Demon Lord, Retry! R - Episode 3 Review

Episode 3 of Demon Lord, Retry! R finally takes a step forward, shaking off the two recap episodes that left many fans frustrated. While there are some notable improvements in terms of story development, certain elements—like the overly loud music—continue to distract from the overall experience. Let’s break down what worked, what didn’t, and where this episode stands in the series so far.

Plot Overview: A Labyrinth Adventure and Village Chaos

The episode kicks off with Kunai on his way to the infamous Prison Labyrinth, accompanied by Mikan and Yukikaze. Kunai remains his calm, composed self, while Mikan deals with the typical embarrassments one expects from a lighthearted isekai, and Yukikaze continues being, well, a little too enthusiastic with innuendos and suggestive humor.

Meanwhile, back at Rabby Village, we see a much darker subplot unfold as mercenaries, led by the despicable Milligan, launch an attack. Thankfully, the village defense system proves effective, turning the would-be invaders into fertilizer for the ever-loyal Yu to use for growing flowers. While this part of the episode is both grim and efficient, it also adds a strange humor to the chaos as the village's unique defense system works without a hitch.

As Kunai explores the labyrinth, the episode introduces new enemies, magic users, and even an AI running the dungeon, setting the stage for more intrigue in the coming episodes. However, it’s clear that Kunai’s real challenge lies not in the labyrinth, but in the overall complexities of this world.

Music Issues: The Volume is Distracting

A consistent problem throughout Episode 3—and one echoed by many viewers—is the background music. It’s excessively loud, often drowning out dialogue and breaking the immersion of certain scenes. This issue has plagued the season since the start, and it feels as though the production team hasn’t quite figured out how to balance the sound mixing. For a show like Demon Lord, Retry!, where humor and character interactions are key, the music should complement the scene, not overpower it. Hopefully, future episodes will resolve this issue.

Characters: Yukikaze’s Over-the-Top Humor and Mikan’s Dilemma

Yukikaze continues to push the boundaries of comedic relief, but the sheer volume of innuendos feels overdone at times. While fans of the character may enjoy his antics, others might find the constant barrage of suggestive jokes a bit too much. Mikan, on the other hand, is stuck playing the straight man to Yukikaze’s over-the-top behavior, and her redesign, which makes her look noticeably younger, has been met with mixed reactions.

Kunai remains as unflappable as ever, handling every situation with a level of calm that adds to his charm as the Demon Lord. His exploration of the Prison Labyrinth doesn’t showcase any significant character development, but it does reveal new elements about the world, particularly with the AI that controls the dungeon.

Visuals: Animation and Design Choices

The character redesigns have been a hot topic since the start of this season. Mikan’s drastic shift from a busty warrior to a younger, more cutesy look is one of the most jarring changes, and it’s clear that fans are divided on whether they like it or not. Some say the changes align more with the manga’s art style, while others miss the more mature designs from season 1. Regardless of where you stand, it’s undeniable that the new designs have altered the tone of the show.

On the animation front, the episode was a slight improvement over the recaps, but it’s still not reaching the standards set by the first season. Some scenes, particularly the action sequences, felt rushed, and there were a few noticeable animation errors. While the animation doesn’t ruin the experience, it does hold back the episode from being as impactful as it could be.

The Darker Side of the Story

Despite the comedic elements, this episode also brings out some darker themes. Milligan, the antagonist in the Rabby Village subplot, is particularly vile, and his cruelty toward the villagers adds a layer of tension to the otherwise lighthearted tone. The village’s response, led by Yu, is both brutal and oddly satisfying as the invaders meet a grim fate.

The show’s ability to shift between comedy and darker, more serious moments is one of its strengths, but the abrupt transitions can sometimes feel jarring. That said, the subplot involving the village attack does help move the story forward and gives the supporting characters like Yu and Tahara a chance to shine.

Final Thoughts: Room for Improvement, But Progress Is Being Made

Episode 3 of Demon Lord, Retry! R shows some signs of progress after the rough start of the season, but it’s not without its issues. The loud music, inconsistent animation quality, and over-reliance on certain jokes continue to hold the series back. However, the plot is beginning to move forward, and the mix of humor, action, and darker themes creates an interesting balance.

For fans who’ve stuck around this long, Episode 3 might be enough to keep you watching for another week. However, it’s clear that the show still has a lot of work to do if it wants to recapture the charm and excitement of the first season. Hopefully, the next few episodes will see a rise in quality, both in terms of animation and sound design.

What did you think of the episode? Were you also distracted by the loud music? Share your thoughts below!