English Dub Review: The Beginning After the End “The King’s Decision”

Overview

An encounter with Cynthia, the head of Xyrus Academy, helps Arthur come to a decision…


Our Take

For the season finale, Arthur takes a major step forward in this episode as he prepares for and undergoes his adventurer exam. The test itself is short but meaningful, giving a glimpse of his potential while introducing a few magical twists that hint at deeper layers in the world. The episode also takes time to show his emotional bond with his family, particularly during a birthday send-off that’s warm and understated.

In terms of adaptation, the pacing continues to feel uneven. Several moments from the source material are skipped or streamlined, which may leave newcomers feeling underwhelmed and longtime fans frustrated. The animation remains serviceable, though far from impressive, and the direction struggles to elevate key scenes, especially those that should have carried more dramatic weight.

Overall, the series continues to wrestle with adapting its source material faitWith season two’s recent announcement, ithfully, struggling to balance emotional depth, narrative pacing, and production quality. While Arthur’s journey carries undeniable potential, much of it is lost in rushed storytelling and uneven in terms of execution. Despite its flaws, there’s an enjoyable core beneath the surface that might shine through more clearly. And with season two’s recent announcement, it should get more interesting somewhere down the line.