From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman [Season 1 Episode 2]

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman – Episode 2 Review: A Slow Burn with Potential

The Setup Continues

The second episode of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman picks up right where the first left off, with Beryl Gardinant—our self-proclaimed “humble old man”—being thrust into the spotlight as the newly appointed instructor for the kingdom’s elite knights. The episode, titled The Old Country Bumpkin is Astounded by a Wizard, aired on April 13, 2025, and continues to build on the foundation laid in the premiere.

Fans who tuned in expecting high-octane sword fights might have been disappointed, as this episode leans heavily into character backstory and world-building. But for those invested in Beryl’s journey, it’s a solid, if slow, continuation.

Allucia’s Flashback: Love It or Hate It

One of the biggest talking points among fans is the extended flashback sequence focusing on Allucia, Beryl’s former student and the commander of the Royal Order of Knights. The flashback reveals how Allucia’s family moved to the countryside, where she trained under Beryl’s harsh but effective methods.

Some viewers, like those on MyAnimeList, found this segment frustrating. One user complained, “What momentum the show built in the first episode came to a screeching halt faster than truck-kun.” Others, however, appreciated the deeper dive into Allucia’s character, with one fan noting, “It’s no wonder she’s the strongest knight—Beryl’s training was brutal!”

Personally, I think the flashback works, but it could have been trimmed. The episode spends a lot of time reiterating things we already know: Beryl is a tough but fair teacher, and his methods produce results. Still, it’s clear the show is setting up future conflicts, especially with hints that not all of Beryl’s former students hold him in high regard.

Meet the Wizard (and the Tropes)

The second half of the episode introduces Lucy, a magician who, in true anime fashion, looks like a child but is probably older than Beryl (“Of course the loli wizard is older than him. This is anime after all,” as one fan quipped). Their meeting is lighthearted, with Lucy immediately challenging Beryl to a duel—because why not?

The dynamic between Beryl and Lucy is fun, though it leans into some tired tropes. The “older man surrounded by adoring young women” theme has been done to death (“Is this the year of middle-aged dudes surrounded by willing young women?” one viewer joked). That said, Beryl’s weary, “I’m too old for this” attitude makes him endearing, and his interactions with Lucy hint at a mentor-student relationship that could be interesting if developed well.

Animation and Pacing

The animation quality remains consistent, with smooth fight choreography (though there’s not much of it in this episode). Fans of the manga praised the adaptation, with one commenter saying, “The sparring match was better animated than most fights have been recently.”

Pacing, however, is a mixed bag. The episode juggles flashbacks, new character introductions, and slice-of-life moments, which can feel disjointed. Some fans felt the momentum from Episode 1 was lost, while others appreciated the slower, more character-driven approach.

Final Thoughts: A Show with Promise

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman isn’t breaking new ground, but it’s carving out a niche for itself as a laid-back, character-focused fantasy. Episode 2 might not be as exciting as the premiere, but it sets the stage for bigger things—especially with Beryl’s past students starting to reappear.

If you’re here for non-stop action, this might not be your show. But if you enjoy a slow-burn story about an underdog (or in this case, an old dog) proving his worth, stick around. As one fan put it, “I’m here for Beryl’s journey—whether he likes it or not.”

Rating: 7.5/10 – A solid, if uneven, follow-up that keeps the story moving, even if it stumbles a bit along the way.