Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time [Season 1 Episode 9]

Episode 9 Review: “Decision” – Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time

A Turning Point for Takumi and Friends

The ninth episode of Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time, titled “Decision,” marks a pivotal moment in the series. After surviving a surprise attack by the Kamui Squad, Takumi and his companions finally grasp the gravity of their situation: the Sidonia Divine Empire and the Church of Shinko are now targeting Takumi directly. The episode blends action, strategy, and character development, leaving fans buzzing with theories and reactions.

The Plot Thickens

The episode opens with the aftermath of the Kamui Squad’s ambush, showcasing Takumi’s growing prowess as an alchemist. His ability to craft powerful artifacts on the fly continues to impress, but the real tension lies in the political machinations unfolding around him. The Sidonia Empire’s interest in Takumi isn’t just about his skills—it’s about control. Meanwhile, the Church of Shinko’s involvement hints at a deeper conspiracy, one that might tie back to the goddess who summoned Takumi in the first place.

Fans on MyAnimeList have pointed out how this episode shifts the tone from “OP protagonist doing OP things” to a more nuanced narrative. One user noted, “Finally, the stakes feel real. Takumi can’t just alchemy his way out of everything when entire nations are gunning for him.”

Character Dynamics Shine

One of the highlights of this episode is the evolving dynamic between Takumi and his companions. Maria, the sharp-tongued maid, and Sofia, the cursed elf, get more screen time, and their loyalty to Takumi is tested. Sofia’s backstory—particularly the revelation about her sealed magic—adds emotional weight to the story.

A Reddit thread discussing the episode praised Sofia’s character arc: “She went from ‘tsundere elf’ to ‘ride-or-die comrade’ in record time, and I’m here for it.” Meanwhile, Maria’s no-nonsense attitude provides much-needed comic relief, especially when she calls Takumi out for his occasional naivety.

The Alchemy of World-Building

The series has been criticized for its reliance on stat screens and game-like mechanics, but Episode 9 dials back on those elements to focus on storytelling. The political intrigue between Sidonia and the Church of Shinko feels fresh, and fans are eager to see how Takumi navigates this new challenge.

One MyAnimeList commenter summed it up well: “The show’s finally embracing its potential. If it keeps this up, it might actually live up to its title.”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

As with any isekai, reactions are mixed. Some viewers adore the blend of action and strategy, while others find the pacing uneven. A recurring critique is the show’s handling of slavery—a trope that’s become all too common in isekai. One fan wrote, “The ‘nice slave owner’ angle is still weird, but at least Sofia and Maria have agency now.”

On the flip side, others appreciate the show’s self-awareness. “It’s not pretending to be high art,” noted a Reddit user. “It’s just fun, and sometimes that’s enough.”

Final Verdict

Episode 9 of Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time is a step in the right direction. It balances action, character growth, and world-building while setting the stage for bigger conflicts. If the series maintains this momentum, it could very well become one of the standout isekai of the season.

For now, fans are left with one burning question: Will Takumi’s alchemy be enough to outmaneuver an entire empire?

What did you think of Episode 9? Share your thoughts in the comments!