My Hero Academia Asks Whats Best for the Heteromorphs

Key Takeaways

The resolution of the Central Hospital riot felt too quick, lacking the impact and depth needed for its emotional weight.
The episode sets the stage for the finale, shaking up the status quo with Kurogiri’s freedom and villains in control.
The “Butterfly Effect” scene with the weather reporter highlights global stakes and sets the tone for the climactic finale.

As a long-time fan of My Hero Academia, I must say that episode 153 left me utterly captivated and heartbroken at the same time. Having followed Spinner’s character development from the very beginning, it was gut-wrenching to see him so defeated and alone. His unwavering loyalty to Shigaraki, a friend he holds in high regard, only adds to the tragedy of his situation. It seems that both Spinner and Shigaraki have become mere pawns in All for One’s grand scheme, which is truly disheartening.

This section reveals plot details from the latest episode (Episode 153) of My Hero Academia, titled “Butterfly Effect,” currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

This week in “My Hero Academia” is packed with significant developments. The aftermath of the hospital riot is one aspect, while another is a shift that, even though it already gave heroes an edge at most, has now been disrupted. It’s a bustling episode that aims to deepen the emotional intensity from the previous episode and ties up various plotlines convincingly, all while generating anticipation for what lies ahead.

Title	My Hero Academia Season 7
Director	Naomi Nakayama, Kenji Nagasaki (Chief Director)
Studio	Bones
Episode Air Date	8/31/2024

In the past week, the show delved into the frequently neglected struggles of heteromorphs, as Shoji and Spinner debated on the most effective way to combat the injustice that has left deep wounds on them. Some may argue that the plot revolving around heteromorphs is undervalued, but there’s a case to be made for its strategic importance within the storyline at this juncture. Fortunately, Episode 153 continues this conversation effectively, for the most part.

The End of the Central Hospital Riot

Initially, the proposed solution to the riot seemed overly simplistic, given the intense emotions that had been expressed just a week prior. With Shoji pleading heartfelt appeals, Koda bravely defending his friend, and Spinner’s emotional call to action, it felt like there were more complexities at play. Changing hearts is much like a chemical reaction – it can occur swiftly or gradually. It was clear that a combination of factors would be needed to persuade the rioters to lay down their weapons.

Indeed, the image of doctors standing united, with their hands interlocked, acting as a barrier between rioters and their patients, is an incredibly potent symbol. When considered alongside all that has been discussed earlier, it’s certain to make one reflect deeply. However, there may be questions about how effectively this scene was staged. Since it appears within the first two minutes, by the time the opening theme plays, it seems as though the rioters have already been swayed emotionally.

Did It End Too Quickly?

My Hero Academia Asks Whats Best for the Heteromorphs

The sneak peek for this episode led viewers to anticipate a hospital-centric storyline entirely. However, the episode only delved into half of that, leaving some feeling slightly let down due to unmet expectations. Yet, it’s understandable given the circumstances. If the doctors’ scene had been placed at the very end of the previous episode instead, it could have strengthened the narrative and provided a more impactful ending. This might have elevated an excellent episode even further.

In my perspective as a supporter, the climax unfolds differently, with the rioters inside the hospital defending Shoji instead of attacking him. They advise everyone to halt their actions, suggesting that this wasn’t the right approach to combat oppression. Strangely, they don’t seem to recognize how their justified rage was manipulated by those with hidden agendas. Truth be told, it’s irrelevant who Kurogiri is in the grand scheme of things for the heteromorphs. I guess that could be seen as being overly critical, though.

What This Resolution Does Well

1. This arc deserves praise for not only criticizing the rioters but also addressing the underlying issues that sparked these events. The fact that a character from the marginalized group was instrumental in this exploration significantly enhanced the storyline’s impact. Shoji empathetically portrays their suffering and emphasizes the importance of exposing those responsible for it. Many less imaginative authors might criticize violence without delving into the root causes, which is infuriating when we see it reflected in real-world events.

As a fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the pivotal role Shoji plays. If not for his presence, some of us might have been compelled to take matters into our own hands. Setting a positive example is crucial, and Shoji certainly does that, but it’s also essential to challenge societal issues head-on, even when it makes those in power uncomfortable. If the heteromorph narrative fades away as it was before these episodes, I fear it would be a missed opportunity for this story to make a lasting impact.

Spinner’s Hard-Fought Victory

The rioters may not have gone far into the hospital before changing their minds, which provided a poignant instance for Spinner, making his character’s tragedy even more profound. After being assigned the task of guiding the heteromorphs to victory, something he was told only he was capable of, he turned around to discover that he was alone.

It’s particularly heartbreaking to think about Spinner going through everything he has, driven by love and friendship for Shigaraki. However, they’ve both been manipulated by All for One, and it’s especially poignant to witness Spinner in such a defeated state. Despite this, he continues to strive, risking himself greatly just to save Kurogiri, even though his friend might never be able to acknowledge his sacrifices.

The Meaning of the “Butterfly Effect”

To my surprise, the most captivating moment from the entire episode unfolded post-commercial break, featuring none other than an American weather reporter. Portrayals of America in anime are intriguing and often humorous, but this scene took me by surprise. It wasn’t just creatively building upon earlier storylines, but it also shed light on global aspects of the conflict, enhancing our understanding of the high stakes beyond Japan.

Over a period, the storyline has delved into the idea of a “Quirk Apocalypse,” or simply put, how the advancement and interconnectedness of quirks could lead to increasing disorder as the narrative nears its conclusion. The suggestion that Shoto and Dabi’s battle might have altered the temperature significantly enough to affect the entire world underscores their immense power. Beyond this, it serves as a warning that Japan’s troubles resonate globally on Earth.

Episode 150 revealed that other parts of the world were instead choosing to submit to All for One’s demands rather than launch an attack. Initially, this seemed like a convenient reason to exclude other countries from the climax, but a live TV broadcast of a woman criticizing this complacency changes everything. It suggests not just fear and suspicion, but also widespread support for the heroes, indicating that there are individuals everywhere who are rooting for them.

Setting the Stage for the Finale

The second half of this episode focused on readying for the climax. Instead of rearranging the pieces on the game board, it felt more like destroying it with a sledgehammer and setting up a fresh one. Since Kurogiri has been defeated and distance is no longer an issue, the battlefields are expected to become intertwined, with the villains choosing their lineup this time around.

Toga and Dabi kicked off this season with a sinister plan, and now that they’re back together, they can finally enact the turmoil they’ve been eagerly waiting to inflict. For one of them, it’s about exacting revenge for Hawks killing Twice, while the other is looking forward to a fated showdown with his father, which could bring catastrophic consequences. The “Butterfly Effect” episode might just be the most action-packed of the season, yet it rarely missed its target and hints at My Hero Academia‘s most intense finale to date.

2024-09-01 18:04