REVIEW: ‘Hell’s Paradise’ Episode 6 — “Heart and Reason”

Each episode of MAPPA and Twin Engine’s Hell’s Paradise has improved. It’s become more violent and more vibrant as it continues to up the stakes with its action while telling well-crafter character stories. Last episode, we were introduced to the last of our ensemble cast, and Yamada Asaemon Sagiri was unmoved by Asaemon Genji’s push for her to leave the island because she’s a woman. But now, in Hell’s Paradise Episode 6, “Heart and Reason,” Sagiri takes the focus again, but this time in action.

Picking up immediately where Episode 5 left off, Rokurota, the Giant of Bizen, is on a rampage, with Gabimaru the only means to stop him. The fight between the two results in seeing Gabimaru using new skills that weren’t even hinted at. Fire, rocks like bullets, and a lesson in resiliency when taking slaps from a mountain. But this Hell’s Paradise Episode 6 isn’t about another Gabimaru fight. It’s about the fact that he can’t do it alone. While Episode 3 highlighted the fight between the two lead characters, it was clear that Gabimaru was the clear victor who chose not to harm Sagiri even though he could.

In “Heart and Reason,” though, Sagiri’s ability is front and center in a way that continues to embrace the character as much as the action. Last episode showed audiences Sagiri’s ability to withstand the way she was seen as less than just because she is a woman. This one shows that her power comes because she is a woman, not in spite of it. Genji, who refused to view Sagiri as someone of power before, when sees her resolve after he’s injured. Genji validates who Sagiri is as a warrior even though she doesn’t need it.

Sagiri is the middle way. Sagiri embraces her weakness and her strengths. She is calm, and she is fierce. Sagiri’s strength comes from her skill and precision as much as the strength behind the blade. While mangaka Yuji Kaku expertly crafted Sagiri to subvert many shonen tropes, MAPPA has honed in and explored them with more depth in a way that creates impact. The success with this character development, though, comes from being layered into the action elements of the series. We hear about Sagiri’s temperament and see her talk through her inner thoughts as she attempts to behead the Giant, but we also get to see it. Balances showing and telling is stellar storytelling once again in an already dynamic season.

The majority of Hell’s Paradise Episode 6 is just one fight, but in it, MAPPA stretches their animation ability as Gabimaru sets himself and the environment around him on fire. Pinks and oranges rage through a gorgeous landscape, distinct against Gabimaru’s black robes. It’s a gorgeous feat that made me understand just how magical the adaptation of a black-and-gray work can be. Gabimaru doesn’t get the only animation highlight in this week’s episode. “Heart and Reason” offers a final scene that brings us back to Chobe and his Asaemon brother, but we also get the first erotic glimpse of the island’s gods. While the monsters have been hellish, these two women are simply gorgeous.

At this point, I feel like I’m writing the same closing to every review for this series, but it keeps improving. With Hell’s Paradise Episode 6, MAPPA continues to expand its characters, not just the island they’re trying to survive. We see action and inner monologues, and neither ever feel empty. The strength of the storytelling we’ve seen this season is one of the few times I’ve found myself wishing that I had not read the manga first. Not because Kaku’s work isn’t fantastic, but because I wish I could see what MAPPA is about to animate with no thoughts or expectations first.

Hell’s Paradise Episode 6 is available now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Saturday.