The Healer Who Was Banished From His Party, Is, in Fact, the Strongest - Episode 2 Review

The second episode of The Healer Who Was Banished From His Party, Is, in Fact, the Strongest continues to explore the life of Raust, a healer whose talents have been misunderstood and undervalued. While the pacing might have felt a bit slow for some viewers, there were still notable moments of character development and interesting hints at what's to come.

Plot Summary: Facing Monsters... Politely?

This episode focuses on Raust and his journey alongside Narsena and Laust as they navigate a dungeon and confront several monsters, including a Hydra and a Lich. What stands out is how unusually patient these monsters are, almost as if they're fans of turn-based RPGs, waiting their turn while the protagonists figure out their strategy. The Hydra seems to hold back as Raust and Narsena strategize, and the Lich, true to form, remains polite enough to let them plan out their next move. While this might seem unusual for an intense battle scenario, it adds a quirky charm to the show’s overall tone.

Character Growth: Raust’s Redemption Arc Begins

One of the highlights of the episode is the further exploration of Raust's character. Despite being banished from his former party, it's becoming clearer that Raust possesses abilities that go beyond just healing. The flashbacks to his time with his former comrades show how misunderstood and mistreated he was, but there’s a sense that Raust is on the verge of a breakthrough, both in terms of realizing his true potential and finding a group that values him.

Narsena and Laust begin to show signs of trust toward Raust, particularly after realizing how crucial his skills are in their current dungeon crawl. However, the episode could have benefited from less back-and-forth on the same topic—many viewers may have felt that the character development dragged on a bit too long without substantial progress.

Monster Encounters: Turn-Based Combat Vibes

As mentioned earlier, the monsters in this episode seem to exhibit an almost gentlemanly behavior, waiting patiently as the adventurers discuss their strategy. The Hydra, despite its fearsome reputation, almost seems to hesitate, as if it knows there's more to Raust than meets the eye. Meanwhile, the Lich, a powerful undead being, stands idly by as our heroes prepare to take it down. It’s as if these monsters are waiting their turn in a classic RPG battle, and while this may frustrate some fans who are looking for more high-stakes action, it adds a touch of humor to the show.

Pacing Issues: Slow Progress

One common criticism of Episode 2 is the slow pacing. Viewers who were hoping for more dynamic action might have found themselves disappointed. The episode takes its time building up the dynamics between the characters, but it could have benefited from tightening up certain scenes, especially during the dungeon exploration. Moments like the extended explanation of the teleport circle and the overly long discussion about the Lich’s invulnerability to physical attacks felt drawn out. The show would be stronger if it balanced character exposition with more streamlined storytelling.

Animation and Visuals: Consistent but Not Spectacular

The animation quality in this episode remains consistent with the first, though there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking. The monsters, such as the Hydra and the Lich, are well-designed but lack the animation fluidity that would make these encounters feel more intense. While this doesn't necessarily detract from the episode, it would have been nice to see more dynamic visuals to accompany the high-stakes nature of a dungeon crawl.

The Humor of RPG Tropes

The lighthearted tone of the show continues with its subtle humor, especially in how it plays with RPG tropes. The monsters' patient behavior and the almost mechanical pace of the combat give off strong turn-based RPG vibes. This approach adds a unique charm to the series, as it doesn't take itself too seriously and embraces the quirks of the fantasy genre. The monsters almost feel like they're playing by the same rules as the protagonists, giving them space to plan and strategize.

Final Thoughts: A Promising but Slow Second Episode

Overall, Episode 2 of The Healer Who Was Banished From His Party, Is, in Fact, the Strongest offers more insight into Raust’s potential, but the pacing issues hold it back from being as engaging as it could be. The patient monsters add a humorous twist, and the show’s RPG-inspired tone is still fun to watch, but viewers who prefer faster-paced storytelling may find themselves wanting more. With some hints at deeper plots—such as the mysterious summoning circles and Raust’s unresolved tension with his former party—there’s enough here to keep fans intrigued for the next episode.

What’s Next?

The post-credits scene teased some exciting developments, and viewers are hopeful that Episode 3 will pick up the pace and provide more action and character growth. As Raust continues to prove his worth, it will be interesting to see how his relationships with Narsena and Laust evolve and whether his former party will realize what they've lost.

What did you think of the pacing in Episode 2? Are you excited to see more of Raust’s growth? Let’s discuss in the comments below!