English Dub Review: Reincarnated as a Sword “The Terrifying Goblin Stampede”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Growth and responsibility go hand in hand. After her recent exploits, Fran is offered an unusual job that will test all her hard-won new abilities.

Our Take:

Fran’s first task has thrust her into a war between the guild and the hobgoblin army. Lucky for her and her powerful sword teacher, she’s able to take down some of them despite her injuries. But that was just the beginning of what seems to be the black cat-girl’s greatest challenge yet. What a way to get into the big leagues on our first day.

The end of last week’s episode had Fran slicing and dicing the goblins despite being outnumbered, hoping to become stronger. “The Terrifying Goblin Stampede” continues where it left off by displaying more of Fran’s determination. Fran wants to accomplish more tough challenges so she can learn to fight back instead of cowering in fear. She only wants true strength within herself to face the world head-on. Some may say it’s foolish of her to face the hobgoblin army herself, even with Teacher by her side. However, as a narrative tool, this moment makes Fran relatable for viewers in a similar situation.

The episode also continues to represent more of the show’s world-building with its take on the dungeons and its masters. The Dungeon Masters are created by the Goddess of Chaos, one of the mighty Gods that arrived from a different realm. The Goddess brings these challenges to the world to prevent stagnation. But, of course, the God of War screwed everything up by going mad with power and creating his own monsters before getting killed, and no, I’m not talking about Kratos from the God of War games.

Amid its information, the plot continues to provide more interest in the show, with Fran joining her first dungeon party led by Donadrond. The scene involving Fran taking Teacher with her to the bathhouse marks another example of their cute chemistry, and Nell catching the two was a humorous way to conclude that embarrassing scenario. Unfortunately, the episode offers very little to the “RPG dungeon” storyline, and this will likely be the case in next week’s episode. However, there are enough entertaining moments to kickstart Fran’s first dungeon quest on a decent note, especially since a powerful monster that the Dungeon Master summoned is waiting inside the dungeon.