My Review of "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Season one"

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a fantasy anime TV series. I've never heard of this series until I told a friend that I really liked the Delicious in Dungeon anime series. They told me that if I liked that one, I would definitely get into Frieren. Low and behold, I'm here to gush about this TV series as well. Although the two series have similar backgrounds, they are very different from one another. Both are fantasy series but they have different intentions in mind.

This show starts off with the end of a grand adventure. We have 4 heroes separating from one another. One of the heroes, Frieren, is who the story revolves around. She's a great mage that happens to be an elf. Due to the fact elves live for thousands of years, she's going to outlive all of her friends from the great adventure.

Years after the great heroes depart they have a bit of a reunion. Unfortunately, their reunion is not for happy times. One of the great heroes named Himmel has passed away from old age. The remaining heroes, Frieren, Heiter and Eisen grieve in their own way. They reminisce about better times. Since Frieren doesn't really age, she's noticing the mortality of her friends.

Both Heiter and Eisen are changing. Their ambition and drive have changed and they're becoming more peaceful yet wise. As the story progresses we see that both of them have apprentices that they would like Frieren to take care of. In their old age they can't keep going but they want their apprentices to flourish.

Frieren's interactions with everyone is quite interesting. With each interaction there are layers to their relationship. They bring in the past, the present and the future. It becomes quite emotional because they make you realize that life is cyclical and the butterfly effect has a huge impact on everything. The way you treat others is really what you're going to get back.

They discuss their motivations and learn about each others pasts. This is much like how relationships build and we see it right before our eyes. In a sense, we're the fly on the wall that builds that relationship with them because we know exactly what's going on. There's something special about each of these characters. The innocence of each character shines bright no matter if they seem to be bad or not. Each character is doing what they're programmed to do but for the most part they are doing what they think is right. You can't fault them for that even if they're doing bad.

In some ways, I can see how this is such a relatable show because I can see how each of these characters could be real people. Their motivations and drive feel very authentic and relatable. I love how deep down they all understand each other but will not tell each other that they understand. Yet, they still know they understand each other.

Not all of it is rose colored though. I found that there are times where there would be awkward tone changes where dumb comedy was added to lighten the mood. I understand where they're going with it but the sudden change in tone is quite off putting. Then again this is par for the course for animes. Those that are used to animes are probably at home with these sudden changes but I don't like them.

I also thought the trials closer to the end felt out of place. There was a good payoff at the end but I found that the show last a lot of steam with these trials. I much prefer the early portions of the show where they explore the value of relationships and what time really means. As Frieren has lived for so long it's startling to her that the few years she spent with the heroes were the most meaningful to her life.

Overall, I had an absolute amazing time with this one. It's a heartwarming series that I think a ton of people can get into. This show hooked me from the start. Although there were a few hiccups closer to the end of the show. I thought this is a must see show. I have to give this one an 8 out of 10. I will be recommending this to others and will probably rewatch it before the next season comes out.