The latest episode of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 has arrived, and it is one of the most emotional and intense installments of the entire series. Episode 15, titled “The Earnest Star” (Ichizu na Hoshi), puts Subaru Natsuki through absolute hell as he faces the terrifying truth about the Watchtower, the identity of Reid Astrea, and the heartbreaking secret of Shaula. The episode has already earned a near-perfect 9.8/10 rating on IMDb, showing just how much it has resonated with viewers worldwide.
The episode originally aired on September 2, 2026. For international audiences, it became available at different times: 6:00 a.m. PT, 9:00 a.m. ET, 2:00 p.m. BST, 3:00 p.m. CET, and 6:30 p.m. IST. Crunchyroll remains the main platform for streaming outside Japan, while viewers in Asia can also watch through Muse Asia, Bilibili, iQIYI, Netflix, and other official services.
Reid Astrea’s Shocking True Identity
The episode opens right where the previous one left off. Subaru and his group come face to face with Reid Astrea, the legendary first Sword Saint. But there is a terrifying twist. Reid is actually using the body of Roy Alphard, a Sin Archbishop of Gluttony.
Julius explains what happened. Roy used his Gluttony power to consume Reid’s memories, hoping to take over the Sword Saint’s strength. But Reid’s spirit was so powerful that he fought back and took control of Roy’s body instead. In other words, Reid completely overwhelmed Roy and stole his physical form. This gave Reid a real body, allowing him to leave his realm and cause chaos for Subaru and his friends.
The fight that follows is brutal and short. Reid shows why he is one of the strongest characters in the entire series. He is merciless and does not care who stands in front of him. In one cold moment, Reid kills Subaru without any hesitation. The death happens so quickly that it takes a moment to process. But for Subaru, death is just another tool.
Shaula’s Heartbreaking Secret
After Subaru uses Return by Death, he resets and makes a different choice. Instead of rushing into battle, he goes to the tower balcony to meet Shaula. This is where the episode becomes something truly special.
Shaula has been the comic relief of the tower arc, always cheerful and loyal to Subaru. But this episode reveals the pain she has been carrying for 400 years. She was left alone in the tower by her original master, waiting for someone who never came back. When Subaru arrived, she saw him as that person and devoted herself completely to him.
Subaru asks Shaula a difficult question: “If I told you to die, would you do it?” Without any hesitation, Shaula says yes. She would do anything for him, even end her own life. This moment shows just how deep her devotion runs.
The fifth rule of the tower is finally revealed. Shaula admits that the exam can actually be destroyed without breaking the rules. But this confession comes at a terrible cost. Shaula starts transforming into a giant scorpion because Reid broke the rules by leaving his realm. Her contract forces her to kill anyone who breaks the rules, and she cannot stop herself.
Subaru makes a painful choice. He jumps to save Shaula, deliberately giving his life so she does not have to suffer. The title card for “The Earnest Star” appears right after his sacrifice, making the moment even more powerful.
Subaru’s Brutal Death Loop
The rest of the episode turns into a nightmare of repeated deaths. Subaru goes through 15 to 17 deaths in quick succession. Each time, he tries a different strategy against Reid. Each time, he fails.
His body and spirit start breaking down. His legs refuse to move. He blames himself for not being the person his friends once depended on. At his lowest point, Subaru crawls around the floor, using his tracking ability to search for answers. It is one of the most raw and emotional moments of the entire season.
The episode shows Subaru treating his own deaths as data points. He keeps track of each loop, using the information to try and find a way forward. But nothing seems to work. Reid is simply too strong.
A Shocking Discovery at the Archive
Just when things seem hopeless, Subaru makes a discovery that changes everything. In the Archive, he finds a book with his own name written on it. The existence of this book raises huge questions. What does it contain? Why is it there? Could it hold the key to Subaru’s lost memories?
The episode ends on this cliffhanger, not revealing what is inside the book. This is a major moment because Subaru has been struggling with amnesia throughout the arc. The book could be the answer he has been searching for.
Fan Reactions and Critical Response
The anime community has responded with overwhelming emotion to this episode. Viewers in Japan rated it above 9/10 within hours of its release. The IMDb score of 9.8 shows the global impact as well.
Japanese fans have shared their reactions online, with many saying, “She really is so earnest, it hurts” and “Please save her!” The episode has been called “incredible” by fans on social media. Many viewers have pointed out that Fairouz Ai’s voice performance as Shaula is some of her best work.
Some fans have noted that the animation and storyboarding reached a new level in this episode, with the creative team given freedom to deliver something special.
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What Happened Inside the Episode
The episode is built in three clear parts. First, the confrontation with Reid and Subaru’s quick death. Second, the emotional conversation with Shaula on the balcony. Third, the brutal series of repeated deaths and the discovery of the book.
The fight with Reid is brief but intense. The tower is crumbling around the characters, and the animation stays strong even in the chaos. Reid remains one of the most unsettling antagonists of the season, moving with the body of a Sword Saint but wearing the grin of a Sin Archbishop.
Shaula’s transformation into a beast is a key moment. She had been hiding the fifth rule because revealing it meant the end of her time with Subaru. After 400 years of loneliness, she could not bear to lose the person she had been waiting for. Her lie came from a place of deep love and desperation.
Studio White Fox continues to deliver a strong adaptation of Arc 6 from the light novels. The production values have been consistently high throughout the season.
Also Read: Re:Zero Season 4 Episode 15 Release Date, Time, Streaming Guide and Episode 14 Recap
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