REVIEW: ‘Fire Force’ Season 3 Episode 17 — “At the Center of the World”

Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17, “At the Center of the World,” sees Station 8 leap into action in a final attempt to cut off the White Clad’s plan to trigger the Great Cataclysm. But with both Shinra and Iris missing, the team is shorthanded. Luckily, they are not alone in their mission to save the world. 

In the aftermath of their comrades’ disappearance, Station 8 is brought words of hope from an unexpected source in Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17. Their long-time adversary, Arrow (Yumi Uchiyama, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation), appears bearing word from Sho and reassures the Fire Fighters that all hope is not yet lost. With her by their side, the group must ascertain where their foes will strike next. And for that, there is only one obvious choice: Amaterasu. 

The episode’s opening discussion, along with the rush to the mother-of-all-power plants, builds up the moment’s tension. The urgency and concern felt by the team are imparted throughout the Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17. From facial expressions to the background score, everything tightens the narrative’s emotional tenor. 

Station 8 is brought hope before diving into their next conflict in Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17.

Along the way, Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17 sees Station 8’s numbers grow as Ogun (Makoto Furukawa, Kaiju No.8) joins them. Through Ogun, the episode takes a few detours down memory lane as the guest character recalls the early days when he first met Shinra and Arthur at the training academy. These moments offer a respite from the tense narrative, as Ogun’s memories center on his friendship with Shirna and the misunderstood boy’s determination to be a hero. 

Once the group reaches its destination, it prepares to make its final stand. While Vulcan, Yu, Lisa, and Arthur head inside, the rest prepare to keep the White Clad from reaching their objective. They quickly prepare their battle plans, showcasing the tactical experience of the now-veteran crew as they assign roles based on each member’s strengths. 

Shortly after their plans are in place, they find themselves in a different battle than expected. Rather than just facing their old foes, a huge horde of Infernals arrives as well, threatening to swallow the defenders through sheer numbers alone. 

There are some detours down memory lane that slow things down before the action begins.

The opening round of the fight takes the discipline hinted at in the planning session and makes it pay off. The group acts uniformly, with each striking where they are best able. This allows them to hold back the huge numbers arrayed before them. 

As the bulk of the team fends off the mass of Infernals, Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17 narrows its focus to Ogun, as he squares off with Charon (Hiroki Yasumoto, Megalo Box). The one-on-one fight elevates the action in this episode. While there are moments of flashy speed, the majority of the fight focuses on power. The adversaries exchange bone-crushing blows as they vie with each other for victory. 

What makes this fight a standout is its final moments. Charon’s seemingly insurmountable defences are finally bested through guile and teamwork. Intuitive coordination on the part of Station 8 allows them to finally best the veritable juggernaut that Charon has been throughout the show’s run. 

Charon proves to be a worthy opponent.

The victory of brains over brawn feels like the perfect way to see the villain finally stumble. His precise control over his powers, both here and in previous encounters, made it impossible for Ogun to simply best him head-on. It would’ve felt like a huge undercutting of what the character had been built into if that had happened. Happily, the narrative crafted a far better defeat for him. 

Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17 fires off the first round of the final battle with lots of tension, action, and sharp scenario creation. Showcasing the brains of our heroes as much as their powers creates fertile opportunities for them to do whatever they have to in order to save the day. All they need to do now is not die.

Fire Force Season 3 Episode 17  is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

Previous Episode | Next Episode