Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan [Season 1 Episode 12]

Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan – Season 1 Episode 12: A Grand Finale with Fireworks and Unanswered Questions

Introduction

The final episode of Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan (also known as From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!) wraps up its first season with a bang—literally, with fireworks. Episode 12, titled “The Grand Festival Finale,” delivers a mix of humor, heartwarming moments, and lingering mysteries that leave fans clamoring for a second season.

For those unfamiliar, the anime follows Kenzaburou Tondabayashi, a 52-year-old bureaucrat who finds himself reincarnated as Grace Auvergne, the villainess of an otome game his daughter once played. The twist? He retains his disciplined, middle-aged mindset while navigating the absurdities of noble society. The result is a hilarious yet surprisingly touching story about identity, family, and the power of kindness.

The Episode Breakdown

The finale centers around the academy’s grand festival, where Grace and the student council put on a stage play written by her enigmatic mother, Jacqueline. The play cleverly addresses Grace’s ongoing struggle with noble speech (a running gag where she stumbles over aristocratic language due to Kenzaburou’s commoner roots).

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums praised the episode’s stylistic execution. One user noted, “The audience reactions were priceless. They went out with this in a stylistic way, something it needed.” The play’s climax, where Grace’s mother’s scripted twist saves the day, was a highlight. As one fan put it, “Grace’s mom went from sus to the imposter real quick.”

The episode also revisits the show’s core relationships:
– Grace and Anna: Their friendship remains a fan favorite. Anna’s unwavering admiration for Grace (despite her obliviousness) is both hilarious and endearing.
– Grace and Prince Lucas: His last-minute save during the play—using a “noble speech spell”—earned cheers from viewers.
– Grace’s Parents: The brief interaction between Grace’s father and Anna’s mother hints at deeper connections, leaving fans speculating.

Fan Reactions: The Good, the Bad, and the Mysterious

The finale sparked lively discussions online, with opinions split on its open-ended nature.

The Positives

• Wholesome Vibes: Many fans adored the show’s blend of comedy and warmth. “This was my favorite anime and dark horse of the season,” one viewer gushed.
• Character Growth: Grace’s journey from a misunderstood villainess to a beloved figure resonated. “Seeing Grace bond with everyone and grow as a person was a delight,” another fan wrote.
• The Play’s Execution: The meta-humor of the play (where Grace’s struggles are written into the script) was a hit. “Brah, how she disappeared and reappeared through fireworks was scriptwriting genius,” someone joked.

The Criticisms

• Unresolved Mysteries: Some fans felt frustrated by the lack of closure. “Nothing was solved—we only got more questions about Grace’s mom and the light orb,” one comment read.
• Pacing Issues: A few viewers thought the second half lost some of the early episodes’ comedic edge. “It failed to keep standing out like it did in the first half,” one critic noted.
• The “Villainess” Trope: While the show subverted expectations, some felt the finale leaned too hard into clichés. “The line ‘because this IS a villainess game’ felt unnatural,” a fan pointed out.

The Hopes for Season 2

Despite mixed feelings about the ending, the demand for a sequel is unanimous. “This needs a second season, no doubt about it,” one fan declared. The post-credits scene—where Grace’s mother speaks to a mysterious orb—has fueled theories about her involvement in Kenzaburou’s reincarnation.

Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem

Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan may not be the flashiest isekai or the most polished villainess story, but its charm lies in its originality. Kenzaburou’s dad-like wisdom, Grace’s accidental charisma, and the show’s self-aware humor make it a standout.

As one fan perfectly summarized, “This was an excellent show. The wholesome dynamic between Kenzaburo as Grace and the student council was a pleasing sight to watch.”

Rating: 8/10 – A fun, heartwarming ride with just enough intrigue to leave us wanting more. Here’s hoping for Season 2!

What did you think of the finale? Share your thoughts in the comments!