I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability - Season 1

I'd say director Yuichi Abe (who also served as the action director) either really loves this novel (or maybe just the maid Sylpha) or was just determined to impress. The dynamic, breathtaking, and beautifully choreographed action sequences featuring the maid/swordswoman were incredible. The training scene with Lloyd was jaw-dropping, and episode ten, with the camera circling Sylpha gracefully before a stunningly edited fight scene, was so good I had to watch it a few times. The magical battles were epic too, especially the showdown between Lloyd and the transformed Jade. The visual effects were impressive. It wasn't just the fights that grabbed me; the main character, Lloyd, was intriguing in his own way. Is he mentally unstable? Maybe, but more like someone obsessively in love with magic to the point of self-harm. But he wasn't annoyingly flawed; in fact, in crucial moments, I found him quite likable. His quirky personality felt refreshing. The story was engaging, and I didn’t mind Lloyd turning the first defeated demon into his satanic Paimon. Certain parts of the plot struck the right emotional chords, especially the final arc with the "assassin guild" which worked for me in its serious aspect. What didn’t work for me was the humor — often childish and sometimes downright silly with the chibi animations. It rarely made me laugh and disrupted the overall tone of the show. Another issue is the weird fanservice around Lloyd. Considering he's 10 years old, the maid's unhealthy obsession with him was uncomfortable. One last positive note: despite Lloyd being absurdly overpowered, the final battle made me worry for him at times, thanks to the well-crafted "final boss." Overall, I'd give it a 6.4/10. (06/17/2024)