3-21

I didn't think it possible, but I binged and caught up on a series I dropped, and it paid off!

Talk about momentum, Tensei Kizoku follows a very digestible journey in gathering the core cast, sending off the previous generation, and then pulling into wide scale conflict within these episodes. Because so much transpired, and I'm overall positive without needing to spoil, I'll give some general thoughts and things I appreciate:

A vague sort of optimism and hopefulness permeates the series. While there are good and bad actors, most of the nobles faced off against are portrayed as having their own motivations- but most surprising is how often the show will pause to explain to the audience the other side of each conflict. This makes the characters appear much more rational and builds the world out further. These character moments also can tug at the heart strings more than I expected.

The core cast is utilized well. The majority of the first season is the 'recruitment arc', interspersed with some lower level diplomatic encounters, and the retinue is utilized regularly, getting to use their skills and insight to prevent catastrophe time and time again. I actually don't like the second strategist girl, as her flippant personality rubs me the wrong way, but she makes a stellar addition to the cast- not being a yes man or overly grateful/devoted to Ars, but acting as a wise councilor. Thankfully the usage and mixing and matching of talents is not a simplistic 'flavor of the week' style, but whatever suits various situations in believable ways.

Significant events do and continue to happen. Ars is already married to his yandere wife and embroiled in a medium sized war complete with allies, enemies, and onlookers yet to be explored. The conflict and its dynamics are complex enough to be interesting, but the show uses an affable amount of exposition when needed to set up events that feel well thought out, at least for the story's purposes.

One thing that slightly hampers my excitement is that major figures are maybe a bit too positive for a story about wars (though they do touch on the soldiers' duty and sacrifice in respectful ways) and are a bit too eager to credit Ars alone with every turn of good fortune, as if to give him another lay up to demurely repeat it was all thanks to his 'amazing retainers'; which it usually was, to be fair. Ars has some good traits himself, and grows at a satisfying rate during these episodes.

Animation isn't going to win any awards, but the characters remain on model and cost saving measures never become outright ugly. Some CG cheapness is balanced out by a few above average scenes for pivotal battles- a wash in production.

No harem!? If you described this to me, my only question would simply be how big is his royal harem, but nay! No harem hijinks here (even if there is a bit of awkward fanservice)!

Once you get going, this turned out pretty compelling. I'd recommend you give it a shot.