The Beginning After the End [Season 1 Episode 1]

The Beginning After the End – Season 1 Episode 1: A Rocky Start or Hidden Potential?

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of The Beginning After the End (TBATE) has finally arrived, and the internet is buzzing—though not always for the right reasons. Episode 1, titled The End of the Tunnel, introduces us to King Grey, a formidable ruler in his past life who finds himself reborn as a baby in a magical world. While the premise is intriguing, the execution has left fans divided. Some praise the emotional depth and storytelling, while others are quick to criticize the animation and pacing. Let’s dive into what makes this episode a hot topic among anime fans.

The Premise: A King Reborn

The episode opens with King Grey in his original world, showcasing his ruthless combat skills before transitioning to his reincarnation as Arthur Leywin. The contrast between his cold, solitary past and his warm, loving new family is striking. Arthur’s parents, Alice and Reynolds, are immediately endearing, and their interactions with baby Arthur add a layer of sweetness to the otherwise intense narrative.

Fans of the original webcomic appreciate the faithfulness to the source material, with minor tweaks that don’t disrupt the core story. However, newcomers might find the pacing a bit slow, as the episode spends a significant amount of time establishing Arthur’s internal monologue and his adjustment to his new life.

The Good: Emotional Depth and World-Building

One of the standout aspects of this episode is its emotional weight. Arthur’s past as a lonely king contrasts sharply with the affection he receives from his new family. This dynamic has resonated with viewers, especially those who enjoy character-driven stories. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it:
“Arthur had no one to care for or cherish in his past life, nor did anyone cherish him. But in this new world, he has loving parents and will meet people who truly value him.”

The world-building, though minimal in this episode, hints at a rich fantasy setting with magic and political intrigue. The brief glimpses of Arthur’s future as an adult tease a larger narrative, leaving viewers curious about how his journey will unfold.

The Bad: Animation Woes and Mixed Reactions

Unfortunately, the animation quality has become a major point of contention. Many fans expected a more polished adaptation, given the popularity of the webcomic. Instead, the episode relies heavily on static shots and panning sequences, making it feel less dynamic than it should. One frustrated viewer lamented:
“I counted at least the first 8/10 scenes being the screen sliding up then down then left then right. The soundtrack? Ass. The art I could deal with, but the 23 minutes of slideshow? Heartbreaking.”

Comparisons to Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation—another isekai with a reincarnated protagonist—have been inevitable. While TBATE shares thematic similarities, its animation falls short of the fluid, detailed work seen in Mushoku Tensei. Some fans argue that the studio behind TBATE (rumored to be a lesser-known team) didn’t do justice to the source material.

The Music: A Silver Lining

Despite the criticism, the opening theme has received widespread praise. Described as “fire” by multiple fans, the OP stands out as one of the episode’s strongest elements. The ending theme, however, has been met with mixed reactions—some find it forgettable, while others appreciate its subdued tone.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The discourse around TBATE’s first episode is polarized. Some viewers are willing to overlook its flaws, focusing instead on the story’s potential:
“It’s only the first episode, so they have plenty of time to develop the world. I’ll stick around for now.”

Others, particularly fans of the webcomic, are less forgiving:
“I would rather have my work not animated at all than see it completely butchered. TurtleMe really fumbled this one.”

A recurring sentiment is disappointment in the adaptation’s quality, especially when compared to other isekai anime. However, there’s also a vocal minority who enjoyed the episode for its heartfelt moments and intriguing setup.

Final Verdict: A Cautious Optimism

The Beginning After the End Episode 1 is a mixed bag. It excels in emotional storytelling and character dynamics but falters in animation quality and pacing. Whether it improves in future episodes remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that the anime has a lot to prove to its passionate fanbase.

If you’re a fan of isekai or character-driven narratives, TBATE might still be worth a watch—just temper your expectations. As one optimistic viewer put it:
“I didn’t hate it. It’s watchable. And I just hope they saved the budget for the most important fight scenes.”

Only time will tell if The Beginning After the End can rise above its rocky start and deliver the epic fantasy adventure fans have been waiting for.

Rating: 6/10 (for now—potential to climb or drop sharply).

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!