My Hero Academia Reminds Us Why His Name Is Endeavor

Highlights

Endeavor and Bakugo shine in an explosive and emotional episode, showcasing their growth and imperfections.
Jiro makes history by incapacitating All for One, leading to a well-deserved team attack.
Bakugo’s powerful moment highlights his growth and defiance against Shigaraki’s flawed philosophy.

I’ve been following My Hero Academia for quite some time now, and I must confess, this latest episode left me utterly speechless. As a long-time fan of the series, I’ve watched Endeavor and Bakugo’s stories evolve over the years, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. But this episode, oh boy, it was something else entirely. Title	My Hero Academia Season 7
Director	Naomi Nakayama, Kenji Nagasaki (Chief Director)
Studio	Bones
Episode Air Date	7/13/2024

Caution: This section may reveal plot points from My Hero Academia Episode 148, titled “Wounded Hero, Shining Brighter Than Ever,” which is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.

The latest installment of My Hero Academia, after a short break, brought us an exceptional episode filled with intense and heartfelt moments featuring two controversial characters. The complexity and flawed nature of Endeavor and Bakugo have been debated both in the show and among fans for a long time. However, their recent appearances were more impactful than ever, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

After Episode 147 ended, All for One knocked Endeavor down with an injury and came close to finishing off Jiro and Tokoyami, leaving Jiro without an ear. The villain sneered at us students, belittling us as mere extras in the face of the monstrous enemy we were up against. But this week, All for One learned a hard lesson: underestimating the determination and strength of the U.A. Academy students is a mistake he’ll regret.

All for One Learns His Lesson the Hard Way

One intriguing concept explored in this show is the suggestion that quirks represent a piece of an individual’s essence or spirit. This theory was previously hinted at, as when Deku interacted with past users of One for All. In the latest season, this idea became a reality. Star and Stripe were unable to prevent Shigaraki from taking her quirk, so she transformed it into a deceptive gift that consumed his other abilities, leaving him in pain.

Jiro Makes My Hero Academia History

In this episode, All for One experiences retribution from Jiro, much like he did to others. Although All for One’s quirk may not be effective against Jiro personally, Jiro excels at stirring up a crowd, and that crowd – the Quirks residing within All for One – is an ideal target. “Heartbeat Surround: Legato” leaves All for One immobilized, providing Hawks and Tokoyami with an opportunity to launch a coordinated assault. Jiro continues to apply pressure throughout the attack.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel elated about how this battle unfolded. Among all the possible outcomes, this one was undoubtedly the most satisfying and fitting for Jiro. No other character has ever come close to catching All for One off guard like she did, and it truly showcases her skills. His usual menacing grin transforms into a pained expression, leaving him more vulnerable than ever seen before.

The Meaning of “Endeavor”

Since All Might’s retirement, Endeavor has been forced to acknowledge his shortcomings not just as a representative of peace, but more significantly as a spouse and father. His transgressions run deep in his son’s background, making the idea of his redemption seem implausible for valid reasons. However, it’s commendable that “My Hero Academia” tackles this complex issue head-on, knowing full well how difficult it is to do so.

As a long-time fan of “My Hero Academia,” I can’t help but be moved to my core by the moments when Endeavor is put to the test and rises to the challenge. His story has always resonated with me on a deeply personal level, perhaps because of the parallels I see between his experiences and my own.

As a devoted fan, I’ve come to expect that atonement plays a pivotal role in Endeavor’s story. But what sets this battle apart is the intense internal struggle. I’m right there with him, feeling his pain as he acknowledges that he can’t make amends for past mistakes. Yet, he presses on, knowing full well that by the series’ end, he will be left scarred and shattered. It’s a heavy burden to bear, but one he is willing to shoulder so that future generations won’t have to face the same demons. That’s what it means for me to endeavor.

Bakugo’s Bombastic Retort to Shigaraki

My Hero Academia Reminds Us Why His Name Is Endeavor

In the latter part of this episode, Bakugo’s storyline harmoniously complements the first half. Featuring a contentious protagonist, an emotionally charged confrontation symbolizing their development, and a formidable adversary to neutralize their final assault. This installment brilliantly executes Bakugo’s turnaround, making his past unlikeability a distant memory. The key to its success lies in the intriguing interaction between Bakugo and Shigaraki, who dominates the scene with flamboyant gestures and musings on the world he aspires to build.

When the difference is too great, it leads to miscommunication and confusion. Misunderstandings can fuel fear and rejection. Isn’t that the world we currently inhabit? If I were in charge, wouldn’t we all be treated fairly instead? Aren’t we one step closer to the harmonious society champions yearn for?

Why Shigaraki’s Philosophy Offends Bakugo

In a similar vein to how villains have expressed their discontent with the world’s imbalance before, Shigaraki expresses his frustration with the world’s lack of harmony. However, when it comes to proposing remedies, he only suggests dominion. It is at this point that Bakugo takes center stage. He is more acquainted than most with the discrepancies and misconceptions of the world due to his long-standing relationship and conflict with Deku. Furthermore, because of individuals like Deku, he is aware that such obstacles can be surmounted.

In addition, he acknowledges his role in maintaining the gap between them. Shigaraki’s defiance contradicts this advancement, and as Bakugo readies his most potent assault yet, there’s an underlying feeling that he’s acting for Deku’s sake. This scene encapsulates the profound transformation Bakugo has undergone over time, albeit possibly taking an excessively long period.

As a long-time fan of “My Hero Academia,” I have been captivated by the development of Endeavor and Bakugo’s characters throughout the series. Their imperfections and unlikable moments make them all the more intriguing to me, as they represent the show’s most ambitious gambit.

2024-07-16 19:36