English Dub Review: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: “Reunion”

Overview: After some advice from Geese (Spencer Liles), Paul (Jared Smith) works up the courage to make amends with Rudeus (Madeleine Morris, Ben Phillips). 

Our Take: In what is Paul’s episode just as much as it is Rudeus’s, it is a reunion with a look at what the elder Greyrat has been up to since the strange storm hit Buena Village. It gets off on the right foot in displaying the harsh ever changing weather and rough landscapes Paul must traverse through while keeping Norn safe in the process. Not to mention showing how the long process of establishing and building the rescue squad to find Lilia, Aisha and Zenith, as well as others displaced by the storm, Norn acts as his heart and moral compass to get him through it all. However, a deeper understanding of how exactly Paul went into such a depressed mindset especially in between such a massive jump in time would have surely been more effective in portraying his hardships than just a simple slideshow of helping and gathering others and his angry outcry to Rudeus in the previous episode. But for what is present, it works well enough. 

Surprisingly, Geese play a key role in educating Paul about the terrible conditions of the Demon Continent and all that Rudeus had to suffer through as a result. It is a superbly executed conversation with geese being a straight shooter with Paul establishing an honesty with their established relationship. And once again reiterating a relatable lesson in that Paul is still a man in the making, learning  and making mistakes along the way like everyone else. It also shows just how much Geese actually cares about Paul and Rudeus, despite his appearance and how he may act. 

Paul and Rudy’s reconciliation is an incredibly emotional and meaningful display. Paul is being regretful in not fully appreciating Rudeus’s wellbeing while also understanding his son isn’t letting on the full extent of his trials and tribulations he’s faced in the demon continent. Rudeus’ old life has not come into play for a while, but the narrative makes sure to remind us just how critical of a role it plays in his development now by him understanding the importance of someone caring enough to extend an olive branch by accepting with open arms, both literally, figuratively and beautifully. 

Even with the looming despair of her entire family most likely being dead, Eris has already braced herself for that possibility showing her emotional maturity that she has cultivated since her journey began with Rudeus. Ruijerd’s presence is also felt in a supporting role with him instilling words of wisdom throughout to both Eris, Paul and Rudeus in helping come to peaceful resolutions involving their family issues. It is also nice that Rudeus’ promise to the Superd is prominent throughout with Rudeus leaving figurines with Paul and his companions. Eris, Ruijerd and Rudeus leave for the Fittoa region looking for his and Eris’ remaining family, with Paul also not resting on his laurels, conducting his own search with the Rescue Squad, and possibly Geese, with a subtle yet heartfelt goodbye that hardly feels like the end between the long separated father and son. But one that was nearly perfect nonetheless.