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Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23: Favorites

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Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23 – Quick Summary

In Fire Force Season 3 part 2 episode 23, “Despair Saintess,” Shou and Shinra confront Haumea, who brought along an unexpected friend. She also proved to be a mistress of despair as she took apart all of Shinra’s hopes. Despite Shou’s constant support, Shinra seemed to be losing ground. How can he hold back despair when the collective unconsciousness of humanity demands otherwise?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Favorite Quote from Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23

Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23: Shinra knew that Shou was right

Shinra knew that Shou was right. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

It’s a good thing Shinra wasn’t alone. He’s a good guy, and he wants to do the right thing. But self discipline doesn’t come easy to him. His emotions are as wild to him as Arthur’s mind is to him, so I guess I can’t expect him to really keep ahold of himself.

He did try, though, and in doing so gave me my favorite quote. Haumea had been going on, and on, about how Shinra had only gotten as far as he had because of his rage. He almost bought into the idea, too, given a) how persuasive Haumea could be and b) his own experiences.

Fortunately, Shou was there to push back. Shou brought up Shinra’s friends – how they were still alive and depending on him. Shou was so effective that he got Shinra to take a step back and reassess.

“Everyone in the 8th. Captain Obi,” Shinra said (16:47). The callout of the name would be important later. “They all supported me. That’s how I got this far. I’m not a devil! I’m a hero!”

For that moment, Shinra had a handle on things, thanks to Shou. Pity it wasn’t to last.

Favorite Moment from Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23

Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23: Shinra lost his composure after witnessing Oubi's death

I don’t know how Shinra comes back from this. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

I’ve always enjoyed fiction that wrestles with big issues. The nature or the human race, including our ultimate destiny, certainly qualifies. The conversation between Haumea and Shinra, with Shou trying (and ultimately failing) to help Shinra keep his stuff together worked for me. 

Though there was one point at which I wrote in my notes, “It’s getting a little repetitive.” That was around 16:40.

The way Haumea framed the problem, though, really appealed to me. Her relentless assault on Shinra’s emotions was diabolical, and apparently, it worked. But only because of my favorite moment.

My favorite quote helped set the stage. Shinra feels like part of the 8th Special Fire Brigade’s family. He feels tremendous respect for its captain, Akitaru Oubi, in particular. That’s why my favorite moment hit so hard.

Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23: Tamaki had been happy to see Oubi

Tamaki’s happiness at seeing Oubi set a strong contrast to what came next. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream. 

Oubi’s Doppelgänger showed up. Viktor Licht noticed him first. He looked exactly like the real Oubi, of course. And just as “of course,” he acted differently. But Viktor was too busy to give it enough through.

The real Oubi came up on Tamaki. He seemed his cheerful self, and she was happy to see him. That is, until she noticed his Doppelgänger coming up behind him. 

In Adolla, Haumea made sure Shinra could see what happened next. Before I could wonder if Tamaki would sound the alarm, the Doppelgänger drew a knife, came up behind Oubi, and slit the man’s throat (19:26).

Fast. Brutal. 

I felt Tamaki’s scream in my gut. But that was nothing compared to Shinra’s reaction. I had to wonder if the voice actor, Gakuto Kajiwara, hurt himself because the scream was primal and raw. 

I didn’t expect it. But it was completely in keeping with the character of the show. It was also exactly what Shinra didn’t need – not even Shou could talk him down. It’s not that I liked the moment itself. I just liked its impact on the story. And I’m dying to know how Shinra comes back from this.

What did you think of the final shot? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to share in the comments!

Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 Episode 23: Other Posts

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