The Disappointing Season of Kimetsu no Yaiba
As someone who isn’t particularly fond of the series to begin with, I must admit that this season of Kimetsu no Yaiba fell flat for me. The decision to have only 12-13 episodes was a poor one, as there was hardly enough substantial content to fill that runtime. In comparison to the superior “Yuukaku-hen”, this season pales in comparison. It’s disheartening to see such a lackluster offering.
The Key to Kimetsu no Yaiba’s Appeal
Despite my personal reservations, it’s worth noting that Kimetsu no Yaiba has garnered a massive following in Japan, including Sakurai Norio, who revealed her admiration for the series in a recent interview. While I understand the dedication to fanservice exhibited by Gotouge-sensei, I still struggle to comprehend why this series has garnered such devout worship. Although it occasionally shines, with “Yuukaku-hen” being a prime example, most of the time, it falls into mediocrity. Unfortunately, this arc was even worse.
A Lack of Memorable Villains
Even the presence of Zenitsu and Inosuke couldn’t salvage this season from mediocrity. The absence of compelling villains only exacerbated the issue. Both Gyokko and Hantengu failed to leave a lasting impression, and their battles lacked any real sense of threat. It’s perplexing how demons ranked fourth and fifth can be dispatched so easily by lower-ranking humans, without a hint of suspense.
Kanroji: An Irrelevant Character
Kanroji’s character arc ultimately amounted to nothing. She never even engaged in combat with a main body of one of these “paper tigers,” and her skirmish with Zohaukuten, the drummer boy, was cut short by Tanjirou’s intervention. The stark contrast between her portrayal and that of the male hashira is disappointingly wide. Kanroji was virtually absent throughout the season until the very end, and her involvement in the real battles was minimal. It’s concerning what message this choice sends.
The Overarching Issue of Convenient Plot Development
The concept of Nezuko miraculously “conquering the sun” is emblematic of Kimetsu no Yaiba’s storytelling approach. Anything that needs to happen to progress the plot conveniently occurs. While I’ve come to accept this as a foundational aspect of the series, it does detract from the overall sense of drama. Formidable enemies are necessary to create suspense, and Kimetsu no Yaiba is running out of such adversaries. Without a doubt, Muzan will have his moment, but that climax can only occur in the final arc.
Hoping for Better Days Ahead
I find solace in the hope that Katanakaji no Sato-hen represents a low point for Kimetsu no Yaiba, and that future installments will reclaim the series’ former glory. Rumor has it that the upcoming Hashira Training Arc will be relatively short, which is concerning given the slow pacing of this season. It’s challenging to determine whether a shorter runtime would have significantly improved this arc, as its flaws are deeply ingrained. Nonetheless, a reduced episode count would have at least prevented unnecessary drag.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this season of Kimetsu no Yaiba left much to be desired. From lackluster storytelling choices to underwhelming villains, the overall quality suffered. However, there remains a glimmer of hope for future installments, and fans can anticipate a more focused and engaging narrative moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there be another season of Kimetsu no Yaiba?
Yes, there are plans for future seasons of Kimetsu no Yaiba. However, the exact release date has not been confirmed yet.
2. Are there any major changes from the manga in this season?
There are some minor differences from the manga adaptation, but overall, the storyline remains faithful to the source material.
3. What is the significance of the Hashira Training Arc?
The Hashira Training Arc provides an opportunity for the main characters to further develop their skills and enhance their abilities. It sets the foundation for future conflicts and challenges.
4. Are there any upcoming major battles to look forward to?
Without spoiling the plot, it can be said that there are intense battles on the horizon. Fans can expect thrilling confrontations between the protagonists and formidable adversaries.
5. Can Kimetsu no Yaiba still redeem itself in future seasons?
While this season may have fallen short of expectations, there is potential for redemption in future seasons. With the right storytelling choices and compelling arcs, Kimetsu no Yaiba can reclaim its status as a beloved series.