[Spoiler Review] Anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' Season 2 Episode 29 'Let's Go Then'
[Spoiler Review] Anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' Season 2 Episode 29 (S2E1) "Let's Go Then"
On Friday, January 16, 2026, the long-awaited Season 2, Episode 29 was broadcast simultaneously nationwide on Nippon TV's "FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT."
Overall Impression: A Quiet Yet Passionate Opening That Surpasses Season 1's Quality
What struck me first about this Season 2 premiere was both the "reassuring consistency" and "further evolution." By deliberately holding back flashy magic battles and depicting a crisis where magic cannot be used, the composition brilliantly highlights the trust between characters. The visual beauty by studio MADHOUSE has been polished even further, and Evan Call's emotionally rich music instantly transports viewers back to "Frieren's world." Every time I watch Frieren and hear "Since the death of the hero Himmel..." accompanied by Greensleeves—a melody I loved as a child—I'm overcome with nostalgia. This isn't just a sequel; it's a perfect first episode that delves deeper into the characters' hearts.
This episode is based on Chapter 61 "Sealed Magic Ore" from Volume 7 of the original manga, with some content from Chapter 62.
Notable is the dedication of Director Keiichiro Saito, continuing from Season 1, and his action direction team. As an anecdote among the staff, when depicting "combat scenes without magic," the director pursued "raw, realistic direction that conveys the characters' breathing and the weight of their equipment without relying on magic's flashiness." As a result, meticulous realism is evident in details like the sparks when Stark blocks the dragon's attack with his shield and the soil being scraped from the foothold.
The new opening is "lulu." by Mrs. GREEN APPLE. The melody has a driving force yet evokes nostalgia and melancholy, providing a refreshing sensation befitting the beginning of the "Northern Plateau Arc." Visually, the direction where afterimages of the former hero's party overlap with Frieren's path is highly emotional. While affirming her current journey with Fern and Stark, her determination to never forget the past is expressed with vivid colors—not a second can be missed.
The ending continues with milet from Season 1. Her voice, presented as a new arrangement or new song, is filled with an embracing warmth that gently wraps the end of the journey. While Season 1's ED expressed "the beginning of the journey and longing," this episode's visuals feel more subdued, suggesting "accumulated memories and a quiet path forward." Thanks to this song that leaves a gentle twilight-like aftertaste, viewers can feel the warm desire to "accompany this journey again next week."
Episode 29 "Let's Go Then": Chronological Synopsis and Highlights
The story begins with a quiet journey heading north again from the magical city Äußerst after the first-class mage exam. In the opening, there's a few-second cut where the "Mirror Lotus Bracelet" on Fern's left arm reflects light—this wordless direction showing that "Himmel's feelings" are still at the center of their journey warmed my heart from the very start. Each of Fern's gestures is animated with even more delicate artistry than Season 1, making us feel that their daily life has returned.
The journey seemed smooth, but ground subsidence drops the party into a deep underground cave. It's a place where rare "Sealed Magic Ore" that nullifies magic sleeps—a natural enemy for mages. Even the usually calm Frieren sets down her staff, and Fern shows an unusually anxious expression, creating a pleasant tension in the story. The impressive way this reaffirms that "magic is not omnipotent" greatly enhances the fantasy's realism and depth.
Emerging from the darkness was a massive "Poison Dragon" with magic resistance. Before the two who couldn't use magic, it was Stark who suppressed his trembling legs and raised his axe. The scene where he alone holds off the dragon's fierce assault features heavy sound effects of physical collision and gritty action, exploding with "warrior coolness" different from magical battles. The once-timid boy standing on the front line to protect those dear to him reconfirms his definite growth and significant presence in the party—a gripping scene.
What Frieren chose in this crisis wasn't reckless subjugation but "everyone escaping together." The inserted flashback of Himmel—"If you're going to be wiped out, run away. So we can meet again with smiles"—directly connects to Frieren's current actions, and this direction is brilliant. The series' essence of "accumulated time," where past memories save their lives now, is beautifully portrayed. The three cooperating to climb toward the surface light are no longer just master and disciples but equal companions with overflowing bonds.
After safely escaping, the party reunites with Wirbel and others at an inn. The scene where Wirbel acknowledges Stark's abilities and invites him with "Why don't you join my party?" is a treat for fans who watched the exam arc in Season 1. However, the story concludes with Stark looking at Frieren and the others and quietly declining, "My place is here." This single line encapsulates everything about the current relationship between the three, magnificently raising expectations for the harsh "Northern Plateau Arc" ahead—a wonderful episode.