English Dub Review: Fire Force “The Promise”

OVERVIEW (SPOILERS)

Emperor Raffles III, calls a conference of all the Companies in response to the recent uncovering regarding the man-made Infernals and this so-called “Evangelist”, so naturally, Shinra and Tamaki are brought to observe. They head to Imperial Throne Room and we get to see all the other Captains for the first time, with some more normal-looking than others. The matter at hand involves Shinra directly, as he is said to possess an “Adolla Burst”, which is said to be a very pure flame made up of the same sort of make up that powers the entire empire. Some of the captains elect to lock him up for observation, though Hibana and Obi shoot that down.

After the meeting, Obi and Tamaki head back while Shinra checks out Amaterasu, the perpetual thermal energy plant. There, he once again encounters Joker, who confirms that his brother Sho is actually working with the Evangelist’s knights, but then vanishes. Shinra heads back to base, torn by this news, and is conflicted about even telling the rest of his teammates about it. However, after some reassurance, he fesses up and tells them that he believes his brother could be alive, so they put priority into rescuing him. That may prove difficult, as his brother seems rather comfortable leading the Evangelist’s forces.

OUR TAKE
You know the drill by now: end of arc fight episode leads to the beginning of next arc having a breather. Though in this case, it’s now become clear to the Fire Force at large that there is a group actively out to get them and the people they want to protect. So that means calling in everyone to get a better look at everyone else who has a position of power in this organization, including the other Company Captains. I look forward to finding out their individual quirks and special skills as the show goes on, though the meeting did sort of drive home the more obvious parallels Shinra shares with Naruto Uzumaki. Not only is he a weird looking kid that people hate on instinct, but he’s also got a special power inside him that the antagonists wish to take for their own goals! Now he just needs a headband and a stupid catchphrase and he’s all set.

Though the more important bit of development is the second major appearance of Joker, who seems to have only come to pick the fruit of doubt he first planted back in Episode 3. Joker’s motives continue to seem unclear, as he seems content simply spreading some of the truth to get a reaction out of people, but he doesn’t seem to be aligned with the Evangelist or be connected to making these artificial Infernals. He’s kind of a…wild card, you might say. Whatever the case, he might be more a friend than foe at the moment, but the outcome of this ends up more being about Shinra freely admitting this information to the rest of Company 8, who are more than willing to help him save a family member. Just generally wholesome resolution, as well as refreshing since I was expecting Shinra to hold onto that for a long while until it really screwed something up.

I’m still just baffled by how transparent the fanservice is though. I mean, I’m all for having a lighter tone and fun with characters, but good GOD how can you justify Tamaki in this show? I’ll say it as much as I need to: putting a lampshade on something doesn’t automatically make it clever or interesting, it just means you know the comedy sucks. Luckily it’s not a big part of the episode, but it’s big enough that it’s distracting and detrimental to the overall story.