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Fire Force Season 3 Episode 5 – Quick Summary
In Fire Force Season 3 episode 5, “Chance Meeting with an Arch-Enemy,” the members of the 8th felt jubilant at Arthur’s return and with how easily he handled the Destroyer menacing them. But then a Destroyer named Dragon showed up. His name wasn’t some aspirational thing, either! Is this the perfect enemy to push Arthur’s imagination beyond his limits? Or is it an enemy beyond even Arthur’s imagination?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from Fire Force Season 3 Episode 5
He’s so self aware at times that I wonder how sane he really is. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
This was Arthur’s episode, so it seems fitting to pick my favorite quote from Arthur himself. Fortunately, he cooperated and gave us a quote that was both prototypically Arthur and hilariously self-aware.
Which begs the question: does Arthur know he’s insane? Or does he think he’s sane, and the rest of us just don’t know what’s going on? I’m not sure which side I’d take in that argument… though maybe it’s not an either-or thing.
Any, Arthur had been slashing away at Dragon to no avail. Since his power increases with his imagination’s imagery, he got ready to deliver a mammoth strike.
“My Excalibur’s first strike is a deadly one! There will not be a second!” Arthur proclaimed (09:23). Before I could finish the thought that “Hey, dude’s already delivered his first strike!”, Arthur added, “That’s what I’d like to say, but when it’s a dragon I’m facing, I can’t! Dragon! I shall continue to wield Excalibur until you are defeated!”
I’m now debating whether he’s insane, extremely insane, or simply just three or four steps ahead of me. But there’s no disputing his self-awareness, if in limited forms.
Favorite Moment from Fire Force Season 3 Episode 5
Arthur’s delusions can make for some powerful images! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Arthur fighting a dragon? Can we just take a minute to bask in the awesomeness of that idea? Knowing Arthur as well as we do, it raised all kinds of expectations.
I’m not saying that’s all good. There was a minute near the beginning of the fight (around 07:50) where I wrote this in my notes: “Now, I’m really wanting to see this fight. But this show’s sense of humor has me feeling apprehensive.”
But I have to say that overall, I think the show delivered on its promise in a way unique to Arthur, his view of the world, and the show’s sense of humor (in this case, I mean it in a positive way).
Dragon was a powerful foe, and Arthur put up a heck of a fight. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
My favorite moment came near the end of the fight. Well, near the end of Arthur’s active participation in the fight. Arthur had apparently earned Dragon’s respect, because he said (16:11), “Die nobly, human.” He then launched a ridiculously power attack.
Arthur recognized the danger. “Defend your Knight King, Plasmantle!” he said (16:15). Before I could wonder what the heck a plasmantle was, Dragon’s attack struck Arthur. It practically blew the rest of the 8th off their feet. When the dust cleared, there stood Arthur, wrapped in a plasma cape.
It was a seriously cool moment. It looked like the moment would propel Arthur to victory. Even though we know it didn’t, that did not detract from the moment’s inherent coolness. I enjoyed seeing Arthur’s attack against Dragon, who’s a foe who has revealed a little more about the show’s lore. I’m curious to see how Arthur bounces back from what happened at the end!
What did you think of Akitaru Oubi’s defense against the Infernal insects? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
Fire Force Season 3 Episode 5: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: Enen no Shouboutai: San no Shou • Fire Force Season 3 – Episode 5 discussion
- But Why Tho? REVIEW: ‘Fire Force’ Season 3 Episode 5 — “A Chance Meeting with an Archenemy”
- Otaku Orbit: Fire Force Season 3, Episode 5: ”Chance Meeting With an Arch-Enemy”
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Fire Force Season 3 Episode 1: Indomitable Resolve
- Fire Force Season 3 Episode 2: Prisoner
- Fire Force Season 3 Episode 3: Incarnation of Flame
- Fire Force Season 3 Episode 4: Golden Secret
- Fire Force Season 3 Episode 5: Chance Meeting with an Arch-Enemy
- Fire Force Season 3 Episode 6: Beyond Prayer’s end
You know, ever since I learned, way back in season one, that Fire Force is a prequel to Soul Eater, and we have a character named Arthur…
…let’s just say, I’m wondering if Arthur, all this time, has been imprinting on his sword, so we can later have the Excalibur. Generally, it appears that humans gain the ability to turn into weapons – no idea how that happened, but what if just this once it’s the other way round (and Excalibour looks way more like something from the Moomins than a human, anyway…).
Just a weird thought, but there *has* to be a connection of some sort. This is Checkov’s metafictional reference.
I’m responding to this as I’m getting ready to watch episode 6…
Your idea stunned me. I mean, like, I stopped as soon as I read it and thought, “Damn.”
If you’re right, then I wonder if it was significant that Dragon “broke” Excalibur — or at least damaged that incarnation.
I’m really looking forward to finding out if you were right. If Arthur’s sword starts called everyone “Fool!”, I guess we’ll have our answer!