REVIEW: ‘Mob Psycho 100 III,’ Episode 4 – “Divine Tree 1 ~The Founder Appears~”

The Mob Psycho 100 III Episode 4 was another fantastic one and reminds me why I love this series so much. The episode not only includes excellent narrative depth but also somehow manages to raise the stakes so early on in the season and garner excitement for the next episode.

The episode starts as Mob confronts Mezato for standing him up in the previous episode, only for her to apologize and claim the true leader of the Psycho Helmet Cult has appeared and that he shouldn’t bother anymore. This is just one of the many strange things relating to this group that occurs in the episode. Their influence undeniably becomes even stronger with several citizens adopting the group and its beliefs as not just a way of life but also law, in a very unnatural way. We also learn that the Divine Broccoli’s existence so far affects the people and their surroundings. Plants are being sucked dry of their nutrients, and buildings are collapsing under the weight of the Broccoli’s roots. It’s also revealed that the cult has been spreading via brainwashing tactics, adding yet another layer of absurdity and danger to the plot.

The Broccoli’s power further proves just how powerful the psychics in this world can be and how good the storytelling in the anime is, as something so seemingly inconsequential and unnoteworthy has now developed into a central plot point with an entire dedicated season. That said, the Broccoli is still powerful. For some strange reason, It is only in this episode that anyone decides to get rid of it, specifically Reigen, Mob, and, surprisingly, Teruki. The latter is a powerful psychic in his own right and the first person who decides to take matters into his own hands by cutting down the tree after witnessing the brainwashing effects. Of course, this is easier said than done, as he’s quickly stopped by the “real” leader of the Psycho Helmet Cult, who was revealed at the end of the last episode. Without spoiling too much, his identity is revealed in Mob Psycho 100 III Episode 4, but in a rather disappointing way, as it turned out to be the predictable outcome.

Upon their meeting, the two go toe-to-toe and begin the only fight scene in the episode. While short-lived, the scene did sport great visual effects and did a good job hyping up the full fight to come in the next episode.

Additionally, the series yet again provides viewers some food for thought as this episode brings up points like the price of peaceful coexistence and whether or not the poor leadership and methods needed to get to that point matter if the result is harmony. Of course, these questions, at least in terms of the anime, are quickly answered at the end of the episode, but it is nice to highlight them regardless. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the anime’s progressively impressive soundtrack, which was especially showcased in this episode with some great tracks. 

Overall, Mob Psycho 100 III Episode 4 has been my favorite episode so far as it successfully and satisfyingly progressed the story by raising the stakes and providing some intriguing dialogue while also building hype for the upcoming episodes.

Mob Psycho 100 III Episode 4 Is streaming now on Crunchyroll.