The Rising of the Shield Hero Episode 23 Review: Cal Mira Archipelago

In this week’s episode, Naofumi joins adventurers L’Arc and Therese as they head to Cal Mira. This was a really enjoyable episode from Shield Hero, full of such charm and humor.

Japanese Original Title: カルミラ諸島

Plot

Naofumi and the others reach their destination, Cal Mira, to level up and become stronger before the next wave hits. They are joined by new acquaintances L’Arc and Therese, fellow adventurers who offer to buddy up with everyone while leveling up. Naofumi and everyone gain the bonus XP points in no time, while being able to take it easy. But the peace is cut short after Naofumi, Filo, and Raphtalia make an unexpected discovery.

Episode Highlights

Dense Or Playing Them?: We are introduced to new characters this week: L’Arc and Therese, a likeable pair. L’Arc seems like a nice guy but I am not sure right now if he’s oblivious that Naofumi is the shield hero or he really knows and has his own plans. I’m suspicious of him. It was funny L’Arc calling Naofumi ‘shield kiddo’ mistaken him for being a fan or hiding his real identity. We will find out soon if L’Arc says the truth from his reaction when he realizes Naofumi is the shield hero.

Water Animation: I don’t know what it is about water animation in anime but I love seeing it every time. THE WATER looked crystal clear and was beautifully animated. I wanted to go swimming in it. The same happens to e when I watch Free!.

Drunk And Bikini: Raphtalia had a two-for-one deal for us in this episode. First, during the instrumental sequence of Naofumi and everyone ‘letting down their hair for once’ we got to witness a DRUNK RAPHTALIA. Screenshot moment right there, her expression was just priceless. THEN that bikini was gorgeous. The design, I LOVED IT !! What is Naofumi thinking instead? How a piece of such clothing is perfect for the underwater penguin suit. Oh poor Raphtalia, Naofumi stuffed that moment up which we knew he would.

Master Jeweller Crafter: Were you expecting Therese to cry over Naofumi’s craftsmanship? Funny and adorable moment, you can tell how much she appreciated it and Naofumi’s work and then dumps a massive bag of money in Naofumi’s hand like it’s no big deal. There were some charming moments like this during this week’s episode.

Seasick Heroes: Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki made themselves look more foolish. They were not able to handle a bit of seasickness. Haha that was an amusing scene.

Themes And Trivia

MMO: means a video game can be played with a large group or party and means ‘Massively Multiplayer Online’.

Archipelago: Cluster or chain of small islands creating one massive group.

Comments

A charming, enjoyable episode with some humorous moments to go along with it. Finding out the next wave will be only 2 days away. Three episodes to go, and you’re not going to convince me if this series tries to conclude that chapter within this timeframe. It will just be rushed and it’s going to leave the fans disappointed. I’m just hoping this won’t be the case. I’m only a little worried but I’m confident we will get another season.

Naofumi Can Sniff Out The Bullshit

Wonder if L’Arc and Naofumi will be buddies once L’Arc sees Naofumi as the shield hero or it’s all an act? If L’Arc reactions turns out to be genuine, might be a kick in the stomach for Naofumi, as L’Arc is not a fan of the shield hero, or so we are led to believe. They’re good pals already, don’t DESTROY it so early !! Oh well, next episode indicates maybe our heroes are going to the past… I’m curious.

Leave a comment below on your thoughts for Episode 22 and don’t forget to check out our other Spring 2019 reviews!! Bookmark our previews tag to be the first to see the screenshots and read a summary of the next episode!