REVIEW: ‘My Hero Academia,’ Episode 126 – “Final Performance”

The epic battle between the heroes and villains continues in My Hero Academia Episode 126, and the stakes could not be higher. Both sides have taken a severe beating, and it will take something special for either side to stand victorious.

While the last episode primarily focused on bringing Best Jeanist into the fight, My Hero Academia Episode 126 goes a different route by making Mr. Compress, a villain, the main focus. There are some interesting flashback moments that show the League of Villains at their lowest point, desperate for money to keep their dream alive. Despite their struggles, Mr. Compress believes in the League and its mission. That, combined with his family’s history that we learn about in this episode, leads him to sacrifice himself in order to buy more time for the rest of the league.

Mr. Compress knew that he would need to buy time for Shigaraki to regain his strength and fully awaken, and I was surprised at how the sacrifice of a villain managed to move me. I always appreciate how My Hero Academia manages to make even the smallest of side characters matter, giving them interesting backstories and moments to shine whether they are heroes or villains. With Shigaraki back in the game, what little hope remained for the heroes seems to be completely lost. The fear on Deku’s face when he realizes Shigaraki is back was palpable, and it feels like the heroes might actually lose the war here.

The fact that My Hero Academia Episode 126 gives the villains the upper hand is what makes this season of My Hero Academia stand out from other heroes vs. villains storylines. While any good story will try to make the villains feel powerful, it’s hard to find any that have had as real a chance at victory as the League of Villains. Shigaraki is back and stronger than ever, and the heroes are already worn thin after fighting the rest of the League. The episode ends on a bit of a cliffhanger too which adds to the feeling that the heroes are going to have a hard time winning this war and defeating Shigaraki.

As always, Studio Bones manages to deliver incredibly high stakes through some truly magical animation. The battle scenes are fast and fluid, and the quirks look amazing in action. There is also a subtlety to each character’s movements, specifically their facial reactions, that really increases the emotional impact. Seeing the fear in the heroes’ eyes by the end, combined with a phenomenally emotional piano-led song at the end, makes for an incredible end to the first half of Season 6.

My Hero Academia Episode 126 is an excellent way to end the first half of this season of My Hero Academia. The character development continues to be excellent, and the battles remain top-tier. I felt a genuine worry for the heroes and am very much looking forward to seeing how, or if, they manage to win the war.

My Hero Academia Episode 126 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.