I was also initially frustrated with the exam arc. Looking back on it, it contributes significant to the idea that the world moves on and how humans take magic and use it in new ways. I would have preferred to move more quickly through there, but rushing the story would be ironic.
Comment on What is a perfect anime?
Hoimo@ani.social 6 days agoMy only complaint about Frieren is the exam arc. Up till that point, it’s a tightly knit group of adventurers traveling with a very vague goal, it’s about their journey and their internal relationships. But the exam arc has an actual goal and introduces a lot of recurring characters, which really changes the vibe of the world. I liked it enough in the end, but I would’ve preferred more smaller arcs. On the other hand, season 2 could put the exam arc in a whole new light and make me appreciate all those characters much more when we see them again.
SpikesOtherDog@ani.social 6 days ago
Shihali@sh.itjust.works 6 days ago
As a manga reader, I disliked the exam arc, but I’ve appreciated what has been built on it and you’ll see that in season 2.
mo_lave@reddthat.com 5 days ago
spoiler
The fight against fake Frieren alone made it a great arc for me