After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World has returned to television with a 90-minute season premiere episode ‘’Theatrical Malice.’’ Many people have been looking forward to this moment, and yes, season 3 did not start with the first episode with disappointment. Full of reunions, which have various philosophical discussions, stunning attractive graphics, and detailed backgrounds and settings, Re: Zero Season 3 Episode 1 ReviewEpisode 1 has given a glimpse of what is to come in this season.
A Cinematic Beginning For Re: Zero Season 3 Episode 1
The decision to kick off Re: Zero Season 3 with a 90-minute premiere episode was a good strategy for White Fox Studios to come up with. This theatrical-length episode not only reintroduced fans to the world and characters of Re: zero, It not only set up the groundwork for the season’s story but also did it superbly. This means that instead of having very slow pacing which is typical for many anime series due to the attention paid to subplots and new dynamics they introduce, the show is capable of moving along without sacrificing its main storylines. That way the viewer can smoothly transition to watching the more profound conflict and complexities of the season’s theme.
The exposition of several themes succeeded in ending in a non-confusing manner: be it Garfield’s fight within and outside the house, the problems the Astrea family continues to face, or even Subaru’s subtle inferiority complex among the knights. The fact that the evokers of the event were mostly dialogues catered by the screenwriter Masahiro Yokotani was interesting and intellectual, as every dialogue elevated its function as the plot’s driving force.
Venice-Inspired World-Waking
The world-building of the premiere has to be one of the most memorable aspects of the show. Priestella, which is the backdrop for most of the events that take place in the play, is based mainly on Venice in Italy. Due to the wonderful architectural features such as; the Canal, the Gondolas, and the Crooked Streets of Priestella, the place appears to be amazing.
The service was very professional and appropriate in making each decision. Through camerawork, the various places depicted in the show; especially the bridges, sunsets, and the neighbourhoods located along the canals specifically Priestella.
These elements delivered curiosity and enthusiasm the same as Subaru felt when he was walking around the city. This gives the audience identification and simultaneously brings out the ingenuity of the technical crew and directors.
Energetic New Characters and Exciting Dynamic Relations
In the episode, there were characters from previous episodes but there were newcomers who one has to admit made some serious impressions. That is why she was driven by Liliana, who added a positive and active character to the series. From this, some new additions with the rest of the usual cast ensured that there were so many interactions happening all through the episode that were more engaging.
The episode also had a creepy appearance of a Sin Archbishop of the Witch’s Cult, Sirius Romanée-Conti. This dark turn in the latter half of the episode served as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the world of Re: Zero. Both of these coincidences must have been a clear indicator of how the show could move from joyful scenes to sad ones in the blink of an eye.
Outstanding Direction and Animation
These aspects were taken care of by director Masahiro Shinohara, resident director Risa Suzuki, and episode director Gouichi Iwahata and with storyboarding done by Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, the episode got a cinematic feel. Each of the scenes was composed in such a manner that it advance a particular emotionally-tipped narrative and the viewer’s vision, at the same time. The animation was very good with smooth gameplay and marvelous character movements and representations of emotions.
The Venetian theme was even complemented by splendid animation, which was especially outstanding in the episodes shot in the evenings and at sunsets in Priestella. The blend of fantasy and realism was executed flawlessly, making the world of Re: zero feel both enchanting and realistic.
A Balanced Narrative
So while Faroe may not have delivered a great first episode for the season it sure did a great job in being the premiere.
It reminded the fans of the series, conveyed several key themes, and stressed the time that has passed and the situation as it was in the show. Suffice it to say the battle was filled with prologues and explanations of what was happening but it never felt boring in the almost an hour-long episode.
Subaru as the story’s protagonist receives further development as the show’s events take place showing him trying to find his place among the knights after the first one. This theme of self-discovery was very prominent and earlier in the episode it indeed seems that it is going to remain a major part of his character development in later episodes as well.
Final Thoughts
Re: The first episode of Zero Season 3 was a return that put the series back on its feet. The first episode had a hooking plot, gorgeous visuals, and interesting character’s interactions; the rest of the episodes were not as successful as the Vector. The Kingdom’s Priestella was stunning in Venetian-style visuals and adding new characters with the conclusion of the side plots enriched the plot.
For now, fans can revel in the joy of Re: Zero’s return and look forward to what should be an exciting ride.
Episode Rating: 8/10