The title is no exaggeration at all. Without Stark, who knows how the story would’ve moved forward? But well, before we get into that, let’s take a moment to acknowledge how pretty the very start of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 already is. The wait has rightfully paid off, given that Madhouse has apparently leveled up its animation.
If this is the standard for storytelling and animation Season 2 is setting up, then it may even shatter Season 1’s records. Frieren has truly been the best gift we’ve been blessed with in recent years, and their journey to Ende stands as definitive proof of that. It’s still less about action or thrills, and more about seeing life unfold at its own pace. Just beautiful in every possible way.
Frieren, Fern & Stark’s Journey to Ende Continues
Episode 1 starts off with a scene that gives a déjà vu feeling, recalling the very first episode of Season 1. Remember when Himmel, Eisen, Heiter, and Frieren were returning to their hometown in a carriage after defeating the Demon King? The conversation between Frieren, Stark, and Fern this time was very similar to the one she had with the hero party back then.
And honestly, that was such a masterclass way to kick things off. What came after also had me feeling all kinds of emotions. Like the small moment when the three get trapped in a cave filled with crystals that negate magic. There, the scene where Fern genuinely felt scared because it stripped away one of her senses (mana detection) was truly terrifying, even as a viewer.
So far, this was the Frieren that Season 1 promised us. While their journey continues, the little stops or detours (as Fern says) are what make it hit closer to home. Especially in this episode, what follows with Stark’s character growth is something to be praised.
Because when a monster attacks Fern and a knocked-out (sleeping) Frieren in their defenceless state, Stark literally carries them on his back and runs. Why? Because if we have to run, we run together. That’s what it means to be a party ~ Hero Himmel!
Stark Was Indubitably the Real MVP of Episode 1
Stark in a still from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 | Credits: Madhouse
Fern likes Stark. She knows it, we know it, but does Stark know it? Never. Fern doesn’t let him at all. My boy Stark deserves a lot more praise, but Fern’s way of dealing with this stuff is still quite immature. Well, Frieren isn’t exactly good at it either, so I can’t just blame her.
Still, because of that, the little misunderstandings between Fern and Stark never cease to happen. Sometimes, it genuinely feels like he’d be better off not staying in Frieren’s party. So, with Frieren being a little considerate, we see her asking Stark if he thinks he’s being forced to travel with them. This was a hard-hitting question; what was Stark even supposed to reply to that?
Soon, they meet up with Wirbel and his group from the mage exam. When Wirbel asks Frieren if he could persuade Stark to join his forces for a few years to help out on the northern front lines, Frieren simply agrees, letting Stark make his own decision.
So what does Stark decide? Of course, he stays; that’s my boy right there. But the reason he comes up with is way better than anything I could’ve expected. It’s never because Frieren forced him or anything, but because that one time, it was Fern who believed that he wouldn’t abandon the people he cares about (no matter how badly he wants to run away). That’s when I knew, Stark is the real MVP of Episode 1.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE & milet Rocked the OP & ED
Frieren in a still from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 ending theme | Credits: Madhouse
How can we end this discussion without talking about the new opening and ending? Well, I wouldn’t dwell too much on it, but the new opening, “Lulu,” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, is once again a perfect choice. I’ve been a longtime fan of GREEN APPLE, and this opening captures the vibe of the series really well. But the ending? It’s a masterpiece.
“The Story of Us,” performed by milet, is not just pleasing to the ears but also visually stunning; it’s a chef’s kiss. Milet’s voice feels like it was made for Frieren. The way it fits the characters’ motivations and how the lyrics portray the narrative depth of the story is just a match made in heaven. Following this, I have very high hopes for Frieren Season 2.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
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