Overlord III

Episode 4

Ains leaps into action for the first real time this season, which I had eagerly been waiting for, but the result proves that anime with overpowered protagonists face a tricky balancing act to remain compelling beyond the level of a fantasy power trip. Normally this is a balance that the franchise manages well, but Ains's efforts to subdue the Giant of the East just come off as pedestrian.

The encounter with Hamusuke back in episode 7 makes for a fitting comparison, and not just because they were on equal standing as two of the great powers of the forest. In that encounter, Ains handily subdued the Wise King of the Forest with a mere mid-level spell, but the encounter remained entertaining because it was the first time Ains had subdued an opponent and Hamsuke presented an unexpected kind of combatant. Guu, the Giant of the East, is a much less interesting presence. After all, big bruiser trolls are a dime a dozen in fantasy, so the only thing about him that's even slightly interesting is his belief that short names are cool and long names imply compensating for weakness and cowardice. The Demon Snake of the West is more interesting as a male naga, both for his nature and how he can immediately tell that Ains outclasses them, but he (wisely) chooses not to fight the overlord. So we get a battle where a troll ineffectually tries to beat down Ains before getting whooped by just a few ordinary physical blows. Yawn. At least Ains is getting a couple of new minions out of this.

The other things going on in the episode are more interesting. Ains has to give a minion a rare reprimand, in this case Lupisregina for not bothering to tell Ains about the Giant/Snake business. Will laying out what he considers important about Carne Village change her attitude about the place? We'll have to wait until next episode to find out what this “test” is supposed to be for her, though I'm guessing he might set the naga and his minions on the village to see how Lupisregina reacts. Watching Ains convince his minions that he's much more Machiavellian than he actually is always makes for a little amusement, and it's also funny that he may be unwittingly upgrading Aura to future harem status through his expressions of affection. I doubt that's going to go anywhere, but it's still good for a chuckle. Ains's internal comments also remain lighthearted as ever.

On the technical front, the troll animation is a step up from the ogre animation, and the music at least tries to raise the drama. There's just little drama to be had in such a mismatch no matter what, however. Perhaps the “test” next episode will offer a more worthwhile fight.

Rating: B

Overlord III is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.