Dr. Stone Season 2 Episode 8 " Final Battle" Review
Summary: Everything has led up to this point. Senku moves out to take Miracle Cave, with the first half of the episode focusing on a smooth conquest. All seems to be going well for our heroes...that is until Tsukasa and Hyoga arrive back earlier than expected, causing the tide of battle to quickly turn.
Impressions:
Ya'll this is such a good episode. I was very vague in my summary because this is an episode that has to be experienced. If you are watching Dr. Stone, and haven't watched it yet, go watch it, then come back.
I'll wait.
Impressions (for real)
This is the beginning of a climax that has been in the works since season 1. The whiplash in this episode between the first half and second half is perfection. Everything seems to go as planned in the first part in a super triumph feel-good way. Everyone succeeds, and conquest of Tsuksa'a empire seems inevitable. . Except things go south immediately with the early arrival of our villain and his right-hand man.
Things always go wrong before they go right, especially in Shonen anime, but I STILL felt punched in the gut. The feeling only grew as things unraveled for our heroes, from Ukyo being hit with a spear (my poor boy) to Gen being revealed to have been the voice behind Lillian. On top of that, a large group of warriors followed Tsukasa and surround the Kingdom of Science.
(Dang, how did Tsukasa even revive that many people in a year?)
Hyoga and Tsukasa make it clear they will only allow safe passage for the Kingdom of Science members in exchange for Senku's life. It seems all is lost...but is everything ever truly lost in a shonen series? Not in this one.
Senku turns down the deal as everyone supporting him rallies to protect his life. No lives lost means no lives lost, including the main character. They may not have stood a chance before against Hyoga and Tsukasa, but everyone has gotten stronger. With all of them, maybe they'll stand a chance.
This is without a doubt the best season 2 has been. The range of emotions this episode invokes is amazing. Given how good season 2 has been, this is quite a compliment and a testament to this series's quality. If you haven't watched Dr. Stone yet, this episode is proof you really should be watching.
Episode Rating: 10/10
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