TITLEThe Beginning After the EndCREATORTurtleMeEPISODE 1 RELEASE DATEApril 1, 2026IMDb RATING (As of April 2, 2026)5.9/10WHERE TO WATCHCrunchyroll
The Beginning After the End returns with its Season 2 on April 1, 2026. This has been one of the most highly anticipated anime returns in recent times, but we all know that one particular factor that drove down the immense popularity of the web novel by TurtleMe. Unfortunately, this season was no miraculous improvement.
While the narrative of the opening episode was very straightforward and quite intriguing, Studio A-Cat did it again with their “PowerPoint presentation” level animation. Nevertheless, here’s what went down in The Beginning After the End Season 2 Episode 1.
Arthur’s Eventful Fight Against Arachne Saves Jasmine and the Others
Keeping the animation criticism aside for now, the episode began with Arthur and Jasmine off to investigate a village they have lost contact with near the Beast Glades. While Slyvie went off to train nearby, Arthur and Jasmine entered the village, only to find everyone crystalized and frozen in place. While a young girl approached them, she was immediately pulled back by an Arachne, one of the top five beasts.
As Arthur and Jasmine tried to retreat and report back to the guild, the Arachne ambushed them and crystallized Jasmine. Left with no other choice, Arthur confronted the beast. With his normal attacks leaving no substantial damage on the beast, Arthur resorted to combining magic with his sword strikes.
After a back-and-forth between them, Arthur finally comes on top and defeats Arachne by slashing off its limbs and head. After Arachne’s death, the curse is finally lifted, and Jasmine and the villagers are resurrected. However, a scolding was in store for Arthur for not running away and choosing to fight the beast instead.
Arthur and Jasmine’s Return Got a Melodramatic Reception From Alice
Alice from The Beginning After the End Season 2 Episode 1 | Credits: Studio A-Cat
After completing the mission, Arthur and Jasmine returned to the guild, where they were greeted with amazement due to his monumental feat. However, the boastful and arrogant Lucas Wykes arrives and questions the validity of the feat. Unfortunately, because Sylvie ate Arachne’s mana core, they were unable to prove it. However, Arthur pulls out Arachne’s head and shuts down Lucas.
Back at home, a scolding was waiting for both Arthur and Jasmine. While they were initially praised for their accomplishment, things quickly turned south when Alice portrayed the typical melodramatic mother. She finally calms down on Arthur’s apology and request.
After a training session with Jasmine in their courtyard, the episode ends with Arthur staring at the sky and wondering about Tessia. Meanwhile, Tessia is seen running frantically from a large boulder that is falling.
The Beginning After the End Season 2 Episode 1 Final Verdict
Tessia from The Beginning After the End Season 2 Episode 1 | Credits: Studio A-Cat
Let’s talk about the overall aspect of the Season 2 opening episode now, shall we? This was yet another disappointment I felt from Studio A-Cat, who continued to present one of the most slide-show-ish presentations of the series. Even after the disappointing Season 1 of the anime, I still had high hopes of improvement for this season, but it seems it was all in vain. And there was one moment in the episode when the entire screen went out of focus for absolutely no reason.
It was actually somewhat narratively alright, and the fight between Arthur and Arachne showed high potential for absolute cinematography. But the animation ruined it for me, and I’m sure for many others who are hardcore fans of the original web novel and webtoon series. Episode 1’s are usually the episode that sets the tone and excitement for the rest of the season, but the only thing exciting about this one was the 23rd-minute mark when the episode was over. That being said, if you had the chance to watch the episode, what are your thoughts on the overall animation and narrative? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
The Beginning After the End Season 2 is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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