Summary
Although slow in the beginning, the finale picks up in the second half and lays the foundation for a solid fourth season.
For the first time in three seasons, all four heroes have finally come together in The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3. With all of them together, any enemies they encounter should be much easier to handle, which will be a blessing when the Phoenix finally attacks. While the first ten minutes of Episode 12 aren’t impressive thanks to Gaelin’s CGI and the feel of an unnecessary filler episode, the second half turned things around, not only adding action and excitement to the ending of this season but setting the series up for what could potentially be one of the most intriguing arcs yet in the next.
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 Episode 12 Recap
The episode opens with Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Gaelin drinking with Sadeena in a secret lair of hers. Naofumi says this will be a great place for Gaelin to teach him the Way of the Dragon Vein without Atla getting in their way. Later, Naofumi wonders if they should use Gaelin’s blessing on everyone so that they all can use the Way of the Dragon Vein.
Erhard shows up at Lurolona Village with the new clothes Naofumi requested for Raphtalia and says this will be what she is to wear from now on. However, when Sadeena sees the new robes, she immediately instructs Raphtalia to change.
As Sadeena explains, an outfit like that is a dangerous declaration that Raphtalia is putting herself in line for the throne in another country, and the house Raphtalia is changing in suddenly explodes. They are then attacked by men in black who claim they will not allow Raphtalia to take the throne.
Naofumi’s party struggles against the assailants despite their best efforts, so he and Raphtalia confuse them using choral magic.
Why did assassins attack Raphtalia?
According to Sadeena, the Q’ten Lo assassins attacked Raphtalia because she is a member of Q’ten Lo royalty. To the people of Q’ten, wearing the robes of the Heavenly Empress was basically the same as declaring herself the empress and declaring war on their country.
Sedeena explains that after much fighting over the next emporer, Raphtalia’s parents left Q’ten and came to Melromarc to raise her instead. Entrusted with protecting members of the royal family, Sadeena fled with them and helped them to raise Raphtalia.
Angered by the attack, Naofumi decides they will visit Q’ten Lo to talk with their Kingdom. If that does not work, however, he fully intends to crush them into submission instead.
How does The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 end?
Aultcray approaches Atla and Fohl, who are training in the castle, as Naofumi speaks with the queen. He questions whether or not the Shield Hero is treating them right, but she assures Aultcray that Naofumi saved her life.
Naofumi and his party prepare for their journey, planning to head to Siltvelt, where they will catch a ferry to Q’ten Lo.
While it’s clear The Rising of the Shield Hero has been struggling to find its footing a bit since Season 1, Season 3 was a clear improvement over Season 2. If this series continues with the same energy it used during the second half of this season, I am hopeful for what another installment could bring.
What did you think of The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 Episode 12 and the ending? Comment below.
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