Ep 17. A Journey Through Memories

Subaru continues his quest for victory in the latest episode of Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – season 2. Episode 17, titled “A Journey Through Memories,” takes viewers on an emotional journey as Subaru reflects on his past and the events that have led him to his current predicament.

Starting off from where episode 16 left off, A Journey Through Memories begins with Subaru being taken to the Witch of Greed's tomb. Inside, he comes across Echidna's library, where he is confronted by the Spirit of Wrath, who tests his resolve. After passing the test, Subaru is able to consult with Echidna, who provides him with invaluable insights into his past and the various people he has met on his journey.

Subaru is then transported into a dreamlike state, where he revisits several key moments in his life. This includes the day he was banished from his home and first met Emilia, the time he was killed by Rem and woke up back in the mansion, and his final battle with Petelgeuse. In each of these memory sequences, Subaru gains a deeper understanding of the importance of his relationships with the people around him and the impact that his actions have on others.

One of the most emotionally charged scenes in the episode comes towards the end, where Subaru reunites with his parents. This is a particularly powerful moment, as Subaru has previously avoided confronting his feelings about his family and his never-ending cycle of death and rebirth. Through this interaction, he comes to terms with his grief and sadness and finally moves on from the past.

From a technical standpoint, A Journey Through Memories is a standout episode. The animation is stunning, with each memory sequence being beautifully rendered and visually distinct from the others. The voice acting is particularly noteworthy, with Yusuke Kobayashi delivering an outstanding performance as Subaru.

Despite being primarily focused on character development, the episode also adds some important information to the series’ overarching plot. Through his conversations with Echidna, Subaru learns about the Witch of Envy, Satella, and her connection to Emilia. He also discovers that his Return by Death ability may be linked to her in some way.

Overall, Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – season 2 episode 17 is a standout entry in the series. It strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and plot development, and offers viewers a fascinating insight into Subaru’s past and the events that have shaped him.