Frieren 2×01 Review – “Shall We Go, Then?”

The premiere episode of Frieren season 2, titled ‘Shall We Go, Then?’, served as an enjoyable return to the anime after an approximate two-year hiatus.

With the final batch of episodes from season 1 of Frieren focusing on the titular character and Fern going through the dangerous testing phase to secure the rank of First-Class Mage so they would be allowed to continue their journey to Ende, I was hoping for Stark to get some spotlight during the sophomore chapter. I needed it. And frankly, I felt that the narrative would benefit from it as well, especially if the story wanted to position Stark as a co-lead that mattered. So, of course, I was glad when ‘Shall We Go, Then?’ gave me just that.

Due to Frieren and Fern being powerful mages, it made sense for the premiere to introduce an element that made the two women temporarily powerless. While taking a rest, Frieren found a magic-nullifying crystal. Not only did the small crystal prevent Frieren and Fern from using their magic unless they stepped away from the crystal’s range, but it was valuable enough to get them much-needed coins after being sold.

I don’t know, but I think we will get to see the magic-nullifying crystal again down the line. I’m kind of surprised it didn’t showup earlier, considering there are people who go up against mages. Frieren did explain to Fern and Stark that it was very difficult to mine such a crystal. Apparently, humanity didn’t possess the technology to do so, and using magic wasn’t an option. But I don’t know. I have a feeling such a crystal will be used somehow during an important moment by or against our ensemble.

Another interesting thing about the crystal was that even though it stopped mages from using magic and even detecting mana around them, it still allowed them to feed it mana. If enough mana was released into the crystal, you could make it shine blindingly bright. Again, I can see more use for such a crystal in the story.

Upon finding themselves in a magic-nullifying crystal mine, it fell on Stark to defend Fern and Frieren as the trio tried to find an exit. The two women were not hand-to-hand fighters or skilled enough to use a sword against an opponent. Take their magic away, and they were done for.

I liked how Stark was handled during the premiere. Even though he’s been through a lot ever since joining Frieren and Fern, he was still not over his cowardice when faced with a major threat. It’s not as if Stark wasn’t capable of defeating the dangers he encountered; it’s just that he’s more confident during a fight when Fern and Frieren were present to support him as OP witches.

Frieren being understanding of Stark’s hesitation, especially with the added pressure on his shoulders to protect her and Fern, made sense. She remembered how Himmel acted the same way when Stark’s mentor Eisen experienced a similar feeling of wanting to run away. I’m with Himmel and Frieren on this one. I too would rather make a quick escape with my entire party intact instead of trying to be brave and risking grave injuries or worse, death. You can always go back to fight a big bad once your party is feeling more confident.

Stark was able to run away from the Venomous Apex Dragon in the mine while carrying both Frieren and Fern. So, I think he did well. He kept his party members safe as he’s supposed to due to being the Vanguard.

After escaping from the mines, Frieren showcased her understanding nature again when things seemed awkward between Stark and Fern due to an unlucky incident from Stark’s side. Frieren from earlier in the series wouldn’t have picked up on the signs. So, yay to her being allowed to grow as a character. I’m very curious to see the version of Frieren we will get to see as the show nears its conclusion.

As for Stark and Fern’s blooming relationship, we got a moment where Fern felt uneasy over the possibility that Stark might leave their party to join Wirbel’s group to fight monsters in the Northern territories. As far as my opinion goes, Stark and Fern are basically engaged, even if they haven’t made it official. Sure, the two have to do a whole lot of work when it comes to their communication skills, but their connection is genuine.

I liked how Fern decided to talk to Stark alone about his decision to join Wirbel. If Stark had agreed to leave, I think the earlier version of Fern would have kept to herself and just watched Stark walk away with Wirbel’s group while trying to tend to her broken heart.

There was a scene between Fern and Frieren where Fern talked about how she liked taking care of the items gifted to her by her loved ones (Heiter, Frieren, and Stark). Also, going back to Frieren’s growth as a character, an earlier version of her wouldn’t have brought up said topic, let alone picked up on the signs regarding Fern’s behavior toward her gifts.

The same can be said about Frieren telling Stark he was free to tell her and Fern if he wanted to leave the party. He wasn’t bound to them. The way Frieren handled the topic could come across as a bit blunt, but I think Stark understood her intentions. Frieren wanted Stark to realize he had control over his life.

Stark also showed his growth when he talked about how both Frieren and Fern gave him the encouragement he needed to face the dragon after their initial meeting during season 1, leading to his agreeing to go on the current journey with them.

At this point, I don’t see Stark leaving Frieren and Fern anytime soon. Wirbel did mention how their parties will likely meet up soon because of what was occurring over in the North. I can see Stark lending a hand to Wirbel and his crew if need be when they reach the Northern territories, but I don’t see him officially leaving Frieren and Fern’s party to do.

The episode concluded with the trio continuing their journey to Ende. Stark and Fern know that Frieren’s made said journey before with the original Hero’s Party. But they continued to appreciate that this time around, Frieren was making new memories, with their company changing Frieren in ways she wasn’t expecting.

What did you think of Frieren season 2 episode 1 ‘Shall We Go, Then?’

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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