Re:ZERO season 3 episode 1 was highly anticipated by fans, as it was set to cover all the necessary groundwork for the Attack Arc, especially given its substantial 90-minute premiere length. Officially released on Tuesday, October 2, 2024, and titled “Theatrical Malice,”this episode succeeded in establishing an exciting foundation for upcoming events.
This excitement is heightened by the fact that Re:ZERO season 3 and its continuation are among the most awaited anime of the Fall 2024 season. The premiere captivates audiences by equally showcasing Subaru, Emilia, and other key characters while introducing intriguing new plotlines.
Episode Recap
The episode starts with Subaru Natsuki navigating an obstacle course, skillfully wielding a whip. Beatrice commends him as it is revealed that a year has passed since the events at The Sanctuary. Shortly after, they are approached by Petra Leyte, who announces an unexpected visitor and that Emilia wishes to see both of them.
The group, including Petra, then meets Mimi Pearlbaton and Joshua Euclius, a messenger for Anastasia Hoshin and Julius’ younger brother. Joshua delivers Anastasia’s message inviting Emilia to Watergate City, Priestella, where a merchant possesses the magic crystal that Emilia needs to recall Puck. Puck had departed since his contract had prevented Emilia from remembering, which was crucial for passing The Sanctuary’s trial.
Re:ZERO season 3 episode 1 showcases Emilia’s distress at the thought of Puck, which Subaru notices. Emilia elaborates on the importance of Priestella, one of the five largest cities in Lugunica, situated by a lake that threatens to flood it when it rains. Fortunately, a gate system allows the city to regulate the water levels.
She expresses her desire to reunite with Puck and her hope to trust Anastasia’s intentions. The party informs Roswaal L. Mathers of their plans, which he approves. The next day, Subaru visits Rem, who remains in a comatose state, and updates her on the day’s events before departing for Priestella with the group. On their journey, Otto informs Emilia about the current state of the Royal Selection.
The episode clarifies that initially, Anastasia and Duchess Crusch Kursten were the favorites, with Emilia’s group seen as mere “fillers”. However, the series’ developments, especially those involving Priscilla Barielle and Felt, have altered these dynamics. Kursten’s memory loss has created a significant disadvantage compared to Anastasia, who continues to gain traction in the Royal Selection, leading to Otto’s concerns about the potential pitfalls of owing a debt to a dominant force like Anastasia.
Upon arriving at Priestella, it becomes evident that the city itself functions as a trap, though the reasons behind its design remain unexplained. The group later encounters Anastasia and Julius, engaging in necessary introductions as they explore their inn. Otto reveals that Hoshin of the Wilderness created a Wafuu architectural style, drawing inspiration from Japan. Hoshin, a founder of Kararagi, constructed Priestella, recognized for his innovative ideas.
Subaru suspects that Hoshin, like him, may have been summoned from Japan to this world. Anastasia then mentions that the crystal Emilia seeks is currently held by the heir of the Muse Company, The Songstress Maniac. Subaru and Beatrice separate from the group due to Subaru’s seasickness, eventually encountering a songstress attracting a large crowd, leading Subaru to perform an impromptu song with her.
The songstress is revealed to be Liliana Masquerade, also known as the Songstress. After leading them to the Muse Company, she recognizes Subaru and joins them in the meeting, mentioning that “Kiritaka”was infatuated with her, which could benefit Subaru and his allies.
However, Kiritaka gets the wrong idea, leading to an encounter with the Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas, whom Emilia vaguely recognizes despite their previous meeting. Interestingly, Regulus allows them to leave without harm, hinting at plans involving the Witch’s Cult.
Upon returning to their inn, the group meets Rachins, a thug Subaru encountered upon entering this world. Reinhard van Astrea later appears, indicating that Rachins is allied with him and Felt. Inside, they find Crusch, Felix Argyle, and Wilhelm van Astrea, revealing Wilhelm as Reinhard’s grandfather. Anastasia clarifies that Priscilla wasn’t invited due to her lack of cooperation.
Anastasia invites the group to discuss matters concerning the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, whose death could restore Crusch’s memories and awaken Rem. Garfiel steps out, feeling inferior to Reinhard and haunted by memories of Elsa Granhiert, the Bowel Hunter, taunting him for his weakness.
Garfiel saves a child resembling him, revealing this child’s mother survived an accident but no longer recognizes him. Later, Subaru and Wilhelm discuss their past and the fame Subaru has earned through his accomplishments. Wilhelm shares insights about his estranged relationship with Reinhard, stemming from a falling out at Theresia’s funeral.
At breakfast, Wilhelm and Reinhard reconcile, but this moment is interrupted by Heinkel, Reinhard’s father and Wilhelm’s son, who suggests Reinhard’s culpability in Theresia’s death, causing tension. Emilia intervenes, challenging Heinkel’s arrogance until Priscilla and her knight Al arrive to instigate further conflict.
As the day unfolds, Subaru, Emilia, and Beatrice encounter Liliana again during her performance, alongside Priscilla, who attempts to recruit the songstress to her side. Rejecting the offer, Liliana insists on her nomadic destiny as a bard, stating her freedom cannot be confined.
Later, Subaru attempts to get snacks but is interrupted by the Sin Archbishop of Wrath, Sirius Romanée-Conti. He provocatively challenges her to hurry, prompting her to reveal that she has captured a boy residing in Priestella. A spell cast by her begins to affect Subaru and the others, leaving them oblivious to her holding the boy hostage, leading to his tragic death alongside all present. Subaru’s ability, Return by Death, kicks in, returning him to mere moments before his unfortunate encounter, ending the episode on a gripping cliffhanger.
In Summary
Re:ZERO season 3 episode 1 serves as a highly effective premiere with its extended runtime, successfully setting the stage for the Attack Arc and laying groundwork leading into the expected conflicts involving the principal Sin Archbishops—Sirius and Regulus. This episode aptly sets up numerous plot threads for the season, including the dynamics of Wilhelm and Reinhard’s relationship, Garfiel’s reunion with his mother, and Liliana and Kiritaka’s roles in the unfolding story. Though the wait was lengthy, the series returns energetically, poised to launch into thrilling action in episode 2.
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