Fire Force S3E4: Major Plot Twist Overshadowed by Fanservice

In Season 3, Episode 4 of “Fire Force,” Lisa Isarabi’s journey towards redemption reaches its climax. Initially introduced as a member of the White-Clad, Lisa carries the burden of her troubled past from her youth. The fourth episode of this season’s most captivating run of “Fire Force” demonstrates that Lisa has successfully completed her character arc as she confronts the White-Clad destroyer Gold to protect Captain Akitaru Obi. Lisa manages to conquer her past traumas in order to save the Fire Force Captain, who has extended acts of kindness to her.

In this episode of Fire Force Season 3, Lisa’s growth steals the show, yet it leaves Tamaki Kotatsu without a chance to grow significantly. Unfortunately, Tamaki is relegated to a secondary role, serving both as a supporting character and a source of fan service. Meanwhile, the third-generation Fire Users work alongside Lieutenant Takehisa Hinawa to eliminate Gold permanently. However, just when it seems like their efforts are futile, the Infernal Insect strikes Akitaru Obi. Despite its predictable nature, the episode’s saving grace is its focus on character development and a surprising twist ending.

Lisa Isarabi Finally Becomes a Fighting Fire Soldier in Fire Force Company 8

Fire Force’s Lisa Isarabi Earns Her Stripes as a Fighter By Defeating Gold the White-Clad Destroyer

In the third episode of Fire Force Season 3, it’s clear that Company 8 is at a disadvantage without their powerful members, particularly Shinra Kusakabe and Arthur Boyle. If either of the rookies were to face Gold in combat, it would likely be a swift defeat.

The fourth episode picks up with Tamaki’s ongoing battle against Gold, a member of the White-Clad Destroyers. The White-Clads’ abilities have put Lieutenant Hinawa and Maki in a challenging position, making it difficult for them to offer support. Dr. Licht, though lacking fire powers, contributes significantly by analyzing Tamaki’s movements and attacks through a visual link with Vulcan. Despite not having any fire powers, Licht is known for creating the most effective strategies within Fire Force. Licht was instrumental in preventing the White-Clads from carrying out their previous plan to destroy Tokyo.

In the ongoing battle between Tamaki and Gold, it’s evident that Tamaki lacks the destructive power to overcome Gold. The scene shifts to a flashback where Tamaki petitions Vulcan for an invention, which she later employs in her struggle against the Destroyer. Vulcan equips Tamaki with boosters, aiming to match Shinra and Arthur’s output levels. However, due to Gold’s resistance to fire, the attack had minimal impact. Licht deduces that Tamaki’s Fire Abilities are somehow linked to Magnetism, prompting all Fire Soldiers to discard their belts. This humorous sequence is marred by unnecessary fan service, as it features several suggestive angles of Tamaki. These instances detract from the otherwise captivating duel.

When Lisa Isarabi learns that Gold’s attacks resemble hers, she chooses to join forces for the upcoming contest. Known as a third-generation Fire User, Lisa can generate Octopus tentacles composed of fire, and her flames have a magnetic quality, making her an ideal adversary against Gold. Although she may not be the strongest among the third-generation fire users, Lisa demonstrates greater composure than Tamaki. Sadly, Tamaki’s moment to excel ends up being Lisa’s as she is once more reduced to a comedic character with a focus on fan service. However, Lisa’s involvement in the fight takes on great importance because she hasn’t participated in any battles since her debut.

Lisa initially fought in her first battle alongside the White-Clad, but she’s since been influenced by Vulcan and Company 8’s compassion, becoming a committed member of the Fire Force. Although she may not exhibit the same fervor as others, she strongly yearns for Akitaru Obi’s liberation. Her loyalty to her newfound family is evident as she takes a firm stance against her past oppressors. It’s possible that Lisa might turn against the Fire Force in a critical situation, but it seems unlikely at this point. Here’s hoping that Lisa’s character receives more focus as the series progresses and addresses her limited screen time thus far.

Off-Screening Shinra & Captain Burns’ Battle Is Beyond Frustrating For Fire Force Fans

Fire Force Company 8’s Fight Against Gold Almost Makes Up For the Missing Characters

One significant issue arising from Fire Force Season 3, Episode 4, is that the crucial battle between Shinra and Leonard Burns, anticipated as one of the franchise’s most significant showdowns, predominantly unfolds off-screen. The episode leads viewers to expect an action-packed sequence, only for it to abruptly switch to Shinra facing off against Gold. While the fight with the White-Clad destroyer is exciting, it fails to match the importance of Shinra battling Burns, leaving fans disappointed and wishing they could have witnessed a more substantial confrontation.

In due course, Licht uncovers the source of Gold’s powers and devises a strategy to eliminate her from the situation. Meanwhile, Lisa employs her abilities to divert Gold, as Tamaki ignites various scrap metals. Once molten, these metals are inserted into Gold’s gauntlet, rendering her abilities essentially ineffective. This sequence is one of the more engaging parts of the episode and has a touch of scientific plausibility. Although Licht’s explanations may simplify certain aspects for entertainment purposes, the application of science to vanquish an adversary is one of the factors that sets Fire Force apart as a shonen series.

Episode 4 of Fire Force is similarly guilty of showcasing one of its main criticisms: an overemphasis on fan service. Tamaki, a character with potential for depth, attempts to maintain balance by having Vulcan and Hinawa strip down, but the portrayal of these characters is noticeably uneven. These awkward and unsettling scenes take away from what could have been a thrilling episode. The underdog members of Company 8 demonstrate their ability to overcome a formidable enemy, an event that may mark a pivotal moment for the series. Notably, Lieutenant Hinawa’s actions in this instance solidify their status as outlaws and underscore their unwavering commitment to protecting Akitaru Obi.

When Gold can no longer utilize her powers, Hinawa zeroes in on a target on her forehead and discharges. Until now, Fire Force had only wounded its adversaries. However, the Lieutenant demonstrates that Company 8 is determined to spill blood since their Captain has been captured. Similar to an enraged colony of fire ants, Company 8 rushes the compound until they witness their leader liberated. Stream assumes Gold’s position, and the narrative suggests he could become Company 8’s next major challenge. Stream possesses the ability to command wind and generates terrifying tornadoes to assault his enemies. Fortunately, one of Company 8’s heavyweights arrives in the nick of time to save them from danger.

Arthur’s Return Might Be Meaningless Now That the Infernal Insect Has Infected Akitaru OBi

Fire Force Season 3, Episode 4 Ends in a Breathtaking Cliffhanger for Company 8

Arthur Boyle swiftly reappears among his loyal comrades and promptly terminates Stream in an instant. With a quick, signature maneuver, Arthur interrupts Stream without him even realizing it. This instance becomes a significant triumph for Arthur’s supporters, as it skillfully showcases both his cool and humorous demeanor. His friends express curiosity about his whereabouts earlier, to which he nonchalantly responds that he “tumbled off my horse.” The scene then shifts to the events from Fire Force Season 3, Episode 3, depicting Arthur being thrown from the Fire Company’s vehicle. Arthur’s composed response amidst the tense circumstances is one of the most amusing aspects of the episode. Despite his serious tone, Arthur’s peculiar antics are one of the franchise’s most entertaining elements.

Without a doubt, in the heart of Fire Force Season 3, Episode 4, the most striking moment occurs towards its conclusion. The scene shifts back to Shinra and Burns, where Shinra sternly reproaches his ex-ally for his present deeds. Unmoved, Burns merely orders the White-Clad to initiate the transformation of Akitaru Obi into an Inferno. As I watched, Shinra Kusakabe’s face twisted in horror as his Fire Captain started writhing in agony beyond comprehension.

In two successive episodes, Shinra makes a valiant effort to rescue his cherished leader, a move that potentially could have ended disastrously. If Obi had transformed into an Infernal, Fire Force Company 8 would have achieved nothing but guiding Shinra straight towards . The nail-biting ending of the episode is one of the most suspenseful moments in Fire Force Season 3 to date. It significantly escalates the tension and might result in the demise of one of the most admired leaders within the shonen genre.

In summary, “Fire Force” Season 3, Episode 4 maintains its entertaining blend of action and humor, yet fails to surpass the exceptional standard set by Episode 3. The episode features intense battle sequences that are characteristic of “Fire Force,” alongside amusing moments cherished by fans. Notably, Lisa Isarabi formally joins Company 8’s mission to rescue their captain, though it remains uncertain if this development had a significant impact on the storyline. The intriguing final twist is the highlight of the episode and promises an exciting reason for viewers to continue watching “Fire Force” Season 3, Episode 5.

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2025-04-26 03:21