Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Episode 16) – Family Squabble
Rudeus arrives at the Millis Continent and goes about getting in contact with his family. But then he witnesses a kidnapping and can’t help but run to help. However, things don’t always go to plan, especially for Rudeus!
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Episode 16) – Family Squabble
What happened?
It’s been a year and a half since the mana event that teleported Rudeus and Eris to the Demon Continent. They’ve been through so much since then, growing stronger as they learn more about the world and themselves. So, when they arrive at the Millis Continent back in the human world it feels like they can actually relax for a second.
Rudeus suggests that they stay there for a while as the quests pay well and they’ve no idea how much it’ll cost to get the next boat. He also thinks they should take a day off to take care of personal matters. For him, that’s writing a letter to his family to let them know he’s safe. Eris, however, plans on going goblin slaying…
While Rudeus considers what to tell his family, he spots a horse race past with what looks like a child that has been kidnapped. Of course, he can’t just ignore something like that so he runs off to help. He ends up in an old building where he hides behind some boxes to assess the situation. However, they appear to be feeding the child. Unfortunately, that’s when Rudeus realises he’s hiding in a box of clothes… and not just any clothes… panties!
His surprise gives him away and the kidnappers attack. Rudeus disguises himself… with the panties… and frees the child. However, he looks kind of familiar. Then the boss of the gang of kidnappers arrives and he’s quite skilled with the sword. That’s when they recognise each other. It’s Paul – Rudeus’ father!
What did you think?
Normally, I write my reviews fairly soon after watching the episode, however, for this one I needed a night to think about what happened. This was a captivating episode and it’s almost impossible to work out who is in the right if anyone. Paul was upset at Rudeus for what sounded like a fantastic adventure with a hot girl and strong bodyguard, but Rudeus was obviously trying to make it sound more impressive. He was showing off to his father, trying to get his approval.
Not sure how to take Paul’s disapproval, Rudeus lashed out, accusing Paul of cheating on his Zenith and Lilia. That was the final straw for Paul who attacked Rudeus. However, Paul is drunk and tired from searching for his family and fellow villagers. Rudeus easily defeated him, but then his younger sister Norn intervened. That was when Paul revealed that the village had been teleported too. He had no idea where Zenith or Lilia or Aisha was. This was one of those episodes that felt like it ended after five minutes. We needed so much more. It was incredible.
What have you learnt?
So, the thing that has been eating away at me was Paul’s expectations of Rudeus. On one hand, he knows that Rudeus is gifted and advanced for a ten-year-old. However, he’s still ten, even if he has the mind of a much older if not emotionally stunted and regressed adult. To put that sort of burden on your ten-year-old son is insane, however, Paul looks like he’s been to hell and back. He’s not coping with the situation and I think he lashed out.
Does that absolve Rudeus of any blame in this? I’m not entirely sure. For one, how would Rudeus know that anyone other than himself, Eris, and Ghislaine were affected by the mana event? There’s no way he could be expected to. His adventure has been hard enough without worrying about hypothetical situations. So, to expect him to have the presence of mind to think of these possibilities is too much. But then, if Paul put a note at the guild in Zanto Port why didn’t Rudeus see it. Well, Zanto Port is where he met the smugglers and then got captured by the beast-men so it’s possible that he didn’t check-in.
The more I go over it now, the more I think that Paul is at fault here, although it’s understandable given what he’s been through. I think Rudeus could have spotted that and not lashed out like before. Tensions are obviously high. The fact that it’s been a year and a half and there’s no word of Zenith is concerning. She should be able to handle herself, so I’m worried that something bad has happened.
Other posts in the series
- Season One
- Part 1
- Episode 1 – Jobless Reincarnation
- Episode 2 – Master
- Episode 3 – A Friend
- Episode 4 – Emergency Family Meeting
- Episode 5 – A Young Lady and Violence
- Episode 6 – A Day Off in Roa
- Episode 7 – What Lies Beyond Effort
- Episode 8 – Turning Point 1
- Episode 9 – A Chance Encounter
- Episode 10 – The Value of a Life and the First Job
- Episode 11 – Children and Warriors
- Part 2
- Episode 12 – The Woman with the Demon Eyes
- Episode 13 – Missed Connections
- Episode 14 – No Such Thing As a Free Lunch
- Episode 15 – Slow Life in the Doldia Village
- Episode 16 – Family Squabble
- Episode 17 – Reunion
- Episode 18 – Separate Journeys
- Episode 19 – Route Selection
- Episode 20 – The Birth of My Little Sister, the Maid
- Episode 21 – Turning Point 2
- Episode 22 – Dreams and Reality
- Episode 23 – Wake Up and Take a Step
- OVA
- Part 1
- Season Two
- Part 1
- Episode 0 – Guardian Fitz
- Episode 1 – The Brokenhearted Mage
- Episode 2 – The Forest in the Dead of Night
- Episode 3 – Abrupt Approach
- Episode 4 – Letter of Invitation
- Episode 5 – Ranoa University of Magic
- Episode 6 – I Don’t Want to Die
- Episode 7 – The Kidnapping and Confinement of Beast Girls
- Episode 8 – The Fiancé of Despair
- Episode 9 – The White Mask
- Episode 10 – These Feelings
- Episode 11 – To You
- Episode 12 – I Want to Tell You
- Part 2
- Part 1
Series Information
| English Title | Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation |
| Japanese Title | Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu |
| Medium | Anime |
| Released | Season 1 Part 1: Winter 2021 Part 2: Fall 2021 Season 2 Part 1: Summer 2023 Part 2: Spring 2024 |
| Episodes | Season 1 Part 1: 11 Part 2: 12 + OVA Season 2 Part 1: OVA + 12 Part 2: 12 |
| Animation Studios | Studio Bind |
| Genres | Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Isekai, Magic |
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Paul was *definitely* more at fault here, but it pretty much just boils down to both sides neither observing nor communicating properly. I mean, I noticed that the “kidnappers” were much more concerned about the kid than any real kidnappers would ever be, but Rudy didn’t. Rudy could have asked Paul what he was doing there, or noticed the very specific timeline of Paul’s question, a year and a half, which would indicate something was amiss. Meanwhile, Paul could have noticed that Rudy somehow had no idea what was going on, and, having been teleported, had no means of knowing about the message he left. He, as the adult, could have explained better and been more understanding, but the last year and a half of worry, fear, and despair seem to have completely torn apart his more rational capacities.
Indeed, but then I think Rudeus would have noticed had he not given himself away when he found the panties. It’s funny to think the had more purpose than just reminding us that he’s a creep…
I wonder if Paul is projecting how he would have reacted had he been in Rudeus’ position. We know that he was less than honourable as a youngster so he probably assumes that Rudeus acted the same.
There is no doubt that Paul has been through the wringer and is not functioning at one hundred percent. It was just a pretty sad scene all around when you really consider it.
Indeed.
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