English Dub Review: I Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths! “Beyond the Dream”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Clover reaches the Abyss Gate in the depths of Achromatic Darkness, but can they succeed in closing it?

Our Take:
After about six months of dungeon raiding, harem shenanigans, and selfish A-rank adventurers, we have finally reached the climactic showdown between Clover and the Abyss Gate.  Granted, the journey towards that point has been far from a chore due to the show’s characters.  However, having to endure twenty-four episodes in an entire season is just downright exhausting, especially when the show didn’t offer much else in the concept’s formula to begin with.  Nevertheless, we reached the end of Clover’s journey that started with Yuke’s departure from Thunder Pike, at least until season two comes out.
Of course, what better way to send the season off than with their most brutal battle yet: the Abyss Gate, which is also identified as a dragon-shaped culling?  This would’ve been the most formidable showdown that would last throughout the entire duration, complete with some sentimental elements to boost the excitement.  Unfortunately, it turns out that the situation only lasted throughout the first half of the season finale, resulting in the confrontation feeling pretty rushed and underwhelming.  The episode also attempted to evoke some emotion through Rune’s sacrifice to seal the Abyss Gate from the other side, whose role was initially considered for Yuke, and even Saga’s death.  However, with how small of a role Saga has for the season’s third act, his farewell didn’t exactly click for me as I hoped it would.  As for Rune, whose “wish” was to make the Clover members happy, her sacrifice would’ve been more effective if the direction was better handled and the sentimentality of the score and dialogue didn’t feel forced.
It was disappointing that the show’s season finale didn’t capitalize on the stakes and formidable threats it had promised to deliver a thrilling conclusion to this flawed yet watchable series.  But, given the quality seen in previous episodes, I wouldn’t say that I was surprised, either.  But what about what lies ahead regarding the show’s future?  Well, it’s clear that the upcoming second season would involve Clover heading to Silk’s homeland, meaning we could see some more character growth regarding the team, mainly Silk and her connection with her people.  At the same time, we could witness more of Yuke’s growing relationship with Rain, which may or may not affect the team dynamic.  While I’m not eagerly excited for season two, I hope it will help the show find its footing in storytelling.