REVIEW: ‘Dorohedoro’ Season 2 Episode 10

Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10 sees numerous stories continue to play out as the various characters search for answers, friends, or hope to get them through the turbulent times rocking the Sorcerer’s world and the Hole. And there is little clue as to where it all could be headed. 

The centerpiece surrounding the opening half of this episode is the search for Kikuragi. Both the Cross Eyes and the remaining members of the En family have their eyes set on the character’s powerful restorative magic. But much like the search for En’s head, this one will see an impromptu clash as both sides arrive at the target at the same time. 

The key element of what makes this meeting stand out in Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10 is Ebisu (Miyu Tomita, DanDaDan). As she and Fujita (Kengo Takanashi, Sakamoto Days) set out to find Kikugiri, her incessant giggling begins to underscore an impactful presence in her character during the brief confrontation that awaits them at their destination. 

It’s hard to ignore Ebisu in Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10.

Whether nauseated or exhausted, the unending giggling continues. The fact that she cannot help but laugh, even when clearly not appropriate for the moment, creates a discomfort around the character that has the potential to grow into a shockingly painful moment if it persists. How others may come to treat her for being seen to ridicule a tragic moment with her insincere humor could push even more pain onto her already thoroughly scarred personality. Hopefully, she’ll figure something out soon.

While Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10 lays the groundwork for future moments with Ebisu, it also delivers a startling reveal in the present. Hearing Kikuragi’s pained whimpering triggers a startling transformation. The devil hairpin lodged in her brain interacts with her magic, transforming her into a giant who demonstrates impressive physical power as she easily slices off Natsuki’s (Sara Matsumoto, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon) arm.

The transformation’s form is well-designed in both scale and visual impact. It looks like an unintended amalgamation of forces not meant to intermix. The steer’s skull head and massive purple body capture the moment with their presence, while also feeling like an extrapolation of Ebisu’s customary ensemble and color scheme. 

A startling transformation leads to a pretty cool design.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about the transformation is Kirukagi’s response to it. Despite appearing in the transformed state, Kirukagi seems to innately know that it is Ebisu, leaping into her arms, despite the monstrous roaring and vastly different look. While it had been established that the two were fond of each other, this level of familiarity subtly implies a far deeper trust than had previously existed. 

The opening half of Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10 fixes its gaze firmly in one area, but the back half covers a bit more ground. Splitting its time between several places, the biggest moments come from Nikaido (Reina Kondô, Undead Murder Farce) as she and Asu continue to train her in the use of her time-manipulation powers. 

After rigorous training, we see Nikaido pushed by Asu to amplify her smoke output, altering her powers’ results. As she pours forth more smoke, the ominous black cube that haunts her memories shifts into an imposing, tower-like shape. As it begins to transform again, Nikaido loses control and passes out. 

By the end of Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10, it’s unclear where this plot is actually going.

Through Asu’s observations, a critical question is raised: What if time travel isn’t the core element of Nikaido’s abilities? What if, as she grows stronger, she can do far more? The potential for Nikaido’s magic inspires both curiosity and fear. Given how wrong things went when she wasn’t at full power, what could inadvertently come from a full-powered Nikaido demands a moment of caution.

The questions surrounding Nikaido and other characters highlight another critical question: Where is this all going? With many of the original motivations for characters absent due to tremendous changes in their characters, their situations, or they just aren’t alive anymore, one cannot help but wonder what all this is building to.

Sure, there are some axes to grind, and the Cross Eyes still have a bone to pick with the established hierarchy of their world, but the focus of what the series is building towards feels lost in massive plot twists and shifting character arcs. And with only a couple of episodes left this season, one can only hope they lay some measure of a clearer path forward before it all wraps up. Otherwise, fans may drift off before the series returns without a clear objective whose completion they are seeking closure for. 

Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10 delivers some more strong moments, hints, and twists, even as it feels like it’s losing the plot at its core. Here’s hoping some solid answers are coming soon to put the series back on firmer ground.

Dorohedoro Season 2 Episode 10 is streaming now on Netflix. 

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