How A Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom Episode 17

Okay, let's talk How A Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. Specifically, episode 17. Buckle up, buttercups!

Episode 17: The One Where Souma Still Plans...

Seriously, is this anime just 90% planning? Don't get me wrong, I love a good strategy sesh. But my brain needs a little action, you know?

Souma is always like, "Okay, let's analyze this, then this, then this,". I'm over here craving some epic battles! Anyone else feel me?

The Problem of Too Much Talking

Sometimes I think they could solve all their problems with a really good PowerPoint presentation. And maybe a strongly worded letter.

Don't get me wrong, the political intrigue is cool and all. I just wish there was a tad more sword fighting or dragon-riding or...anything other than charts and graphs.

Maybe I'm just impatient. My attention span is about the same as a goldfish these days.

Liselotte: The Real MVP?

Okay, unpopular opinion time: Liselotte is the real brains of this operation. She is the most powerful clairvoyant mage in Friedonia after all.

She's always predicting the next crisis before it even happens. While Souma is busy debating tax policies, Liselotte is probably saving the kingdom from a rogue meteor shower.

Also, she's cute! I may be a bit biased. Just a tiny bit.

The Harem Aspect: Still There

Let's not forget the elephant in the room: the harem. I still don't quite get it.

Souma's got a whole court of beautiful and powerful women vying for his attention. He's outsmarting everyone, and seems like all of the smart and beautiful ladies are attracted to him.

I'm over here struggling to get a text back. The struggle is real.

Unpopular Opinion: Is It Getting Repetitive?

Okay, deep breath. Here it comes. Is the formula getting a little…predictable?

Souma finds a problem. He gathers his council. They brainstorm for approximately 20 minutes. Problem solved! Yay!

I'm starting to feel like I've seen this episode before. Maybe I need to rewatch something completely different. Something with explosions!

Still Watching, Though

Despite my gripes, I'm still tuning in every week. Souma is actually a really interesting main character.

He's clever and compassionate. He actually cares about his people. It's refreshing, even if the plot sometimes feels like a spreadsheet.

Plus, I'm holding out hope for that epic battle. Any day now, right?

Final Verdict: Episode 17 Was…Fine

Episode 17 was…fine. Solidly fine. Not amazing, not terrible. Just…fine.

It moved the plot forward, I guess. But my entertainment levels were only moderately increased.

So, what do you think? Am I being too harsh? Or are you also secretly wishing for a little more action and a little less policy debate? Let me know!

"The kingdom will be rebuilt, one spreadsheet at a time!" - Probably Souma