Review of The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero (TRotSH) Season 01 is something that I didn't expect watching but one that I'm glad I was able to complete. Better yet, I can gladly say it's been a privilege watching a heroic tale unfold before my eyes. TRotSH tells the story about a hero who was brought into another world and from the beginning of his heroic journey had his odds stacked against him so badly he wished he never came. There's been some "controversy" due to the portrayal of slavery, and I'd like to address this in hopes that new viewers wouldn't be easily discouraged from this magnificent series. (SPOILERSAHEAD! - for the first few episodes, much of which comes from the synopsis)

Right off the start, the MC, Iwatani Naofumi, was brought into Melromarc as the Shield Hero alongside three other heroes of different roles (Sword Hero, Spear Hero, and Bow Hero). Being granted supposedly one of the worst beginner's role wasn't bad enough. Through deception and trickery, Naofumi was framed for a crime he didn't commit by his only "companion". Unable to produce any evidence to defend himself, Naofumi immediately lost his already unpopular standing among the people of Melromarc and would constantly be treated as an outcast.

So, you might think Naofumi would remain the morally righteous hero he was meant to be. Maybe, justice will catch up so he only needs to maintain his moral compass. Maybe, just maybe, he would have a chance to have his own trustworthy and loyal party to help him level up. Maybe, time is the ultimate judge.

Nope. Right off the bat, our MC goes ahead and purchases a demi-human slave to aid him as a loyal fighter. WHAT?! Slavery?! What travesty is this?

If you feel uneasy, disgusted, and angered, then you probably have the same thoughts that I had. But wait, there's more to it than it seems. Don't quickly jump to conclusions that this show is promoting some sort of slavery apologism.

At its core, TRotSH is a show about a hero who has lost all trust that he only communicates through one universal language that's universal and inherently neutral: TRADE.

Yes, after being betrayed, tricked, and humiliated, the MC proceeds to treats every interaction, friendly or hostile, as transactional. This theme of transactional interaction is present throughout the series.

What does this have to do with slavery, you might ask? Well, everything. It turns out, Naofumi bought a slave not because he wanted to be an evil master of some sort. He believes that slaves, if treated well, will respond in kind by providing a higher level of productivity. It's a form of trade. He provides for and nurtures the slave, and in turn expects the slave to fight for him to help him level up as quickly as possible.

But is that all? Is that the only reason? No. As mentioned before, trust is an issue for the MC. He saw slaves as obedient (whether willing or due to fear) and unable to betray his/her master. So, yes, the MC is a sleazy, selfish, egoistic scumbag. But could you blame him, though?

If you've read this far, then please start watching TRotSH, and make up your mind whether our MC is the hero he was meant to be.