The Rising of the Shield Hero: Season 1/ Episode 4 “Lullaby at Dawn” – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

The Riding of the Shield Hero kicks things up a notch as Naofumi, once more, is coerced to play the villain thanks to Myne.

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That Is It That I’ve Done To You?: Naofumi, Myne, Raphtalia, Motoyasu

We’ve come to a point where there is a serious need to question what Myne has against Naofumi? She accused him of rape, brings up Raphtalia being his slave, despite it being perfectly legal, and seems to love starting trouble for Naofumi. Later in the episode, Naofumi points out this was likely done for her to grow close to Motoyasu but is it just that?

Commentary

Seriously, what is Myne’s problem? She is the princess of the country, could have easily won Motoyasu without using Naofumi, so what is her problem? Is there, as part of the Shield Hero legend, this kind of adversity and she is tasked with triggering it? Could it be tradition to give the shield hero this amount of oppression and isolation so that it triggers the “Curse Series” we see after the duel?

Also, considering what Naofumi did for that village, even if it is only days since the wave, surely the story of his heroism has to have traveled by now right? Even if by the knights who were there.

A Duel: Naofumi, Myne, Raphtalia, Motoyasu

With Motoyasu being positioned to be a leader of the great heroes, especially by Myne, he takes it upon himself to free Raphtalia by means of a duel. Naturally, since he can’t fight as well as the others, Naofumi tries to reject this duel, but King Melromarc forced his hand. Leading to Naofumi and Motoyasu facing off and, to much surprise, Naofumi almost winning. That is, until Myne interferes and Motoyasu suddenly gets the upper hand. Thus leading to Raphtalia being freed and Naofumi, as before, pointing out what happened with Myne and being seen as a liar.

Commentary

Is the end goal here to position Motoyasu to become king? While it isn’t clear how the kingdom is doing economically, or how popular the king is, I would assume his reign is given quite a boost thanks to the heroes showing up. Never mind his daughter being by the assumed leader’s side. So maybe it isn’t just Myne who has a hand in all this but, as Naofumi believes, this is much bigger than her.

With that said, weren’t we told the power of the legendary items is weaker when they are within the same vicinity? Taking note of that, shouldn’t Naofumi and Motoyasu’s gear not have been as powerful as we saw? For while Ren and Itsuki were yards away, they were still all in a relatively close vicinity. Unless, with this show, maybe that rule more so applies when facing off against monsters, or when all four legendary items are active, rather than just two. Pushing the need to question why, even though Ren wasn’t fond of the idea, they couldn’t just have formed smaller parties – two by two?

There Is Freedom In Love: King Melromarc, Naofumi, Myne, Raphtalia, Motoyasu, Ren, Itsuki

With Myne whispering in his ear, Motoyasu has really taken this hero thing to heart, and in defeating Naofumi, freeing a slave in the process, he feels rather good about himself. However, with Raphtalia calling out everyone involved and consoling Naofumi, who is having a meltdown, Motoyasu is coerced to question if he was the good guy in this. Especially as Ren and Itsuki step forward and note they believe Naofumi in that Myne interfered in the duel. However, Naofumi’s accusations, alongside Ren and Itsuki’s support, doesn’t change anything.

However, it does perhaps stop what is shown to be the “Chaos Series.” Something which, as Naofumi’s mood worsened, and made it seem like Myne was causing him to have delusions, pushed the idea he could do something immensely destructive. But, luckily, Raphtalia, after much convincing, was able to break through to Naofumi and help him realize she is committed to being by his side. Also, publicly, in front of the guardians, the king, even the public, she notes all that Naofumi did for her. This is followed by the so-called hero, Motoyasu, being questioned about whether he would do the same for her? Raphtalia asking this of Motoyasu leaves him a bumbling mess and Myne trying to recover by discrediting Raphtalia because she is a demi-human.

Commentary

All I want to know is, how do the people feel about what they saw? The King, Myne, and most of the heroes, assassinated Naofumi’s character a long time ago but with it being clear something is up, do they care? Granted, only the aristocracy were present, and the King likely has them on a tight leash. Yet, bringing back the idea the King needs to be on the side of the heroes, there is a need to question if this may not be seen as a major chink in his reputation?

Though, I also find myself wondering, outside of money, of course, why isn’t Naofumi seeking out other lands and kingdoms? Considering how the waves likely are hitting more than King Melromarc’s kingdom, I’m sure he could find money elsewhere. Heck, taking note of Raphtalia and how her parents died, I’m sure there have to be demi-humans out there who, taking note of the shield hero legend, would be more than happy to have him.

Other Noteworthy Facts & Moments

• Demi-Humans level up, and apparently age, quicker than humans. It isn’t clear though if this also means they die sooner than humans or not.

Highlights

1. A sense that Myne’s takedown of Naofumi isn’t just personal, for the sake of getting close to Motoyasu, but maybe political beyond what Noafumi recognizes.
2. Raphtalia’s reassuring Naofumi of her love and commitment to him.
3. It isn’t clear what Chaos Series is, but it seems like it might be cool as hell.
4. Naofumi v. Motoyasu was far more interesting than what we saw when he fought the wave.

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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