From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman [Season 1 Episode 3]

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman – Episode 3 Review: A Battle of Wits and Flashbacks

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If you’re looking for an anime that blends slow-burn character development with some genuinely slick swordplay, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman might just be your next binge. Episode 3, titled The Old Country Bumpkin Weathers a Fierce Attack, delivers on the promise of its title—but not without a few hiccups that have fans divided.

The Plot So Far

Beryl Gardinant, our “humble old man” protagonist, is a retired swordsman turned rural dojo instructor who’s suddenly thrust back into the spotlight when his former pupil, Allucia, recruits him to train the kingdom’s elite knights. Episode 3 kicks off with Beryl facing off against Lucy Diamond, a powerful mage who challenges him to a duel. What follows is a battle that’s less about brute strength and more about strategy—something fans are loving.

The Good: Tactical Combat and Character Depth

One of the standout moments in this episode is Beryl’s fight with Lucy. Unlike typical shonen battles where power-ups and screaming dominate, Beryl relies on observation, timing, and technique to outmaneuver his opponent. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “I do like that he beats opponents with observation and technical skill rather than raw strength.” It’s refreshing to see a protagonist who wins with brains over brawn, especially in a genre saturated with overpowered MCs.

Another highlight is the flashback involving Surena, a former student of Beryl’s whose tragic backstory is revealed. While some fans appreciated the emotional weight it added (“Her parents were killed by wild beasts… Beryl took her in and trained her”), others felt it disrupted the pacing. Still, the depth it gives to Beryl’s relationships with his students is undeniable.

The Not-So-Good: Pacing and Flashback Fatigue

Ah, flashbacks—the double-edged sword of anime storytelling. While Surena’s backstory is compelling, the way it’s inserted into the episode has sparked debate. One fan lamented: “Once again, a show giving us a fine example of how not to handle backstory and flashbacks. What momentum the show built came to a screeching halt.” Another added: “If they do the same thing with all his former students, this show will be a real yawn fest.”

The concern isn’t unwarranted. With multiple former pupils set to reappear, there’s a risk of the narrative becoming bogged down by exposition. That said, some speculate that these flashbacks might be setting up spin-off material (“The adventurer girl’s flashback feels like promo for her new manga”), which could explain the heavy-handed approach.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

The discourse around this episode is split. On one side, you’ve got viewers who adore Beryl’s understated badassery and the show’s focus on skill over spectacle. On the other, there’s frustration with the pacing and the “middle-aged dude surrounded by young women” trope (“Is this the year of middle-aged dudes surrounded by willing young women?”).

Interestingly, the dub vs. sub debate also popped up, with one fan praising the Japanese VA for nailing Beryl’s “I’m too old for this shit” vibe, while others found the English dub lacking.

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman is a mixed bag. The fight choreography and Beryl’s tactical brilliance shine, but the pacing stumbles under the weight of flashbacks. Whether you’ll love this episode depends on how much patience you have for backstory dumps.

That said, the show’s unique take on the “washed-up mentor” trope and its grounded action sequences make it worth sticking around. Here’s hoping future episodes find a better balance between character development and momentum.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A solid entry with room to grow.

What did you think of Episode 3? Let me know in the comments!