Forum - View topicHell's Paradise (TV) (w/ index).
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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Thanks for the clarification. Good thing I'm wrong then since it means Mappa isn't splitting its resources too thinly with concurrent projects. |
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4997 |
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I am glad to have rewatched the first season since there is only a brief re-introduction in the second one. My only complaint with the premiere is the amnesia of Gabimaru. I did not like it popping up at the end of the previous season and I am still not a fan of it now. It is effective in showcasing how Gabimaru was a more complete and a stronger person before, I just hope that it does not last long. Given transformed Choubei I might get my wish since I do not see him winning otherwise.
I wonder how those reinforcements will change the dynamics. Would all of them working together as one stand a change against the Tensens? |
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minamikaze
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Well, I was just clarifying that Twin Engine was not a subsidiary of Mappa. However that doesn't change the fact that Mappa is handling the animation for both Jujutsu Kaisen 3 and Hell's Paradise (Twin Engine isn't animating it, their role is production/planning). So the fear that Mappa's animators could be stretched thin doing both shows is still valid. |
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ACｘS
 Posts: 1226 |
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S2, 1:
For some reason, I never realized that the first season was back in Spring 2023. I've been waiting for the second season for a long time, but forgot how much time has passed... This is a show that I'm genuinely excited for this season, and because the first season was such a sleeper hit (I think it got overshadowed by Vinland Saga S2). A Seven Samurai-esque story, where each criminal and samurai has a story to tell, and a setting that is so bewilderingly fascinating. I remembered being so enamored by the show for many reasons: the quick pacing of the story, the mystery of Shisenkyo, and the brutal fight scenes. Honestly, this show almost flew under my radar if it wasn't for my friend's recommendation. I actually shrugged it off as one of MAPPA's B-grade shows at first, but it turned out to be a grossly engaging show. Definitely sticking around for this one, especially when I really want to know how the story turns out. This might become a personal favourite, even when the studio's own giant JJK is showing this season as well. Winter 2026 is incredibly stacked! |
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Tony K.
 SubscriberModerator  Posts: 12058 Location: Frisco, TX |
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Original discussion started here.
---------------------------------- Episode 14 (S02E01): Dawn and Confusion ---------------------------------- Summary: Yamada Asaemon Jikka is questioned about his unexpected return from the island. Meanwhile on the island, believing it to be dangerous to stay in Lord Tensen's territory for too long, Sagiri proposes that her group head outside to find Gabimaru and the others. While ascending the valley with Mei, Gantetsusai, and Fuchi, they encounter Aza Chōbei, Tōma, and the Dōshi accompanying them. ---------------------------------- Comments: Being a direct continuation after Episode 13 two-and-a-half years later, and also not having watched any of S1 as a refresher, I didn't find it jarring jumping right back into things. In fact, I think the show has such a peculiar feel that sticks with you, that once you've "got the bug for it," it's very easy to pick back up, so kudos to MAPPA for creating and maintaining tonal consistency. I keep thinking the shogunate and all the aristocrats are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, since just one of the Tensen could probably wipe them all out with a fart. But don't ever dispel the power of machinations and manipulations. Although, I feel if things got a little too out-of-hand with the politics, the Asaemon would brandish out their own justice. Having recently watched Chainsaw Man: Reze arc in theaters, the premiere of JJK, last week, and then this episode, I think it's safe to say MAPPA are the masters of flashy, brutal fight sequences, right now. The mystique of the story elements and characters are cool enough as it is. But you start pitting them against each other in bloody combat, and it just adds a whole other dimension to the overall presentation. Is it ironic that the source material for all three (Chainsaw, JJK, and this) just happen to include occasional dismemberment and pools of blood gushing out of people and that MAPPA just so happens to be good at animating it? I think not. But hey, MAPPA was created by former Madhouse execs, so go figure. Having inadvertently discovering this season will be 12 episodes and that S1 adapted 5 of 13 volumes of manga, I'm guessing this season will cover up to around volume 9 or 10, leaving, at least, a third season, or maybe a movie to finish the adaptation. I don't know how much money this would make as a full feature film, but given how awesome Reze arc was, I would definitely not be opposed to the idea. I'd prefer a whole season, though, because the more of this world I get experience, the better. I honestly can't decide between which of the big 3 I like the most, right now. They're all dark fantasy fight fests and all have their unique flavors. I'm a little more inclined towards the Ninja Scroll-esque nature of this one, as the former is one of my all-time favorite anime, so I might go with this one, when everything is said and done. Anyway, it's great to have this show back. It hasn't skipped a beat, and I'm even more intrigued by what other crazy stuff the island has in store. ---------------------------------- Screen Caps:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4997 |
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S2 E2:
I really like how the amnesia plotline was handled. I was no big fan of it but it was resolved quickly and it was a good showcase of how Gabi is not hollow anymore and stronger for it. Everyone meeting up was something that happened faster than I expected too but given that they will meet another Tensen sooner or later it makes sense. Kudos to Sagiri for always facing problems head on and forcing Gabi to remember. I wonder about Choubei, I do not see him winning against a Tensen by himself at all so he can only survive if the latter takes an interest in him. |
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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#15
Since a duel to the death would have cost Gabimaru his life, it is unsurprising Mei has to step in once more to forcibly separate the pair. Touma plays his part as well: Ganryuusai hitting home with a few uncomfortable home truths forcing him to take a few hits to drag Choubei from the brink. With the duel forcibly suspended with Choubei sent down the cliff, the Fuchi group can finally reunite with Sagiri's group and they can take stock of the situation. Sagiri learns fast. Nurugai hugging her gave her the inspiration she needed to try the same approach with Gabimaru despite no guarantee their combination of Tao would be to his benefit. Just as well it did, even if Sagiri has to embarrass herself in front of everyone. They need Gabimaru with them, and helping him recover his memory as well as his physical state to some extent is crucial since it's not just the immortals they have to contend with. Fuchi was good friends with Senta while the latter still lived, so it hit him hard to know his friend had passed on. I imagine the rest filled him in on the details behind his demise off camera, and despite his mania for autopsy he's the team medic for regular wounds in addition to being capable of fighting in his own right. At last we learn the name of Gabimaru's wife. She's not called by anything other than her marital status in season one, so having a name to her matters a lot. The way Gabimaru describes her, it's a good chance she's real and not just an illusion. Gabimaru just has to make it back alive with the pardon to see for himself. As strong as Mr adaptable is, even he cannot defeat the leader of the Tensen. Good thing he's adapted so much Rien is more interested in him as a scientific sample rather than a threat. Even if he resists he'll be subdued and taken back for examination rather than slain on the spot. While he's off the spotlight, the combined group can rest and heal up since the reinforcements from the mainland are inbound and they'll be needed to explain the situation. This week's mini skit features the Aza brothers. The comments made me realise the VA for Touma is the same one for Yuri Briar, so it's easy for him to change the syllable slightly to get the same effect he gets from two roles with that one surprising similarity. |
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ACｘS
Posts: 1226 |
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S2, 2:
This will not go well for Choubei. Of all the Tengen members, it's the leader he has to stumble upon. |
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Tony K.
Subscriber Moderator Posts: 12058 Location: Frisco, TX |
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Original discussion started here.
---------------------------------- Episode 15 (S02E02): Reality and Fantasy ---------------------------------- Summary: Following his transformation, Chobei goes berserk. Mei sees that Gabimaru cannot win and creates a sinkhole to end the conflict. Sagiri's group exits the Tensen castle, when they meet the other group returning with an unconscious Gabimaru. As he slowly regains consciousness, Sagiri uses her tao to help him recover. Meanwhile, Chobei, surviving the sinkhole, is confronted by Rien. ---------------------------------- Comments: Pending ---------------------------------- Screen Caps:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last edited by Tony K. on Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:09 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4997 |
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S2 E3:
That sure was a great episode for getting the blood pumping. Gabi experimenting with his Tao control while fighting the others was rather satisfying to see. Choubei ending up as part of the Island forces after putting up a solid fight was exciting too (not like he really had a choice though). Add to that a lengthy explanation about the truth of the island and some tragedy with Houko giving up his life to save Mei and it was quite something. The reinforments arriving was the cherry on top. I do wonder if the reinforcements will go along with the rest of the gang, I somehow doubt that Shugen is very cooperative. |
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Harleyquin
Posts: 3443 |
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#16
An exposition interlude for this week, and a chance for the adaptation to get the Tao concept fully explained for the casual viewers before moving on with the rest of the story. There have been plenty of hints since the end of the first quarter, but with this week we have official confirmation of how the concept works from multiple sources. I assume Gabimaru's group will be fully briefed on what Fuchi learned from Mei, which means all of the groupings bar the latest arrivals from the mainland under Shugen are even in terms of knowledge. Not to say there's no action to be had, since Choubei was ambushed by Rien and has to defend himself. Unsurprisingly Choubei himself knows he has no chance against Rien yet still goes all out anyway because of who he is. Despite coming close to killing an amnesiac Gabimaru, it turns out Gabimaru's prognosis of his opponents is spot on. The humans have no chance of winning a straight duel with the immortals due to the difference in innate potential, so Gabimaru has to take inspiration from Aikido and Judo to have any chance of winning. At least he's figured out how to see his opponents the same way Choubei can, even if his tactics of using his opponents' energies against them may not necessarily apply to the immortals. Mei's final goodbye to Houko is incredibly sad, since she really was grateful to Houko for taking care of her for the centuries after she escaped from the inner island. Although she can't speak coherently in her child form, she never lost the knowledge she gained as Xu Fu's disciple even if she is no longer capable of regenerating her Tao like the rest of the immortals. She can't gain energy from the commoners who are completely inert as trees, so Houko choosing to end his existence prematurely for her sake means his sacrifice isn't for nothing. If anything, it appears her ageing and then reversion has not robbed her of her improved speech capabilities after her latest energy outburst. Before Gabimaru's group can face off against the immortals, they need to deal with the new arrivals. Unlike the rest of the minders who have "gone native" for survival, the new arrivals have the same mindset Sagiri did when she first disembarked from the ship. Shugen is supposed to be a monster, and if the first arrivals cannot win him over they might not get the chance to fight the immortals because Shugen and the Iwagakure reinforcements will kill them first. |
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ACｘS
Posts: 1226 |
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S2, 3:
You know, even when the show explores the Tao universe (which I'm not sure if it relates to Taoism per se; I shall not get into it), it isn't as complicated as the Jujutsu universe. It's intricate, but there's some sense to it, with rules and limitations to explain the current situation. The jujutsu universe in JJK, however, introduces so many rules and even more exceptions that sometimes I feel like they're tripping on their own devices. I like how the story of how the Shinsenkyo came to be; it's enough to keep me interested without feeling like I'm being lectured or I'm stupid for not being able to follow. Less is certainly more, in this case. |
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Edjwald
 Posts: 3510 |
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It took me a minute to rewatch season 1 (I'm glad I did) what with keeping up with so many new shows and all, but I'm caught up now.
When I get confused by the show, it's because of the plot twists and evolving developments. There is an elixir! There isn't an elixir! There's an unfinished elixir! Gabimaru has a wife! Gabimaru doesn't have a wife, she's a product of brainwashing! No, Gabimaru might have a wife? The mishmash of Eastern philosophies is part of a scam to lure humans to the island! The Tao is real. The Tao is all! There are multiple kinds of Tao! Weak Tao and strong Tao have to alternate! But I agree that it doesn't feel inconsistent, and we certainly got a lot of information in S2 episode 3 that we didn't have before, and it doesn't contradict anything that we've seen. So props as far as I'm concerned. I like the mix of characters. The virtuous Shion, the cheerfully amoral ninja woman (I can never quite remember her name without looking it up Yuzuruhiha? Yuzuruhiya?), the possible sociopath but often amusing Blade Dragon, the somewhat repulsively detached Fuchi, etc. The new arrivals are going to throw chaos on top of the chaos. I'm half dreading, half anticipating Gabimaru's reunion with his old master. |
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Tony K.
Subscriber Moderator Posts: 12058 Location: Frisco, TX |
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Original discussion started here.
---------------------------------- Episode 16 (S02E03): Immutability and Change ---------------------------------- Summary: Pending ---------------------------------- Comments: Pending ---------------------------------- Screen Caps:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last edited by Tony K. on Thu Feb 05, 2026 3:06 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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smurky turkey
Posts: 4997 |
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S2 E4:
Welp, there goes any chance of the reinforcements being a good thing. The best Gabi and the gang can hope for is the reinforcements distracting the Tensen and their forces for a bit. Shugen is not the most stable of indviduals and at the end of the episode he has gone full revenger mode. The Iwagakure ninja are on a mission of their own too. It is a lovely set up for what is sure to be a lot of chaos. |
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