Saikyou no Ousama Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani o Suru [Season 1 Episode 3]

“The Beginning After the End” Season 1 Episode 3: A Step Forward or Just Another Slide?

Introduction
The Beginning After the End (TBATE) has been a hot topic among anime fans, especially after its first two episodes left many divided. Episode 3, titled “The Strongest King’s Second Life: What Will He Do?”, continues the journey of Arthur Leywin (formerly King Grey) as he navigates his reincarnated life in a world of magic and monsters. While the story holds promise, the execution—particularly the animation—has been a major point of contention. Let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this episode manages to redeem itself.

The Story So Far

For those unfamiliar, The Beginning After the End follows King Grey, a ruler who had everything—power, wealth, fame—but no genuine connections. After his death, he’s reborn as Arthur Leywin, a child in a magical world. This time, he’s determined to live differently, cherishing the bonds he forms. Episode 3 introduces Sylvia, a mysterious dragon-like figure who becomes a pivotal character in Arthur’s growth.

Fans of the original manhwa (Korean webcomic) have high expectations, and the anime’s adaptation has been… controversial, to say the least.

Fan Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

1. The Positives: Character Development & World-Building

Some viewers appreciated the slower pace of Episode 3, calling it a “meaningful” step in Arthur’s journey.

• Sylvia’s Introduction: Her appearance was a highlight. Fans noted her dark armor form and the immediate chemistry with Arthur. One commenter said, “Sylvia’s presence adds depth to Arthur’s character. She’s not just a mentor but a bridge to his past life.”
• Magic Progression: Arthur’s magical abilities take a leap forward, which was satisfying for those invested in his growth. “Finally, we see him push his limits,” a fan remarked.
• Soundtrack & Atmosphere: The music continues to be a strong point, with one viewer praising it as “the only consistently good thing about this adaptation.”

2. The Negatives: Animation Woes

Unfortunately, the biggest gripe remains the animation quality.

• “PowerPoint Animation”: This term has been thrown around a lot, and Episode 3 didn’t escape it. Many scenes relied on still frames, making action sequences feel stiff. One frustrated fan wrote, “The fights moved, but it was garbage CGI. Why even bother?”
• Rushed Pacing: Some felt the episode crammed too much into its runtime. “Arthur calling Sylvia ‘family’ after what felt like two days? That’s whiplash,” a comment read.
• Deviations from the Source: Hardcore fans were upset with changes, like Arthur crying upon meeting Sylvia—something that didn’t happen in the manhwa. “They’re butchering his character,” one lamented.

3. The Mixed Bag: Is It Getting Better?

A few viewers noticed slight improvements:

• “The animation was a tiny bit better than Episodes 1 and 2. Maybe the backlash is working?”
• “It’s not great, but it’s not unwatchable. I’ll stick around for the story.”

Others, however, are losing patience. “If the animation doesn’t improve soon, I’m dropping this,” said one disillusioned fan.

Comparisons & Controversies

TBATE has been compared to Mushoku Tensei, another reincarnation-themed anime. While Mushoku Tensei is praised for its animation and storytelling, TBATE’s adaptation has fallen short for many.

• “TBATE’s story is good, but the anime feels like a cheap knockoff of better isekai.”
• “Mushoku Tensei set the bar too high. This just feels lazy.”

Some fans defended TBATE, arguing that the source material deserves better treatment. “This manhwa is amazing. The anime? Not so much.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a fan of the manhwa, Episode 3 offers some key moments, but the animation might frustrate you. For newcomers, the story is intriguing, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

Rating: 6/10 (Decent story, subpar animation).

Will It Improve? Only time will tell. For now, TBATE remains a divisive adaptation—one that could either rise to the occasion or continue to disappoint.

What do you think? Are you sticking with it, or has the “PowerPoint animation” driven you away? Let’s discuss!

Sources: MyAnimeList, Anime-Planet, and fan discussions.