Re:Zero at Its Best - "Parent and Child" Analysis 

Re Zero: The show where, not only is a character dying not a spoiler, but it's one of the only shows that can make a scene where characters stand and talk for half an hour actually exciting.

*there's no such thing as a boring episode in re:zero* -_gospel_

His mom "...also hot, but this is a good anime, so that's not relevant..." I lost it 🤣

"REMinisses" that was a quality pun

Arc 1: Subaru learns that there's a chance to be a hero Arc 2: Subaru learns what it takes to try and be a hero Arc 3: Subaru learns that he's not a hero....yet Arc: 4 Subaru learns that even heroes need help Arc 5: Subaru learns that he can be a hero to Arc 6: Subaru learns how he is a hero to others

i'm never gonna forgive the anime for cutting the part where subaru chugs a jar of mayonnaise to prove he's just as much the mayo weirdo as his parents

You know, I'll be completely frank with you: I didn't think Re:Zero could keep up its brilliant momentum. I consider that first season to be a masterclass in writing, directing, sound design, fucking everything. I watched every episode 2-3 times when they came out, I thought about it constantly. It deeply affected me. Maybe this is pessimistic, but I'm so used to long running shows disappointing me. I'm so used to falling off because it strays in a direction I don't like. It loses that spark, idk. Parent and Child took that, crumpled it up, and reassured me that Re:Zero didn't stumble its way into my favorites list. It's here to stay.

Mothers Basement: *Talks about the deep emotions in this episode* Me: I like it cause Echidna wears a uniform :)

"parent and child" truly is a masterpiece of a show as a 4 year shut-in, watching "parent and child", aside from why subaru was one, wasnt watching a show... it was looking into a mirror. everything i saw, i experienced, even the ever supporting parents . and the episode left me emotionally sensitive for 2 weeks, immediately crying upon thinking back on it. I was already working on getting back to my life, but that episode gave me the motivation to wholeheartedly move on, and to work on my relationship with my mother

Yep thats definitely the best episode. When I first saw the title/thumbnail of this video I thought "if its not the one where he talks to his parents hes crazy".

I’m starting to think this guy might like re:zero

Yo just finished the video. I know this will probably get lost in the abyss, but I wanted to mention a moment I think deserves analysis and is an amazing part of the anime - the ending part of "I know hell" that gives the episode its name. All throughout the anime, people around Subaru are shown to be better than him, and aren't afraid to point out his flaws. Time and time again people shit on Subaru and he is unable to defend himself except to show that they are right. But in this moment, Garfiel tries to criticise Subaru, and Subaru definitively shuts him down. Garfiel claims that Subaru can't possibly know what suffering is really like, and in a line that wraps up all that Subaru has been through, he tells Garfiel "I know hell". Not only that, but he says that he should be the only one that needs to go through it. It is self sacrificing behaviour that he needs to and will learn from, but the fact remains that this is perhaps the first time Subaru makes his intentions clear, and they are pure and noble. Not only that, but he does it with grim determination. It is the moment, in my eyes, that Subaru can truly, finally, be called a hero. And that is an incredible moment, because in any other anime, the hero just is, they are a hero and always were, or became one suddenly after something happened. In Re:Zero, Subaru goes from a selfish, deeply flawed arsehole to an, albeit still flawed, but truly believable hero.

I’m glad to see Geoff still talks about re zero. I love this show. It’s clear the creators wanted to squeeze every second of run time to adapt this arc which is the longest of the series. They could have cut many more important details to save on the workload but they’ve made the episodes 28 minutes instead of 22 and have removed most of the openings and endings. It’s just nice to see a set of creators want to make a good show and I think re zero definitely his that mark and beyond

I'm a simple man. *I see heartfelt parent and child anime scenes, I cry.*

In a way, Re:Zero is "edgy grimdark wish fulfillment power fantasy." my wish is self improvement and overcoming depression...

What is great about that episode is that a lot of people can relate to it regardless of gender. A lot of us, especially us zoomers and late millennial do have a good life that we really shouldn't complain about. However, we have these weights on our shoulders and get depressed in our own world. This is Subaru in a nutshell. I would kill to have had parents like him, but who knows if I would have acted any different than him. The author has thought out every detail from what I have scene and is what makes this isekai really good. It is thought out rather than a quick written cash grab.

I love how this series shows why Subaru thinks the way he does. Parent and Child re-contextualized a TON of stuff from S1 (especially the Royal Selection tantrum and the self-loathing he expresses to Rem). In a similar vein, when Otto calls him out for not trusting others to help with his problems, Subaru notes to himself that he DID try getting help from Roswaal and Echidna and they tried to/are screwing him over. - Edit: Thanks for mentioning how Subaru is perfectly justified in being mortified by Roswaal's abuse. Knowing that a dude is perfectly willing to harm, torment, and even kill the people you love just to keep you in line is a nightmare all on its own. Add to that the fact that Roswaal knows about Return by Death (if only partially) and how it deepens/twists the isolation and abuse since he's technically the only person Subaru can talk about it to.

"Parent and child" and the episode of ascendance of a bookworm where the main characters face their old life on earth were everything I've ever wanted from isekai anime

Nobody finds S2 ep 4 boring. It's a cathartic masterpiece

While Subaru's emotional turmoil regarding his school life is definitely relatable in a lot of ways, the aspect of this episode that got to me the most was his relationship with his parents. At the end when he apologizes for not being able to do more for them, his mother's answer "We didn't have you so you could do something for us. We had you because we wanted to do something for you" I just. I just started crying. Because despite all of Subaru's faults and struggles his parents still love him unconditionally, and that's something that I always envied others for. It was a really impactful scene

This show felt very personal to me. I shut down around the age of 11. I was getting bullied at school and my parents were getting a divorce. My family dynamic was unhealthy even before the divorce, so it became very messy. There were periods when I made friends, but I only ever hung out with them at school. I didn’t really try to understand people or grow until I was 20 years old. I lost almost 10 years doing nothing but watching Netflix. I was never socially adept, but I was very far behind by the time I was halfway through college. Very talkative (still kinda am), interrupting often, and avoiding consequences at the cost of relationships. I improved a lot during that time but I never truly believed in myself and always deferred to others when needing to make a decision. I fell back into my slump after college ended and I wasn’t surrounded by my college friends anymore. I’m working on having more faith in myself and allowing myself to make mistakes instead of avoiding situations altogether. I recently started exercising alone (which makes me very uncomfortable), indoor rock climbing, and eating healthier. I still have a lot of maturing to do, but I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken so far.

Season 1 was all about Subaru learning to recognize and accept his self-hatred so that he could not only be consciously critical of himself, but also learn how to work around those flaws. However, that’s only the first step. Season 2 is about Subaru learning how to take that acceptance and use is to become someone who will not only be loved by others, but also someone who can love himself. Throwing away one’s pride can be just as harmful as clinging to it; by humbling himself to save Emilia during the White Whale/Petelgeuse arc, he inadvertently lost himself in self-loathing. If he is to move forward as a person, he needs to learn to accept the love given to him by others and find value in himself through that. Even if they can never truly understand him, and worse yet, if the only people who can understand him are people like the witches, that does not make the love of those he calls his friends any less valuable.

I would say that Re:Zero is my favorite horror series because it creates a better atmosphere than most anime can with music and even utilizing the oppressive sunlight in the plains with Echidna, a rarely used backdrop for horror. Whoever says the dialogue heavy episodes are bad because they aren’t exciting clearly don’t understand half of the greatness of the show. You definitely spent your time well, Geoff.

MB: “Parent and child” is RE:Zero at its best Me: SINCE WHEN WAS THIS UP FOR DEBATE?

Re:Zero is up there with Welcome to NHK in the "anime for shut-ins" genre

This episode saved me. It completely emotionally prepared me for my changed life during 2020 without a doubt, and is truly deserving of the a masterpiece episode. My fantastic mother passed away from cancer shortly after this episode aired and the grief was unbearable, reality sunk in and I truly felt alone in my room same as Subaru right there and then. An identical reflection I saw myself struggling, running out of time and this episode wasn't a coincidence I am sure of it as I am stronger today for it. Treasure the bonds of our parents especially with what the past year has brought us, we will be okay eventually

The “Start from Zero” scene hit me personally (especially when Subaru said he hated himself). I didn’t think this show would hit close to home as well as that did. Then this episode happened.

My mom died in February, so even though this episode is brilliant, I don’t know how long it will be before I can watch it without breaking down. I caught up on season two today and just getting through Emilia’s backstory was like a punch to the heart.

This episode is literally just people talking in a normal setting and it made me cry like 4 times. Easily my favorite episode of Re:Zero, or any anime for that matter. Not only is it meaningful for Subaru’s growth, but it also resonates with me very personally. Both of my parents are so kind and caring, and I often feel like I don’t appreciate them enough. I fear the day I will be without them, and hope that I’ll get to say everything I need to when that day comes.

"Shares his father's odd but charming habit of striking dramatic poses for rhetorical affect"... Confirmed, Kenichi and Subaru are JoJo's references.

that clock scene, even just seeing it now again brings back the feelings and moments od my life back then, i think this serie is amazing not just the amazing story telling but also showing people that suffer from this (skipping school etc. bc it is a really dark and lonely time) that chance is possible and that it is nothing less of heroic to change yourself to the better

I actually enjoyed that episode a lot. Showed some great character development

1:39 if you listen carefully you will hear that this dub is good

This episode is one of my favorite of anime history. It's just so good and relatable. Like, man, that thing about Subaru saying that as a child he was smart, good at sports, a kid prodigy to say, but as he grows up it's inevitable that there are people who are just better than him, more talented or who work harder and in the end he was just not special at all. That's how life is for most of us, we all had that moment when we thought we were different, meant to do great things, being the best at something and have a job you love. And in reality you look in the mirror and sees someone depressed, with no job, or friends, no relationship, studying something just to show to your family that you're not completely worthless.

We need a what's in a waifu about emilia Specially after the season 2 part 2 ends. AND also a video about how otto become the best broto of all time.

Another week, another week of Geoff gushing over RE:Zero

Re:Zero is a just a Masterpiece in general honestly, almost every episode is worth a 10/10 👌

This show is a masterpiece. This season makes S1 much better.

That darn clock... While I was watching that episode, I could feel my chest tightening and my breath catching in my throat. It hit so close to home that it was a knife to the heart. That was the moment that sealed the deal. Re:zero is, without a doubt, a classic unfolding before our eyes.

"REMinisces" oh, you monster. You FIEND

I like how this episode explains why Subaru acts so goofy and over the top in social situations. It’s things like this that really makes him feel like a real person

Me during S1: Lmao typical cringe anime MC Me at S2: **intense crying**

"Kindness and attempts at understanding from loved ones can feel suffocating rather than helpful, because those are the exact people you're letting down, and if they just give up on you then at least you'd be able to stop hurting them and more easily give up on yourself." Wow. Wasn't expecting Geoff to make an attempt on my life when I clicked on this video. This hit home really hard. Just like Re:Zero then I guess :P

Don't lie to me Mother's Basement. You like the episode because you can see Echidna wearing a school outfit, right?

Huh weird, it started raining after I watched this episode, same thing happened when I read this part in the WN for some reason. It's a terrible day for rain

Re:Zero is a absolute masterpiece and nothing can change my mind. I have absolute full blinding faith that White fox can make a amazing anime adaptation of Re:Zero, especially from what I have seen so far.

*You're goddamn right it is* I think this was the episode that turned a lot of people over to liking Subaru, since it further explored the rougher edges people seem to have issues with and marked a major milestone in demonstrating how he has changed. I still stand by that I think the reason a lot of people hated him in the first season was because they recognized those aspects of his character in themselves and didn't like it, and this episode serves to explain a lot of his really petulant behavior in that season (especially the royal outburst).

Still love when his Dad gave him a loaded pop to drink, totally relatable relationship I have with my own old man. It's the small things family do with one another that sell the whole thing.

I love re:zero so much, It's a masterpiece for sure, But your videos always enhance my love for the series, Keep up the great work.

four years of wait has never been so worth it

I heard some pretty good things about this show, I'm definitely gonna give it a shot soon.

Tappei is f*cking genius and white fox is GOAT

Re:zero season 2 is such a masterpiece literally every episode leaves u in such awe that we keep craving for more of it .

Re:Zeros is at its best when it does the deep character introspections. Episode 18 of S1 and Episode 4 of S2 hit fucking hard.

i’ve never clicked quicker before- oml i just finished this anime and i’m just ✨waiting for more✨

I love every video that he does on Re:Zero; his passion is very infectious and makes me appreciate the series even more than I already do.

Completely agree, this is such a beautiful episode.

If someone says this episode was boring we throwing hands. As someone who lost a parent early last year, this episode fucking hit me man. As someone who very rarely cries I was bawling by the end. This is what we all wish we could have, that one final goodbye. Honestly I think this help me with my fathers passing, helps you really see those helping you stick together.

Re:zero truly is a master piece

Ah yes, another reason for Mother's Basement to talk about Re:Zero. I'm not complaining. On another topic, I seriously do not understand the people who say Re:Zero is bad, season 1 was already _really good_ ,season 2 is even better, and the novel is fire.

It was a good sentiment, what the mom said. It came while I was at around a year into searching for a job out of college. I majored in animation, but couldn't find any work. Not specifically because of Covid, I graduated in May of 2019, but I didn't have the experience required or the connections needed to find a job. No one was looking at me, even though I'd been told my work is great by peers and professors and portfolio reviewers... When Covid hit, jobs became more prevalent in the industry to some extent. I was lucky and found a job back in late August, still with 'em at the time of writing this. But for that year and a half, hell, more than that since I was looking for work before graduation, it felt like this for me, but unlike with Subaru or the other people that suffer from it, I didn't have a choice.

Only Re:Zero can make an episode that makes me cry multiple times in a single episode

God, I cherish and appreciate these video essays genuinely. Much love and support!

It's this episode that actually made me think about watching this series. The reason I haven't yet is because I'm watching One Piece.

I watched Re:Zero right when I tried changing my life back when I was 15. I could really relate to Subaru in a whole new level than I had ever related to any character before. Even though I got "killed" more times than many people would endure, just like Subaru, I've developed enough mental strength to endure through the everlasting challenges, making my way through hardship by trying countless times. Hence, I can absolutely say Re:Zero was - and still is - part of my self change. However, I didn't really finish my process of becoming a winner; I am really close though. I worked a lot in academics and am really really close to getting into one of the best universities in my country, whilst having become one of the best in my school, which is the best school in my state. Not just that, but I am also close to having a girlfriend - at least I hope so, unless she rejects me, lol. What I want to say is this: Re:Zero can connect to it's audience and make an impact them great enough to help it change itself. As I've changed, and am close to becoming someone with somewhat of a success, many more people, mainly men, are probably following the same path. That's precisely why Re:Zero is one of my favorite animes. And for everyone who watched it, I'd advise you to learn from the show and try your utmost best to become someone better. Becoming a stronger warrior not only helps your life become better - as well as it gives it more meaning -, but it also makes the people around you better, inspiring them to move on and grow stronger. The impact you can have - and your potencial - is impossible to be measured, and you not reaching your full potencial hurts the world, even if just a bit.

ngl, when I first watched "parent and child", I legit cried

Deep dives like this are why I love your content, man. I was getting weepy while remembering the episode and listening to your analysis of it all.

Can we just talk about the "HEE HEE" from Kenichi in the EN dub tho as he moonwalks into the room

Always love to hear your take on Re:zero, keep up the great work!

I never get tired of Re:Zero on this channel

hearing Stay Alive in the background during the video is such an emotional kick in the balls, it makes me tear up each time I hear it.

thank you for showing so much love to the series!

Insert mandatory re:zero praise here

The way I see it, Re:zero is collage of many genres at their finest. Horror, mystery, comedy, action, and emotional. And they never missed the mark once, not once! Parent and Child elevated that to a whole new level. It made start thinking that I should be grateful with the situation that I am in because both of my parents care about my happiness. Parent and child as well as Violet Evergarden ep 10 not only made me bawl my eyes out, but also made me let my mom know how much I care about her. PS...hey, hey, yeah you. You wouldn’t mind pinning my comment would you?

Two things: One, I LOVE how introspective and thoughtful your Re:Zero videos are, and it's really a good push to give the series a shot on my end. Two? With how methodical you are, I'd *adore* a video on the Lost Generation. It's such an intriguing phenomenon!

Another quality video and one that links back so well to the last

It still floors me that dubbed Subaru has the same VA as Rean Schwarzer in Trails of Cold Steel. Range, man...

Genius. That’s the only way to describe this episode.

I love your Re Zero videos and your careful analysis in general. Good job👍

Geoff... you have such an amazing brain. Nothing I love more than hearing you analyze my favourite shows

New Mother’s Basement video on Re:Zero? Count me in!

Did you really just add stay alive in the background man I just finished directors cut yesterday night and knocked out on season 2 part 2 episode 1 man just after you feel good the plot twist hits ☹️😣😖🥺😢😭😭😭😭😭

This was wonderful. You revealed depths that I hadn't yet seen. Thanks for the episode.

To this day I am incredibly in awe of how well-spoken all of your videos are even if there is a script. I would never be able to write or prepare anything as close.

You thought that episode was ReZero at its best, we are actually just getting started especially with the buildup from the first episode of Season 2 Part 2.

I’m not the biggest re:zero fan but I personally think it has maybe the best written monologue/dialogue scenes of any show I’ve ever seen. The Rem one, parent child, and the Ekidna scenes are all my favorite parts of the show.

Great analysis as always. Am reading through the novels right now, and the extra levels of detail they provide really add to the whole experience.

You've done it once again Mother's Basement, hats off to you. You deserve every bit of the credit and praise offered to you.

This episode reminded so much of Futurama's "Game of Tones" episode. The tears man...

What a masterpiece

Thank you for the awesome OG background music man.

17:25 the most I've cried since Plastic Memories

Watching the clock, waiting for an excuse... I read a book in the bathroom at school during lunch break. Didn't hear the bell, so then i checked my clock and realised i was 20 minutes late. Thinking of the embarassment of walking into class and having to answer "i was reading a book" i decided to just sit and wait until the next break to slip naturally into class and stand out less. Kinda succeeded, but also, ya know, skipped that class. 8th grade in a town where i was the only boy in my entire grade reading books for fun if anybody wanted context.

Re:Zero is always my favorite content of yours, instant like

I FUCKING LOVE YOU MAN THANK YOU FOR MAKING SUCH FUCKING BANGERS EVERY TIME

An excellent breakdown, well done!!

Watching Re:Zero is like playing a Souls game.

A good show is light on filler, because it paces out the action to break up scenes of characters talking. A great show doesn't need to, because scenes, or even entire episodes, of characters just talking can be just as captivating as any action sequence.

This is absolutely beautiful!

before you released this, I constantly found myself coming back to this episode. After, I find myself coming back to both all the time. I loved this episode as soon as it aired - as someone estranged from their parents that wants to be closer, it hits a little too close to home. It also gives me hope, though. I can still talk to my parents, something Subaru will (possibly) never get to do. Your content is amazing and I really appreciate you.