OP Sequence

OP: 「Mob mentality」by Mili

「小鬼を殺す者」 (Saki o korosu mono)
"Goblin Slayer"

With the memes raining down and everyone and their Bowsette waifu caring grandmother voicing opinions on this season's contentious highpoint I think we all know where we stand on Goblin Slayer by now. Even being only the second week in this show has already established itself as this season's most provocative offering (Tokyo Ghoul train wrecks don't count), and as highlighted this episode that fact won't be changing anytime soon. You best learn to like the edge, because it's only going to get sharper from here on out.

After the vivid events of last week I was expecting something similar to grace our screens this time around (if you've read any spoilers you know what I mean), but instead we got treated to an otherwise normal episode. Well, as normal as gritty fantasy violence can be. As expected a little history on Goblin Slayer was revealed, with the guy originating from a quaint little village home to the always cute (and ever voluptuous) childhood friend who also provides lodging while our iron-clad terminator takes care of business. Even without reading the light novels it's easy to guess what might have transformed a pouty brat into the (goblin) devil incarnate: something small and green tried acquainting themselves with the Slayer's friends and family, resulting in a transformation yielding the monster before us. Obviously a little more complex than that of course, but Goblin Slayer's routine and his single-minded focus tells the tale more than any info dump ever could. This guy is on a mission from God, and no one is going to stand in his way.

Beyond the stark portrayal of goblin slaying though, what particularly makes this simple setup work are the quirks of the characters involved. For example I've already mentioned Goblin Slayer's morning routine, but I like how the guy possesses a no nonsense, few words spoken personality which is engrained enough to eat with his armour on—say what you will, but that shows some serious dedication to the mission. Likewise our little Priestess has also grown with a commitment to helping her new partner and an unflinching willingness (well, mostly unflinching) to using otherwise "pure" magic/prayers in roles they weren't originally intended for. It's a good bit of personality for a largely one track show, and one small highlight which eliminates some of my concern about things only being about the visual (and visceral) satisfaction of impaling small green things on long pointy sticks. If Goblin Slayer and Priestess have some backstory explanations awaiting us, you can bet the rest of our yet unnamed cast will too, and such discovery ensures the inevitable goblin slaying will be that much more impactful when it happens.

One way or another there's a story plan in place when it comes to this fantasy bloodletting, and likely not a moment too soon. With another chunk of our cast looking set to join with our licensed exterminator, you can bet the green pointy eared fun and games are not far behind.

ED Sequence

ED: 「銀の祈誓」 (Gin no Kisei) by Soraru

Preview