Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru? [Season 1 Episode 2]

Episode 2 Review: The Beginning After the End – 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 of 2025, and its second episode has sparked a whirlwind of reactions. While the story continues to intrigue with its unique premise—a once-powerful king reincarnated as a child in a magical world—the execution, particularly in animation quality, has left fans divided. Let’s break it down.

The Story So Far

The episode picks up with Arthur, the reincarnated King Grey, growing stronger both physically and magically. Surrounded by a loving family, he’s experiencing emotions he never had in his past life. However, danger lurks as bandits attack, leading to a tense confrontation and a cliffhanger involving a terrifying monster. The narrative is compelling, blending slice-of-life moments with darker undertones, but pacing issues and awkward transitions (like the sudden disappearance of a rope during a fight) have left some viewers scratching their heads.

Fan Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

1. The Positives: Story and Music Shine
   Many fans praised the episode’s storytelling and emotional depth. One user noted, “The story is getting better. Art style and character design is not bad, I just wish animation had 50% more frames.” The soundtrack also received love, with comments like “The music is simply majestic.”

Arthur’s character development stood out too. Unlike typical isekai protagonists, he’s serious and driven, which fans appreciate. “I like how MC is not a pervert lolicon trash like Rudeus,” one viewer remarked, comparing him to Mushoku Tensei’s controversial protagonist.

1. The Negatives: Animation Woes
   The biggest gripe? The animation—or lack thereof. Critics called it a “slideshow compilation,” with fight scenes relying on still frames and speed lines. One frustrated fan wrote, “The animation is pure dog shit, as always. I don’t expect the series to have good animation at any point.”

The CGI monsters also drew ire. “The slideshow fight scenes and low-effort CGI monsters are just too much for me,” lamented another. Some even joked, “I love my weekly slideshow.”

1. Mixed Feelings: Voice Acting and Pacing
   Arthur’s inner monologue, voiced by a deep, adult tone, felt jarring to some. “Really awkward to hear a 30+ year old man’s dark voice coming from a kid,” one comment read. Others defended it, arguing it fits his past-life persona.

Pacing was another issue. “So many things didn’t need happening in one episode,” a viewer pointed out, questioning the logic of letting a 4-year-old and a pregnant woman flee alone.

Comparisons and Controversies

The episode sparked debates comparing TBATE to other isekai like Mushoku Tensei. While some argued TBATE’s world-building and characters are distinct, others felt the animation paled in comparison. “Berserk 2016 looks like a masterpiece compared to this,” one user quipped.

There was also backlash against the source material’s darker themes, like Arthur’s past as a ruthless king. “Indiscriminate slaughter of civilians… execution of a mother and child… He’s a bad individual,” one critic noted, questioning the moral ambiguity.

Final Verdict: Should You Keep Watching?

Despite its flaws, The Beginning After the End has potential. The story is engaging, and Arthur’s journey—both as a child and a former king—offers a fresh take on isekai tropes. However, the animation quality is a significant drawback, especially for fans of the manhwa who expected better.

As one fan put it, “I’m still in the trial period with this show, but I don’t think it’s going to get any better.” If you can overlook the slideshow battles and focus on the narrative, it’s worth sticking around. But if fluid animation is a dealbreaker, this might not be the show for you.

Rating: 6.5/10 – A flawed but intriguing isekai with room to grow.

What did you think of Episode 2? Let’s discuss in the comments!

P.S. For those wondering, yes, Arthur’s little sister theory is already gaining traction. Place your bets now!