From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman [Season 1 Episode 1]

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman – Episode 1 Review: A Humble Start with Hidden Potential

The first episode of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman (or as some fans are calling it, Katainaka no Ossan Kensei ni Naru) introduces us to Beryl Gardinant, a middle-aged swordsman who’s content with his quiet life in the countryside—until his former student, Allucia, shows up with an offer he can’t refuse. Suddenly, Beryl is thrust into the spotlight as the new special instructor for the Liberion Order’s elite knights.

The premise alone is enough to pique interest: an underdog story where the underdog isn’t some plucky teenager but a grizzled old man who’s long given up on his dreams. It’s a refreshing twist in a genre often dominated by young protagonists. But does the execution live up to the hype? Let’s break it down, with a little help from what fans are saying online.

The Story: A Slow Burn with Promise

The episode wastes no time setting up Beryl’s new role, but it doesn’t rush the emotional beats either. We see him grappling with self-doubt, wondering why his former students—now accomplished warriors—still seek his guidance. It’s a relatable struggle, especially for anyone who’s ever felt past their prime.

Fans on MyAnimeList have mixed feelings about the pacing. Some, like runec, compare it to My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer, but with the twist that the old man is the one stepping into the spotlight. Others, however, criticize the flashbacks for killing momentum. One user notes:

“Once again a show giving us a fine example of how not to handle backstory and flashbacks. What momentum the show built in the first episode came to a screeching halt faster than truck-kun.”

Still, the potential for deeper character development is there. Beryl’s dynamic with his students—especially Allucia—hints at a mentor-student bond that could evolve into something more nuanced.

The Characters: Familiar but Fun

Beryl himself is a standout. His “too old for this” attitude, delivered perfectly by the Japanese VA (fans agree the dub doesn’t quite capture his weariness), makes him instantly likable. He’s not a typical overpowered protagonist; he’s just a guy who’s good at what he does and doesn’t see why that’s such a big deal.

His students, though, are where opinions diverge. Some fans are tired of the trope where every female character is inexplicably smitten with the older male lead. One commenter puts it bluntly:

“That was pretty good. Not crazy about the way all the girls have been pining over him for a decade… It would just make a better story if we saw their feelings for him develop rather than have them come ready-made in the very first episode.”

On the flip side, others appreciate that the blonde rival character avoids becoming a one-dimensional jealous antagonist—a small but welcome subversion of expectations.

And then there’s the loli wizard, because of course there is. As one fan sarcastically notes:

“Of course the loli wizard is older than him. This is anime after all.”

Animation and Action: Solid but Not Spectacular

The animation quality is decent, with the sparring match between Beryl and Allucia being a highlight. A manga reader praises the adaptation:

“The manga has some pretty good fights, I’m looking forward to how well they adapt them as the sparring match was better animated than most fights have been recently.”

That said, the episode doesn’t go all-out with its action, saving the big set pieces for later. The character designs are clean, though some fans poke fun at the “problematic spandex” outfits (because again, this is anime).

Final Thoughts: Worth a Watch?

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it’s a solid entry in the “older protagonist” niche. Beryl’s grounded personality and the potential for deeper storytelling make it a show to keep an eye on.

As one fan sums it up:

“Enjoyed the episode, although it’s not only Paul Greyrat but also Erin, apparently. And I’m okay with that.”

If you’re tired of teenage heroes and want a protagonist who’s more “I’m too old for this” than “I must become the strongest,” give this one a shot. Just be prepared for some anime tropes along the way.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A promising start with room to grow.

Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.