Enen no Shouboutai [Season 3 Episode 2]

Fire Force Season 3, Episode 2: A Dark Hero Rises and the Stakes Soar

The third season of Fire Force (Enen no Shouboutai: San no Shou) is already shaping up to be a wild ride, and Episode 2, titled “Dark Hero,” cranks up the tension to eleven. With Company 8 now branded as traitors by the Tokyo Imperial Army, the squad is forced into the shadows, scrambling to rescue their beloved Captain Obi while dodging the very forces they once fought alongside. And just when things couldn’t get more chaotic, enter Joker—the enigmatic wildcard who’s either their best hope or their worst mistake.

The Setup: Betrayal and Brotherhood

The episode wastes no time reminding us why Company 8 is such a tight-knit group. Fans on MyAnimeList pointed out how Obi’s capture hits hard because he’s more than just a captain—he’s the heart of the team. One user summed it up perfectly: “Obi’s like a big brother to all of them. So, of course, they’d turn traitors without a second thought.” It’s this emotional core that makes their desperate mission feel personal, not just another shonen trope.

The stakes are higher than ever. The Tokyo Empire, now under the influence of the Evangelist, has twisted the narrative, framing Obi as a criminal. As one Reddit user noted, “If Raffles and the church lie about this, what else would they lie about?” This crisis of faith adds a layer of intrigue, making the political maneuvering just as gripping as the action.

Joker: The Wildcard We Love to Distrust

Joker’s return is the highlight of the episode, and fans are eating it up. His laid-back, almost chaotic energy contrasts sharply with the dire situation, and his alliance with Company 8 is… questionable at best. As one fan put it, “Would you trust him after all the crap he pulled before? Oh well, beggars can’t be choosers.”

Kenjiro Tsuda’s voice acting brings Joker to life with that signature deep, villainous charm, and his dynamic with Shinra is already sparking theories. Some fans speculate he’s playing the long game, while others believe he’s genuinely switched sides. Either way, his presence shakes things up in the best way possible.

The Calm Before the Firestorm

While Episode 2 is light on action, it’s heavy on setup—and fans are divided on whether that’s a good thing. Some, like a CBR reviewer, praised the pacing, calling it “the most exciting episode of the season thus far,” while others found it a bit slow. One MyAnimeList user admitted, “Episode 2 was boring, but I get why. We needed to see how the characters navigated the prison rescue.”

Still, the groundwork laid here promises explosive payoffs. The brief training scene with Obi in prison (complete with his iconic “jail time muscle training”) hints at bigger fights to come. And let’s not forget Arthur’s hilarious run-in with a baby “dragon”—because even in the darkest moments, Fire Force never loses its sense of humor.

The Music and Animation: A Mixed Bag

The OP and ED are growing on people, though opinions are split. Some fans initially disliked the new opening’s vocals (“They got that whiny voiced wiener to do it”), while others, like one Reddit user, found it oddly nostalgic: “The first and last parts sound so similar to ‘I Can’t Hold Back’ by Survivor. Not complaining though—Survivor kicks ass!”

Animation-wise, this episode was more about subtlety than spectacle, but fans are holding out hope. As one commenter noted, “I sure hope the quality so far is due to saving the budget for sick-ass fights.” Given David Production’s track record, it’s a safe bet that the next few episodes will deliver.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Foundation

Fire Force Season 3, Episode 2 might not be the flashiest installment, but it’s a crucial stepping stone. The alliance with Joker, the looming prison break, and the deepening conspiracy all set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable arc. As one fan perfectly put it: “Dark heroes against the light. Kinda appropriate and poetic.”

If you’re a fan of tension, character dynamics, and the promise of epic battles just around the corner, this episode won’t disappoint. And if you’re still on the fence? Just wait—because things are about to get hotter.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A slow burn (pun intended) with payoff potential.

What did you think of Episode 2? Drop your theories below! 🔥