I Saved Myself with a Potion!: Life in Another World [Season 1 Episode 12]

Title: “I Saved Myself with a Potion! Season 1 Episode 12: A Harmless Fantasy That Stumbles at the Finish Line”

If you’ve ever daydreamed about being whisked away to a magical world where your only superpower is making potions by yelling “create,” then I Saved Myself with a Potion! might’ve crossed your radar. Season 1 Episode 12 wraps up Kaede’s first adventure in this beastman-and-elf-filled realm, but does it stick the landing? Let’s dive into what fans are saying—and why this show feels like a mixed bag of fantasy tropes and budgetary shortcuts.

First off, let’s set the scene. Kaede, our average 17-year-old high schooler, wakes up in an alleyway with nothing but her backpack and a mysterious book that lets her craft potions on command (no fancy cauldrons needed—just a quick chant). By Episode 12, she’s gone from a lost teen scavenging for food to a local potion tycoon, dumping hundreds of her creations into the town’s market without breaking a sweat. If that sounds like an economic plot hole, you’re not alone. One fan on MyAnimeList joked, “The demand for potions in this town must be absurdly high if she can just dump hundreds of them into the local economy without oversaturating it.” Fair point—who knew fantasy worlds had such insatiable potion cravings?

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the animation. If you tuned in expecting Studio Ghibli-level magic, you might’ve done a double-take. Fans are split on this—some called it a “motion comic” or “visual novel playthrough” rather than a full anime. One user ranted, “What is up with the animation? Not a fan, and lots of similar shows with real animation I could watch instead.” Ouch. Another defended it, though: “The animation didn’t even bother me once I got used to it.” To be fair, consistency is key—if you can look past the static backgrounds and limited character movements, the story does have its charm.

Now, the plot. Episode 12 finally ramps up the action, with Kaede facing off against… well, let’s just say it’s not a dragon (disappointing, I know). The big reveal? The show’s been saving its animation budget for this finale. “Clearly they were saving all the animation budget for this episode,” one fan noted. But even with the flashy (for this show) fight scenes, the episode ends mid-story, leaving viewers hanging. “It just kind of ended mid-story though,” another user sighed. “I wonder if it has another season lined up already?” Fingers crossed, because Kaede’s quest to find the person who dragged her into this world is far from over.

Character-wise, Kaede is your typical “nice girl” protagonist—she’s kind, a bit naive, and way too trusting of strangers (looking at you, Rei, the slave trader with a suspiciously dark side). The supporting cast is hit-or-miss: the beastman bodyguard is cute but underdeveloped, and the elves feel like they walked straight out of a generic fantasy manual. Fans did get a kick out of the elf guy who basically yells, “Shut up and come with me—we’re advancing the plot!” Relatable.

The biggest controversy? The show’s casual take on slavery. “Slavery is just a stricter form of employment”—yes, that line actually happens. Fans were quick to call it out: “Yikes. This show is taking a weird turn.” While the writers might’ve intended to add depth, it comes off as tone-deaf. Rei’s dark look at the end of the episode? Fans are split—some think she’s hiding a secret harem, others say she’s just reminding Kaede’s slave (yes, Kaede buys a slave) of her place. Either way, it’s a jarring subplot in an otherwise lighthearted series.

So, is I Saved Myself with a Potion! worth your time? If you’re into low-stakes fantasy with a side of “so bad it’s good” animation, maybe. But if you’re craving a polished isekai with real character growth, you might want to skip this. As one fan summed it up: “It was fine. 6/10. The animation didn’t even bother me once I got used to it.”

Final verdict: Episode 12 is a harmless, if underwhelming, end to Season 1. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s got heart—even if that heart is buried under a mountain of potions and budget cuts. Here’s hoping Season 2 fixes the plot holes, gives Kaede a better weapon (seriously, her bodyguard needs a spear), and drops the slavery subplot. Until then, I’ll be over here yelling “create” at my coffee mug, hoping it turns into a potion. Fingers crossed.

Rating: 6/10
Best for: Fans of chill isekai, potion-making enthusiasts, and anyone who doesn’t mind animation that looks like a PowerPoint presentation.
Skip if: You hate unresolved endings, tone-deaf subplots, or characters who make questionable life choices (looking at you, Kaede, buying a slave is not “kind”).

P.S. If you’re wondering where the tall cat woman from the OP is? Yeah, no one knows. Maybe Season 2?