have it in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3 feels like a missed opportunity. For a character like Rudeus, someone who has simply mastered virtually every task he’s attempted in his second life with ease, seeing him adapt to his new physical situation could’ve been an excellent opportunity to see the character grow beyond who he currently is. A little adversity can do a lot for a character arc. 

There are some narrative opportunities missed in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3.

Even if the glove existed, but wasn’t fully functional yet, or perhaps Rudeus would have to take time to acclimate to it, there could be a chance for the character to learn about what life is beyond his usual experience. It could also make finding new threats to face easier, since the incredibly powerful Rudeus would not be at full strength. 

The only place where Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3 doesn’t make things idyllic for its star is when it comes to his mother, Zenith. While seemingly having recovered physically from her plight, she still seems to be struggling mentally in the aftermath of her long captivity. Shown as nonverbal when addressed by Rudeus and Norn (Saya Aizawa, Engage Kiss), she seems to be only partially aware of those around her. 

Despite the sadness that is reasonably felt at Zenith’s state, it is lovely to see how well her family treats her. Norn is shown happily combing her mother’s hair, and Rudeus shows no frustration with her apparent lack of progress in recovering. 

In the end, Episode 3 reestablishes who Rudeus is and expands on those around him.

The visual presentation does a great job of bringing all the warmth and good feelings to life. The softness that inhabits most of the narrative is a wash in warm glows and soft lights, reinforcing how good things are overall for Rudeus. 

Despite a couple of minor questionable choices, overall, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3 reestablishes its lead and those orbiting him with a gentle grace. All that remains is to see when this peaceful existence will inevitably be shattered.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 3 is streaming on Crunchyroll.

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