English Dub Review: The Rising of the Shield Hero “White Tiger”

The Prideful Coward..


Overview

When Fohl is about to be defeated, Naofumi asks him if he has the resolve to become stronger.





Our Take

After a turbulent string of episodes and the big reveal of Jaralis being a greasy bastard, this one finally brings a satisfying close to a long-running arc. The pace slows down just enough to give important moments to land, and characters like Fohl finally get the development they’ve been building towards. While some confrontations may have lacked the weight or sharp choreography seen in earlier seasons, the episode still delivers in its emotional beats and visual flair. The transition out of this storyline feels well-earned, and some long-overdue character upgrades help punctuate the shift.

Visually, this episode stands out with beautiful background art and expressive character animation that captures both action and quiet moments with equal care. While not every fight hits the heights of previous seasons, there’s still style and creativity in the direction, especially in some of the transformations and powers showcased. More than anything, the episode feels grounded in its characters. Moments of calm, bonding, and even humor between the cast create a warm contrast to the chaos that’s come before.

Overall, this episode serves as a much-needed breath of fresh air, offering emotional closure, refined storytelling, and a renewed sense of purpose. As a turning point in the season, it slows things down just enough to let the characters and the audience breathe, allowing relationships to develop naturally while setting the stage for what’s ahead. Though the action isn’t at its peak, the strong visual atmosphere, heartfelt tone, and return to meaningful world-building make it one of the more memorable entries so far. With the journey to a new land finally beginning, the series feels like it’s regained its rhythm and is back on steady footing.