The second episode of My Hero Academia’s final season has dropped, and it’s a significant improvement from the debut. This feels like the real origin and legacy of Yagi Toshinori rather than what they showed previously. It had original content that we haven’t seen before, and the right flashbacks to hit the spot, even if there were too many.
All For One remains a major threat as he kills Stain in Episode 2. He was a personal favorite of mine for his distinct philosophy against Heroes, but the plot didn’t focus very long on his death or its effects. It was more about All Might’s final push against the villain, which was admittedly quite tense. My Hero Academia has me hooked on the final season, a stark contrast to the previous episode.
My Hero Academia Delivers a Dark Episode While Keeping All Might’s Spirit
Episode 2 begins with a sweet sequence of All Might’s childhood, singing the Anpanman theme song. It shed some light on how positive the former Hero has always been, and that would end up being the crux of the plot. However, it quickly becomes grim as Stain makes his move against All For One, and we get a flashback of him meeting All Might.
Unfortunately, All For One bests him at Stain’s game. He expels all the blood and uses an antigen swap to change his blood type. It sent chills down my spine as he threw Stain away with ease. His death scene, the visual of him seeing All Might rush to help and calling him “My All”, was incredible. Even through all his skepticism, he never gave up on the Hero. It’s a fitting end for the anti-hero.
All Might, on the other hand, loses his suit. He nearly gives up, but he remembers Izuku’s speech to him. I have to give it to the former No. 1 Hero. He keeps to his word and taunts All For One, despite not having anything in his arsenal.
I was horrified when the villain dangled All Might like a lifeless doll in front of U.A. School. The tension and setup for the visual of the students discovering it was perfect. It’s the first time while watching My Hero Academia that I felt genuine fear. Despite being busy fighting Shigaraki, Deku’s desperate cries evoke such helplessness in you, as the viewer.
A Barrage of Flashbacks and the Cliffhanger Nearly Spoiled the Episode
The only complaint I have with Episode 2 is the incessant flashbacks. It’s almost as if My Hero Academia has no faith that their fans will connect the dots. However, at least they were relevant to the plot. I actually enjoyed the selected flashbacks.
The episode nailed the tension. There was no way All Might was going to win against All For One, as he even countered the bomb and the jets. I was on the edge of my seat as the villain raised his body, preparing to rip him apart in front of a live audience.
Watching people all around the world, including Gran Torino and many other loved ones, tear up and beg for someone to save him was heavy. If not for the relentless Shigaraki, Deku would’ve been the one to save him. Instead, Bakugo reveals himself, alive and ready to fight once again.
Bakugo’s arrival felt like a thrilling breath of fresh air. The call was answered. However, the episode ends there. All Might’s fate is left hanging, while Bakugo is standing on a platform, aura farming. I don’t appreciate cliffhangers, and this one was especially frustrating.
However, it would have been too much in a single episode. It’s better to let the moment of Bakugo saving All Might shine in the next one. There was enough thrill and anticipation in this episode; My Hero Academia didn’t need more of it. Overall, it was an excellent setup that I wished had taken place in the first episode instead.
What did you think of Episode 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
My Hero Academia can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
