REVIEW: ‘Tower Of God’ Season 2 Episode 2 — “The Strongest Regular”

Tower of God Season 2 Episode 2 wastes little time in thrusting us straight into the action as the next step of their ascent begins. While it lacks the action-packed finale of Episode 1, it moves with a quick, sturdy momentum that doesn’t hesitate to drag viewers along with it. It’s on us to have caught up with the ins and outs of this intricately balanced world and the different factions that arise throughout. We almost need a glossary at this point for the number of characters who are thrown into the mix as the density of its world-building continues to deepen.

More than anything, though, Tower of God Season 2 Episode 2 is something of a “getting to know you” installment. It’s the whose who of the Tower. Because, for the most part, the characters we knew, loved (Khun), and hated (Rachel) are absent. Bam (Taichi Ichikawa) is present though he goes under the name Viole now, and affirms that he is a member of FUG determined to kill Jahad. With the familiar faces gone, the series introduces a new long list of names that we’ll be traveling with throughout the series.

Some of these we met in the premiere and are fleshed out further in “The Strongest Regular.” The young girl, Yeo Miseng (Saki Miyashita), is one of the few previous contestants who kindly reach out to Viole. The episode starts with relative calm as the last floor members gather to await the ensuing test.

Viole is isolated from the group, remembering back to a conversation with Rachel about the loneliness the first tower climber must’ve felt. It’s an apt recollection as it speaks to what Viole is currently experiencing, at odds with his past along with his present competitors.

And still, Yeo Miseng reaches out, even if only to share with him a snack, and while it hardly makes Viole rethink his current standing, it speaks to how others have reached out to him in the past. And it’s this persistence demonstrated by others that continues to wreak havoc on Viole’s composure throughout the episode. The main challenge in Tower of God Season 2 Episode 2 is a test of strength, though it’s a solo mission. Contestants must place their hands on a machine, and through it, it will determine the ranking of the strongest people in the room.

However, only the top ten can continue their journey, and our new pseudo-protagonist,Ja Wangnan (Yuma Uchida), falls short. The administrator reveals a trick, however, after Viole places first, he’s told that he can pick the remaining nine who can travel with him. The episode leans into humor as Wangnan, Hon Akraptor (Kento Shiraishi), Yeon Yihwa (Sayumi Watabe), and more throw away pride and give in to desperation, pleading and bargaining with Viole over why they should be chosen.

Though unaffected, Viole isn’t allowed to simply go alone. The confrontation ends with an administrator proposing a fight between them. If Viole wins, he goes alone; if not, he must choose others to move forward to. Viole’s want to go it alone is a stark contrast to the season one journey Bam took. Before the Tower, Bam only had Rachel and the stars to keep him company, who found friendship and camaraderie through a mutual struggle. This Viole isn’t comparable in terms of his strength or personality.

However, it makes for an intriguing premise, especially when working with and against the more outgoing Wangnan. The latter of which Viole realizes, is somehow tied to Jahad, as he notes the sigil on his ring. How this comes to a head remains a mystery but it adds yet another layer of intrigue and strife to an opposing dynamic. Wangnan remains a fascinating protagonist, both possessing cleverness and naivety as he tries to climb the Tower no matter the cost.

And everyone seems somewhat desperate, with anyone and everyone joining the fray, from Wangnan’s friend, Nya Nia (Natsuko Abe), to the man who’d been threatening him, Kim Lurker (Naoko Irie). Part of the charm of the series that makes it so engaging is the enigmatic nature of the Tower itself.

It’s somewhat obvious to describe a place or setting as having a life of its own, but for all we don’t know about the Tower, it fits the bill of that description. The Tower, with all of its floors and political ecosystems, is its own working organism. There’s a lot less we know than what we do.

And one of the haunting elements of the series that is, as always, bolstered by the score is the father the journey goes the more the Tower feels like a flame pulling in a fly to its untimely doom. The plot mechanics, the many characters, and their affiliation may be confounding at times, but the eerieness that proliferates throughout remains.

Tower of God Season 2 Episode 2 is a strong link that bridges the introductory story with the larger plot. With some stunning imagery — such as when Viole’s power takes over the shinsu strength test — and characters who continue to unravel, the series maintainas a steady, engaging pace.

Tower of God Season 2 Episode 2 is out now on Crunchyroll.