Hell’s Paradise is operating on the all gas, no brakes mentality for the second half of Season 2. Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 8 shows both the audience and the main party just how powerful the Tensen (Junichi Suwabe/Yūko Kaida) are when they don’t hold back. “Chrysanthemums and Peaches” takes the anime in a new art direction that enhances the plot. It’s an exposition bomb disguised as a fighting episode, making it all the better to watch.
Tao Fa and Ju Fa are the focal point in Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 8 for good reason. To tell Tao Fa’s story, you need to tell Ju Fa’s story because the two are so intertwined that it wouldn’t make sense otherwise.
They were created to be two parts of a whole, a horrifying thing to realize as Rien makes it clear what type of Tao they need to study together. The two of them have a connection that not even the other Tensen shares, which makes Tao Fa’s spiral into madness hurt that much more.
No matter which way you look at it, their story is a tragedy.
The small peek into Gantetsusai’s (Tetsu Inada) past was a great addition to Episode 8 as well. Up until now, we’ve only known him as the criminal Blade Dragon. At long last, his lore finally drops. Knowing what drives him in life makes his sacrifice in Episode 7 all the better. Even after hearing his master talk about having to throw away his greed to be stronger, Gantetsusai will stop at nothing to be the top swordsman — even if it means losing an eye to see Tao. Despite his label as a criminal, this look behind the curtain humanizes him.
Additionally, it shows us why he and Fuchi (Aoi Ichikawa) get along as they do. Their goals in life might be different, but they’re both willing to do whatever they need to do to achieve them. It might have taken some time for the two to realize it, but they work together extremely well.
“Chrysanthemums and Peaches” plays with the art styles in unexpected ways. The flashbacks have a sketchy quality reminiscent of Dorohedoro’s original manga style. Because of this, they grab us that much more, forcing us to pay attention to every revelation.
MAPPA pulls out all the stops in Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 8.
It’s a great way to keep the audience’s attention on the flashback without it becoming tedious. Not only that, the fighting animation shifts just enough to make it stand out even more than it usually does. The highlights and shadows on Gantetsusai’s face are memorable, bringing a more intense vibe to the anime. And of course, the final form of Tao Fa and Ju Fa. It’s a horrifying image that visually represents how twisted love can actually be.
The animators pulled out all the stops for the art direction. The MAPPA team creates a nightmarish world to depict what is happening on this island.
The story pacing in Hell’s Paradise is its biggest strength. So much of the plot relies not only on revealing certain elements at the right time but also on having the foundation for those plot points set up in previous episodes. For example, the series explores Tao Fa and Ju Fa’s story in Episode 8, but if you look closely at the buildup from Season 1, the two of them have always seemed different from the rest of the Tensen. That buildup is exactly what makes Episode 8 soar. The anime follows the manga’s beats so well that it really brings out the best parts of the story we know and love. Without this, the story wouldn’t pack the same punch.
Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 8 is the perfect example of why the series is so phenomenal. “Chrysanthemums and Peaches” presents the best parts of Hell’s Paradise with no frills. It highlights everything that people love about this world and puts that in the forefront.
Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 8 is available now on Crunchyroll.
Images courtesy of MAPPA/Crunchyroll.
REVIEW RATING
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Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 10 - 10/10
10/10
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