English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “Suneater of the Big Three”

 

 

Overview:

Tamaki.

Our Take:

We learn a little about Tamaki this episode, that he has a severe case of anxiety that was present even as a kid, and that his friendship with Mirio was incredibly formative. Tamaki has always been extremely anxious, letting his reclusiveness prevent him from making friendships and being able to talk and project himself. He had accepted his loneliness until a young Mirio befriended him, and the two of build off each other. Mirio inspires Tamaki, but Mirio also reminds Tamaki that he has his own strength too. It’s genuinely nice to watch their closeness.

Seeing Tamaki, who’s usually withdrawn and sensitive, decides to take on three villains by himself is admirable. He really wants to be a hero, not just for the mission, not just for recognition, not even for Mirio, but because he believes he can do better for himself. Fatgum believing in him was also an extremely touching moment. He knows that the mission itself is at stake, but he also believes that Tamaki is doing this because he’s capable, not out of desperation. He can do it too, not only figuring out the mobsters’ weaknesses but building off some of his own to create a better fighting form.

Tamaki really shines in this episode, through and through. He’s also pretty cunning, being able to figure out that yes, this villain trio isn’t just evil for the sake of evil, and deeply loyal to both their boss and each other. Had they been willing to throw each other to the curb, then his plan wouldn’t have worked. As it turns out, the trio genuinely cares for each other and therefore, is very reluctant to fatally harm each other in the process. Tamaki ensnaring them lets him knock them all out.

This also goes to show a problem with the Hassaikai going forward: they’re all loyal. Chisaki has built an organization that is loyal to him and loyal to each other. Likely, all the members of the organization are going to go down fighting, because they believe in their comrades and their boss. That will be tough.

All in all, it’s so nice to see more of Tamaki! Mirio has been stealing the spotlight of the Big Three, which is only natural considering his proximity to Midoriya, but that Tamaki gets the limelight so well is great. I’m glad to know more about this kid.