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Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-
Episode 16

by Theron Martin,

How would you rate episode 16 of
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- ?
Community score: 4.6

This episode is titled “Greed of a Pig,” which is an appropriate choice for the lack of purity in Subaru's motives. Three episodes back, Emilia questioned why Subaru supported her and basically accused him of being self-serving in his intentions. At the time, that didn't entirely seem like a fair accusation (though it wasn't entirely unfair either), but she wasn't the only one getting that impression from him at that time (see also Julius), and this episode's prominent players also show distinct doubts toward him. While I don't think they're being entirely fair either, they're also not wrong. In his anger and frustration, Subaru is losing sight of what should be most important to him: doing what's best for Emilia. He wants what he wants (perhaps to reassure himself of his role as the hero?) and doesn't care how he gets it, but he forgets that he is dealing with people to whom that does matter a lot.

Too often in stories like this, the protagonists can get away with a lot simply because they're the protagonists, but Re:Zero isn't cutting Subaru any slack. As difficult as it is to watch at times, I loved how the writing showed him getting schooled on how totally out of his depth he is trying to negotiate with individuals whose lives center around negotiation. He gets called out for not considering the consequences of his actions, not bargaining from a position of strength, not having any pride to go with his devotion, and not being on the defensive when being pumped for information. In the process, we get a much clearer picture of the other three non-Felt candidates and how they operate, which is a slick move that may explain why other content fleshing them out was skipped over earlier in this adaptation. As an added bonus, these encounters also bring up a couple of other interesting details that may spin off into further plot points, such as how Crusch is apparently gathering weapons, and the Witch Cult may be masking its moves by making reports of their activities so scattered that every new report has more questionable credibility. (Pretty devious, really.) And I'll bet money that Mr. Fellow has an ongoing role to play too.

But while that initially seems to be the meat of the episode, that's not all that happens. Things finally start going better for Subaru when he begins to try solving the problem on his own, which brings the merchant Otto back into the picture to probably no one's surprise. You may have wondered how he was going to figure into this, and the answer is actually pretty clever: Subaru buys him and his buddies off to transport Emilia, Ram, and the villagers out of harm's way. (I think the oil he mentioned may eventually come into play too.) I don't think Subaru is thinking this one through all the way though, because just relocating everyone is only going to delay the attack rather than totally thwart it. I would think the cultists wouldn't have any trouble tracking the wagons once they figured out what happened. And how is Emilia going to react to Subaru's claims about what's going to happen?

Of course, that's just a lead-in to the episode-ending WTF scene. Just what the hell is the beast that pops up at the end? Given the sound effects, I have to think it might be the White Whale mentioned earlier. If so, that raises a whole boatload of new questions. What does it have to do with the bandanna guy and his wagon disappearing, or Otto not remembering its presence? (It was shown in the overhead shot of the caravan, which means that it wasn't just a figment of Subaru's imagination). That guy was last heard from right after he mentioned Flugel's Tree, which means that must have something to do with it. So why would it appear now and do what it's doing?

Watching the camera work and artistic effects in this episode is interesting too. The art design in Priscilla's room is gorgeous, with a camera pan over her figure acting as a rare fanservice nod. I also loved the use of lighting effects to emphasize Subaru's mood and mental state starting around the 4:42 mark. In general, the supporting animation is very good too.

For all the other important events going on, the pivotal moment is actually the line Anastasia gives Subaru about how there are no take-backs on one's past or the impression that it makes. It's the one thing Subaru is told by all three candidates that's entirely wrong, since he's the one person who can go back and change his past (at least as others see it). The question now is whether or not he has the wisdom to take advantage of that power.

Rating: A+

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.


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