For a plot large enough to destroy the Tokyo Empire, it sure was easy for Maki to save the day.
Fire Force Season 2 Episode 21 Review
Arthur and Shinra continue their fight against Dr. Giovanni. Dr. Giovanni has successfully made himself the creepiest character in Fire Force with his insect augmentations. The good doctor proves that he’s a match for the two third generation fire soldiers. His emotion reading pheromones keep him a step ahead.
In their conversation, Dr. Giovanni reveals that everything is working towards the outcome that the Evangelist has planned. Humans are really just fuel for the coming fire. The Tokyo Empire is meant to burn. All this talk makes you wonder if the Evangelist is really more of an all-powerful devil rather than a god.
In the meantime, the rest of Fire Force Company 2 and 8 try to come up with a plan to stop Ritsu from destroying the Tokyo Empire. She’s arranged the infernals in the Nether into a giant conical shaped explosive. With the focused force of the explosive aimed at the center of the empire it has the potential to cause a tremendous amount of damage.
With little time left before the detonation, the need is for a second generation pyrokinetic who can control a large volume of flames. The only acceptable option is Maki Oze. Despite the protests of her brother, Maki shows up to save the day.In a show of sibling love, Maki and her brother together direct the flames to the underground reaches of the Nether. Crisis averted.
If I was to have my choice, I would’ve rather seen more from Shinra and Arthur vs. Dr. Giovanni. It’s not that Maki earning her position back at Company 8 was bad, it’s just that the other fight was a lot more interesting. I take that back; I was a little unimpressed with how easy Maki handled that massive explosion.
I was left with the thought that the whole incident was resolved pretty quick. The buildup didn’t do enough to make me believe that there was actually a threat. I didn’t believe that Fire Force was actually going to kill off all of the main characters of the anime. I know that’s the ultimate goal of the Evangelist and the White Clad, but this just didn’t seem like the moment of impending doom.
With that in mind, the save by Maki felt more like something you’d see in a filler episode. It’s like the story arc was only going to last an episode or two so it had to be resolved quickly. Once the danger is past then everyone can move on to bigger and better things.
Shinra and Arthur vs. Dr. Giovanni was a lot more entertaining to watch. Dr. Giovanni is a villain who’s easy to hate. He’s modified his body to mimic an insect, which is just gross. I got the chills up my back when he scurried up a column. He was like one big cockroach.
Dr. Giovanni’s desire to see the world burn is just twisted. He’s shown us time and time again that he has no interest in other people. His only concern is his experiments. Now it’s revealed that his experiments are all in the attempt to get him closer to Adolla.
Dr. Giovanni is thrilled when Shinra reveals they experienced an Adolla Link. Apparently, this can only be accomplished by those who have an Adolla Burst or have previously experienced Adolla. For Dr. Giovanni this shows his experiments have paid off as he’s lacking in both areas.
The action of the fight was pretty entertaining in its own right. Both Shinra and Arthur show off their abilities. Shinra gets pissed and travels faster than light after Dr. Giovanni mentions Sho’s current situation. Arthur, in an attempt to not allow the bug pheromones to predict his actions, clears his mind and attacks.
It’s Arthur who impressed me the most. He’s on par with just about any other swordsman in anime that I can think of. At least, he’s on par as far as swordsmanship is concerned. Don’t depend on Arthur for any strategic thinking. The last move he pulled on Giovanni was scary quick and deadly. Giovanni himself recognized Arthur’s ability.
Is Fire Force Season 2 Episode 22 Worth Watching?
I’m going to say “Yes.” Fire Force season 2 episode 22 is worth watching. While I was a little disappointed with how easy it was for Maki to stop Ritsu’s giant cone shaped charge, I was still thrilled with how the fight between Dr. Giovanni and the two Company 8 rookies went. Overall, I had fun watching this anime episode and I think you will too.
Now go watch some anime!
-Nathan
