When it comes to world-building and character development, few isekai light novel adaptations have been as consistent and detailed as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. Looking at the quality of the episodes released in each cour and season, there is no doubt that Studio Bind's anime retelling is doing justice to Rifujin na Magonote's source material.

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That being said, there are a few episodes that serve as standout moments in Rudeus' journey by virtue of how they represent critical junctures of his new life. Most of the events occurring at these turning points have major implications on his exploits and relationships in the series, which is why they are regarded as some of the best episodes of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.

5 Season 1, Episode 8: Turning Point 1

The Teleport Incident Forever Alters Rudeus' Life

During the early chapters of Season 1 of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Rudeus had grown accustomed to his idyllic life with his new family, until he was sent away to Roa to tutor a young aristocrat, Eris Boreas Greyrat. Despite Eris' violent tendencies and confrontational attitude, the two began to grow close as student and mentor over the two years they spent together.

Following Rudeus' 10th birthday, the pair ventured out with their sword instructor, Ghislaine Dedoldia. Unfortunately, this outing was cut short by the appearance of a mysterious cloud of mana in the air above them. In a blinding flash of light, Rudeus, Eris, and most of the residents of the surrounding Fittoa Region, were unwillingly transported to random locations across the world. Later on, this event would come to be known as the Teleport Incident, and it had huge implications for the remainder of Season 1.

4 Season 2, Episode 17: My Older Brother's Feelings

Rudeus Sees His Own Past Mirrored In Norn

The arrival of Rudeus' sisters, Aisha and Norn, altered the dynamics within his household following his marriage to Sylphiette. Norn, in particular, struggled to reconcile with Rudeus, since she witnessed him assaulting their father years earlier. After choosing to let Norn stay in the Ranoa Magic Academy's dormitory as per her request, Rudeus was distraught to find that she had become a shut-in.

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With emotions rising, Norn and Rudeus must find common ground moving forward.

Since this was an issue that Rudeus personally related to from his past life, he decided to confront Norn's class to ascertain why she was avoiding everyone. While speaking to her classmates, Rudeus was distraught to learn that Norn was always being compared to him and his achievements, which had taken a huge mental toll on her. This prompted Rudeus to seek out and speak with Norn in order to acknowledge his own faults, which helped the two siblings reconcile after years spent apart.

3 Season 2, Episode 18: Turning Point 3

A Difficult Choice Presents Itself To Rudeus

Just over a year after he arrived at Ranoa Academy of Magic, when things were finally settling down for Rudeus, he received a letter from Geese summoning him to join the search for his mother, Zenith. The timing could not have been worse, as he was expecting a child with Sylphiette, and had been making considerable progress in his research and other exploits at the Academy.

Unable to pick a course of action, Rudeus consulted Hitogami, who reiterated his earlier warning to not travel to the Begaritt Continent, as he would live to regret it. Conversely, Rudeus knew that he would feel just as much regret if he chose not to save his family. At a loss for what to do, Rudeus nearly elected to stay, until Norn's desire to go in his place reminded him of the importance of this chance to reunite his family. He then pledged to make the journey while asking Norn to take care of everyone at home.

2 Season 1, Episode 17: Reunion

Rudeus Reconciles With Paul After Their Quarrel

When Rudeus met his father, Paul Greyrat, for the first time after the Teleport Incident, the encounter turned sour, as they did not see eye-to-eye about how both had spent their time following the tragedy that tore their family apart. This eventually culminated in Rudeus brutally attacking Paul with a huge crowd of onlookers present, and he only stopped after noticing a terrified young Norn watching the situation from afar.

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Both father and son took time to bounce back after their heated first meeting, and Paul soon reached out to apologize for how harsh he had been to Rudeus, after being persuaded by Geese to reassess his expectations of his son. After acknowledging their own faults and pledging to put their quarrel behind them, Rudeus and Paul finally reconciled in a rare moment of affection between father and son.

1 Season 1, Episode 21: Turning Point 2

A Fateful Encounter With Orsted Nearly Decimates Dead End

Just as Rudeus, Eris, and Ruijerd neared the end of their journey, they had to cross Red Dragon Mountain in order to reach the Fittoa Region of the Asura Kingdom. As they crossed treacherous terrain, the trio ran into Orsted, the Dragon God, and one of the Seven Great Powers. Despite somehow knowing who Eris and Ruijerd were, Orsted could not identify Rudeus.

After inquiring about his familiarity with Hitogami, Orsted proceeds to ferociously attack all three members of Dead End, defeating them almost effortlessly. He then turned his attention to an injured Rudeus, who used the last of his mana to conjure one final attack, which Orsted dispelled with some difficulty, before killing him. Although Rudeus was healed by Orsted due to Nanahoshi's intervention, this encounter would leave a huge mark on all three members of Dead End, and fuel Rudeus' future mistrust in Hitogami.

Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation

Isekai

Action

Adventure

Drama

Release Date

January 11, 2021

Studio

Studio Bind

Creator

Rifujin na Magonote

Number of Episodes

39+

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

See at Hulu