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After last week’s exciting premiere, season three ofFire Forceis moving along at a brisk pace. After the rollercoaster that was episode one, it’s no surprise that fans have been eagerly anticipating the next installment of the story. The stage is set for what could only be a heated clash between two opposing forces.
Will Company 8 be able to achieve their goals, or will the Evangelist, with their newest allies, snuff out the efforts of the hot-bloodedSpecial Fire Force members? Things certainly aren’t looking good now that even more enemies have been rallied against them, but there’s no way Shinra and the others will be going down without a fight.
Key Plot Points From Episode 1
While someFire Forcefans might have gone into this latest season a bit hazy after the four-year wait,Season three’s debut did an excellent jobof bringing viewers up to date with a concise recap of important events. The episode laid out the findings of Company 8’s collaborations with other cooperating forces, highlighting the host of allies Captain Obi and the others had recruited. Just when it seemed like things were moving along smoothly, Tokyo Imperial Army soldiers showed up with White-Clad in tow to detain the captain.
The incident has many fans worried for the beloved leader of the 8th, but the events following were even more concerning. After being summoned to an audience with the Imperial King Raffless III, Captain Leonard Burns, Karim Flam, Onyango, and Huo Yan Li are shocked to find White-Clad in attendance. The Pillars,said to be “true believers of Sol"by Raffles himself, have allied with the Empire in pursuit of attaining their goal of transforming the planet into a second sun. Using her ability, “Talking Head”, Haumea was able to convert the pious Leonard to their side. After that unexpected change of allegiance, the episode closed with Company 8 learning of their captain’s arrest and resolving to work together to save him.
Coming to a Boiling Point
Without a Second to Spare
The second episode of season three starts off with a troubling vision. Shinra sees Captain Leonard Burns, speaking of devout followers of Sol being repaid with a return to flames. He then goes on to state that Akitaru Obi will be implanted with one of the insects that cause humans to transform into infernals.
After receiving this revelation, Kusakabe advisesthe rest of Company 8that there’s no time to waste. After a brief flashback to the 8th’s humble beginnings, the resolve of Hinawa and the others is clear. Obi, meanwhile, is still alive and well. He seems to be passing his time exercising in his cell, despite his serious predicament.
The Long Fall From Grace
A news report on display for passersby alleges that Captain Obi has been arrested under suspicion of kidnapping and holding Shinra, a possessor of the Adola Burst, captive. The report goes on to paint Company 8 as villains on the run with Kusakabe as their prisoner. While the general public seems convinced, allies of Company 8,including Benimaru of the 7th, are shown reacting to this news, none of them trusting the information at face value. The team is on the run, with imperial forces on the hunt for the members of the fallen company.
The gravity of the situation finally starts to sink in just before Licht introduces his shadowy ally, Joker. Offering to teach the newly ostracized team how to live as outlaws, the enigmatic man leads the reluctant group to an open utility hole. The unlikely pair escort them to their conspicuously labeled secret base in the sewers. Once inside, Licht and Joker reveal that Obi’s location has already been pinpointed: Fuchu Penitentiary.
Unwavering Faith in Destruction
In the next scene, a conversation between Haumea and Leonardshows just how much faiththe captain now has in the Evangelist and their ideals. His opinion of human combustion has become positive, likening it to a trial to be overcome by the devotees of Sol. The pair are in agreement that Obi should experience such joy.A White-Clad named Goldapproaches the imprisoned Obi with a bottled insect and floating coins, speaking of the value of money. She tells him that he will be set free as an infernal. There’s no doubt that Akitaru is in very immediate danger.
A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing?
When a person who has lived a long time in deep darkness takes a look, they know, without even trying, what real light is.
-Joker
Shinra sets off with Joker while the rest of Company 8 travels with Licht, who reveals his use of the Nether to get around. While the team is still having trouble trusting their new self-proclaimed ally, Viktor insists that they should have the same faith in the “Dark Hero” as they do in him. Meanwhile, he and Shinra talk on the way to Obi’s rescue. Joker tells him his reason for helping them is due to his faith in Obi as well as Kusakabe himself, stating that living in darkness for as long as he has makes it easy to identify true sources of light. After reminding himjust how powerful their enemies are, Joker assures Shinra that he will protect him.
Stakes That Continue to Rise
Fighting an Uphill Battle
Keeping up the pace of episode one, this latest installment has placed all the pieces for what can only be anepic struggle between two forces. With both sides believing that they’re in the right, it’s unlikely that many more will be swapping allegiances from this point forward.
With Leonard Burns and Company 1 now on their side, the Evangelist, Pillars, Guardians, and Destroyers make up a formidable army that won’t be easily defeated. With Obi’s life on the line, the stakes have gotten even higher, forcing these heroes to take action with little preparation. Will they be able toget to their captain in time, or will next week’s episode ofFire Forceend with fans in tears? This week surely can’t pass quickly enough.
