‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Season 2 Episode 7 review: “The Divine Revolte”

In more ways than one, Frieren Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episode 7 is the calm before the storm. Both in actuality and in the general tone. Because even before the demon Revolte shows up, there’s an oppressive sense of foreboding that permeates the narrative. From the moment we learn how Genau’s (Tarusuke Shingaki) former partner died to the group’s division and the climactic battles, the taut writing ensnares us in a breathtaking culmination of the buildup. And this is only the beginning.

While he was first introduced in Season 1, Genau is much more interesting this time around. Embodying countless contradictions, his main objective stems from the loss of his former partner. A partner whose altruistic heroism led him to his demise, who died while trying to protect a child, rather than fighting a demon. Genau, at the time, couldn’t wrap his head around this. And yet, his inability to understand his partners’ rush to save an innocent child doesn’t shield him from his own aloof compassion. He’s not emotionless; he can’t readily define his own decision-making.

Because after the group work to identify what demon led the attack, he decides to stay in an effort to watch over the corpses of the deceased villagers. One of which includes a friend who, even after his passing, Genau took the time to, in a moment of poignant tenderness, brush his hair away from his face. Genau, in many ways, appears at first like Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki). Matter of fact. Yet his humanity seeps through, forcing him to confront things much quicker than the hundreds of years Frieren needs to understand the significance of human life.

Stark and Genau present two different forms of bravery.

It’s why the really important counterpart for Genau is our lovable, good-natured coward, Stark (Chiaki Kobayashi). Stark, who instantly decides to stay behind with Genau. The simplicity of the act highlights Stark’s unexpected bravery, despite his constant bemoaning of danger. He is a true warrior and a kind one. And it’s something that Genau, at first, infers is a bad thing, especially in relation to his fallen comrade.

“Stark, you’re a good person. People like you don’t tend to live long. ” What’s so captivating about these grounded moments is how much it highlights that, in many ways, Genau and Stark are similar. Both had their home villages decimated by demons. Both have a person (Genau’s friend and Stark’s brother) who embodies what it means to be truly virtuous. They’re both capable, but they charge ahead and persevere through differing methods. Stark’s fear and compassion push him forward, forcing him to act on impulse. Genau is led more by duty than emotional obligation. And yet, in “The Divine Revolte,” they meet in the middle, and the effect is stirring.

Directed by Aimi Yamauchi and storyboarded by Daiki Harashina and Keiichirō Saitō, Frieren Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episode 7 delivers exceptional scope. It’s evident in the fight in the woods between Fern (Kana Ichinose), Frieren, and Methode (Reina Ueda), as the accomplices of the big bad descend on them. But it’s the battle between the Divine Revolte (Shinichiro Miki), Stark, and Genau that stuns.

Frieren Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episode 7 ensures we feel the power of Revolte.

The scale is immense, heightened by the Revolte’s character design. With four arms all wielding immense blades and half of his body being that of a snake, he casts an ominous figure. That, in contrast with his composed, inquisitive demeanor, makes him that much more threatening. Because he’s not looking at the humans in front of him as threats but as curiosities.

The direction ensures that we understand just how looming and powerful he is, taking us to Stark and Genau’s eye level to take in the monstrous effect. There’s real tangible weight to each blow they’re dealt, as Stark in particular works to evade rather than attack head-on.

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook Frieren’s consistent excellence. This is, in part, because it exists in an era of series like Jujutsu Kaisen, where each week delivers high-impact, noteworthy, and trendy animation. But Frieren Beyond Journey’s End is just as good. Frankly, it’s better. The use of hand-drawn animation and physicality keeps it grounded, aided by an emotional story to back it up. (Both series are good, obviously.)

Madhouse is delivering constant excellence.

Essentially, Frieren makes it all look easy. So much so that, by the time an explosive sequence arrives, such as the duel with Revolte, the effect is hypnotic. Because all of the pieces that have been in play up until now – strong writing, superb character work, expansive worldbuilding – plus the team of artists who ensure a detailed landscape, come together to create something epic. It’s where the slice-of-life transforms into a fantastical, grandiose production.

And so much of this is further aided by the pivotal score from Evan Call. Call’s work has always anchored the story. In many ways, the effect wouldn’t be the same without him. Frieren Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episode 7 doubles down on this. Perhaps the greatest compliment is that, more than any other production, it’s the closest musical work to recall the emotions of Howard Shore’s compositions for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Evocative, timeless, teaming with melancholy, with just enough whimsy to keep us afloat.

Bathed in warm sunset hues, “The Divine Revolte” tees us up for an action-packed standoff. Between the empathetic writing and a production that continues to prove it’s one of the best fantasy adaptations (stories, period) today, Frieren Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episode 7 promises even greater heights.

Frieren Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Episode 7 is available now on Crunchyroll. 

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Images courtesy of Madhouse/Crunchyroll.