Anime Review: Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episodes 13 - 16
Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 continues after the events of the anime TV series' twelve-episode run. In episode 12, Shinra managed to stop Juggernaut's attack but was left unconscious. Since then, a giant pillar appeared as the Great Cataclysm had finally begun. During his unconscious state, Shinra encountered Faerie via the Adolla Link.
Episode 13 begins in a rather jarring scene with Shinra waking up tied to a bed, disoriented, sporting blond hair, and completely clueless about what happened in the last two months following the appearance of the first giant pillar. His Company 8 allies revealed to Shinra that he didn't act like his usual self while he was "unconscious".
During that period, Shinra showed a ruthless side that struck fear into his comrades and even hit Sister Iris at one point. The once hopeful hero everyone knew was a completely different person at the time. This scene caused a bit of unease among Shinra's teammates in Company 8. The perception of Shinra in this arc is that his heroism is defined by his actions and how others view him.
Benimaru's fight against a resurrected Hibachi Shinmon was obviously the main event in Episode 14. This battle between master and disciple forced Benimaru to confront the beliefs that he inherited, yet he ultimately defied it. The fight was a testament that Hibachi knew Benimaru was a capable leader. Though Benimaru's victory over his former master wasn't really about dominance, but about having a sense of restraint, responsibility, not imposing power while protecting others. In the end, Hibachi acknowledged that Asakusa is in good hands with Benimaru.
A change of pace in the series, with Sho Kusakabe doing some detective work on his family's past and its link to Adolla in Episode 15. Sho unraveled some painful memories and truths, broadening the ideological tensions between him and his older brother Shinra. The episode's cinematic visuals emphasized the importance of understanding the past, which is essential to navigating the Great Cataclysm.
Episode 16 shifts to the battle between Shinra Kusakabe and a resurrected Raffles III as a Doppelganger, later fused with a Titanic Infernal after the appearance of the eighth and final giant pillar. Raffles III, now transformed into a world-ending weapon, is still being worshipped by humanity as its savior. Meanwhile, Shinra is still feared and labeled as an "Akuma" (Devil, in Japanese) due to his appearance, powers, and past actions, especially in the last two months.
Despite defeating Raffles III, humanity still rejected Shinra as a savior or hero. However, Shinra accepted being framed as an Akuma and embraced the duality. For Shinra, heroism is a choice, and he didn't need any validation for it. The battle emphasizes that true heroism can exist without the world's approval.
The consequences of power, belief, and moral responsibility are explored in episodes 13-16 of Fire Force Season 3 Part 2.
David Production did an excellent job of producing the anime series. All the animation cuts were smooth, especially the fight scenes. The visuals have greatly improved overall. Fire Force is really an interesting anime for its religious and philosophical aspects. Additionally, one of the anime's charms is its humor and goofy moments.
With the anime soon reaching its finale, Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 is definitely a must-watch. If one is looking for a story-driven anime with kickass action, religious and philosophical themes, this anime is worth checking out.
Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 is now streaming on Crunchyroll with new episodes every Friday.
Noob Geek Rating: 9/10
