Izure Saikyou no Renkinjutsushi [Season 1 Episode 12]

Review: Izure Saikyou no Renkinjutsushi? Season 1 Episode 12 – A Bittersweet Farewell?

Izure Saikyou no Renkinjutsushi? (Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time) wrapped up its first season with Episode 12, leaving fans with mixed feelings. The finale, titled “The Final Battle for Wedgefort,” delivered a mix of action, drama, and some questionable animation choices, making it a divisive conclusion to an otherwise decent isekai fantasy.

The Plot: A Clash of Heroes and Villains

The episode centers around Takumi and his party defending the village of Wedgefort from a monster stampede. While the premise sounds exciting, the execution felt rushed to many viewers. The battle scenes, though visually underwhelming (more on that later), did manage to highlight Takumi’s growth as an alchemist and leader. His decision to prioritize healing civilians over conserving potions for the battle sparked debate—some praised his selflessness, while others called it naive.

Meanwhile, the so-called “heroes,” Akira and Yamato, continue their villainous rampage, brainwashed by Sidonia. Their actions in this episode—attacking innocent villages—solidified their status as antagonists, leaving fans eager for their eventual downfall. The unresolved tension with Sidonia hints at a potential second season, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

Fan Reactions: Love, Hate, and Everything In Between

The online discourse around this episode was as varied as the characters in the show. Here’s a quick breakdown of what fans had to say:

1. The Good:
2. Many appreciated the teamwork between Takumi’s party and the new all-female squad introduced in the finale. The dynamic added freshness to the battle, even if the animation didn’t always do it justice.
3. Takumi’s final blow against the commanding monster was a standout moment, earning praise for its intensity.

4. The tease of a potential romance between Takumi and Sofia (the elf) kept shippers invested, though some felt it was underdeveloped.

5. The Bad:

6. The animation quality took a nosedive in this episode. Fans pointed out awkward zoom-out effects, still frames, and a general lack of fluidity in action scenes. One user joked, “Was that a slideshow or a fight scene?”
7. Sofia’s reckless behavior during the battle frustrated viewers, with some calling her actions “pointless drama.” Her tendency to throw herself into danger without thinking felt forced to many.

8. The pacing was another sore point. The episode crammed too much into its runtime, leaving little room for emotional payoff. The confrontation with the “heroes” was teased but never fully realized, leaving fans unsatisfied.

9. The Hopeful:

10. Despite its flaws, the episode left the door open for a second season. Fans are eager to see Takumi and his allies take on Sidonia and the corrupted heroes. As one Reddit user put it, “This show has potential—it just needs better execution.”

Final Verdict: A Middling End to a Middling Season

Izure Saikyou no Renkinjutsushi? Season 1 was, by most accounts, a textbook example of a “generic isekai.” It hit all the expected tropes—OP protagonist, harem undertones, and a villainous organization—but didn’t bring much innovation to the table. Episode 12 encapsulated this perfectly: it had moments of fun and excitement but was bogged down by weak animation and rushed storytelling.

For fans of the genre, it’s a harmless watch—neither groundbreaking nor offensively bad. But if you’re looking for something fresh or emotionally gripping, this might not be the show for you.

Rating: 6/10 – Decent but forgettable. Here’s hoping a potential Season 2 steps up its game.

What did you think of the finale? Let me know in the comments!