REVIEW: ‘Solo Leveling’ Episode 7 — “Let’s See How Far I Can Go”

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s certainly true for Sung Jinwoo (Taito Ban). But despite his level continuing to increase with every victory, his path is beginning to change him in more ways than he expected. With human blood now on his hands, Jinwoo may have to reckon with more than just his conscious as questions begin to be asked in Solo Leveling (Ore dake Level Up na Ken) Episode 7, “Let’s See How Far I Can Go.”

The core focus of this entry is setting up future problems for Jinwoo. This starts right off with the episode’s opening, which sees a familiar pair of investigators looking into the last episode’s disastrous raid. The fact that the “World’s Weakest Hunter” is once again one of the sole survivors of a catastrophe would be enough to raise eyebrows. Couple that with Jinwoo somehow overcoming a C-Rank boss, and too many things don’t add up.

The other party that is keen on Jinwoo’s latest adventure is the deceased Hwang Dongsuk’s brother. Head of a guild of his own, this character instantly feels cut from the same cloth as his older sibling. Determined to get revenge on both Jinwoo and Yoo Jinho (Genta Nakamura), nothing good seems likely to come from this looming threat.

This pair of on-coming problems helps Solo Leveling Episode 7 lay the groundwork for future plots. Introducing or re-introducing characters ahead of their full arrival is always good. Getting fans familiar with faces allows the audience to focus on the moment when they make their big arrival rather than being distracted by wondering who these people are in the important moment. It also gives the world a broader feeling. There is more going on than Jinwoo’s cycle of training and dungeon diving.

Jinwoo’s part of this episode focuses largely on the above-mentioned cycle. He continues to train, which leads him to discover even more interesting ways this game-like program he now has will reward him for physical growth. While this discovery tries to keep things fresh with Jinwoo’s training, it feels a bit unnecessary. The character is already skyrocketing in strength. Adding more ways he can get stronger in less time feels like overkill.

Whether or not Jinwoo needs more gifts to power up, Solo Leveling Episode 7 uses the discovered mechanic to set up another goal for the hunter to strive for. He is gifted with the key to another instanced dungeon when he discovers a secret training reward. This one states that it holds an Elixir of Life. One that can cure any physical ailment. Seeing this as a way to restore his mom’s failing health, Jinwoo instantly throws himself into battle.

Guarding the gate to this new dungeon is the monstrous visage of Cerberus. The iconic hell-hound delivers a potent presence as A-1 Pictures and Production I.G. go all-out to make the beast a force to intimidate. Cerberus’ attacks are brutal, and the combat is engaging and kinetic in its delivery of every bone-crunching exchange.

Sadly, Solo Leveling Episode 7 ultimately falls flat with this gorgeous fight sequence. While the moment-to-moment is executed with impressive skill, the outcome is less than thrilling. Like every other problem Jinwoo has confronted, he manages to overcome his newest adversary by simply beating it until it goes down. Since slaying the creature allows him to level up, his wounds are instantly restored, and he can make his escape. The post-battle level-up/heal mechanic is greatly hurting the show’s ability to build tension. While it is how many RPGs work, the translation to a watched medium is doing more harm than good for the story overall.

The biggest stand-out element of this sequence is that Jinwoo turns back from the dungeon. With another key to return, Jinwoo decides that he isn’t ready for what is to come from this brutal dungeon. Turning back to get stronger, this marks the first time in the series a challenge has given our protagonist pause.

Solo Leveling Episode 7 continues to deliver some great elements while also being hampered by familiar stumbling blocks. The larger world-building and growing cast provide intriguing glimpses into future problems for our hero. Gorgeous combat also brings all the excitement it can despite being hampered by predictable outcomes. If the series could just freshen up some of its resolutions, Solo Leveling could reach a whole new level for its narrative.

Solo Leveling Season 1 is streaming on Crunchyroll, and new episodes of Season 2 air every Friday.