‘Hell’s Paradise’ Season 2 Episode 9 review: “Love and Karma”

The name “Love and Karma” best encompasses what Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 9 is all about. Episode 9 is definitely emotional, which may surprise some people given how the fight still plays a major role. And while it might not have been as showy or flashy as Episode 8, it fleshes out the characters in this strange world.

It’s almost impossible to feature Ju Fa and Tao Fa without talking about Chobei (Ryōhei Kimura) and Toma (Kensho Ono), their parallels. While Ju Fa and Tao Fa are clearly codependent on each other to an extremely toxic degree, the Aza siblings have a somewhat healthier relationship. The brothers work very well together, but Chobei finally gets to see exactly how much Toma has grown in their time apart.

Toma, always following behind Chobei, attacks without him, and it’s a pivotal moment for them. In the span of a few days, both brothers have grown and matured in ways that would not have been imaginable if they weren’t sent to the island. Compared to Ju Fa and Tao Fa, this growth is exactly what enables them to beat them.

Fuchi offers Tao Fa an unexpected moment of compassion.

Hell’s Paradise isn’t an anime that shows a lot of outright empathy between characters on the same side, or between opposing sides. But the way that Fuchi (Aoi Ichikawa) holds onto Tao Fa while they’re dying tugs at your heartstrings. As relieved as he might be to defeat the gruesome twosome, it’s clear that he sympathizes with them enough to show them that much compassion. In a world where it’s kill or be killed, this sort of sympathy is rare. It’s also interesting to see this sort of emotion from Fuchi, who, for the bulk of the fight, focuses on experimenting on Tao Fa. This small peek into his personality is nice to see and shows that he isn’t a one-dimensional character.

The finale of the fight also shows that, while the Tensen (Yūko Kaida/Junichi Suwabe) are a different species from humans, care and affection will always be a common ground. Emotions in Hell’s Paradise run high, so it only makes sense for someone to reach over the divide and offer comfort. This humanizes the Tensen, but not enough to forget just how terrible they are. It strikes a necessary balance between the two.

“Love and Karma” loops back around to Sagiri and Mei’s adventure as well. One thing that stood out: Sagiri humbling herself in front of Gui Fa and apologizing for invading the island. Throughout the anime, Sagiri has been the most human out of everyone who arrives on the island. And that humanity really shines through in Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 9. She listens to what Gui Fa says and, instead of fighting her, puts down her sword and apologizes.

Sagiri demonstrates her emotional aptitude in Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 9.

This speaks to her ability not only to read a situation well, but also to be willing to hear what others have to say. It might seem like a weakness to others, but it’s what keeps her alive. Other characters could learn a thing or two from her.

The pacing of “Love and Karma” does the episode justice. There’s a clear beginning, middle, and end that earlier episodes struggle with. Even though the first half of the episode was much shorter, it was balanced enough to work. The writers seem to have found their footing with the pacing, which helps build momentum and establish a sense of dread. The flow is a major triumph for the creative team as it helps move the story forward.

It was always going to be hard to follow up on Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 8, but Episode 9 keeps up. The jam-packed start keeps the episode from falling flat even after the focus shifts to exposition. “Love and Karma” strikes the balance needed to move the plot forward without feeling like it’s dragging.

Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Episode 9 is available now on Crunchyroll. 

Images courtesy of MAPPA/Crunchyroll. 

Kayla Chu

Made up of feminism, sports, and cheap wine.
Questions, comments, inquries please be sent to kaylamchu@gmail.com