rly quick: if you want to read my thoughts on the Mugen Train arc (the movie specifically), here it is on Letterboxd: link . I rewatched the episodic version which is basically the exact same, just with a bonus prequel episode where we get more Renkgoku which is great. Anyways, on with the review->
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
This season features some of Demon Slayer's definitive best yet. To where you leave the final episode floored beyond belief that the show managed to refine its gory, lamentful, and fairly ambitious edge to such a degree. BUT, everything up until ep. 6 didn't have me quite as hooked, save for the premiere (wasn't expecting its double-length runtime). It's a well-made wrap-up of Mugen Train, giving us some decent closure regarding Renkgoku's passing and how Tanjiro agrees to not let it get him down.
The setup of the District itself is perfect, despite taking me a while to fully catch up with. Uzui's wives were alright, but don't leave a huge impact. They get their one flashback scene that establishes their affection for him, but not much beyond that except for maybe Hinatsuru. It also still suffers from some of the show's typical downsides: Tanjiro's endless narration, Inosuke and Zenitsu being a chore to watch at times, etc.
The real satisfaction comes when all the plot threads come winding down and you reach the climactic final episodes- as Nezuko's chilling transformation into a full demon amps up the "oh s**t" factor, the final battle against Daki & Gyutaro featuring sakuga that surpasses the Mugen Train arc with ease, incredible voice acting, a booming score-all serving as the perfect culmination to this chapter of Tanjiro's journey. The final few episodes are essentially one grand-scale fight scene that's the centerpiece of the season.
The show refuses to let up as Gyutaro abuses the absolute hell out of Tanjiro. But despite bloody eyes, a pierced lower jaw, and injuries that should've realistically killed him; he rages on. Every slayer gets their chance to shine in the fight, and you find yourself as energized and hyped up as they are as those swords begin slicing the siblings' heads after enduring unflinching brutality. It's a perfect setup and payoff, which is dealt with amazingly by the finale.
As a sort of "epilogue" to the season, "No Matter How Many Lives" perfects Demon Slayer's greatest strength of making us sympathize and better delve into these Demons. The battle is won, and now we examine the aftermath of these two siblings' tragic upbringings. It's as sobering and visceral as a backstory like this could ever be. From the moody visuals, the way the body horror feels more intimate, all up to Ume and Gyutaro walking into Hell together. She could've easily taken the route to Heaven she truly deserves, but Ume's sisterly love wins out. You can't shake the feelings of hatred you have towards these two, well, demonic figures, especially after all the sins they committed towards our heroes. But it still hurts to see them choose to end up in the fiery pits, even though we, themselves included, know they deserve it. It's like with any p.o.s. person you come across. You don't have to or shouldn't like them, but understanding them helps in realizing they start off as human as you are. That final scene of them walking into the fire is a piece of art that'll stick with me for a while, especially when thinking back on this series and my growing ruminations on what happens after death.
"No Matter How Many Lives" is probably the most impactful and necessary conclusion a chapter like this could ever ask for. And it works excitedly as a setup for what to expect next season: Tanjiro now has a shot at Hashira training, we finally have upper-rank demon blood to help Nezuko, and Akaza is still out there. But we fortunately still have time to see a well-earned embrace between our young Slayers. Zenitsu my man: this is the one time I'll allow you to bawl your heart out like no one's watching.
If I were judging the final handful of episodes or so, it'd be an 8 or 9, but the first half simply wasn't as earthshattering and works best as the lead-in to the peak writing. This is one of those "really REALLY high 7/10s" that have the potential to reach my 8/10 sweet spot.
So see you next season! Hopefully!
Song of the day: "Lullabye" by Ben Folds Five.
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