Fire Force has officially kicked off their second cour, and it comes complete with new songs, new characters, and new insights into the world. Here we go!
First, some big picture things – I see this as the season of brothers’ conflicts (hinted at in the OP). I always enjoy the battle of siblings on different paths, even if it’s a bit of an overdone troupe. Fire Force looks a bit heavy handed here though – Shinra, the devil in black but the good guy vs the “White Clads” (their words, not mine) who are the actual baddies. From the ED, looks like the little bro is an albino, which is somehow important? Also, nice little popup play to let us know that the world was basically destroyed.
We meed Viktor! I don’t actually know who Viktor is, but I like his character so far. It’s a well-done mad scientist – I’m certain this is a case of where the person is so obsessed with their craft, they don’t worry about their actual mission (good or bad). I’m sure he’ll come around eventually as part of the team/double-agent.
Let’s talk Vulcan. Fire Force has (with some early exceptions) done very well in crafting visually enticing settings – Vulcan’s junkyard is no exception. The second half of this episode really plays heavily towards the colorful steampunk that feels right at home in this show – which makes the Planet Earth hologram tour just shocking. Like Arthur, the unexpected naturalism among the heaps of junk takes your breath away. This brings us to what motivates our junkyard wizard – he just wants animals to come back. I respect that dichotomy of restoring a natural world through technology.
Vulcan’s sidekicks (and side-chick?) are serviceable and don’t feel like unmanageable character creep. Although, I’ve never understood the obsession with traditional Chinese dressed characters? It feels like there’s always one side character who is into that – must be Tenecent money sponsoring the studios or something.
We also are starting to see the big deal about Adollah Burst – as I suspected, it seems interwoven into all the pyrokinetic users. I have no doubt that fighting to protect Vulcan will win over him to the 8th side.
New season, new characters, and a bit of a new feel. Despite that, Fire Force has both kept things familiar and started off with a fresh tone – pretty well done transition episode, honestly. I don’t feel let down after last week’s banger, and I’m more hyped for the new season if anything. Comedy is also on point (although the throwing cans felt a little forced – but calling the 8th a dump and pressing buttons had me in stitches). I’m also really starting to like the chemistry of Shinra and Arthur – they’re taking their time and letting it evolve naturally, which is absolutely what they need.
Altogether, things are looking good for the 8th and Smiley Devil Hero Man!
