Sentenced to Be a Hero

Episode 8

Episode 8 of Sentenced to Be a Hero continues the skullduggery and outfit-swapping, both to great effect.

This is shaping up to be my favorite stretch of the series thus far. The cloak-and-dagger element of fantasy urban settings is fertile ground for great storytelling. Factions vying for power, combat in close confines, a growing sense of being hemmed in, and never quite knowing what's around the next corner - it's all at play here and humming along nicely. I know that eventually we will leave these environs for more traditional fantasy faire, but I hope this lasts for as long as possible because I'm loving the setting.

I also like the portions of the cast in focus right now. Xylo and Kivia make for a solid odd couple set and do a lot of the heavy lifting. The trope of “we have to pretend to be married for the mission” is well-beloved for a reason. Their banter isn't quite as enjoyable as perhaps it could be, though it remains great fun seeing them forced to dress up, compliment one another, and generally not kill everything in sight right from the jump.

What we learn of Kivia's background is engaging, too. The fact that she has had some small help (essentially her uncle buying her the first sword she ever had) does not diminish the meritocratic vibe and sense that she is striving to perfect herself in the face of great challenges. I'm curious how much more we will see of this - the series is juggling a lot of characters at the moment, and I hope we get to explore this even further.

Dotta's flashback plays a big part in this week's episode, too, and it's quite effective. I'm mixed on the way we get one of these like clockwork every week, as I think that makes it a bit too expected, thereby lessening the emotional impact. But Dotta having a heart of gold that activates only when someone truly is in need is an interesting angle, and the wider concern of the royal family being corrupted by darker forces sure makes for a good hook. Again, no telling how much of this we see with everything else that is going on, but I can't help but think it's going to be a main thread very soon.

The action popoff near the end was good stuff, despite being more or less a mook slaughter fest. The slow-motion close-up of the explosive Gambit-dagger flying towards the one goon's eye was the money shot of the week.

Oh, and I have to make a note of Jayce. This bond with his dragon, who happens to be extremely jealous, makes for a funny side character. I don't even need anything else about him, honestly. This gag is enough for me.

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Sentenced to Be a Hero is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.