Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hashira Geiko-hen

This new season of Demonslayer really goes against the format of the previous seasons where there's a demon antagonist who's quite obvious from the very start of the season. There are a few demons seen throughout the past few episodes.
So far, each episode has been very interesting. The second episode has been my favourite so far. The tone of this season so far has been lighter hearted which is a good deviation from the action and intensity which is why many people may consider this season as a filler season. However, it's still quite entertaining and the differing sides of some of the characters make ... them seen more relatable making the show very gripping.

You know that rare random chapter thrown in your typical shounen where your teenage protagonists take a break in between all the death and the war and destruction to just chill tf out? That's what this season is - an extended "beach episode". If you're expecting epic fight choreo and significant character development and stand-out scenes, you will inevitably be disappointed. But, if you're like me, and you'd rather take a break from the action, then take a seat.

(Spoilers below)

Lets start with the writing.

This arc is so uneventful that there isn't much to spoil, so I will summarise it like this: the pillars attempt ... to whip Murata and co. into shape, and upon witnessing Tanjirou impress the pillars, every nameless demon slayer becomes inspired to be Strong™. (Quite frankly they're doing a rather pathetic job at keeping up with the training programme, in fact they'll probably die on the spot as soon as the Big Bad appears, but this arc isn't about them, so who cares.)

This early in the season, the plot progression is subtle. Episode 1 informs us of the Oyakata's deteriorating health, the lessons learned from the previous arc, and we get some foreshadowing of the final arc as a little extra treat. Since then up till episode 4 - which is the latest episode to air at the time of writing - we've seen a handful more scenes of Unknown Demon lurking ominously in the background and our two moodiest pillars muttering anxiously amongst themselves, but these scenes are padded out with enough filler in-between that you don't spend too long dwelling on them. It sucks away the momentum of the plot and there is no sign of the pace picking up any time soon.

That being said though, the groundwork is solid and the story ties in with the previous seasons. The concept of "the mark" and Nezuko conquering the sun are revealed to be critical turning points in the war against the Big Bad. Tamayo, whom the Oyakata has been aware of since the first season, is finally rejoining the story. Tanjirou's iconic sword is complete with Rengoku's memento. Even Tengen has returned despite his retirement in the red light district arc. Slowly but surely, it's coming together.

Animation:

As always, ufotable takes no shortcuts with the animation. Every frame is crisp and clear and seeks to impress. It feels like the extra fillers in this anime adaptation were tossed in for no other purpose other than to flex the skills of the animators. I can't complain.

(The cookie cutter 8-pack builds on all these kids are a little uncanny though.)

Characters:

The Oyakata is bedridden, the rest of the demon slayer corps are still a bunch of nameless nobodies, and Tanjirou's friends have taken a backseat, but the dearth of noteworthy characters means the pillars will each get at least an episode's worth of screentime to make up for it. Sounds terrible on paper but I'm actually really enjoying it.

I love seeing the cold and aloof Giyuu and Muichirou becoming infected by Tanjirou's golden retriever energy. I missed Tengen and I'm a big fan of his new fit. I appreciate the tough love that the pillars are dishing out and the occasional bouts of optimism from Murata and co. despite their apparent ineptitude. I'm excited to see more of Obanai, Sanemi and Gyoumei, even though we know relatively little about them at this stage (iykyk). The prolonged interactions between the pillars themselves and with sunshine boy Tanjirou is the main highlight of the season and i'm biased enough to award a high rating because of it. My reason for writing this review in the first place was to blather on about the characters btw

The only thing I want to nitpick, like in every season, are those creepy children the Oyakata produced. Seriously what is up with those kids. They are carrying the horror factor of the season in the absence of demons

Soundtrack:

I'm not musically inclined so I will keep this part short. The OP and ED are not my cup of tea. I don't feel like it fits the vibe of the season, though I'm sure that will change as the season progresses. The ending OST with the pillars' theme (ft. Muzan) is exciting, but again, it doesn't feel like we're quite there yet. I'm hoping I will eat my words when the remaining episodes come out.

Really enjoyed the OST during Sanemi, Obanai and Muichiro's fight sequence, and Sabito's theme in Giyuu's memories. I'm looking forward to the full versions.

Overall, I'd rate it a 9/10 purely for my own entertainment when objectively it's closer to a 6-7. I can see why isolating this arc into a standalone season is a bit of a let down for many people, it's all build up and no climax. The appeal of it being a filler arc, or an "extended beach episode" as I like to call it, will probably be better appreciated by those are up-to-date on the manga or those who just like the cast an abnormal amount.

For now, I'm going to enjoy the calm before the storm while it lasts.

Demon Slayer Season 4 (not really a season) Review

As much as I appreciate the fantastic animation brought by studio Ufotable, It’s a real pity that I cannot disregard how lacklustre the writing is in Demon Slayer. The main reason I say this is how it uses the exact shonen formula EVERY SINGLE TIME without utilising it in a meaningful manner for the characters to actually learn and develop.

Considering the mediocrity of the last season that involved one of the biggest a-pulls I’ve ever seen (sister becomes immune to the sun), it’s only getting worse from here.

Season 4 focuses on the training arc which ... does not serve any external purpose but only to defeat the main antagonist of the series. This is where the MC and other members of his team train alongside the Hashiras. To be honest, it seems strange how these characters are training with them now but not before. How did they defeat the other strong demons in the past without being at least trained by a couple of them? Also, do you expect me to believe that their hard work in just a couple of days would overcome the rest of the Upper Moons? The demons they faced in the last arc were way stronger than the previous ones (this is referring to Season 2), yet they appeared as ridiculous fodders because yet again plot armour and emotional backstory must come in.

The power system is simple yet non-cooperative with what goes on in the fights. According to the Omake chapter which were in the manga, it stipulates that it takes AT LEAST 3 Hashiras to conquer an Upper Moon. Are you expecting me to believe that the main cast are already at that level? THAT WAS EASY! Moreover, could someone please explain to me exactly why on earth do we need to have a backstory for every character in the middle of the fight. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Whilst I can side with the philosophy of making us understand why their distinctive personality is the way they are, it seems unnecessary considering the timeframe that it is in and what the main purpose of the arc is. For example, In Episode 2 it dedicates a whole emotional filler fest for one of the Hashiras. Imagine this right, you are still upset that one of your friends who trained the MC whilst being a ghost in the first season (yes I know its ridiculous) saved you and was better than you in childhood. Come on now, you have achieved the level of Hashiras yet you don't feel capable of your title at this stage is unbelievable. Forget the past and move on from that, your main goal is to cooperate and face off the rest of the Upper Moons. Additionally, you are supposed to represent as one of the strongest slayers in the series and set an example for the MC and other slayers yet you want us to feel emotional LMAO.

A lot of the characters, whilst the animation support how strong they are visually, come out as cardboard copies of every Shonen character you could imagine. Their personality is so mundane and does not change at all since the first season. Where is the character development in this series? Not a single character really learned a thing or two in the previous arcs. Their power ups that happen across the show are laughable considering the fact that we never see them use it whilst they are ‘supposedly’ training.

Another let-down is the music, I couldn't even care about listening to it as I always skipped it because of how boring it was. It does not even fit the theme of Demon Slayer at all. There is no passion, no effort and no rhythm to it at all. The best music came from the earlier seasons and it's sad to see how they dropped the ball again not only the writing department but in the music one as well.

This whole season should have been made into OVA series instead of it being called Season 4, due to the fact there is no real story progression and parts of this season could have been utilised at a much earlier time.

The downfall of this series starts from here and even though I will be watching the other seasons after this one, It doesn't change how awful the writing is delivered in this show. At least the fights and animation is something to look forward to and be hyped up about I guess.

What a Shame :(