REVIEW: ‘Mashle: Magic And Muscles’ Episode 24 — “Mash Burnedead And His Good Friends”

With the immediate threat from Innocent Zero passed, the students can pay attention to more important matters, like the beach. With summer upon them, the gang heads out to enjoy some well-earned relaxation. But trouble is brewing back at the school as exams await and an angry mob looks to expel Mash (Chiaki Kobayashi) in Mashle: Magic And Muscles Episode 24, “Mash Burnedead And His Good Friends.”

How a show wraps up a season is important. The last impression a series leaves is the one that will linger the longest. A show needs to remind viewers of the elements of its narrative that have kept them coming back all season. Whether it’s great characters, exciting stories, or gorgeous visuals, the finale should serve as an ending summation for the show. In this regard, Mashle Episode 24 works.

Opening the episode is a brief sequence exploring the Innocent Zero encounter. It looks at what the Magical World’s understanding of the moment is. Most importantly, it shows us that Mash’s part in the matter is being covered up. This keeps Mash out of the public eye but also denies him the chance for well-earned recognition. It feels like an outcome that is simultaneously good and bad.

Rather than allow recent events to get them down, Mash and friends decide to kick summer off right. They head to the beach. This nonsensical sequence highlights the show’s humor as the group tries to unwind. It serves as a good palette cleanser after the recent battles. Wahlberg (Mugihito) even shows up for some sun. However, the fun can’t last forever. With exams coming up Mash is in desperate need of studying. Though studying isn’t exactly his strong suit.

Mashle Episode 24 follows the group as they try to help Mash study for his exams. When they run him through a mock exam, he performs poorly. While his friends are happy to rally around him, Mash isn’t willing to dive in. Faced with a foe his muscles are powerless to, Mash initially runs. While the bulk of the group struggles with how to proceed, Finn (Reiji Kawashima, To Your Eternity) immediately chases after Mash.

The brief moment of support that follows handles the friendship between Mash and Finn well. While it’s not overly powerful, it competently brings the importance of friendship to the narrative. But it’s nothing special. This moment doesn’t stand out in any way given how commonly the concept of friendship is explored in anime. It’s fine, but anime fans have seen it done far better.

After more cramming with friends, Mashle Episode 24 reveals the fruits of Mash’s labors. He will continue to be a student thanks to his barely passing grade. The group doesn’t get to linger in their triumph. An angry mob soon appears on the school grounds. Demanding Mash’s expulsion, the crowd teeters on the edge of violence.

This sequence struggles to land the emotions it strives for. Moments like Lemon’s impassioned plea on Mash’s behalf are undercut by poorly executed humor. It wants to pull at the heartstrings, but never manages to commit. Even the camera placement holds back too much. Rather than push the viewer in, it keeps its distance. The crowd even turns violent at one point, attempting to pummel Lemon (Reina Ueda) with rocks. Of course, Mash easily protects his friend, removing any danger or threat.

This sequence ultimately plays out like a microcosm of the series. It wants to tell a story with emotion at its core but plagues it with unfunny humor and ridiculous visuals. Coupled with the reinforced knowledge that Mash will overcome any obstacle put in his path, killing any narrative tension, you are left with this. It is a largely unengaging story about a boy who can do anything, yet the plot wants us to worry about him. All while throwing poorly executed humor into the mix.

Mashle Episode 24 manages to wrap up its current season in a manner that feels fitting for the series. It plays all the familiar tunes that those who have stuck with the show will recognize. While it isn’t great on its own, it does achieve the core purpose of a finale. Like Mash’s exams, it barely squeaks by.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.