English Dub Review: Black Clover “Those Who Wish for the Devil’s Demise”

Overview

Upon visiting a village that faced the gruesome aftermath of the Midnight Sun/Elf arc to rescue their friends, Nozel regrets there are only so many magic knights to help and many such villages that are still suffering, Yami and Finral come across Dazu at her husband and mother’s graves. However, Dazu angrily blames the Magic Knights for failing to protect her village before storming off to the Banishers headquarters, the basement of Bou’s medical clinic, with news the Bulls have arrived, causing Secre’s tracking bracelet to be discovered and disposed of.

The Banishers decide to kill Marie and Secre as a political message to the “corrupt magic knights” but Dezu wants to capture Asta first since his execution will gain more public attention…


Our Take

I admire that in these past few episodes of pseudo-filler, as this is something Black Clover hasn’t done before, the whole episode dedicated to the serious investigation and the topical discussion on collateral damage. But part of me can’t fully appreciate this since the Devil Banisher’s execution strategy comes across as really dumb if they really think 1-3 public executions can instantly create any sort of change or revolution within the Clover Kingdom.

I think one of the biggest highlights is the scene where Yami apologizes to Dazu for being unable to save her family.  It’s always good to see him showing his more solemn and genuine side. It was quite professional without any attempt to defend his case. But I guess it’s believable that Dezu would want nothing to do with them and storm off.  Also, the captain’s meeting scene was kinda interesting with the talk about demons and more buildup.

Overall a streamlined episode that raises the stakes even higher. I have a feeling that once they’re found, those Devil Banishers are going to resort to strategy and escaping tactics, which seems like a logical choice since otherwise, they would get their asses kicked by the Magic Knights instantly. Asta was awakened a bit earlier than what I expected, but I figured they wouldn’t have the main character bedridden for almost half the arc or incapacitated like how a by-the-numbers DBZ episode is structured where Goku is unable to do anything but always shows up just the nick of time when all of his comrades are defeated, but thankfully that isn’t the case here.