REVIEW: ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 2 Episode 3 — “Still a Long Way to Go”

Sung Jin-woo (Taito Ban) and company escaped the Red Gate dungeon, but that just means he is ready to set out on the next step of his journey. Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3, “Still a Long Way to Go,” shows that he still has much to learn about his new powers and how to use them best.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 brings back everyone’s favorite tag-a-long hunter Yoo Jin-ho. Jin-ho and Jin-woo work together in the first season in a mutually beneficial partnership that allows Jin-ho to prove to his dad that he deserves to run his own guild while also allowing Jin-woo to expand his powers. The two have developed an odd relationship, especially considering how much more powerful Jin-woo is than his friend.

The first interaction between the two in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 shows how much awe Jin-ho has for Jin-woo. He sees the shadow army in full display and is blown away and confused about how they work. What he also realizes is that he is basically useless. He begs Jin-woo to at least let him collect essence stones, desperate to play some part in what Jin-woo is doing.

The relationship between Jin-woo and Jin-ho becomes more layered, setting the stage for the future.

This relationship is fascinating to watch since Jin-woo rarely shows any emotions towards Jin-ho. The two seem like friends, working together and even going out to eat together, but Jin-woo is leaps and bounds above what Jin-ho can comprehend. Jin-woo’s dismissiveness of Jin-ho is likely down to his desire to keep his friend out of danger, but that is never explicitly mentioned. Seeing their dynamic play out subtly in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 makes it so much better.

There is a moment where Jin-woo says he will treat Jin-ho like a little brother, giving the relationship a more defined role than just colleagues. This sets the stage for their relationship to grow as their challenges become more complex. Their dynamic also helps keep Jin-woo grounded while his powers go exponentially off the charts.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 does not disappoint those looking for the next big reveal. A mysterious hunter who claims to have been trapped in a gate for ten years suddenly appears. His name is Sung Il-hwan, and he reveals that there is so much more to the gates than anyone realizes. He makes it out to be an issue the entire world needs to be aware of. Oh, and he also happens to be Jin-woo’s dad. That is definitely going to be a significant point going forward, and the reveal here is shocking.

While his father is being interrogated, Jin-woo heads back into the demon castle dungeon to test out his strengthened army. This is the perfect chance for Jin-woo to put his shadow army to work against more difficult enemies. Watching Jin-woo go from a friendly lunch with Jin-ho and casual conversation with his sister to a deadly dungeon is a little jarring. His entire demeanor changes, and he drops any pretense of acting normally. Instead, he is bloodthirsty and ready to wreak havoc.

The different facets of Jin-woo’s personality arise in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3.

The ensuing combat in the dungeon is such a joy to watch. The deadliness of the shadow army is on full display, even allowing Jin-woo to enjoy a bite to eat while they do their jobs. It is also apparent that combat has become easier for Jin-woo, especially compared to when he first entered the dungeon. He and his army are much more powerful, and how they approach battle shows it. By the time he clears the 75th floor, it is hard to imagine anything stopping Jin-woo.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 also takes the time to splice in the side stories of Jin-ho and his father, as well as the Hunters Association. Jin-ho has a conversation with his dad about running the guild, which is nice to see. Jin-ho has a backbone now, something he has developed thanks to his extended time with Jin-woo. Hopefully, he will continue this character growth and play a more important role going forward.

Meanwhile, the Hunters Association is dealing with problems of its own. They don’t know what to do about the flying ants and are keeping the information under wraps for now. Addressing what they are doing while building strength makes sense, but these scenes can sometimes distract from the episode’s main plot. They also need to figure out what to do about Jin-woo, and it is made increasingly clear that he will be a vital part of their plan to handle the ants. It would just be nice to see that progress a little more quickly.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 is an enjoyable experience overall. Its major reveal shifts the trajectory of Jin-woo’s journey. The show sometimes struggles when jumping between stories, but it balances the stories fairly well and is another excellent episode.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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