REVIEW: ‘Hell’s Paradise’ Episode 2 — “Screening and Choosing”

Hell’s Paradise is MAPPA’s latest anime and adapts the manga of the same name by mangaka Yuji Kaku. In it, a group of convicts condemned to death are offered the chance of freedom. In order to get this “gift,” the condemned must go to a sacred and dangerous island and bring back the Elixir of Life for the Shogun. In Hell’s Paradise Episode 2, “Screening and Choosing,” audiences see the process of narrowing the field down to just ten convicts and are introduced to the cast they’ll have for the rest of the season.

While the last episode was a strong start to Hell’s Paradise, Episode 2 is a whole other level. Hell’s Paradise Episode 2 is an intro for the characters we’re about to follow, and in that, it excels. Not only do we meet the characters, but the audience is allowed to pick up on some of their more charismatic qualities and hone in on what makes them different than others. That said, Sagiri is the true standout in this episode.

By giving more context to Asaemon Sagiri and introducing our ensemble cast, Hell’s Paradise Episode 2 is stellar in all the ways that Yuji Kaku made me fall in love with his work. While some elements are rearranged in the manga, the heart of the series remains intact, and the choices allow Sagiri to have even more depth than what we initially get for her in the series. This is something that MAPPA does extremely well. They know how to expand on key characters in ways that are interesting and in line with the series they’re adapting, and it makes the product better for it. This was true for Aki in Chainsaw Man, and it’s true in Hell’s Paradise as well.

In this episode, we get the chance to see the sexist dynamics that Sagiri pushes up against by simply being an executioner, even from her own mentor. We also see how being around death has shaped her and how she sees it differently than those around her. Reminded of her kills as she looks in her sword, Sagiri’s life is on that came at a price. As one of the two main characters of the series, with Gabimaru, Episodes 1 and 2 work in perfect harmony.

The former takes time to dive into Gabimaru’s life. The latter builds a connection between the audience and Sagiri with equal weight and importance, putting them on a level field with viewers, something even Kaku struggled with from time to time. Two halves of a whole, this episode highlights their connection with a deft hand.

But Hell’s Paradise Episode 2 isn’t just about character stories, nope. It’s violent as well, hell, and as bloody as it can get. While we see the condemned fight for inclusion on the mission and the cast eliminate itself to the few chosen ones with exceptional skill, it’s the episode’s final moments with Gabimaru that are stunning just on their own. As he fights and gives way to Sagiri’s revelations of the truth she sees in her sword, the episode closes, having delivered set the stage perfectly.

All accompanied by a Yamada Asaemon, ten condemned are chosen, and the team is as diverse in skill and crime as it is in size: The unbridled chaos, Aza Chobe, the Bandit King; The expert wordsmith, Tamiya Gantetsusai, the Sword Dragon; The adorable child, Twisted Keiun, the Hunter of the One Hundred; Kunoichi, Yuzuriha of Keishu, who is responsible for the fall of many as shinobi; Horubo, the Killing Prayer; Akaginu the Cannibal Courtesan; Moro Makiya, the apostate; and Rokurota, the Giant of Bizen. And of course, Gabimaru. While we haven’t gotten to explore the Asaemon attached to one of the condemned, this squad is intimidating and skilled in exciting ways.

Outside of the main narrative, MAPPA also has moments of the anime that need to call out. First is the transitional moments which a commercial break would traditionally do is small but worth noting as it uses the color schemes and design from Kaku’s tonkobon for the series. And second is the Opening Theme. While I missed the opening last episode because I viewed it as a screener, Ringo Sheena and Millennium Parade’s “Work” is a phenomenal opening theme, made better by the elements of the series chosen to accompany it.

At its core, Hell’s Paradise is a fantastic adaptation but on the surface, the liberties that MAPPA takes with story structure and character building are what make this anime stand out. Exciting and violent, with just the right amount of emotional parallels between two intriguing leads, and Hell’s Paradise is a main contender for Anime of the Year already.

Hell’s Paradise Episode 2 is available on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Saturday.