Warning: The following contains spoilers for Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers episode #7!!
Just like too many anime before it, the new isekai Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers could have easily reverted to the status quo after a dramatic event presented an opportunity to change the dynamics between two important characters in a major way. However, the series instead just took great strides to ensure any potential growth is not lost in the first episode since then. The alternative, which this isekai is thankfully avoiding thus far, is unfortunately the norm in even big-name series, like One Piece, to possibly prevent shocking viewers too much who have gotten used to a long-established formula.
One of the main aspects of Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers that undoubtedly appealed to viewers enough to keep them coming back for more each week involved the amusing chemistry between the hero from another world, Flio, and the demon Rys. For specific reasons, the two of them pretended to be married, a naturally conflict-wrought arrangement that was exacerbated further by Rys embracing the facade more emphatically than Flio, who conversely endeavored to tone down her advancements as much as possible.
However, when Flio is later led to believe that Rys has been killed in a shocking twist, the moment she returns in episode 6 changes his view of their relationship, compelling him to later convey a desire to marry Rys for real and even attempt to officially consummate their official new marital status. If the series had followed anime’s blueprint, episode 7 would either have come up with an excuse for Flio to treat Rys the same as before or just act as though nothing even happened; but this doesn’t happen.
Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers Is Not Reverting To The Status Quo
Produced by J.C. Staff
Instead, episode 7 provides both subtle and very conspicuous instances that prove the more effective alternative. One of them is based upon Flio’s previous rejection of helping humanity defeat demonkind. Before, he had just expressed that he had no reason to fight demons, but made sure to note that this didn’t mean he wanted to join demonkind either. In episode 7, Flio not only implies that he is now living the best life because he was looking fondly at Rys at the time, but actually says: “My only wish is to live in peace with my wife.” He even goes so far as to purchase Rys a ring to further symbolize his promise to her.
Of course, this isn’t to say that some aspects of their relationship have completely changed. Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers successfully salvages some of their earlier dynamic but manages to add some additional nuance to them to effectively convey the fact that, while similar, they’re actually completely different. For example, Flio still gets embarrassed when he and Flio are later alone in public. But he’s not reacting to her shows of affection for him. His embarrassment is in response to his own inability to express how much he feels about Rys, which, based on her expression, is still conveyed.
Exploring Character Development in Anime
Rhys and Flio’s story has surprisingly interesting implications regarding the anime industry
Although these exciting developments are understandable after realizing what caused them (i.e., Rys’ supposed death), they are, unfortunately, not the norm in anime. Many series desperately cling to the status quo. One of the worst offenders is One Piece, especially with Sanji’s disappointing character development. When Sanji is forced to marry Pudding during the Whole Cake arc, he actually treats her with respect and is willing to put everything on the line for her.
After the story moves on to the next arc, Sanji once again becomes the hopeless womanizer he’d always been. Truth be told, some fans have tried to justify Sanji’s lack of growth by noting that he soon afterward asks for help in battle. However, this has so far just been an isolated incident that not only explores a less exciting outcome as opposed to seeing him treat other women with respect, but has been completely overshadowed by his usual problematic behavior.
In relation to Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers, Sanji’s temporary change in character with Pudding is One Piece‘s version of how Flio initially reacts after Rys “returns from the dead” in episode #6. However, his evolution goes much further by actually having Flio continually prove throughout episode #7 his overall change is deeply embedded in his character and not just a knee-jerk reaction like is the case with Sanji.
Of course, Flio can always revert to his old ways, but his actions in episode #7 make this prospect much less plausible, as Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers continues to defy this unfortunate trend in anime to perpetually cling to the status quo.
