Kuroshitsuji [Season 5 Episode 1]

Kuroshitsuji Season 5 Episode 1: A Devilishly Delightful Return

After nearly a decade of waiting, Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) is back with its fifth season, Emerald Witch Arc, and the first episode has already set the fandom ablaze with excitement, nostalgia, and a fair share of debates. Directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by A-1 Pictures, this long-awaited return dives into the Public School Arc from Yana Toboso’s manga, bringing Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis, into a new web of intrigue—this time, within the rigid halls of a prestigious British boarding school.

The Premise: A School Full of Secrets

The episode opens with Ciel enrolling at Weston College, a place where discipline is as sharp as the prefects’ glares. The school’s hierarchy is immediately established, with the “Prefect Four” ruling with an iron fist—think Harry Potter meets The Umbrella Academy, but with more tea and less magic. Sebastian, ever the master of disguise, takes on the role of a teacher, blending in seamlessly (because, of course, he does).

Fans who’ve read the manga know this arc is packed with mystery, dark humor, and the signature Kuroshitsuji flair for the dramatic. For newcomers, though, the episode doesn’t hold back on throwing them into the deep end. As one MyAnimeList user pointed out:

“Can this be watched if you haven’t seen any of the previous seasons, just by knowing the gist of the butler being a demon of sorts? xd”

The response? A resounding no. Longtime fans were quick to emphasize that jumping into Season 5 without prior knowledge is like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing. The anime’s continuity is crucial, especially since this season references past events and characters.

Fan Reactions: Love, Nostalgia, and a Few Quibbles

The return of Kuroshitsuji has been met with overwhelming joy, but not without some nitpicks. Here’s what the fandom had to say:

The Good:

1. “Yes, My Lord” Is Back!
   The moment Sebastian uttered those iconic words, fans lost it. One user gushed:

   “That ‘Yes, my lord’ at the end—kyaaaa! I know they were teasing us with it.”

2. Visual Feast
   CloverWorks, the studio behind this season, delivered stunning animation. From the intricate tea-pouring scenes to the eerie atmosphere of the school, the visuals were a highlight.

   “The animation is very pretty! Ciel is so cute when he is trying to manipulate people, hahaha.”

3. Ciel’s Character Growth
   Fans loved seeing Ciel’s development, especially his ability to adapt and manipulate situations—something he honed during the Circus Arc.

   “Ciel learning the smiling skill during the Circus Arc has paid off. I was internally cringing and laughing when he did that cute pose at the end.”

The Not-So-Good:

1. Animation Inconsistencies
   While many praised the visuals, some pointed out awkward CGI moments and stiff scenes.

   “The episode opens with a slideshow. I’m pretty sure everything that does move in the first ENTIRE MINUTE is exclusively CGI.”

2. Missing the Old Vibe
   A few fans felt the darker, gothic tone of earlier seasons was diluted.

   “Where is the darkness? Seems like an idol show with the poses and colors! kekeke.”

3. Confusing for Newcomers
   As mentioned earlier, the episode assumes viewers are already familiar with the lore, which left some scratching their heads.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start

Despite minor hiccups, Kuroshitsuji Season 5 Episode 1 is a solid return to form. The chemistry between Ciel and Sebastian remains as captivating as ever, and the new setting promises fresh mysteries to unravel.

For longtime fans, this episode is a nostalgic reunion. For newcomers? Well, as one fan bluntly put it:

“I wouldn’t recommend it… like at all. Also, I will never understand why people want to jump in the middle of the story.”

So, if you’re new to the series, do yourself a favor and start from the beginning. For the rest of us? The devil’s back, and we couldn’t be happier.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A stylish, if slightly uneven, return to the world of Kuroshitsuji.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to rewatch that tea-pouring scene in slow motion.