In Mushoku Tensei's Defense

Took me 12.5 hours to make this. Tried out premiere pro, usually use FCPX, and it was a pain to get going, but once I got in the groove I liked how it came out. Hopefully y’all find it engaging and entertaining I know some subs are off, for some reason a couple of the Rudeus’ autocorrected so apologies!

He saved that slave. That's the least he can do because there's literally nothing he could do.

Thanks for pointing out stuff that mt fans notice but haters seem to never get. Mushoku tensei will forever remain my favorite story, because you can evolve with it. You will watch it over and over again and you'll conect with the context more, or understand things you couldn't have if you didnt experience those. The story is absolutely worth it.

One of the greatest things about Mushoku Tensei is the fact that many of the characters are DEEPLY flawed. Rudeus is the main example, but pretty much none of the characters are perfect

On the topic of fanservice in the specific case of this show I would even dare argue that it's necessary to establish the nature of this world as one of realism, looking at the topic of sex and reproduction as an intrinsic part of living beings and the impact it has on our lives as humans (in this case rational creatures). It also serves a purpose for the plot having an impact in the way we perceive the moral nature of the characters, (for instance: Paul when it comes to women and Sauros when it comes to servants or slaves) and most importantly, the way female characters percieve Rudeus, with Eris using the fact that she knows how much Rudeus is interested in her body to her advantage being the most notorious case back in season 1🤔

That, was one of the most well thought out and effectively articulated essays I have ever heard/read. Thank you for creating such wonderful content.

I'm also loving this show, and very much agree with how the character flaws, not just in Rudeus but almost everybody in this world, is so grounded and nuanced, creating astonishing realism. Something I'm wondering still, this anime has only been out less than 2 years... how is it then the "godfather" of Isekai when there've been numerous Isekai years before this show? Or is that in recognizing the manga? (haven't read)

it also mentions very earlier on that his mental age decreases to that of the body he is living in the longer he is in this new body

There's this interview with the author that I really, really want everyone to see, especially if they don't get why people like this series. _ > INTERVIEWER: Some of the most controversial aspects of Mushoku Tensei are at the very start because it begins with Rudeus at his lowest. Looking back, are there ever times when you think “Maybe that was a little over-the-top” or “Maybe I should have held back a little”? Or do you think the balance was right for the story you wanted to tell? > > Rifujin na Magonote: I think the balance was right. Because he's a controversial character, his mountain of regrets makes the act of redoing life more meaningful. Of course, I have no issue with criticizing Rudeus at the beginning stage, and it's up to you to decide whether you don't want to see the story because of that. With that said, if there's someone like Rudeus close to you and that person were to have even a slight change of heart and try to start over, I sincerely hope that you won't abandon them on the spot. WE'RE STILL AT SEASON 2. WE'RE STILL TACKLING 8 VOLUMES OUT OF 26. The story covers Rudeus' entire life, from birth to death. Of course, he's immature in his teenage years, of course he doesn't have a sense of responsibility, of course he doesn't think of anything else but what he wants. That's the point. Also, this ain't a western redemption arc where people get "punished" for "doing the wrong thing" because that is not how the real-world works. Yes, Rudeus does get punished when he goes a bit too far in some points, but that's not the crux of how this was written. This is a story where characters themselves need to realize for themselves that they need to change, not because of some external plot point that punishes them but because it's what they need to become to live a better life for themselves and others. It's a story that values experience more than plot. In Mushoku Tensei, change is gradual, and change is realistic. And this doesn't apply to just Rudy, this applies to EVERY MAIN CHARACTER HERE---even those who you think are good people, they screw up too. Criticizing a character in one phase of their life, not even acknowledging the possibility that he can change is not a good way to go about this story. Characters change, the world changes. Nothing ever stays the same. Mushoku Tensei tries to replicate life as it is, not as it should be. It doesn't pull its punches, be it in life's disgusting qualities or its wholesome truths. People who read the ending know how true this statement is. It is a very different experience from all the anime we're used to, but that's what makes it valuable.

The haters only have 2 episodes left until Rudy and Sylphy become a couple and all their dumb criticism á la "P*doshoku", "It's only about the fanservice" and "there's no character developement" will unravel. The last point I mentioned, about Rudy having no character developement (which is wrong btw) is their most hypocritical one. There are almost no examples of any other isekai in the vast sea of shows in this genre, that actually have character developement AT ALL. 99% of all isekai are just dumb one-dimensional fanservice shows, that just throw in a handful of tropes and be done with it. But the haters NEVER complain about any of the other run-of-the-mill isekais, because these shows aren't even proper stories to begin with. MT ACTUALLY is, which is why they are swarming it like flies!

Great video as always!!!

One of your best vids by far

The rudeus vs buddydaddy stone cannon is so cold 🥶

Thank you for this vid!

how would there not be slavery in a medieval setting like idk come on noww

Just came in from yo mal post , damn

I love this video. I always hated isekai's i never enjoyed the troupe it followed but mushoku tensei is probably my favourite isekai ever. I always loved the world-building of it, the characters and how realistic they are. Rudues not being perfect has its charm. It make us feel like he's human. Not just a character who's written to just solve the world problem without a single sweat. Grimgar was my favourite isekai until mushoku tensei released. I honestly agree with this video, couldnt have said it better myself. 10/10. I genuinely hate talking about anime with others because everyone act so narrow minded, its annoying so seeing someone express their voice on the situation people have with this show is relieving. Ps. Roxy is best girl, so i dont blame Rudues.

I don't get why people would find aspects of a fictional story as problematic, it's fiction and it's not for kids, If you do not like it, don't read it and age rating is a thing. It's fiction ffs let our authors be free.

There’s a little wish fulfillment in the show but far less so than most Isekai. So much of MT is about dealing with grief and managing depression when things go horribly wrong. By far it’s the most emotionally grounded work of its genre.

Pretty good video essay and glad you brought up the concept of "media literacy".