Frieren Just Got Replaced By a New Magical Girl — And She’s Just as Cutthroat

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The anime *Frieren* premiered in 2023 and immediately became a massive cultural hit. It offered a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre, centering around an immortal mage who is dealing with the loss of her friends while looking forward to new experiences. *Frieren* successfully combined thoughtful character moments, detailed world-building, and exciting fantasy action. Instead of relying on constant fighting, the series highlighted Frieren’s quiet strength and the lingering effects of her past.

I’m absolutely loving what’s happening in fantasy anime right now! *Frieren* really changed the game, and now *May I Ask For One Final Thing?* is building on that amazing foundation. The main character, Scarlet El Vandimion, is a total standout – she’s a magical girl unlike anything I’ve seen before. She looks all graceful and refined as a noblewoman, but underneath that exterior is a fierce, powerful rage and incredible magical ability. Honestly, she’s even more intense than Frieren, and I’m completely hooked!

Both Frieren & Scarlet Subvert The ‘Soft’ Magical Girl Tropes

Frieren and Scarlet might appear to be very different fantasy anime. Frieren completed her heroic quest long ago and now travels the world, pondering the meaning of her long life. She’s incredibly powerful, so her story isn’t about overcoming external challenges. Instead, it focuses on her emotional journey and what she learns from the people she meets. Frieren’s biggest struggles happen within herself, and she grows by understanding the world and its inhabitants, not by defeating enemies.

Scarlet’s story starts at her lowest point. She’s publicly shamed when her fiancé leaves her for a woman who accuses Scarlet of past bullying. The series follows her journey to reclaim her self-respect, but unlike Frieren, she does so through forceful action, clever schemes, and a desire for payback. Right from the start of *May I Ask For One Final Thing?*, it’s clear Scarlet won’t accept being pitied or humiliated, and she has the magical power to support her determination, much like Frieren.

Despite their contrasting personalities, Frieren and Scarlet both challenge typical character tropes. They aren’t simply optimistic heroes, nor are they purely good. Frieren’s journey is marked by sadness, and Scarlet’s grace conceals underlying anger and resentment. Both characters use magic to express their true selves, and their power comes not from flashy displays, but from embracing their fates. Though their lives take different turns, Frieren and Scarlet ultimately demonstrate that strength is often forged through hardship.

Scarlet Is Just as Cutthroat as Frieren — If Not More So

Although Frieren and the character Scarlet from *May I Ask For One Final Thing* share some similarities, they are quite different. The biggest difference is that Scarlet is far more ruthless. While Frieren’s journey is driven by a desire for understanding, Scarlet is focused on revenge. The anime quickly establishes that Scarlet doesn’t follow rules or care about what others think; she doesn’t react kindly to being left at the altar and won’t put up with anyone’s nonsense. Instead of forgiving the person who betrayed her, she immediately seeks sharp, unwavering vengeance.

Scarlet’s methods might seem harsh and wild, but she’s actually very strategic and intentional with everything she does. She doesn’t usually *start* conflicts, but she’s always ready to see them through, which makes her actions surprisingly enjoyable to watch. Driven by a desire to restore her reputation after being wronged by her ex-fiancé, she’s quickly branded a villainess – a role she embraces, redefining it with her intelligence and ruthlessness. The story has a more intense energy than *Frieren*, but that’s perfect for the quick pace of Scarlet’s world.

I’m absolutely captivated by the contrast between Frieren and Scarlet! Frieren, living for centuries, gets to just *watch* humanity evolve, almost like a peaceful observer with incredible power. It’s amazing how she can calmly reflect on old battles and lost friends. Scarlet, though? She’s a whirlwind of action! She doesn’t have time for nostalgia; she’s right there fighting against injustice with her magic *now*. Frieren’s journey feels so gentle and thoughtful, a real moment of calm, while Scarlet’s is raw and powerful, definitely not afraid to bite back. But what really connects them is this deep desire to forge their own paths and live life on *their* terms. It’s just… beautiful.

Scarlet and Frieren handle their emotions very differently. While Frieren hides her pain behind a distant facade, Scarlet openly expresses hers, turning embarrassment into anger while still maintaining her grace. This contrast is significant, yet it connects the two characters. As the story progresses and Scarlet fully embraces emotional release, it highlights how Frieren rarely allows herself to feel. They have opposing views on what it means to be strong – and Scarlet is much less likely to forgive.

Fans of Frieren Should Give May I Ask For One Final Thing? a Chance

Despite the considerable tonal differences in the two series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and May I Ask For One Final Thing? , and fans of the former show will quickly be able to see it once they dive into Scarlet’s journey. Both stories explore the emotional cost of survival while also examining the burden of wielding extraordinary power. Frieren struggles to survive and make lasting friendships because she is burdened by the fact that she is near immortal and those around her live fleeting lives. On the other hand, Scarlet struggles with her own feelings of isolation as an outcast, slicing her way to power in a world where kindness is seen as a weakness.

What truly makes both *Frieren* and *Scarlet* special is the depth of their main characters. Both series cleverly reimagine the traditional female mage, presenting them in a fresh and compelling way. Instead of viewing magic as simply a gift or a curse, both stories portray it as an expression of inner strength and determination. Frieren’s magic reflects her search for purpose after enduring centuries of loss, while Scarlet’s powers are a divine gift that empowers her independence. Though the stories differ in many ways, both use their fantasy worlds and magical abilities to explore universal human feelings like sadness, pride, and resilience. They also brilliantly demonstrate that it’s possible to be both kind and strong, and that embracing the full spectrum of emotions doesn’t make anyone flawed.

Fans won’t have to wait long for the return of *Frieren*, and the new anime *May I Ask For One Final Thing* arrives at just the right time. Both series share a similar style, offering complex stories and powerful emotional moments while exploring themes of womanhood, strength, and perseverance in a fantasy world. *May I Ask For One Final Thing* is a great choice for *Frieren* fans looking for another engaging story before Season 2 begins. It promises a mature fantasy experience with detailed worldbuilding and compelling female characters, effectively bridging the gap until *Frieren*’s return.

Scarlet isn’t meant to replace Frieren, but she feels like a broken reflection of her. While Frieren finds purpose in her sadness, Scarlet gains freedom through revenge. They’re two sides of the same coin, showing that inner strength – whether from grief or vengeance – can be as powerful as magic itself.

May I Ask For One Final Thing? is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

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2025-10-19 02:42