My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2 ‒ Episode 20
A Critical Look at My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Episode 20
The latest installment of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has arrived, and while it's not a complete miss, it does leave something to be desired. The episode, which currently holds a community score of 3.8, is a feel-good, slice-of-life affair with some genuinely impressive action sequences. However, it ultimately struggles to escape the shadow of its own predetermined tragedy.
Strengths: Aizawa's Development and Cozy Foundations
There are definitely positive aspects to highlight. Seeing Aizawa begin to develop his own fighting style is a welcome addition to his character arc. The episode also takes time to flesh out the friendship between Aizawa and Oboro, creating a believable sense of growth and camaraderie. It's enjoyable to watch the cast members discuss their aspirations for their high school careers, mirroring the experiences of Class 1A in the main series, albeit at an accelerated pace. The episode excels at establishing a sense of comfort and familiarity among the main characters, which is likely intended to amplify the emotional impact of the inevitable tragedy.
The Problem: Waiting for the Inevitable
The core issue lies in the fact that the episode's accomplishments don't quite manage to overshadow the looming sense of dread. Prequels and flashbacks can be powerful storytelling tools, even when the audience knows the ultimate outcome. However, they require a delicate balance, allowing viewers to become invested in the present moment and momentarily forget the impending doom. In this case, the episode feels more like filler, simply marking time before the tragic twist arrives.
Oboro's Character: A Lack of Attachment
A significant part of the problem stems from the characterization of Oboro. While it's clear that Aizawa relies heavily on him for emotional and practical support, Oboro himself doesn't resonate as strongly. The episode establishes them as a duo, which is somewhat surprising considering the expectation that Present Mic would play a more prominent role in their high school hero work. Instead, the focus is on Oboro's role in compensating for Aizawa's shortcomings and frustrations. The implication is that Oboro's eventual demise will leave Aizawa feeling incapable of progressing without him.
Missed Opportunities: Codependency and Bonding
This could be a powerful catalyst for Aizawa's journey, potentially leading him to become a teacher at UA. However, the episode doesn't effectively highlight the codependency between the two characters. It feels somewhat diluted by other elements, such as the rivalry with another student, which ultimately feels like padding, despite its impressive animation.
While the episode attempts to portray Oboro as a source of optimism and balance for Aizawa's pessimism, it primarily focuses on practical assistance, such as teamwork during hero training and reminders to protect his eyes with goggles. The episode needed more scenes of genuine bonding and emotional connection to make the tragedy truly resonate.
A Sense of Underdevelopment: Familiar Territory
Ultimately, the episode feels like it fails to establish anything particularly new or insightful. It largely rehashes information already known, raising concerns that these flashback episodes will simply be superficial extensions of Oboro's backstory as established in the main series. The hope is that the aftermath of the tragedy will be handled with more depth and impact.
Final Thoughts: Awaiting a Stronger Landing
In conclusion, while not a terrible episode, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes episode 20 feels somewhat underwhelming. It excels in creating a sense of comfort and camaraderie, but it struggles to overcome the shadow of its own predetermined tragedy. The characterization of Oboro feels somewhat underdeveloped, and the episode misses opportunities to explore the codependency between him and Aizawa. Hopefully, the subsequent episodes will deliver a more impactful and emotionally resonant experience.
