Forum - View topicFrieren: Beyond Journey's End (TV) (w/ index).
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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There are two ways to interpret what I typed, one is the way you've done which is to interpret fatalities in this franchise as one block of text and everything after for syntax parsing. What I should have done to make my point less ambiguous and easier to attack was to rearrange the order like so: So far, the only fatalities in this franchise when duels take place have been of demons. With the sentence above, my original intention of highlighting how all magic duels aired in the franchise to date have not had any human fatalities would have been better expressed. One can't be too careful with syntax after all, plenty of users ready to pounce at the slightest opportunity when a mistake is not swiftly corrected. |
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4993 |
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Some exciting fights this week, both with and without magic ironically (some real spirit there for an old man). I do wonder how far Kanne can go if she has a near infinite amount of water near her, I assume that the limit would be her mana since she has to inject it into the water. Another question I have is how monstrously strong Serie is, if she was Flamme's master then she must be really really old and thus all the stronger for it.
On a side note, you get used to it, but the show still looks and sounds amazing, I will never get tired of it and moments such as the barrier breaking are epic as can be. |
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zfunk
Posts: 546 |
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I wonder what match ups we will get in the next round. Well we actually see Frieren vs Fern,would one of them take a dive, only one needs to pass the exam, and Frieren has made it clear she doesn't care about that title in fact she probably considers it a nuisance.
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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#21
The conclusion to the first exam is as exciting as I expected it to be, can't go wrong with multiple magic duels between contrasting styles. The show has always been good at combining action set pieces with exposition and character building and this episode continues the trend. Serie is Frieren's grandmaster and the one in charge of the current certifications body, and she already knows who Frieren is because her disciple Flamme introduced her centuries ago. We also know Frieren doesn't need to take the exam, because the "relic" ignorantly dismissed by the current generation of mages is actually the ID of one of the world's great mages. Frieren has nominally the same status as Flamme, and I don't need to know what kind of trial she had to pass to earn that relic which she has retained for centuries ever since. By coincidence Frieren was given the opportunity of using the same privilege that all contestants are currently striving for centuries ago, but rejected it outright for the same reason Denken dismisses it. So if Frieren does pass the exam entirely, she's not getting any reward out of it beyond an interesting use of her time. As for exposition, we know more about how magic works in Fern's generation. Thanks to Frieren's contribution, defensive spells have reached an equilibrium between speed and efficacy so offensive spells in the current generation rely on manipulation of physical matter as the current "meta". Frieren likely has the same flashy spells Denken, Richter and her teammates do, but doesn't bother with them because of how efficient the spell she helped create is. Fern being Frieren's disciple has the same philosophy, although I'm not sure if she's too pleased at how plain her style is, effective as it is for her skillset. To Denken's credit, he really deserves his reputation as a battle mage who rose through the ranks. Did casual viewers expect him to resort to fisticuffs to earn the bird they needed? His motive for sitting the exam despite his avowed distaste for fame and the privilege is a surprisingly simple one, but he's definitely motivated and has too much pride to rely on others to assist with his deeply personal matter. Kanne and Lawine might have survived Richter's assault thanks to Frieren's intervention, but I suspect they won't have it so easy going forward since they are only party members for this stage only. If not paired up again, both of them have skills commensurate with their grading and without the environment playing its part for both in a duel even Fern can defeat them on her own. To Kanne's credit, even Frieren will decline a matchup with her in a thunderstorm and that's regardless of Lawine fighting alongside her. When it comes down to brass tacks, the pair really fight well together so their chances for progression hinges on staying together whatever the next stage brings. Off screen we know there were casualties when the parties clashed for the remaining birdcages, but on screen the duels were clean with no kills despite several close shaves. The invigilators are getting their blood due, but it's a shame for the magic world in general when. Mages of any calibre are slain simply taking an exam. No wonder Frieren remarks how mages are a dying breed. Long time no see Stark. Knowing Fern, she's going to berate him anyway for staying up late when they reunite while the next stage of the exam is being prepared. Besides being comedy relief, will we get to see Stark in action this quarter? |
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ACｘS
 Posts: 1226 |
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21:
I did not expect Denken to start throwing hands like that. Not in a million years. But come to think it, I probably understand why. Denken is made out to be this political strategist who has a reputation for his strategies rather than his fighting methods e.g. Wirbel. A brains kind of guy. So imagine having to settle a score not with his brain this time, but with his hands. Must have been therapeutic for him. That meeting among Serie, Flamme and Frieren is actually deep. It's a clash of schools of thought where Serie and Frieren are two types of mages from (or for) different generations. Serie sees pursuing magic as a means to an end (what exactly that end is remains to be seen); Frieren sees pursuing magic as the end itself (she just enjoys it). I just wonder if Flamme took in Frieren because she has a soft spot for elves, seeing as how she was mentored by one. We haven't forgotten Stark yet! Kid's just chillin'. |
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Blood-
 Bargain Hunter Posts: 25599 |
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Agreed. How fitting that a show about matters magical would itself be rendered so magically. Crowd goes: "D'awwwwwwwwwww!!!" |
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yuna49
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She also gains permission to travel to the Northern Lands which was the whole point of taking this exam in the first place. |
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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You only need one mage to accompany a party to get past the travel restrictions, and both Fern and Frieren are taking the exam together. Fern has every chance of passing, which will serve just as well for the trio for the purpose of their grand quest. Not to mention, Frieren knows Serie from WAY back and as the new arbiter of the current classification system for mages, not allowing the last of the great mages the same travel privileges as a first grade mage makes a mockery of the grading system. The title is much more useful for Fern, and she'll keep it until she dies if she passes the exam. |
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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#22
It's been a while since viewers got to see this episode template; the first stage didn't really match this template and it's a great way of reminding viewers about what the show is really trying to convey. Just as in the real world, good food stands the test of time even for elves like Frieren. The self-proclaimed world's best chef served Himmel's party, then Denken and wife decades later. Coming full circle, it retains its reputation into the present day. Seeing Frieren with that pile of hamburger steaks is surreal, but it's fun watching them gorge themselves on their favourite foods. Turns out Richter is the local boy and proprietor of the magic repair shop. Denken is leaning on him now for his local knowledge, but his day job might be required by just about every surviving candidate should the need arise. Ubel has a powerful talent, but she's got the murderous streak as well so coming under her attention is probably the worst thing for mages. I don't want to know if her signature magic was copied from someone else or her own innate talent; what I realise is she'll not hesitate to kill any mage she's copied spells from if she feels like it. Stark being scouted out by the most random collection of individuals isn't new, but he'd do better to stay on Fern's good side now that Sein is no longer around to bail him out. It's nice to see him again and in action; unsurprisingly the Dragonslayer can easily accomplish pest control commissions which even the northern mercenaries have trouble with lacking vanguard candidates. Himmel's reasoning for helping others has a surprising synergy with Kraft and his devotion: both seek to leave an imprint in history but take wildly different approaches. Frieren has unconsciously chosen to follow Himmel's path, which combined with her near immortality means her results are magnified far more than a mere human like Himmel. It's already paying dividends like the old farmer in episode three; and with Fern telling her off if she ducks a chance to improve the lot of others she'll have many more opportunities to leave her mark in people's memories long after her original legend fades from memory. Sense doesn't pass any candidates, but unlike her compatriot doesn't kill candidates if she can help it. Her record has to be broken, or Frieren's take will end awfully anti-climatic. The next arc will take up multiple episodes as well, so another round of magic with Stark again on the bench while it's in progress. |
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4993 |
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It is indeed nice to have a bit of a breather between the rounds/challenges. It is also nice to get to know everyone a bit better, though some of the new characters are rather quirky (some in a good way, some not so much). As for the second test, it seem safer than the first yet harder?
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zfunk
Posts: 546 |
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Whoever said is for Stark this is like having the wife away is spot on. It is like Stark and Fern are married. Also Fern is Fireren mother and daughter.
Speaking of Stark, I wonder if Warbel recruited so he can find out "his secrets" about getting girls, I mean knowing his backstory is Stark surrounded by women is what caught Warbel's attention. I wonder if Denken and his exam team are going to form a party after this is over. We also got some relationship hints, both straight and gay here. This is a fun little breather episode. |
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ACｘS
Posts: 1226 |
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22:
A cool-off episode that's fascinating in its own way. We got to know new characters in a competitive environment, but what are they like when they're not competing or in a tense situation? If you think about it, this is an important life lesson. If you think someone sucks, maybe it's because of the environment you got to know that person. You would think Denken is a cold-blooded mage who is thirsty for power, yet in a normal setting, you would think he is just a sentimental retiree who reminisce the past (like every other old guy). You would think Wirbel is also a cold-blooded killer, but during peace time? An extroverted bro who apparently has a knack for talent spotting (maybe). Ubel is the interesting one here. It looks like she's nosy because of how her magic works. But I wonder if it's her magic that renders her becoming nosy instead. Ubel exhibits sociopathic tendencies, but is it because of her magic or is it just her personality? This is something worth pondering, especially when magic is explained to be an extension of oneself. I don't know if the show punked me when Stark revealed he doesn't even know who that old man was. Why you do that to me, show? I thought Stark has a story to tell while we were away for the first class mage test! |
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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#23
The second stage begins, and from the get go we know it's a completely different beast from the first. The new invigilator isn't keen on participants dying needlessly like her peer, so she has generously provided a full proof escape route which also serves as time limit. That said, her challenge is lethal enough in its own right to warrant such fail-safes. Not only that, it looks like we're not going to spend a few weeks on setup as the action ramps up very quickly. Our new invigilator Sense has tentacles for hair, and is very skilled at manipulating them. One of the participants is the perfect counter against her, so if the two meet up there will only be one winner. As our invigilator is with the strongest party available, Frieren and Fern can take care of that problem if it arises. Denken and party on the other hand are in a right pickle: Denken cannot beat Frieren one on one and he's already declared he would have run if he wasn't desperate to pass the exam by any means necessary. His companions probably think the same, and I'm betting all four of them are no match for the clone which stands in their way. The only good news for them is it's 4 Vs 1, if it was 4 Vs 2 like the party combination they would be dead. Denken was right after all; if all of them do not work together they'll lose the battle of attrition and no one will pass. I'm looking forward to seeing how they deal with the last boss, as we know Frieren isn't unbeatable. She said so herself after all: 11 defeats against mages who should lose to her on paper. Yet she remains alive after all that. Fern is with her, and she's going to be key as no other living mage has seen Frieren up close as she has for the last few years. Frieren likewise is Fern's master and knows very well what her student's limitations are. Expectations are high from the trailer shown to showcase this story arc, I'm hoping they live up to the hype. Last edited by Harleyquin on Sat Feb 17, 2024 12:40 am; edited 2 times in total |
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4993 |
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I am always a sucker for a good dungeon crawl and there has not really been one in the show until now, so I am very much a fan of the episode. Lots of lovely traps, treasures/junk, monsters and a few mimics that love munching on people. As for the clones, we do indeed know that Frieren is not invincible, but with her enormous mana and vast experience anyone would have a hard time, especially since the clone will probably not hold back.
I am a tad sad that they did not all go as one group, imagine the sheer mayhem of them fighting as one group versus the clone group (though since the intsructor won't fight they would be one down and thus at a disadvantage). |
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Blood-
Bargain Hunter Posts: 25599 |
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But won't Sense have to fight given that there will be a clone of her, as well? Be pretty cheesy on her part to cause a clone of her to be created and not do anything about it. Anyway, I started chuckling as soon as Denken mentioned idiots getting caught in mimics because we all knew that Frieren is total mimic bait. Fails for it every time.
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