Anime

In case anyone else caught it, yes the dwarf in the party was checking out Rudeus's butt. It was established earlier in the series that the dwarf was gay.

Wife and I really loved the episode. Given the time it's taken for Rudeus to get there, I really would have liked a little check-in on Sylphie - but the epic ending made up for that little shortcoming.

I haven't read the novels or anything, so I'm really wanting to know how big the regret is coming down the pipe for Rudeus. I'm guessing it would have to be pretty huge, weighing the fact that if he hadn't come, Roxy would have died.

I know in the novel reunion moment was foreshadowed when roxy dreamed of ideal man that will save her from great peril.

peak fiction

So many great things about this episode.

Paul and Rudeus' mended relationship. He's certainly better than he was before, as a human being, but still being recognisably Paul - a pervert who tries to brag about stuff and look cool in front of his son. Also mending his relationship with Elinalise, with Rudeus' internal voice mocking Paul for not knowing that they're "family" now, mwahaha.

Geese still calling Rudeus senpai, after all those years. That TP book happening to be just perfect to brave that labyrinth would, most of the time, feel like a deus ex machina; but here it felt incredibly natural.

But the cherry on the cake was the end of the episode. It was just... right, you know? Roxy being surrounded by monsters, losing all hope, only to see the threat suddenly gone and some young man - her saviour - walking in, with a smile on his face. They could've animated Rudeus reaching her (how did he know that she was there?) but I guess that they'll do it for the next episode?

Like that other user often says... peak fiction.