Ore dake Level Up na Ken: How to Get Stronger

Regarding the recap episode of Solo Leveling,

I have to say that the review seems to underestimate its importance. Yes, I understand that for some viewers it may seem unnecessary or even annoying to watch an episode that reiterates already known events, but we must acknowledge that there are also advantages. For some of us, this episode provided the opportunity to revisit some key details of the story and to make deeper connections between events. Furthermore, for those who joined the series later or haven't followed every episode closely, this was a perfect opportunity to catch up with everything that has happened so far.

So, even ... though it's not to everyone's liking, I believe the recap episode had its merit and made a positive contribution to the deeper understanding and appreciation of the Solo Leveling universe.

This is what it purports itself to be, a recap episode.

Storywise, I think the series is at a good point for a break. If it allows the production team to prepare properly for the next episode, so be it. The animation quality has been top notch, there has to be a human cost behind it in order to achieve that level of quality. I hope A-1 is treating its animators right.

As for the episode, it is a good way to watch the first seven episodes again. If that is not for you, feel free to skip it and catch up with the season's other shows ... instead. This season is stacked with shows that a few gems might end up overlooked.

I keep reading conflicting information as to why there's a recap episode halfway through this series, from production delays, to Voice Actor Taito Ban testing positive to Corona Virus, to the World Table Tennis Championships taking it's time slot. It could be one of these, it could multiple reasons, whatever it is, recap episodes on currently airing anime are almost always garbage and unnecessary to watch. This time is no different either. It's not quite Promised Neverland S2 levels of pathetic (after only 5 episodes), but it's close.

The episode skims over seven episodes worth of content that's already fresh in the memory of everyone ... watching and adds nothing of relevance or interest to the viewer. No fancy or intelligent way to retell the story to make it somewhat enjoyable (Gintama were the Kings at this), just a rehash of scenes with the MC narrating once in a while.

If you're not a completionist, I would otherwise skip. It's not bad or good, it just kind of exists.