Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead for Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode #22!

Few shows wield emotional bombshells quite like Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, but the timing of the latest and saddest moment of the series is nothing short of diabolical. The series, known for subtly implying the worst has yet to come with each “Turning Point” episode, aired its harrowing season 2, episode #22 installment, titled “Parents”, at the worst possible time, on Father’s Day.

Rudeus Greyrat faces many trials and tribulations in his second life in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ He has been displaced from his family, fallen in and out of love, and seen good people die horribly, along with sustaining physical and emotional scars along the way.

However, in the case of Jobless Reincarnation season 2, episode #22, Rudy’s losses are at their worst as the series’ saddest moment debuts when his father, Paul Greyrat, is tragically killed. This is all made worse by the episode airing on the third Sunday of June, which is when most countries in the world celebrate Father’s Day.

Paul Greyrat Died in Jobless Reincarnation on Father’s Day

The Timing Adds Another Layer of Sadness to the Latest Cruel Twist in Rudeus’ Life

The timing of the airing of this episode of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation may be a cruel coincidence given the tight airing schedules. However, it’s undeniable how darkly effective the timing is. In a foreboding scene just before the battle against the hydra, Paul imparts some grim advice to his son: “Save your mom, even if it kills you”, a lesson Paul wound up practicing just as much as he preached. In the final moments facing the hydra guarding Zenith, Paul kicks Rudy away from a fatal strike by the Hydra, getting himself killed at the end of the Labyrinth Arc.

Once again, Mushoku Tensei delivers both in terms of raw action and emotional development for its characters. Fathers are seen as protectors, providers, and role models to their children. Paul struggled to be a strong role model due to the maturity shown by Rudeus (who is the reincarnation of a man in his mid-30s) since he was a child, but as a warrior, he wound up being Rudy’s most stalwart ally against one of his deadliest enemies yet. As a dad, Paul showed Rudeus what true determination is and taught him to value family above all else, gaining his son’s admiration and respect, although his complicated legacy would be carried on by his son.

Rudeus Greyrat Has Plenty in Common with Paul

Rudy’s Upbringing Influences Future Developments in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

As fans of the light novels already know, there will likely be some controversial developments ahead in the Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation anime, Paul’s traits as a father and husband will rub off on Rudy, both the good and the bad ones. Rudy, who has teased harem desires and degenerate tendencies in the past, will take after his father’s vices but, more importantly, will retain Paul’s memory much more positively than he did with his previous family.

Rudy feels a stronger connection to his new life and family, with Paul’s loss being especially devastating, resulting in some initially rash decision-making. However, despite his imperfections, Rudy becomes his own man after his father’s death. While Paul dying on Father’s Day in the Jobless Reincarnation anime is an extremely sad moment, it speaks volumes about his constant character development, which made him one of the most beloved characters in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.