Score: A-

Another excellent episode from Frieren. They set up the Stark and Fern date and certainly that lived up to expectations! A flawless date for these two would just make no sense. They have to drive the viewers a bit crazy along the way first! But I think both the characters and the viewers get to leave this episode happy and hopeful for the future. I won’t deny that I wasn’t sure how things were going to go. But at least we got a nice date and even a good fight in this episode. The characters just keep on with their journey. It’s a process and I don’t mind how this season has almost entirely focused on this trio.

An amusing struggle for these two

The date definitely struggled early on. Which, I totally get. Not like either of them are dating prodigies. But it’s not as if neither cared. Stark did try to prepare a plan the previous day. Fern was clearly hyped up when picking her outfit and was looking forward to it. But there’s a lack of smoothness that very much fits Stark in particular. Missed the opportunity to compliment Fern’s outfit, the chance to buy her that trinket, and had a tough time finding the right words. But I guess going out to shop for Fern’s birthday present really does have a different feel to something they acknowledge as a date going in. So it’s not like past experience was helping here.

I won’t say it’s all Stark though. Fern could’ve fished for a compliment or state that she did want that necklace. I get that she doesn’t want to just ask for things in that situation. It’s understandable for Fern to want Stark to pick up the clues himself. Just like I get why on a date she didn’t just want them talking about Frieren. She’s obviously a huge part of their lives, especially for Fern. But…it’s a date. Talking about each other is something she clearly was hoping for more of.

The smile is all that matters

But that’s fine. As Himmel said, even if things don’t go as planned you can still enjoy the process. The date wasn’t ideal and didn’t go as planned. But so what? It was still something formed by the two of them wanting it to be a good one and thinking about the other person. Stark wanted to do things to make Fern happy and pushed himself for that reason. And Fern was simply happy at the intent behind it. Not as if the date was a total miss either. They still had fun near the end and will have many more opportunities in the future. And no doubt that Fern’s happy waddle as they left the town reflected everything that needed to be said!

This guy was no joke!

This episode hits home exactly why Frieren needed a front liner for this journey. Not to mention why Eisen turned her down. The Northern Plateau is no joke. Eisen is likely still pretty strong, but the monsters in that region are certainly over what an older dwarf like him can manage. No wonder he suggested Stark for this. It’s a great test that will pull the best out of Stark, but it’s also insanely dangerous. Even Frieren wasn’t having an easy time there. A monster like that can move fast, strike hard, and leave few openings.

Just one fight got the message across. Frieren is a legend, Fern a 1st class mage, and Stark is a powerhouse. But just being individually strong won’t be enough in this region. They are going to need to elevate their teamwork if they want to survive this. We did see good signs in this episode to be sure. Stark catching Fern who was going to be flung hard into a tree, Fern guarding Stark with magic at the right moments, and Frieren staying evasive to score the deciding blow. But it also shows how rough their teamwork is a present. Could see that with Fern struggling to find openings to attack with Stark in close combat with the monster.

He is the man

This was just another excellent episode. I did appreciate the focus given both on the light date and the deadly threats ahead. And of course “it’s what Himmel the Hero would’ve done.” Himmel is such a force that even decades after his death he’s still changing lives for the better. Through his companions Fern and Stark were taken in and raised into who they are today. Frieren is taking the example that Himmel set and sharing it with others. The man deserves to be the legend he still is. No idea how many years in the future it will take to see Frieren finally meet with Himmel’s spirit. But it’ll be worth it.