Ep 8. Wilhelm van Astrea

Subaru has succeeded in eliminating the White Whale, which is a great step towards making the sanctuary a peaceful place for the inhabitants. However, Subaru's troubles are far from over as the Witch's Cult now poses a new threat. In Re:ZERO season 2 episode 8, titled "Wilhelm van Astrea," the focus shifts to an important character who has been present for some time: Wilhelm. The episode delves into his past and sheds light on his motivations and past grievances.

The episode begins with a flashback that shows a younger Wilhelm who is grieving the death of his wife. It is revealed that his wife was killed by the White Whale, which leaves him with an insatiable desire for revenge. His mourning and anger lead him to join a group of knights who have sworn to avenge the incident, and he is determined to be the one to take down the Whale. The flashback ends with Wilhelm becoming the sword demon and charging towards the monster with his trusted weapon under the guidance of an old knight.

In the present, Wilhelm is still fighting the Witch's Cult as part of Emilia's camp. He is a skilled fighter and has taken down many of the cult's members, but his desire for revenge remains unfulfilled. The episode explores his inner conflicts and deepest motivations, which lie beyond his desire for revenge. Emotional scenes illustrate his relationship with his wife, Theresia, who he loved deeply. He is shown to be tormented by memories of her, and his loss fuels his anger.

Later in the episode, Wilhelm's motivations are tested when he learns that Thearesia was also a swordswoman who fought against the White Whale alongside him. He is dumbfounded and cannot come to terms with the revelation, which leads him to question everything he believed about his wife. However, he soon realizes that Thearesia was not motivated by revenge and that it was her compassion for the people who drove her to fight. He realizes that her legacy was a selfless one, and it forces him to question his own motivations.

The episode is an emotional journey that explores Wilhelm's past, motivations, and conflicts. While many episodes of Re:ZERO are filled with action and suspense, "Wilhelm van Astrea" takes a different approach by focusing on character development. It feels like a refreshing change of pace and adds depth to an already complex character. It also helps to shed light on the Witch's Cult, which has been shrouded in mystery up until this point.

Overall, Re:ZERO season 2 episode 8, "Wilhelm van Astrea," is an essential episode for fans of the show. It is an emotional journey that is beautifully executed and offers new insights into one of the show's most beloved characters. Viewers will be left with a deeper understanding of Wilhelm's motivations and will be eager to see what lies ahead for him.