The Rising of the Shield Hero: Season 1, Episode 19 “The Four Cardinal Heroes” – Recap, Review (with Spoilers)

As Pope Balmus attempts to eviscerate the Cardinal Heroes, a few surprises appear and we’re clued in that Naofumi may get some reinforcements.

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The Cardinal Weapon Replica: Pope Balmus, Melty, Naofumi

While the Rage Shield is able to protect everyone, Naofumi’s arms are becoming numb from keeping it up. Which makes Pope Balmus revealing he has found a legendary, and supposedly lost weapon which replicates the Cardinal Weapons of the heroes, dangerous. Especially since, between Melty and Pope Balmus, we see how much mana and power the weapon can produce.

Guess Who Shows Up: Itsuki, Ren, Naofumi, Myne, Motoyasu

Despite allegedly being killed, Ren and Itsuki show up and not the Queen’s punitive force is on the way. Now, as for how they survived? Basically, the queen’s shadows and Ren doesn’t provide much details beyond that. So all we know is someone setup Ren and Itsuki, they nearly died, the shadows of the Queen saved them, and assumingly told them where the other heroes are. Leading to the idea that now they will join forces to fight the Pope.

Problem is with that, Naofumi wants to be petty. He’d rather work with his team, and when called out on that, he lays out everyone. He calls out Motoyasu being a puppet for Myne and her using how trusted the heroes were for her own gains. With Ren, he notes him leaving that dragon half alive and thinking the world they are in is a video game where things just disappear when defeated. Lastly, he calls out Itsuki for overthrowing a local ruler.

This leads to the accused bickering amongst themselves, perhaps to lessen their role on the Pope’s rise and the situation they’re in. Which gives the Pope more than enough time to recover after the attacks Ren and Itsuki flung, which did so much more damage than Motoyasu did, even when he did a combo attack.

Keeping Promises: Naofumi, Fitoria

But rather than let them bicker until they end up killed, Naofumi honors his promise to Fitoria, and while noting his peers aren’t forgiven, he is now willing to work with them.

Highlights

Naofumi Calling Out Nearly Every Incident His Peers Caused

While this gathering of the Cardinal Heroes feels rather late in the season, at least considering there are 6 episodes left, you have to be glad it happened. For now maybe they can reconcile, Naofumi and his team can level up, and we can perhaps get to know the other heroes. Not to imply we have learned all that much about Naofumi’s life. Like the rest of the heroes, his life before being transported hasn’t been noted since the premiere.

Yet, with one less obstacle, there is hope that some of the things which we haven’t gotten to see are addressed. Particularly getting to know the queen and also seeing other countries since it feels like we’ve been waiting on that for at least 5 episodes, if not more.

On The Fence

Recognizing The Power Of The Rage Shield Is Beyond Naofumi’s Level, How Was He Able To Defend Against Those Attacks?

Here is my thing, the Pope likely is way beyond everyone’s level and between his followers and the replica weapon, how was Naofumi able to protect everyone? Especially against multiple attacks without going into that dark mode? And while, yes, they mention his arm was getting numb, you’d think more would be hurting after the onslaught of attacks he had defended everyone from. Unless this is an example of how cardinal weapons are weaker when amongst each other, making the shield a bit more formidable than it would be if Pope Balmus was using a separate weapon.

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Cast & Characters

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Season/ Episode	Synopsis	Director, Writer, and Introduced Actors	Topics & Focused Characters
Season 1, Episode 25 “The Rising of the Shield Hero” [Season Finale]	While The Rising of the Shield Hero technically comes to an end, it may actually be a new beginning.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 6/26/2019 Introduced This Episode Lecia ?	A Battle For Survival: Glass, Naofumi A New Recruit: Lecia, Naofumi Long Term Planning: Naofumi, Raphtalia, Queen Mirellia
Season 1, Episode 24 “Guardians of Another World”	In its penultimate episode, L’Arc and Therese reveal their true selves and Glass makes a long-awaited appearance.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 6/19/2019	Taking Down A Monstrosity: L’Arc, Naofumi, Filo, Queen Mirellia The Battle With L’Arc: L’Arc, Terese, Naofumi A New Player Approaches: Glass, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 23 “Cal Mira Archipelago”	What begins as just a regular day of defeating monsters and the Cardinal Heroes bickering turns into a stark realization.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 6/12/2019 Introduced This Episode Terese ?	New Friends: L’Arc, Terese, Naofumi Different Location, Same Nonsense:Naofumi, Ren, Itsuki, Motoyasu Two Days & Counting: Naofumi, Filo, Raphtalia
Season 1, Episode 22 “Four Heroes Council”	Despite Naofumi’s name being cleared, there remains many issues keeping the Cardinal Heroes from being on the same page.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 6/5/2019 Introduced This Episode L’arc ?	A Meeting Of The Minds: Naofumi, Ren, Motoyasu, Itsuki, Queen Mirellia A Trip Back Home: Raphtalia, Naofumi Meet L’Arc: L’Arc, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 21 “Naofumi’s Triumphant Return”	In pursuit of making things right with Naofumi, Queen Mirellia Q. Melromarc seems willing to go to drastic means that even disturb Naofumi.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 5/29/2019	It’s Been 72 Hours: Naofumi, Melty, Raphtalia, Filo Clearing His Name: Naofumi, Autocray, Myne, Mirellia Mercy/ A Slut B**** and Trash: Naofumi, Autocray, Myne, Mirellia, Melty
Season 1, Episode 18 “A Conspiracy Linked”	The true mastermind behind Naofumi being harassed and treated like a social pariah reveals themselves to us.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 5/8/2019	Facing Motoyasu: Motoyasu, Naofumi, Myne, Melty, Raphtalia, Filo The Truth Is Revealed: Pope Balmus, Myne, Motoyasu, Naofumi, Filo
Season 1, Episode 19 “The Four Cardinal Heroes”	As Pope Balmus attempts to eviscerate the Cardinal Heroes, a few surprises appear and we’re clued in that Naofumi may get some reinforcements.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 5/15/2019	The Cardinal Weapon Replica: Pope Balmus, Melty, Naofumi Guess Who Shows Up: Itsuki, Ren, Naofumi, Myne, Motoyasu Keeping Promises: Naofumi, Fitoria
Season 1, Episode 20 "Battle of Good and Evil"	As followers of the Pope die, so comes the question of whether or not one of the heroes may sacrifice themselves, Naofumi in particular, to save the rest?	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 5/22/2019	The Martyr System: Pope Balmus Tapping Into The Darkness: Pope Balmus, Naofumi, Melty, Filo, Raphtalia Blood Sacrifice: Naofumi, Queen Melromarc, Pope Balmus
Season 1, Episode 15 “Raphtalia”	Raphtalia’s childhood up until when she was purchased by Naofumi is uncovered, and it is a tear-inducing tale.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 4/17/2019 Introduced This Episode Rifana ?	Before & After The Wave: Raphtalia, Rifana Enslavement: Raphtalia, Rifana, Idol From Victim To Hero: Raphtalia, Naofumi, Van, Melty, Idol
Season 1, Episode 16 “Filoial Queen”	Never mind the beasts from the last episode, all eyes are on the Filolial queen Fitoria.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 4/24/2019 Introduced This Episode Fitoria ?	Taking Care Of The Unleashed Beasts: Naofumi, Filo, Raphtalia, Van The Queen Of Filolials & The Ominous Shield: Fitoria,Naofumi, Filo, Raphtalia There Is So Much You Don’t Know & Refuse To Learn:Fitoria, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 17 “A Promise Made”	As Fitoria presents her ultimatum, the other heroes may have walked into a trap.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 5/1/2019	A Trial: Filo, Melty, Fitoria, Naofumi But Did You Fight Back?: Naofumi, Fitoria It’s A Trap: Ren, Itsuki, Myne
Season 1, Episode 14 “Everlasting Memory”	With being unable to cross into Siltvelt, the team encounters someone connected to Raphtalia’s past as someone’s slave.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 4/10/2019 Introduced This Episode Van Reichnott ? Idol Rabier ?	Borderlands: Naofumi, Raphtalia, Melty, Van, Myne The Plight of Demi-Humans: Raphtalia, Idol, Naofumi, Melty, Van Rescuing Melty: Raphtalia, Idol, Naofumi, Melty, Van, Filo
Season 1, Episode 13 “The Devil of the Shield”	Are you tired of Myne? I’m tired of Myne, and luckily the heroes are reminded that she isn’t the benevolent person she pretends to be.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 4/3/2019	The Brainwash Begins: Melty, Naofumi, Filo, Raphtalia The Getaway Plan: Melty, Naofumi Seek The Truth: Myne, Melty, Ren, Naofumi, Motoyasu, Raphtalia
Season 1, Episode 10 “In The Midst of Turmoil”	It seems Melty has a mission which could change Melromarc for better or worse. Also, Itsuki and Ren seem on the verge of fighting Naofumi.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 3/13/2019 Introduced This Episode Mirellia Q. Melromarc Inoue Kikuko	Let Me Upgrade You: Naofumi, Dorei-shou Your Reputation Precedes You: Melty, Naofumi, The Queen We Don’t Need Another Hero: Ren, Itsuki, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 11 “Catastrophe Returns”	While the 2nd wave has far more interesting battles than the first, it is the arrival of the character Glass that will be noteworthy.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 3/20/2019 Introduced This Episode Glass Han Megumi	The 2nd Wave: Naofumi, Motoyasu, Myne, Raphtalia, Filo, Ren, Itsuki The Rage Shield: Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo Introducing – Glass: Glass, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 12 “The Raven Invader”	While you may think the battle between the heroes and Glass would be the highlight of the episode, oh you got another thing coming!	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 3/27/2019 Introduced This Episode Elhart Yasumoto Hiroki King Aultcray Nakano Yutaka	Glass vs. Everybody: Glass, Naofumi Still On His Bulls***: King Aultcray, Naofumi Assassination Attempt: Myne, Melty, King Aultcray, Naofumi, Elhart
Season 1, Episode 9 “Melty”	Naofumi finds himself involved with a young girl named Melty, thanks to Filo, and he is under the impression she may bring nothing but trouble.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 3/6/2019 Introduced This Episode Melty Uchida Maaya The Pope ?	Let Me Tell You About My Best Friend: Melty, Filo Attacked On Sight: Motoyasu, Filo, Naofumi, Myne, Melty, Raphtalia, The Pope Watch The Throne: Melty, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 7 “The Savior of the Heavenly Fowl”	Raphtalia has it bad for Naofumi, as does Filo, and both are beginning to make plans on how to make him theirs.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 2/20/2019	The Legend Continues: Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo, Motoyasu You’re Going To Love Me!: Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo
Season 1, Episode 8 “Curse Shield”	Remember that dragon Ren supposedly killed? Well, Naofumi and his girls end up having to face it because Ren didn’t finish the job.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 2/27/2019	The Zombie Dragon: Naofumi, Filo, Raphtalia The Curse Shield: Naofumi, Raphtalia A Smile: Naofumi, Filo, Raphtalia
Season 1, Episode 6 “A New Comrade”	As Raphtalia gets jealous of Filo growing closer to Naofumi, we’re given an update on what the other heroes are doing.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 2/13/2019	The Owner, Not Father/ Friend, Not Father: Filo, Raphtalia, Naofumi One Hand Shakes the Other: Naofumi Though He Can Be Gruff, He’s Really a Softee: Filo, Raphtalia, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 5 “Filo”	We’re informally introduced to another kingdom this episode, alongside seeing that Myne and her father truly are trash.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 2/6/2019 Introduced This Episode Filo Hidaka Rina Dorei-shou Ogata Ken`ichi	A Hero Reborn: Naofumi, Myne, Itsuki, Ren, King Melromarc, Raphtalia Filo: Filo, Dorei-shou, Naofumi, Raphtalia As His Legend Grows, So Does His Party: Myne, Motoyasu, Filo, Naofumi, Raphtalia
Season 1, Episode 4 “Lullaby at Dawn”	The Riding of the Shield Hero kicks things up a notch as Naofumi, once more, is coerced to play the villain thanks to Myne.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 1/30/2019 Introduced This Episode King Melromarc Nakano Yutaka	What Is It That I’ve Done To You?: Naofumi, Myne, Raphtalia, Motoyasu A Duel: Naofumi, Myne, Raphtalia, Motoyasu There Is Freedom In Love: King Melromarc, Naofumi, Myne, Raphtalia, Motoyasu, Ren, Itsuki
Season 1, Episode 3 “Wave of Catastrophe”	Naofumi and Raphtalia experience their first demon wave, and Raphtalia begins to hear whispers of Naofumi’s past.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 1/23/2019	Level Up Lolicon: Naofumi, Raphtalia Hello To Old Frenemies & The First Wave: Raphtalia, Motoyasu, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 2 “The Slave Girl”	Naofumi gets his first follower and may begin to show the world the rumors about him are untrue.	Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date 1/16/2019 Introduced This Episode Raphtalia Seto Asami	The Demi-Human Girl: Raphtalia, Naofumi
Season 1, Episode 1 “The Shield Hero”	The Rising of the Shield Hero lives up to what its trailer hyped and may provide oh so much more.	Creator Aneko Yusagi Director(s) Abo Takao Writer(s) Koyanagi Keigo Air Date (Available Early With Premium Membership) 1/9/2019 Genre(s) Action, Adventure, Drama Good If You Like Anime Where Lead Character Is Sucked Into Foreign World Strong Dramatic Element Pending Doomsday Battles Shows Which Have an RPG Vibe Isn’t For You If You Prefer Less Talking, More Action Introduced This Episode Naofumi Ishikawa Kaito Ren Matsuoka Yoshitsugu Motoyasu Takahashi Makoto Itsuki Yamaya Yoshitaka Myne Bridcutt Sarah Emi