Saikyou no Ousama Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani o Suru [Season 1 Episode 2]

The Beginning After the End – Season 1, Episode 2: A Mixed Bag of Potential and Disappointment

The Beginning After the End (or Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru?) has been one of the most anticipated isekai adaptations, especially for fans of the original web novel and manhwa. The premise is intriguing: Grey, the strongest king in history, reincarnates as Arthur, a powerless infant in a magical world, surrounded by a loving family—something he never experienced in his past life. Episode 2 continues this journey, but the reception has been… divisive, to say the least.

The Good: Story and Character Development

First, let’s talk about what works. The episode dives deeper into Arthur’s growth, both physically and magically. Fans have praised how the show handles his progression—his training scenes are engaging, and his interactions with his family add emotional depth. One commenter noted, “Arthur is getting stronger every day, both physically and mentally. Given his age, it’s impressive he’s able to handle magic like that.”

The family dynamics are a highlight. Arthur’s parents, especially his mother, are portrayed with warmth and care, making their bond feel genuine. A fan pointed out, “It’s gonna be hard on his mother; she’s such a caring one too.” These moments of slice-of-life balance the fantasy elements, giving the story a grounded feel.

The episode also ramps up the tension with a cliffhanger involving a mysterious monster. “Damn, that ending—what even is that thing? Demon Lord or what!?” one viewer exclaimed. This setup has left fans eager for the next episode, proving that the narrative hooks are strong.

The Bad: Animation Woes

Now, the elephant in the room: the animation. Or rather, the lack thereof. The criticism here is relentless, and for good reason. The fight scenes are riddled with still frames, speed lines, and awkward CGI. One frustrated fan described it as “a slideshow compilation,” while another joked, “I love my weekly slideshow.”

The bandit encounter, in particular, drew ire for its choppy execution. “The entire action scene is just stills and speed lines,” a comment read. Even the monster at the end, while conceptually cool, suffers from stiff CGI. “The animation is pure dog shit, as always,” one blunt review stated.

Some fans defended the show, arguing that the story carries it despite the visuals. “This anime doesn’t need outstanding animation because it lives off its story,” one optimist wrote. But for many, the poor quality is a dealbreaker. “Dropped it,” said a disappointed viewer. “It’s like they put serious effort into ruining such a great series.”

The Ugly: Voice Acting and Pacing

Another point of contention is Arthur’s inner monologue. Grey’s deep, mature voice coming from a child’s body feels jarring. “Really awkward to hear a 30+ year old man’s dark voice coming from a kid,” a fan complained. Some hope the voice will change as Arthur grows, but for now, it’s a sticking point.

Pacing is also an issue. The episode crams a lot into its runtime—training, family moments, and a bandit attack—but some transitions feel rushed. “So many things didn’t need happening in one episode,” a critic noted. The abrupt ending, while exciting, left some scratching their heads. “Who tf let a 4-year-old kid and pregnant woman run alone?” one baffled fan asked.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The discourse around this episode is polarizing. On one side, there’s genuine appreciation for the story and music. “The music is simply majestic,” one fan gushed. Others enjoy Arthur’s character, praising his seriousness compared to typical isekai protagonists. “I like how MC is not a pervert lolicon trash like Rudeus,” a viewer remarked, referencing Mushoku Tensei.

On the other side, the disappointment is palpable. Many compare the adaptation unfavorably to the source material. “Dogshit, this is a plain disrespect in comparison to the manhwa,” a disgruntled fan wrote. Some are holding out hope for improvement, while others have already given up. “Willing to give the anime 4 more weeks as a trial period,” one cautiously optimistic viewer said.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

If you’re here for the story, The Beginning After the End delivers. Arthur’s journey is compelling, and the world-building shows promise. But if you’re expecting top-tier animation or flawless execution, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

As one fan put it: “It’s decent, similar to most isekai released today.” Manage your expectations, and you might find something to enjoy. But for many, the slideshow battles and stiff CGI are too much to overlook.

Will the anime improve? Only time will tell. For now, it’s a flawed but intriguing addition to the isekai genre—one that’s sparking passionate debates among fans. Whether you stick around or drop it, one thing’s for sure: people won’t stop talking about it anytime soon.

Rating: 6/10 (Saved by the story, sunk by the slideshows.)