Re:Zero 4th Season Episode 78 Reveals Meili as the Attacker in a Heartwarming Recapture Arc Start

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Re:Zero Season 4 Episode 78, “Korekara no Hanashi.”

The summer 2026 anime Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World 4th season kicked off its Recapture Arc on August 12, 2026, with Episode 78, titled “The Story From Here.” The episode not only marked the beginning of the arc but also delivered a major early reveal—the identity of the mysterious killer who sent Subaru falling—and fans were quick to celebrate the surprisingly warm tone.

For those who need a refresher: during the second trial at the Great Library Pleiades, Natsuki Subaru was struck by a strange memory loss. On top of that, he was pushed by an unseen killer and had his body taken over by an entity calling itself “Natsuki Subaru.” He was left in despair, unable to clear the second trial known as Reid. But after sharing his anguish with Emilia, he came to accept the “Natsuki Subaru” he hated. Following another Return by Death, he resolved to take on a new challenge, closing out the spring’s Loss Arc.

Subaru’s Honesty Wins the Day

Now, in the Recapture Arc, Subaru is on the offensive—working to recover the memories stolen from him and strike back. His first move? Coming clean with his allies about his memory loss. With Emilia backing him up, most of the group accepts his words, though Ram remains suspicious. Emilia herself still hasn’t fully processed it, and she noticeably sinks when she notices Subaru has switched from calling her “Emilia-tan” to the more distant “Emilia-chan.”

Fans were right there with her. “Emilia getting sad over being called ‘chan’ is adorable,” one viewer wrote. Others noted how unsettling the polite address feels. But the moment also proved how much Emilia trusts Subaru—she may have doubts, but she still chooses to stand by him.

As expected, Ram confronts Subaru directly, and this time he doesn’t shy away. With sincere eyes, he tells her: “I will definitely bring Rem back. Rem, the memories—all of it! I’ll see everything through, and we’ll all go home together!”

Ram responds with a sharp slap across the face—then, with her usual snark, turns away with a relieved smile. Fans were touched by the moment. “That slap was actually gentle for Ram,” one joked. “Ram really is a great character.” “Sis… you’re a great woman!” Another added, “It’s good to see Ram smiling again.”

Subaru’s stubborn refusal to give up also earned praise. “Even without his memories, Subaru still has that manly resolve,” one fan commented. “That refusal to give up is exactly what saves everyone.”

The Killer’s Identity: Meili

Subaru’s next target is the person who pushed him. And the culprit turns out to be none other than Meili, who apparently acted out of revenge for Elsa.

The reveal set off a wave of reactions: “It was Meili all along?!” “No way, it’s her!” “You were the one?!” But along with the surprise came relief—”Oh! A big breakthrough!”

Subaru, however, has already decided to forgive Meili. Since no one else knows about the push, he tells her he can keep it quiet. He even offers to listen to any grievances she might have, showing a cooperative—not just forgiving—attitude.

Meili is visibly thrown by his kindness. And viewers understood why: from her perspective, Subaru appears almost terrifyingly perceptive. “From Meili’s point of view, Subaru is a monster,” one fan said. “He sees through her too easily.”

Meili’s Painful Bond with Elsa

The episode also dug into Meili’s past. She had grown attached to Elsa, who rescued and cared for her when she was raised by beasts. Elsa taught her how to fight, how to speak, and even influenced her taste in clothing. Though there was a “mama” behind the scenes, for Meili, Elsa was her real mother figure. That’s why Elsa’s death at Subaru’s hands drove Meili to seek revenge.

Fans felt for her. “Meili really did care about Elsa,” one wrote. “The relationship between Meili and Elsa is painful.” The moment Meili tries to take her own life but is saved by Subaru—with Emilia supporting her—left viewers relieved. Meili eventually opens up, and for the first time, she is truly welcomed into the group. Shaura hugs her, and the others treat her like a mascot, leaving Meili both confused and happy.

“A happy space you wouldn’t expect from Re:Zero,” one fan marveled. “I love Meili’s confused voice and expression.” After the long run of heavy episodes in the 4th season, this warm scene was a welcome change. “Meili, please be happy!” one post summed up the general feeling.

What Comes Next

The bigger challenge still looms: how to overcome the overwhelmingly difficult trial that is Reid. Next week, it looks like Subaru will search for Reid’s Book of the Dead. Episode 79 airs on August 19, and the 4th season has seven episodes remaining.

Broadcast Information

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World 4th season airs as follows:

• Loss Arc (11 episodes): April 8 (Wed.) on TOKYO MX, AT-X, and 21 other stations nationwide
• Recapture Arc (8 episodes): August 12 (Wed.) start

Staff

Cast

© Nagatsuki Tappei / KADOKAWA / Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 4 Production Committee