ReZERO -Starting Life in Another World- [Season 1 Episodes 1-25]

Re:Zero Season 1 – The Season That Started It All (And Why Fans Still Argue About It)

Let’s cut to the chase: Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 1 is the anime equivalent of a rollercoaster that starts slow, then flings you off a cliff—except every time you crash, you wake up right back at the first drop. For 25 episodes, White Fox’s adaptation of Tappei Nagatsuki’s light novel throws Natsuki Subaru, an ordinary high schooler, into a fantasy world where his only superpower is dying. A lot. Like, “get eaten by monsters, stabbed by cultists, and even frozen to death” a lot. And somehow, that’s why we can’t stop talking about it.

First off, let’s get the basics straight: Season 1 dropped in 2016, adapting the first three arcs of the novels (yes, cramming 9 volumes into 25 episodes—more on that later). Subaru’s “Return by Death” ability is both his curse and his only shot at survival. He meets Emilia, a silver-haired half-elf, and decides to protect her… only to die trying. Then he wakes up. Again. And again. It’s Groundhog Day with more magic and way more trauma.

Now, ask any fan what they think of Season 1, and you’ll get two answers: “It’s the best season ever” or “It’s the weakest one—wait till you see Season 2.” Let’s break down both sides, because honestly? They’re both right.

The Case for Season 1 Being “Peak Re:Zero”

For many, Season 1 is where Re:Zero hooked them—and not just because of the death loops. As one fan put it, “S1 was peak Re:Zero. The OP, ED, plot, character introduction, horror sound effects, death revival—all amazing.” Let’s unpack that:
– The “WTF” Factor: The first time Subaru dies? Chills. You have no idea why he’s back, what’s killing him, or how to stop it. That mystery keeps you glued. Episodes like 15 (“The Outside of Madness”) and 18 (“From Zero”) are masterclasses in tension—Subaru’s breakdowns, the slow burn of figuring out who’s behind the attacks, and that gut-punch when you realize even his closest allies might not be safe.
– Character Vibes: Season 1 is all about first impressions. Emilia’s quiet strength, Rem’s unwavering loyalty (even when Subaru is at his worst), Ram’s sass—these characters feel real because we see them through Subaru’s messy, human lens. He’s not a hero; he’s a guy who makes mistakes, lies, and even acts like a total jerk. But when he finally steps up? It hits harder than any power-up.
– The Soundtrack: Let’s not sleep on the music. “Redo” by Konomi Suzuki is that opening you never skip, and the EDs (“STYX HELIX” and “Paradisus-Paradoxum”) perfectly capture the show’s mix of hope and despair. The horror sound effects—like the cultists’ chanting or the Witch’s Miasma—still give fans nightmares.

As another fan argued, “Season 1 is 100% meat, 0% fat. Season 2 with all its flashbacks felt flabby by comparison.” It’s tight, it’s focused, and it never lets you breathe.

The Case Against Season 1 (And Why Novel Fans Side-Eye It)

Now, the other camp: “Season 1 is weaker than Season 2 & 3. Proves you didn’t understand the series.” Ouch. But here’s why they’re not just hating:
– Cut Content: Remember that 9 volumes in 25 episodes thing? Yeah, that meant a lot got left on the cutting room floor. A fan ranted, “When I found out Subaru and Priscilla’s rock-paper-scissors game wasn’t in the anime, I had a week-long mental breakdown.” Okay, maybe overkill, but the point stands: Season 1 skips key worldbuilding and character moments that make later seasons hit harder.
– Subaru’s Annoying Phase: Let’s be real—early Subaru is insufferable. He’s cocky, entitled, and thinks he’s the main character in a generic isekai. As one viewer put it, “I thought Subaru was annoying asf in Season 1. It’s the weakest season for sure.” It takes time for him to grow, and not everyone has the patience to stick around for that.
– The “Arc 3 Problem”: The final arc of Season 1 (Arc 3) is where the cuts hurt the most. Novel readers say it butchered side characters and rushed the ending to wrap things up neatly. As one commenter pointed out, “Arc 3 is the worst adapted arc. The anime made it all about Subaru and Rem, but the novels had so much more.”

So… Is Season 1 Good or Not?

Here’s the tea: It depends on what you want from Re:Zero. If you love mystery, horror, and watching a character claw his way from rock bottom, Season 1 is chef’s kiss. If you crave deep lore, slow-burn character development, and fewer death loops, you might prefer Season 2.

But let’s not forget: Season 1 is the reason we’re all here. It introduced us to a world where death isn’t the end—it’s a lesson. It made us care about Subaru even when he was being a tool. And let’s be honest, that first time Rem confesses to Subaru? Still hits harder than any Season 2 flashback.

Final Verdict

Season 1 isn’t perfect. It’s rushed, it’s messy, and Subaru can be a total idiot. But it’s also bold, innovative, and unforgettable. As one fan summed it up: “S1 is the season that pulled a lot of people into this anime. To be honest, I don’t think there will be a better Re:Zero season than that.”

Whether you think it’s the best or the worst, one thing’s for sure: Season 1 is Re:Zero’s heart. It’s the chaos, the pain, and the tiny glimmers of hope that make this series so addictive. So grab your popcorn, skip the first few minutes of Subaru being a dork, and get ready to die (vicariously) with the best of them.

P.S. If you’re team “Season 1 is peak,” you’re not alone. If you’re team “Season 2 is better,” that’s cool too. Just don’t start a fight in the comments—we’ve all seen enough of those. 😉