Some people are probably feeling bored or impatient because Frieren‘s second season has been so slow-paced and uneventful in the grand scheme of things. However, I am still enjoying it immensely for the characters and their interactions as well as the steady world-building. I really don’t mind low-action anime once some other aspect hooks me. Despite finding this episode fairly entertaining, I didn’t have quite as much to say about it when compared to previous installments. Did you think this was a strong episode? Let me know your opinion in the comments. Anyway, here are my notes on Frieren season 2 episode 4.
Episode 4: Other People’s Homes
Episode Rating: 8/10
It was finally time for Fern’s and Stark’s first date. Most of it was super awkward and disappointing, but it was written to be that way intentionally. Fern dressed up in a cute dress with flower patterns and white buckle-shoes with heels. She looked so cute. Stark did notice this and got a little flustered about it at one point, but he didn’t compliment her. He also put his foot in his mouth sometimes and didn’t say enough at other times. I don’t think Stark did anything wrong per se – in fact, it was impressive when he caught Fern after she almost fell and dropped her food. Still, Fern still didn’t seem to be having a great time. She didn’t get angry or fussy at all, but she also didn’t smile.
At the end of the date, Fern and Stark rested at a quiet bench with a great view of the town below them. They ended up clearing the air and having a good talk. Though Fern was a bit disappointed in the date, she smiled when she realized that Stark spent so much time and energy trying to give her an enjoyable time. Thus, the date came to an end with Fern and Stark laughing at the funny shapes of clouds. That night in the hotspring, Frieren remarked that Fern seemed to be in a good mood. Fern said nothing special happened, but she smiled again when thinking about it.
(Side Note: There was a humorous moment earlier where Frieren was being selfish and demanding about Fern doing her hair. In return, Fern braided her hair in a rough and uneven way. Frieren was immediately remorseful and pathetic, begging Fern, “Please, don’t braid in anger.” That was my favorite line in this episode. The day after the date, Fern styled Frieren’s hair again, but this time the braids were neat and smooth (and I presume tied in a gentler fashion). Stark couldn’t tell the difference, but I could when I looked carefully. Anyway, let’s get on to the second half of the episode.)
Frieren, Fern, and Stark soon arrived at the Northern Plateau checkpoint. There was a town there at the mountain pass along with an intimidating wall and gates blocking the way North. (I like how detailed all the towns look in this anime.) Beyond the gates, the lands of the Northern Plateau were extremely dangerous. Frieren and company stocked up on supplies. After that, they easily passed the checkpoint thanks to Fern’s status as a First Class Mage. Not long after passing through the gates, the party was surrounded by monsters. Each one was significantly tougher than the monsters common to the south. By the time they reached a small settlement three days later, the group was exhausted from constantly fighting high-level monsters.
The kind man who owned the settlement welcomed the adventurers. He had a family here, but there was a spare cabin where Frieren’s party could stay. In return for the safe place to sleep, the man asked for a favor. There was a fearsome monster nearby that none of the knights could beat. It was cutting off trade and transportation between living areas. The man asked Frieren to slay the monster and she readily agreed. Before they all went to bed, Stark wondered aloud why anyone would keep living in such a dangerous place. The kind man explained that he was deeply attached to his home. To him, abandoning home would be unthinkable. This made Stark go quiet.
(I’m sure Stark feels ashamed about the past often, and I wish he wasn’t burdened by it. Being reminded must have been like a slap in the face. Still, the insight from the random northerner was important. Most people who have invested a lot in their homes would not be happy about leaving, and it might not be feasible or safe for them to move. It was crucial that Stark be reminded of this normal human perspective.)
After a rest, the group left the settlement and continued north. They soon found the monster, a towering demonic creature with grey skin and black stripes. It was wielding a huge sword and was surprisingly both strong and quick. The fight was tough. Everyone had to work hard. At one point, Stark saved Fern when a bloow sent her flying and she almost crashed into a tree. Good save! In addition, Stark was the one who held the raging monster still for a few seconds so Frieren could shoot it with a powerful Zoltraak from above. I was impressed with Stark here. Also, I loved the visuals for this fight.
After the fight, Stark was tired and stressed. He wished they had just sailed around the Northern Plateau. Frieren remembered what Himmel said about this: that many people still live on the Northern Plateau. Protecting them was worth the effort. Back in the present, Frieren repreated the fact that many people had homes in this land. Stark smiled a little, so he seemed to agree that the effort was worth it. But since the battle scared him so badly, Stark’s legs gave out and it was a while before he could walk again. The episode ends there and I don’t have more to add for now. Sayonara till next time!
~Thanks for Reading~
Written by 7Mononoke at Anime Rants
Anime Rants 