Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani o Suru? (The Beginning After the End) [Season 1 Episode 2]

The Beginning After the End – Season 1, Episode 2: A Promising Start or a Missed Opportunity?

The Beginning After the End (TBATE) has been one of the most anticipated anime adaptations of 2025, and with the release of its second episode, fans are already buzzing with opinions. Based on TurtleMe’s popular web novel and manhwa, the series follows King Grey, a powerful ruler who reincarnates into a new world as Arthur Leywin, retaining his memories and skills. The premise is intriguing, but does Episode 2 live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this episode hits the mark.

The Premise and Expectations

TBATE’s story revolves around Arthur Leywin, a child prodigy who was once the strongest king in his previous life. The first episode set the stage for his rebirth and hinted at the challenges he’d face in this new world. Episode 2 continues this journey, focusing on Arthur’s early years and his interactions with his new family and surroundings.

Fans of the source material had high expectations, especially regarding the adaptation’s faithfulness to the original story. Some were excited to see how Studio A-Cat (known for Battle After 5 Seconds) would handle the animation, while others were skeptical due to the studio’s mixed track record. As one Reddit user put it: “We’d be lucky if it looked half as good as Battle After 5 Seconds.”

What Worked in Episode 2?

1. Character Development
   Arthur’s dynamic with his new family, particularly his parents, was a highlight. Fans appreciated the emotional depth in these scenes, as they set the foundation for his growth. One MyAnimeList user noted: “His time as a child lays some groundwork for his character, and it’s handled well.”

2. World-Building
   The episode introduced the European-inspired fantasy world, complete with magic systems and political undertones. While some called it clichéd (“Another European fantasy? Really?”), others defended the setting, arguing that it serves the story’s themes of power and reincarnation.

3. Voice Acting
   The casting of Natsumi Fujiwara (Arthur) and Makoto Furukawa (King Grey) received praise. Fans felt their performances added depth to the characters, especially in flashback scenes.

What Fell Short?

1. Animation Quality
   The biggest criticism was the animation. While the character designs were faithful to the manhwa, the movement and action sequences felt stiff. One fan lamented: “If the trailer’s animation is anything to go by, we’re in for a rough ride.”

2. Pacing Issues
   Some viewers felt the episode rushed through key moments, particularly Arthur’s early training. A comment on MyAnimeList read: “They skipped over so much detail. It’s like they’re speedrunning the story.”

3. Mixed Reactions to the Setting
   The European fantasy backdrop divided fans. While some enjoyed the aesthetic, others found it overdone. One user joked: “Why does every isekai have to be set in pseudo-medieval Europe?”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The discussions around Episode 2 were polarizing. Here’s a snapshot of what fans are saying:

• Positive:
  “Arthur’s relationship with his family is heartwarming. It’s nice to see a protagonist who isn’t just OP from the start.”
  “The voice acting is top-notch. Fujiwara nails Arthur’s mix of maturity and childishness.”

• Negative:
  “The animation is mid at best. Studio A-Cat dropped the ball.”
  “They’re cutting too much from the source material. It feels rushed.”

• Neutral:
  “It’s too early to judge. Let’s see where this goes.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a fan of the manhwa or enjoy reincarnation stories, The Beginning After the End is worth checking out. Episode 2 has its flaws—particularly in animation and pacing—but it also delivers strong character moments and an intriguing setup. As one fan wisely put it: “Give it a few more episodes. The story gets way better.”

For now, TBATE shows promise, but whether it becomes a must-watch anime will depend on how it handles the upcoming arcs. Stay tuned!

What do you think of Episode 2? Let us know in the comments!