Mushoku Tensei’s Rudeus isn’t an anti-hero, he’s just rude, and one moment proves it

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is no stranger to controversy with a disabled protagonist whose perverted personality is right at the forefront. The story follows Rudeus Greyrat, a man who was a social outcast, who was afraid to leave his home in the modern world and is reincarnated with his memories intact in a world filled with magic. Having a morally bad protagonist is not an inherently bad thingBut it needs a level of care for the message that is missing from this anime.

Although it may seem to position itself as a redemption story or a commentary, Mohsoku Tensei Wants to provide real consequences for Rudy and largely allows him to simply Continue the same harmful behaviors without apology or accountabilityand gain affection or admiration in spite of it.

While Rudeus is able to overcome most of the faults he had in his first life and show some real growth, one area where there is absolutely no improvement is his relationship with the opposite sex. Although it is certainly not the first time the story has done this, episode # 7 of Season 2 hammered home the point that the story is not one of redemption, but of plain and simple power fantasy and wish fulfillment with a morally bad (and fair) one. sexist) protagonist.

Mushoku Tensei downplays assault through the actions of its protagonist

When it comes to women, Rudeus shows no growth

The episode followed Pursena Adoldia and Linia Dedoldia, Rudeus’ classmates from the Beast Cup, who smashed a figure belonging to Rudeus’ student, Zanoba. However, the figurine was sculpted by Rudeus himself, and it represented one of his great loves, Roxy. angry, Rudeus joins in, gags and taps the girls. Then let them be limited, to the extent that they impose on themselves.

What makes things worse is that Rudeus admits that he simply wanted to test if he could cure his current illness (erectile dysfunction) by groping the girls. Furthermore, the victims and Sylfiette are shockingly unbothered. Sylphie actually threatens the girls with non-consensual permanent body writing on their faces, and by the end of the ordeal they start calling Rudeus “master” or “boss” and become friends.

While some depictions of assault can have value in teaching important lessons and perspectives, none can be found in this one. The setup of the episode, in which Linia and Pursena are framed as deserving to be “put in their place” in the most degrading and sexist expression of the phrase, and the resulting acceptance of the act by the women and bystanders, Only serves to excuse and downplay Rudeus’s assault.

Unfortunately, this scene severely undercuts any growth the character has experienced and will experience later in the series (especially after the devastating loss he suffers) and reduces the women in Mushoku Tensei To tools of wish fulfillment for Rudeus, that they would easily forgive or love a man who degraded and abused women.

There is no redemption for Rudeus Greyrat

Mushoku TenseiHis protagonist proves that he is not only morally bad, he is also not interested in real redemption. His behaviors are dominated by his own self-interest, and Rudeus repeats many of the same offenses throughout the series without remorse. Often the only consequences he receives from women around him are painted in a different light, to shift the focus to their general shyness or contrary attitude rather than his actions. In this case, he never apologizes or loses favor with Sylphie, Linia, or Pursena, and he even continues to attempt to drop Linia and Pursena when they become friends, with only comedic slapstick violence in response.

It must be said, however, that the author of Mushoku Tensei Never meant for Rudeus to have any redeeming qualities. Rifujin na Magonote wanted Rudeus to feel as ‘real’ as possible, to make his journey of redemption more relatable. Unfortunately, in season 2 of the anime, the lack of any consequences for Rudeus’ actions blocked any chance for true redemption, implicitly implying that he did nothing wrong. Another example is that Rudeus has a neutral attitude towards slavery (which is present in his new world).

Still, seeing women like Sylphy written as unreasonably forgiving of Rudeus’ behavior makes it clear that this is not a story of redemption; This is just a story about the fulfillment of a bad man and that seems to downplay the impact of sexual assault. Although Rudeus saves his comrades at times, it is largely the displays of power that earn him affection and not any accountability, or profound internal change.

Rudeus’ assault on Pursena and Linia is a prime example of how Mushoku Tensei Nighth negates any growth his protagonist may experience with his persistent, unchallenged abuse of the women around him.