Mikata ga Yowasugite Hojo Mahou ni Toushite Ita Kyuutei Mahoushi, Tsuihou Sarete Saikyou wo Mezasu [Episode 11]

Alright, let’s dive into Episode 11 of The Banished Court Magician Aims to Become the Strongest—or as some fans call it, that one anime where the main character’s name is Alec and everyone else is… well, a bit of a mess. First off, let’s get the basics straight: this show’s based on a light novel by Alto, has 12 episodes total, and sits at a 6/10 on MAL. Not exactly a masterpiece, but hey, it’s got its moments… right?

So, Episode 11. The title’s a mouthful, but the episode itself? It’s like a rollercoaster that stops halfway up the hill—you’re excited, then confused, then just kind of staring at the screen going, “Wait, that’s it?” Let’s start with the good stuff, though, because even haters gotta give credit where it’s due. The fight scenes… wait, no, hold on. Let’s backtrack.

The episode kicks off with the prince and his crew—who, by the way, are still the most insufferable group of “heroes” since that one time I watched a isekai where the protagonist’s party forgot how to tie their shoes—talking. And talking. And talking some more. Half the episode is just them standing around in the dungeon, bickering about who’s to blame for their current mess (spoiler: it’s the prince). Then, when they finally get to the fight? Oh, you thought there’d be action? Nope. More talking. Mid-fight dialogue is the bane of my existence, and this episode cranks it up to 11. Imagine two people swinging swords at each other while debating the ethics of magic—that’s this fight.

But wait, there’s a twist! The monster they’re fighting is a living armor/dullahan hybrid, which sounds cool… until you realize it’s mostly just standing there while the characters monologue. Oh, and the CGI? Let’s not even go there. Some fans said it made them dizzy, which I can totally see—like, did they animate it in 60fps and then forget to adjust the motion blur? Yikes.

Now, let’s talk about the main character, Alec. Remember him? The guy the show’s supposed to be about? Yeah, he’s kind of a side character here. Most of the episode focuses on the prince’s drama (yawn) and Loki, the trickster who’s low-key (pun intended) the best part of the show. Loki’s tactics are actually clever—he sets up Alec for a big moment, which we almost get… until the episode ends on a cliffhanger. Like, right when Alec’s about to cast a flashy spell, the screen cuts to black. No ED, no resolution—just “tune in next week!” Which, let’s be real, is a cheap way to keep viewers hooked.

Fans on MAL had a lot to say about this. One user called it “one of the worst directed episodes I’ve ever seen,” and honestly? I can’t disagree. The pacing is all over the place—they spend 20 minutes on dialogue, skip the ending theme to cram in more talking, and still don’t finish the fight. Another fan pointed out that Alec’s character is flat compared to the manga, where he’s snarky and has actual depth. Here? He’s just… there. Like a cardboard cutout with a magic wand.

But hey, it’s not all bad. Some viewers defended the show, saying it’s “a chill watch with fun characters.” And okay, Ornest (Alec’s new buddy) is pretty bro-y, and Krasia? Let’s just say she’s the reason half the fanbase is still tuning in. Also, the karma hitting the old party? Chef’s kiss. They’re finally realizing they need Alec, which is satisfying—even if the prince is too stubborn to admit it.

The biggest issue, though, is the direction. The director seems to love cutting episodes right before the good stuff, which is frustrating. And the magic? It feels cheap. Like, Alec’s supposed to be a powerful court magician, but his spells look like someone waved a glow stick at the screen. Plus, him spacing out in a dungeon (a veteran, mind you) is just lazy writing.

So, is Episode 11 worth watching? If you’re invested in the characters, maybe. But if you’re here for action or a coherent plot, you might want to skip it. The cliffhanger is annoying, the dialogue is cringey, and the CGI is a nightmare. But hey, at least Loki’s there to save the day (sort of).

Final thoughts: This anime has potential, but it’s being held back by bad direction and a script that’s more talk than action. Episode 11 is a prime example—great setup, no payoff. Here’s hoping the finale (Episode 12) fixes some of these issues, but I’m not holding my breath. For now, I’ll keep watching… if only to see Krasia kick more butt and the prince finally get his comeuppance.

Rating: 4/10. Skip the first half, watch the last 10 minutes, and pretend the cliffhanger doesn’t exist. You’re welcome.