Season 2 is off to a slow but solid start.
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
Picking up right after My Hero Academia's great Season 1 finale, "That's the Idea, Ochaco" resumes Deku's story with a fairly slow-paced episode, recapping the events of the thirteen episodes prior and setting the stage for what promises to be an intense second season as Deku and his classmates head into U.A. High School's annual Sports Festival.
For those who need a refresher on what transpired in Season 1, a recap episode titled "Hero Notebook" released alongside My Hero Academia's fourteenth episode, providing an efficient and straightforward retelling of Deku's Quirkless childhood, meeting All Might, and his early adventures at U.A. High. As such, I found it a bit odd that a large portion of the first half of "That's the Idea, Ochaco" was primarily spent treading over the same familiar ground.
That said, I did appreciate how some of the backstory was presented through a letter written by All Might to his mentor. Not only does this provide a bit more insight into All Might's insecurities as a teacher, but it also offers an early glimpse at his mysterious mentor and hints at the important role he may play in the future.
We’re then taken to a conference meeting where All Might, U.A. principal Nedzu, and several other heroes are briefed on the police’s investigation following the League of Villains' attack on USJ. While 72 of the villains involved in the event were arrested, their leader, Tomura Shigaraki, managed to get away. Thanks to the sheer number of heroes cleaning up the streets, the police fear the increasing amount of oppressed villains will look to Shigaraki for leadership. He's described by All Might as a "man-child" whose immaturity Nedzu likens to that of a student, foreshadowing how dangerous Shigaraki could be if the wrong person were to nurture his evil ways. As such, I'm already feeling a sense looming dread more potent than the threat presented in Season 1 and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
Meanwhile, Deku reflects on the tragic incident at USJ and comes to the realization that he must take further ownership of the power he inherited from All Might if he hopes to defeat evil. While is yet another slow moment that revisits past events, I appreciated how it succinctly conveys the current state of the protagonist and the personal challenge he seeks to overcome.
Deku, reflecting on the incident at USJ
The rest of "That's the Idea, Ochaco" is primarily spent laying the groundwork for the U.A. Sports Festival. Upon seeing Deku back with his friends, I was reminded how much I love My Hero Academia's diverse crew of aspiring heroes. From Mineta's nervous rambling to Bakugo's impatient anger, there was no shortage of great character moments that made me feel like I too was being reunited with old friends. I especially appreciated the comedic banter between Kyouka and Denki, as Kyouka in her typical snarky fashion told Denki his lack of intelligence will likely mean he'll forever be another hero's sidekick.
Living up to its title, "That's the Idea, Ochaco" also delivers a great moment for Ochaco Uraraka, who confesses to Deku and Iida that her desire to be a hero is motivated by money. True to her character, though, it's not an entirely selfish endeavor, as she hopes to become a hero so she can support her family, whose construction business isn't doing all that well. It's interpersonal moments like these that make My Hero Academia such a compelling series. When the students do eventually duke it out at the U.A. sports festival, I'll be all the more emotionally invested in Ochaco's success knowing she's doing it for her family.
Young Ochaco, troubled by her family's financial problems
While it wasn't My Hero Academia's flashiest episode, "That's the Idea, Ochaco" delivers the level of polish you've come to expect from animation studio Bones. The characters are as expressive as ever, giving a real sense of personality and identity to each member of U.A. High. Likewise, the excellent sound direction adds an emotional weight to the events that transpire, with somber piano tones accompanying Ochaco's touching story about her family's struggling construction company and unsettling notes resonating during All Might's discussion of the villainous Shigaraki.
It's clear the focus of Season 2 will be the U.A. sports festival, a yearly event where the students will face off against one another in an Olympics-like competition. It's at this event that the students of U.A. have the opportunity to be scouted to go pro, so I can only imagine what kind of action-packed drama lies ahead for Deku and his peers. Additionally, the students have taken notice of All Might's connection with Deku, which could result in some drama among his peers. A lot weighs on Deku's shoulders and I can't wait to see how it all plays out as the U.A. sports festival begins.
The Verdict
While "That's the Idea, Ochaco" delivers a relatively slow-paced premiere that spends a bit too long recapping prior events, the endearing character moments found in the latter half capture what makes My Hero Academia so special. As All Might's power continues to wane, the villainous threat that Shigaraki may one day pose feels all the more potent. With the stage now set for U.A. High's annual Sports Festival, I can't wait to see what drama unfolds as Deku and his peers fight for their chance to become a pro hero.
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