I normally just reblog and comment on shit like this but I had to make an actual text post to explain how god damned wonderful Rem and the latest episode of Re:zero was.
For those who don’t know I’m referring to episode 18, which many would think by the premise would be a boring recap episode. BUT IT’S NOT AND IT’S AMAZING. Even with its subdued nature, it’s a small bit of answers to questions from before, like what the creature in the Mansion was, what the whale is, etc. But then the rest of it is essentially a conversation between Rem and Subaru.
AND BOY HOWDY IS IT A CONVERSATION.
Holy fucking ass crackers I can’t begin to describe how well written and how well done this scene is. After three episodes of watching Subaru spiral out of control, when many other shows would deus ex machina it’s way out with some power up or something this show decides to take a breather and spend the entire episode just going “you know what, you’re clearly having a bad time.”
Rem gives a speech that would put most Shoujo to shame and lays it out and finally when all is said and done pushes Subaru back to being “himself” or as much of himself as you can be given the last few episodes.
A lot of people are pissed about the fact that Subaru admits his love for Emilia here despite the entire speech build up but I find that it makes Rem even more endearing.
REM COULD HAVE HAD HER FUTURE SHE WANTED.
She could have just ran off with him and been like “sweet I get him all to myself” but she has too much self respect and is too god damned perfect for that. Instead she knows that she’s being chosen second and knows that he’s hurting so what does she do? Spend the entire episode building him back up.
I find that not only did this ring true to me on a particular friendship I’ve had for a long while now but it also hit me as the sort of thing you see in real life. Some people just genuinely care about you.
And I think that’s kind of something that’s been needed given how much Subaru has been drug through the dirt and how dismal the tone has been. We needed to have a voice outside of what we’ve been dealing with come in and go “Look I know you’re hurting but you can’t give up.”
This was singlehandedly one of the best moments in the series and the episode itself is among some of the best writing between two characters I’ve seen in ages, and it sends one of the strongest messages that could be needed when you’re feeling alone and isolated and worthless like Subaru.
Sometimes, even when someone has NOTHING AT ALL to gain, they’ll be there for you. And that is heroic too. Be the Hero. Never give up.