The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases: A Fresh Take on the Isekai Redemption Arc

The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases (Japanese: Dekisokonai to Yobareta Moto Eiyū wa, Jikka kara Tsuihōsareta node Suki Katte ni Ikiru Koto ni Shita) Season 1, which aired from April to June 2024, offers a compelling twist on the increasingly popular “banished hero” trope within the isekai and fantasy anime genres. Produced by Studio Deen and Marvy Jack, this adaptation of Shin Kozuki’s light novel series brings a nuanced perspective to a familiar narrative, blending themes of personal liberation, hidden strength, and moral ambiguity. This article dives into what makes Season 1 unique, exploring its narrative, characters, themes, and cultural context, while avoiding the pitfalls of generic fantasy retreads.

---

A Hero’s Exile: The Premise

At its core, The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases follows Allen, a young man ousted from the Duchy of Westfeldt due to his perceived lack of a divine “Gift” and low combat level, markers of worth in his world. Branded a failure by his abusive father and envious brother, Allen’s banishment is less a tragedy and more a liberation. Unbeknownst to his family, Allen harbors the memories and powers of his past life as a legendary hero, making his exile a chance to live freely, unburdened by familial expectations or societal pressures. His journey begins in earnest when he saves his ex-fiancée, Riese (referred to as Lise in some translations), from a monster attack, sparking a new adventure that intertwines personal freedom with looming threats from demonic forces.

What sets this series apart from other “banished hero” stories, such as Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, is its focus on Allen’s internal reconciliation with his past and present identities. While many similar anime lean heavily into “slow life” fantasies or revenge-driven power fantasies, The Banished Former Hero balances introspective character development with bursts of action, creating a narrative that feels both personal and epic.

---

Narrative Structure: A Blend of Introspection and Adventure

Season 1, spanning 12 episodes, follows Allen’s quest for a peaceful life, which is repeatedly disrupted by external conflicts and his own heroic instincts. The story begins with a strong hook: Allen’s banishment and his immediate embrace of it as freedom. Early episodes establish his backstory—his mother’s death, his father’s cruelty, and his sole ally in Riese—while introducing his retained powers from a previous life. Unlike many isekai protagonists who flaunt their overpowered nature, Allen’s strength is understated, revealed only when necessary, such as during his rescue of Riese or later battles against demonic forces.

The narrative arc pivots around Allen’s travels with Riese and Béatrice, a companion who joins them, as they uncover a demonic plot threatening the kingdom. Key episodes, such as “The Master Blacksmith of the Sacred Sword” (Episode 2) and “Stubbornness and Determination” (Episode 3), deepen the world-building by introducing characters like Noelle, a swordsmith haunted by her past, and hint at political intrigue involving assassinations and spectral disturbances. The season’s latter half, however, struggles to maintain momentum, with some critics noting a decline in coherence after Episode 6, as the plot juggles multiple threads—demonic schemes, Allen’s past, and interpersonal drama—without fully resolving them.

This uneven pacing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the series avoids filler by rapidly progressing through story arcs, a refreshing departure from the meandering plots of some fantasy anime. On the other, the rushed adaptation leaves certain elements, like the demonic conspiracy and secondary characters’ motivations, underdeveloped. Fans of the light novel, published by TO Books and licensed in English by J-Novel Club, may notice gaps where the anime condenses or skips material from the source, which spans seven volumes as of May 2024.

---

Characters: Depth in Simplicity

Allen is the heart of the series, a protagonist who subverts the typical isekai hero mold. Rather than seeking revenge or dominance, he embraces his banishment as a chance to redefine himself. His retained memories and powers from his past life as a hero are not just plot devices but sources of internal conflict—he grapples with the weight of his former responsibilities while cherishing his newfound autonomy. Voiced by Shouta Aoi, Allen’s calm demeanor and occasional bursts of resolve make him relatable, though some viewers might find him too reserved compared to more dynamic leads.

Riese, voiced by Minami Kurisaka, is a standout supporting character. As Allen’s ex-fiancée and only true friend from his past, she brings warmth and emotional grounding to the story. Unlike many anime heroines who exist solely as romantic foils, Riese’s motivations—her loyalty to Allen and her desire to uncover the kingdom’s secrets—give her agency. Her dynamic with Allen avoids clichés of unrequited pining, instead building on mutual respect and shared history. Béatrice and Noelle, while less developed, add layers to the narrative: Béatrice’s adventurous spirit complements Allen’s restraint, while Noelle’s tragic backstory ties into the series’ themes of redemption and perseverance.

The antagonists, particularly the demonic forces and figures like Lizette and Henriette (who appear in later episodes), are less compelling. Their motivations—power and chaos—feel generic, and the anime’s rushed pacing doesn’t allow for deeper exploration. This is a missed opportunity, as the light novel hints at a more complex demonic hierarchy that could have elevated the stakes.

---

Themes: Freedom, Identity, and the Burden of Heroism

The Banished Former Hero distinguishes itself through its thematic exploration of freedom and identity. Allen’s banishment is not just a plot catalyst but a metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations. His lack of a “Gift” in a world that fetishizes divine blessings critiques rigid hierarchies, a theme resonant in many isekai but handled here with subtlety. Allen’s choice to live “as he pleases” reflects a universal desire for self-determination, making his journey resonate beyond the fantasy setting.

The series also probes the cost of heroism. Allen’s past life as a hero, laden with sacrifice, contrasts with his current desire for peace, raising questions about whether true escape from duty is possible. Moments like his triggered memories during a battle in Episode 5 highlight the lingering trauma of his past, adding depth to an otherwise straightforward narrative. However, the anime only scratches the surface of these themes, leaving viewers wanting more exploration, particularly regarding the moral ambiguity of the demons’ actions.

---

Cultural Context: The Banished Hero Trope

The “banished hero” trope, as seen in Banished from the Hero’s Party and The Healer Who Was Banished From His Party, Is, in Fact, the Strongest, has surged in popularity in recent years, particularly in light novels and web novels on platforms like Shōsetsuka ni Narō. The Banished Former Hero emerged from this same platform (2018–2019) and reflects the trend’s appeal: protagonists who are underestimated, cast out, and then thrive, often amassing allies (and sometimes harems) while proving their worth. Reddit discussions on r/anime and r/Isekai highlight the trope’s saturation, with some fans calling it “the second coming of isekai” and others decrying its formulaic nature.

What makes The Banished Former Hero stand out is its restraint. Unlike some peers that lean into harem dynamics or overpowered protagonist clichés, the series keeps Allen’s relationships platonic or understated (particularly with Riese) and focuses on his personal growth. However, its middling reception—evidenced by a 5.1/10 IMDb rating and Reddit critiques of its “bland” animation and music—suggests it struggles to rise above the crowded field. Fans of the genre may appreciate its unique touches, but casual viewers might find it “painfully generic” or “mid,” as noted in online discussions.

---

Production and Reception

Studio Deen and Marvy Jack deliver serviceable animation, with vibrant character designs by Chocoan (from the light novel) but inconsistent quality in action scenes. The soundtrack, while forgettable, supports the mood without overshadowing the story. Directed by Kazuomi Koga, the series excels in quieter moments—Allen and Riese’s conversations or village festival scenes—but falters in high-stakes battles, which lack the polish of top-tier fantasy anime.

Audience reactions are mixed. On Crunchyroll, where episodes aired a week early, fans praised the premise but criticized the rushed pacing and unresolved plot threads. Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb reviews echo this, noting the series’ potential but lamenting its failure to fully capitalize on it. The light novel’s richer world-building suggests a second season could address these issues, though none has been announced as of July 2025.

---

Why It’s Worth Watching

The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases Season 1 is not a genre-defining masterpiece, but it offers enough unique elements to warrant a watch for fans of isekai and fantasy. Its focus on Allen’s quest for freedom, paired with a restrained approach to romance and power dynamics, sets it apart from more formulaic entries. The series shines in its character moments and thematic undertones, even if its execution stumbles in the latter half. For those intrigued by the “banished hero” trope but tired of repetitive tropes, this anime provides a refreshing, if imperfect, take.

Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Microsoft Store.

Recommendation: Watch if you enjoy character-driven fantasy with a focus on personal liberation. Skip if you prefer tightly plotted narratives or high-energy action.

---