From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman

Episode 12

I realized in retrospect that I had forgotten to mention Rose's betrayal in last week's final revision. A whoopsie on my part there, happens when you do a revision for flow but forget to add the section back in. C'est la vie. Nevertheless, it worked out for the better in the end, because I had opined about the exciting turn of events that gave Rose some uniqueness compared to her peers, as she was a former student who ended up having a different relationship with Beryl. It turns out that by the end of this episode, that's been… not undone exactly, but it has been effectively neutralized.

Rose's motivation was not her own. The fight had no real consequences for her because she and Beryl lived without significant injury, and he accepted her apology. By the end, everyone's friends again, and while the overarching political tension remains, the fundamental relationship dynamic between Beryl and Rose is no different than every other former student. The more things change…

The fight itself was pretty solid as far as that goes. Decent back and forth, but the lack of either Rose or Beryl having to give up anything to resolve the fight or any lasting sense of animosity between them felt a bit too convenient. The moments between Beryl and Mewi were quite touching, though, and I think he's taken well to the parenthood situation.

I am glad that this season has at least established the conflict between the nobles and the papacy as an ongoing concern. Hopefully, there will be greater stakes surrounding this in the next season. I also hope and pray more than anything that we get new dynamics between Beryl and prior students – maybe some that he doesn't care for or don't like him, maybe some who begrudge his training, maybe a student or two that never really went anywhere in life… something! Anything! The revolving door of endlessly gushing former pupils fawning over him was already too much for 12 episodes. I hope I don't have to endure it all of next season, too.

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From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Videos on Saturdays.