Was I hyped? Yes. But was I emotionally prepared to shed all those tears of joy? Never. Because Frieren Season 2 Episode 4 not only gave us a date episode we deserved, but also arguably the best first date I’ve ever seen in any piece of media.

Below, I’ve gone in-depth about every single scene that made the first half of Episode 4 stand out to me. And honestly, there’s a lot to discuss. Anyway, even the second half of the episode was again philosophically jam-packed, with probably Season 2’s most action-oriented fight so far.

Fern & Stark Have a Better Romance Plot Than Many Romance Anime

You know what? I’ve never imagined that watching two amateurs go on a first date would be so hard to watch. I mean, I loved and could also empathize with every single dialogue from Fern and Stark, but it was NOT how I’d think of a perfect date. But that’s also the beauty of it.

The episode starts with Fern struggling over what to wear. It’s her first date, after all. But soon after, when we finally see her approaching Stark wearing that stunning ‘date-material’ dress, I was so worried about how Stark would react.

Well, I was right to worry about it, because he didn’t react at all! Now, before discussing Fern’s POV, let me get this straight: Stark does not think things through beforehand. He says the first thing that comes to his mind and lives in the present. That’s why he never acts like a people pleaser, but more like someone who actually cares in his own way.

For instance, he casually asked why Fern was wearing that dress she normally didn’t. Also, he kept asking Fern if she wanted to eat something every now & then and constantly tried to start a convo. Why? Because that’s the only way he knows how to take care of someone.

Is he dull? Of course he is. He doesn’t have the first clue how to have a proper conversation with Fern. Also, let’s not forget Fern is also quite inexpressive about her feelings, so it becomes harder for Stark to actually know what Fern would like. But I can’t blame Fern either.

Fern & Stark from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 | Credits: Madhouse

Even though she probably wanted that necklace, she couldn’t bring herself to tell Stark about it. Fern expects Stark to understand her without actually saying anything. So, overall, was the date boring? As Fern also replies, maybe it wasn’t as exciting as she was hoping for.

However, by the end of their date, as the two watch the breathtaking sunset, what Fern says there is the highlight of the episode for me. Simply knowing how much Stark racked his brain for her and tried to make the date successful was enough to make her smile.

Gosh, that’s when I realised there can never be any more disastrously perfect date scenes in any other anime than this one was. Also, in a short flashback, we see Himmel telling Frieren that even if things don’t always go as you’d hoped, you can still have fun if you’re going out with someone you love. Well, isn’t that so hard-hittingly true?

Take notes, all aspiring storyteller. Frieren is not even a romance anime, but it portrays both Frieren–Himmel and Fern–Stark’s chemistry way more naturally than most romance anime plots. Anyway, enough yapping. Now, let’s get back to classic Frieren storytelling again.

Stark Realises Why They Didn’t Sail Across the Northern Plateau

Fern, Frieren, and Stark from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 | Credits: Madhouse

The date arc is now over, and the three head to the Northern Plateau. And honestly, I never expected there would be such a heavy action sequence in this episode. After a struggling encounter, Frieren, Fern, and Stark finally defeat the demon who’s been terrorising the nearby villages. Well, Frieren says it was only the beginning, though.

Then, an exhausted Stark casually vents that maybe traveling by sea could’ve been much easier. But what does Frieren reply? That’s not what Hero Himmel would’ve done. Because many people live in the Northern Plateau and call it home.

At that moment, Stark remembers his past and understands what losing your home truly feels like. There are so many memories people have attached to it, so protecting them is what adventurers should prioritise. Like, man, even this part of the episode didn’t need to go this hard.

Frieren Season 2 Episode “Other People’s Homes”: Final Verdict

Stark from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 | Credits: Madhouse

You can already guess how much I loved this episode. And I’m not lying when I say it truly made me tear up by the end of the date scene, just because I could emotionally connect with both of them so much. Apart from that, the animation was, as always, so beautiful. Especially the fight sequence in the second half was so fluid. And GOATed soundtracks by Evan Call, as usual. Can the bar be raised any higher?

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
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