Re:Zero (Starting Life in Another World): Season 1/ Episode 22 “A Flash of Sloth” – Overview/ Review (with Spoilers)

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Recap

With the White Whale dead, the next focus is the Witch’s Cult. But while finishing them off maybe the main goal, it seems Subaru may have to make time to fully reconcile with Julius.

Trigger Warning(s):
Blood & Gore

Major Characters

Subaru | Julius | Betelgeuse | Wilhelm

Main Plot (with Commentary)

Topic 1: The Enemy of My Enemy Eventually Has To Be My Friend (Subaru & Julius)

Pride is one hell of a thing. Yet, Subaru has swallowed it many times before in order to reach his goals. So, with Julius on the mission, albeit with a bit of an attitude, Subaru tries to bury the hatchet. There are mutual apologies, including Julius apologizing for belittling Subaru, but Subaru still can’t shake this hatred he has for Julius. Something he is open about and Julius is fine with since he doesn’t expect them to become friends. However, Felix is of the belief Subaru needs to rid himself of that hatred and truly befriend Julius. So, he tries to do so until something happens.

{Commentary}

One of the main things I took away from this, aside from how mature Subaru is getting, is the fact Julius praised Subaru. Something I feel is very important since when he last saw Subaru he had no claim to speak. Now, it isn’t like they are equals, but Julius can understand why perhaps Emilia has Subaru around. Much less, in my little fanciful thoughts, a part of me wonders if Subaru may have done something worthy of maybe starting the process to become a knight. After all, he did assist in slaying the Whale which has been on the imperial knights to do list forever.

Topic 2: The Archbishop of Pride (Subaru & Betelgeuse)

Subaru and Betelgeuse’s relationship has always been weird. However, in this episode, it reaches a new high as Betelgeuse speaks on Subaru becoming one of the 6 archbishops of sin. Pride specifically. Naturally, Subaru rejects this, and after some more banter, he calls in the mercenaries and Wilhelm to slay Betelgeuse. Which happens so far that it is almost sad in a way.

{Commentary}

With it being noted there are 6 total archbishops, with there now being 4 alive, it makes you question if defeating those remaining four will be what the focus of the remaining episodes are. Much less, will we ever see the witch? Not to forget, we will ever find out how and why she snatched Subaru from our world into hers and gave him this rewind gift? That question still bugs the hell out of me.

Topic 3: You Must Fight (Wilhelm & Subaru)

With Betelgeuse gone, and seemingly his hooded followers too, everyone feels safe. But then one of Betelgeuse’s fingers, a disciple which has the unseen hands ability, comes in and kills some unnamed characters and drags Subaru to what you think would be his death. Thankfully it isn’t. But with people dying because Subaru was unprepared, guilt begins to set in. However, Wilhelm breaks whatever mental spell was about to come over Subaru with the epic speech which is quoted below.

{Commentary}

Between Betelgeuse’s remaining fingers, the archbishop and their fingers, it makes you wonder if the Ordeal can honestly be stopped? Yes, the merchants are removing the villagers and will be emptying Roswaal’s mansion, but who knows the real number of the Witch’s cult? Much less, lest we forget, when Rem and Ram met Roswaal he was in one of their cloaks. So with the episode ending with us seeing Ram in a cloak, albeit a white one, you have to wonder if maybe Roswaal has his own sect of the Witch’s Cult. One which perhaps sees Emilia as the witch’s reincarnation as opposed to the other which may think her death is necessary for the Ordeal.

Collected Quote(s)

I am sure that many thoughts are running through your mind right now and I am certain none are superficial. But while this may be inelegant of me, I must say this: Fight! Even if you have regrets, even if you have remorse, you must fight. If you have made the decision for yourself to fight, to struggle, then fight with all you have. Do not give up for one second, one moment, or one instant. Cling greedily to the victory you have within your sight. If you can still stand, if your fingers still move, if all your teeth have not broken, stand and fight. You must fight.

—           “A Flash of Sloth.” Re:Zero

Review Summary
Highlights

• Subaru’s maturity showing, begrudgingly.
• The thought of Subaru becoming the sin-Archbishop of Pride.
• The surprise which was one of Betelgeuse’s (RIP) fingers nearly killing Subaru and resetting the loop.

Low Points

• With Betelgeuse gone, I doubt anyone is going to explain the gospel and how the Witch’s cult started now.