REVIEW: ‘My Hero Academia’ Episode 147 – “Extras”

With Dabi (Hiro Shimono) bested by Todoroki (Yûki Kaji, Bubble), the first victory of the battle goes to the heroes. But there is still much to be done. Even as the tide begins to shift, All For One (Akio Ôtsuka) strikes out to halt the heroes’ momentum as he squares off with Endeavor (Tetsu Inada) and Hawks (Yûichi Nakamura, Jujutsu Kaisen) in My Hero Academia Episode 147 “Extras.”

Once the heroes’ command center receives the news of Dabi’s fall, All Might wastes no time letting the rest of the groups know the first win is theirs. With the initial setback of Midoriya teleporting to the wrong place, the battle got off on the wrong foot. Now, thanks to Todoroki’s perseverance and Great Glacial Aegir, it feels like momentum is moving back in their favor.

As the news reaches each battlefield, My Hero Academia Episode 147 takes a moment to show how the news impacts the fight. Of these moments, the best belongs to Katsuki Bakugo (Nobuhiko Okamoto, Dead Mount Death Play). The expected reaction from the young hero is one of competition. A proclamation about how he’ll one-up Todoroki by beating Shigaraki. This doesn’t play out though. Rather than turn the moment into something about him, Bakugo observes that his friend has done nothing surprising. He knew Dabi wouldn’t win. This moment is another wonderfully implemented sign of how much Bakugo has changed over the years.

My Hero Academia Episode 147 also uses the spreading news to highlight some of its side characters. Along with the battles set up by the heroes’ ambush, we learn that the expected attack on the facility holding Gigantomachia arrives. A collection of heroes led by Mt. Lady (Kaori Nazuka, Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story) stands ready to thwart the attack. Here we get to see Mina Ashido (Eri Kitamura) and Eijirou Kirishima (Toshiki Masuda) showcasing their recent training. Seeing the two childhood friends teaming up is a fun moment within the episode. Since neither has gotten a chance to shine recently, this moment uses its time wisely, showcasing how far they’ve come in their growth as heroes.

Attentive viewers will recognize some noticeable throwbacks throughout the various battlefields. Characters like the villain who attacked Bakugo way back in episode one return, creating a bit of a “Where’s Waldo” energy to group shots as viewers look for familiar faces. It’s always nice to see such characters return for these huge battles as it shows thoughtfulness to the story’s production.

When the story finally settles into one location, My Hero Academia Episode 147 follows Endeavor and Hawks as they square off against All For One. While the focus should be on the fight before him, Endeavor can’t help but let his mind drift to his sons. Still feeling guilt over everything that’s happened, Todorki’s victory comes with pain as well as pride for the father of both hero and villain.

All For One uses Endeavor’s fleeting focus to goad the hero. He reveals that he found the boy on the mountaintop that night and took him away. This causes Endeavor to lash out in rage at his foe. Seeing Endeavor fall for the same trap All Might did, the Hawks struggles to distract All For One. Unfortunately, Hawks cannot prevent All For One from landing a debilitating blow that knocks Endeavor out of the fight.

Before the villain can also remove Hawks from the fight, help arrives in the form of Fumikage Tokoyami (Yoshimasa Hosoya, Megalo Box) and Kyoka Jiro (Kei Shindo). While Hawks initially tries to send the students away, Tokoyami rejects Hawks’ concern, reminding him that he needs help. Knowing that Tokoyami has already proven his worth, Hawks quickly relents, allowing the duo to join the fight.

Hawks’ mounting concerns, first for Endeavor and then the students, work wonderfully to build up the tension of the scene. Hawks is frequently near panic as the hero struggles to salvage what feels like a rapidly deteriorating situation.

Sensing that the trio of heroes hope to stall him until Endeavor can recover from his injuries, All For One decides to waste no more time. Referring to himself as a “Demon Lord,” All For One declares the heroes before him nothing more than side characters, acting as foils for him. He then lashes out, looking for a quick, decisive victory.

The powers that All For One unleashes here fit perfectly with his affirmation of his role as a demon. Grotesque mouths expand out from his hand, chomping at the heroes. The visuals craft this moment into something that feels like the stuff of nightmares. The unsettling nature of the power drives home the truly monstrous nature of All For One.

My Hero Academia Episode 147 closes as the villain manages to land a blow on Tokoyama and Jiro. While not out of the fight, the two are struggling. The previously celebratory energy that was present at the start of the episode washes away, as it looks like the heroes may be about to receive their first loss.

Filled with exciting action and meaningful character moments, My Hero Academia Episode 147 builds up the series’ momentum, leaving the next episode primed to deliver more.

My Hero Academia Episode 147 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.