English Dub Review: An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29 “A Resident of the Village”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Hajime butts heads with a member of the village watch as a magic beast from the distant lands becomes a threat.

Our Take:
I initially thought Hajime’s personality was a tad annoying throughout the previous episodes, though his father-figure moments keep him from being too unlikable.  However, it wasn’t until this episode that we were introduced to another candidate for the anime’s most obnoxious character.  That candidate is Jan, a member of the village watch, who resents Hajime for being the town’s protector.  No joke.  He really hates Hajime with a passion, and given how Hajime behaved after being rejected by Natalie, I can understand why.  Thankfully, he gets a taste of his own medicine, not just by his abusive father, but also by a formidable beast known as the Spikesaurus.  With Jan in danger, it’s up to Hajime to save the day, though as it turns out, it isn’t without a minor casualty that could turn the tide of the remaining episodes.
The episode seemed like another occasion that emphasized the anime’s laidback, slice-of-life atmosphere, notably Hajime dealing with Jan’s hatred towards him.  While that’s technically the case, “A Resident of the Village” takes a bold turn by introducing an actual consequence that will play a significant role in the upcoming episode, particularly in Rirui’s bond with Hajime.  Don’t worry; a major character didn’t die or anything, although Hajime’s left arm wasn’t so lucky during his battle against a giant worm that actually caused the tremors.  Given the show’s tranquil, comedic tone, the episode’s conclusion is shocking enough to inject more interest in its run-of-the-mill, yet mildly cute, premise.