’Solo Leveling’ review: “If I Had One More Chance” is a nightmare

Solo Leveling dives into mayhem and bloodshed in its second episode, “If I Had One More Chance.” While the premiere set up the logistics of this world and the roles “hunters” play in it, the most recent chases it with a bitter aftertaste. The series moves to position Sung Jinwoo into his protagonist role after the rest of his decimated party leaves him behind. It’s a brutal, carnage-heavy installment that refuses to pull its punches regarding the violence these hunters face. It says a lot that one of the luckiest characters who meet their bloody demise is the one who is split in two. 

Based on the South Korean web novel written by Chugong, Solo Leveling (Only I Level Up) continues to deliver relentless and kinetic animation. For the most part, “If I Had One More Chance” centers firmly on Jinwoo’s storyline as he and the rest of his party try to survive the dungeon they’ve found themselves in that’s way above their level. Despite his physical weakness, it helps demonstrate the character’s observation skills and resourcefulness. As he mentioned in the premiere, he often relies on cunning to survive even the most straightforward missions, which is handy here. 

The monsters they’re facing are the statues that loom over them in the dungeon, merciless in their power. Jinwoo notes text written on the stones that implore those who meet the statues that they must “revere God,” “praise God,” and “prove your faith to God.” The first is relatively simple once his party members heed his advice to lower their gaze to be subservient to the statues. But it’s only momentary relief before one twists with an ominous smile. Soon, the praise turns to the wreckage as members lose their lives, squished by the statues that stalk them. 

No one is a hero in this party. Those who make it to the final stage run the moment they can when they see an opening. He’s already lost a foot, is surviving by the skin of his teeth, and decides to make the ultimate sacrifice to allow his healer friend Joohee to live. There’s no catharsis at the moment, as we can’t even honestly believe that anyone who flees past the open gates makes it out alive. Worse still is watching as the statues lay waste to Jinwoo’s body, as A-1 pictures and its superb animation staff make sure every wound is visceral in impact. 

It’s here where the series’ turning point happens — at least for now. Jinwoo realizes while dying the inherent selfishness of his party members who ran rather than work together, arguing they had “a family to get back to.” Jinwoo thinks about how he, too, has a family he would like to return home to and responsibilities he wants to see through. That he very simply wants to live. His thought about how “it’s always the most selfish who benefit” lands with an acidic burn as he regrets his heroism. 

All of this is punctuated with moments of his sister at school and visiting their ill mother, a reminder that he, too, has a tether to life. He may not be the strongest hunter, but he was the most selfless in this instance, and it damned him. 

As the episode ends, we get a sneak peek into how the series will further develop, as a screen appears asking him if he wants to accept being a player or die. This moment helps set up the prototypical hero’s journey. While doing it after the protagonist has become a cynic, it opens up a perspective that befits this world where any human who can fight should. “If I Could Have One More Chance” is a solid close to the opening introduction of the series, proving to be an immersive, nightmarish experience as we wonder just how on earth Jinwoo can escape what is seemingly inevitable death. 

Solo Leveling is available on Crunchyroll. 

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Featured images: © Solo Leveling Animation Partners