Highlights

• Episode 8 depicts the Teleportation Incident, which changes Rudeus and his friends' lives forever.
• Episode 17 shows Rudeus finally reconciling with Norn over their shared struggles after years apart.
• Episode 18 shows Rudeus facing a difficult decision to try to reunite his family.

When it comes to world-building and character development, few isekai light novel adaptations have been as consistent and detailed as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. Looking at the quality of the episodes released in each cour and season, there is no doubt that Studio Bind's anime retelling is doing justice to the source material of Rifujin na Magonote.

That said, there are a few episodes that serve as standout moments in Rudeus's journey because they represent critical junctures in his new life. Most of the events that occur at these turning points have significant implications for his exploits and relationships in the series, which is why they are considered some of the most the best episodes of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.

5 Season 1, Episode 8: Turning Point 1

The teleportation incident forever changes Rudeus's life.

During the first chapters of the 1st season of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless ReincarnationRudeus grew accustomed to his idyllic life with his new family until he was sent to Roa to tutor a young aristocrat, Eris Boreas Greyrat. Despite Eris's violent tendencies and confrontational attitude, the two grew closer as students and mentors over the two years they spent together.

After Rudeus's 10th birthday, the duo went on an adventure with their sword instructor, Ghislaine Dedoldia. Unfortunately, their outing was cut short by the appearance of a mysterious mana cloud in the air above them. In a blinding flash of light, Rudeus, Eris, and most of the residents of the neighboring Fittoa region were unintentionally transported to random locations around the world. This event would later become known as the Teleportation Incident and had huge implications for the rest of Season 1.

4 Season 2, Episode 17: My Big Brother's Feelings

Rudeus sees his own past mirrored in Norn

The arrival of Rudeus's sisters, Aisha and Norn, altered the dynamics within his household following his marriage to Sylphiette. Norn, in particular, struggled to reconcile with Rudeus, having witnessed him assaulting her father years earlier. After choosing to let Norn stay in the Ranoa Magic Academy dormitory at her request, Rudeus was distraught to discover that she had become a recluse.

Since this was a problem Rudeus personally related to in his past life, he decided to confront Norn's classmates to find out why she was avoiding everyone. While speaking with his classmates, Rudeus was disturbed to learn that Norn was constantly being compared to him and his achievements, which took a huge toll on her mentally. This led Rudeus to seek out and speak to Norn to acknowledge his own flaws, which helped the two siblings reconcile after years of separation.

3 Season 2, Episode 18: Turning Point 3

A difficult choice presents itself to Rudeus

A little over a year after arriving at Ranoa Magic Academy, when things were finally calming down for Rudeus, he received a letter from Geese summoning him to join the search for his mother, Zenith. The timing couldn't have been worse, as he was expecting a child with Sylphiette and had been making considerable progress in his research and other endeavors at the Academy.

Unable to decide on a course of action, Rudeus consulted Hitogami, who reiterated his earlier warning not to travel to the Begaritt Continent, as he would live to regret it. On the other hand, Rudeus knew he would feel the same regret if he chose not to save his family. Unsure of what to do, Rudeus almost decided to stay, until Norn's desire to go in his place reminded him of the importance of this chance to reunite his family. He then promised to make the trip while asking Norn to look after everyone back home.

2 Season 1, Episode 17: Reunion

Rudeus reconciles with Paul after their fight

When Rudeus met his father, Paul Greyrat, for the first time after the Teleportation Incident, their encounter turned sour as they disagreed on how they had both spent their time following the tragedy that tore their family apart. This eventually culminated in Rudeus brutally attacking Paul with a large crowd of onlookers present, only to stop after noticing a terrified young Norn watching from afar.

Father and son took some time to recover after their heated first encounter, and Paul quickly apologized for being harsh with Rudeus after being persuaded by Geese to reevaluate his expectations of his son. After acknowledging their own flaws and promising to put their feud behind them, Rudeus and Paul finally reconciled in a rare moment of tenderness between father and son.

1 Season 1, Episode 21: Turning Point 2

A fateful encounter with Orsted nearly decimates the cul-de-sac

As Rudeus, Eris, and Ruijerd neared the end of their journey, they had to cross Red Dragon Mountain to reach the Fittoa region of the Asura Kingdom. While traversing treacherous terrain, the trio encountered Orsted, the Dragon God and one of the Seven Great Powers. Despite somehow knowing who Eris and Ruijerd were, Orsted was unable to identify Rudeus.

After inquiring about their familiarity with Hitogami, Orsted viciously attacked all three Dead End members, defeating them almost effortlessly. He then turned his attention to the injured Rudeus, who used the last of his mana to conjure a final attack, which Orsted dispelled with some difficulty, before killing him. Although Rudeus was healed by Orsted thanks to Nanahoshi's intervention, this encounter would leave a deep mark on all three Dead End members and fuel Rudeus's future distrust of Hitogami.