Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5: A Mind-Blowing Escalation Unleashed!
Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5 intensifies with shocking developments as the Decay of Angels executes their unexpected plan Prepare for thrilling encounters, the introduction of Bram Stoker, and Tachihara's courageous stand Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride!
Highlights
Episode 54 of Bungo Stray Dogs marks a turning point, as it confirms that no one is safe and that major characters can actually die.
Bram Stoker, the last member of the Decay of Angels, introduces vampires to the narrative, intensifying the level of danger and paving the way for upcoming episodes.
In a fierce confrontation, Tachihara confronts Fukuchi and quickly gains the advantage, exposing the vulnerabilities of the mastermind and heightening the intensity of the conflict. The stakes have reached unprecedented heights within the series.
Warning: The content below contains significant spoilers for Episode 54 of Bungo Stray Dogs, titled "HERO WAR, GANG WAR," currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Since the previous season of Bungo Stray Dogs, the Decay of Angels has been revealing their ultimate objective - a chain of widespread acts of terrorism leading to the complete annihilation of the government. Nonetheless, the latest episode provides viewers with a sneak peek into their extraordinary strategy for sowing chaos globally, surpassing anything that Bungo has presented thus far.
Last week, Atsushi and Akutagawa confronted Fukuchi, the leader of the Decay of Angels, in a bid to halt their scheme once and for all. Regrettably, they proved to be no match for him. Fukuchi's space-time sword nullified their hard-earned triumph, leaving Akutagawa's sacrifice as the only means for Atsushi to escape, even though it came at the cost of his own life.
Bungo Stray Dogs and Fatality
Given the abundance of violence and dramatic spectacle in this series, it is rather surprising that there are not many casualties among the main characters. Although individuals are frequently stabbed, shot, and beaten, the enduring resilience of the Gifted, as demonstrated over the years, along with the presence of healers like Yosano, contributes to their swift recovery. These characters have amassed a substantial fan base, rendering their untimely demise inconceivable; however, there comes a point where sacrifices must be made.
One may have expected fatigue to have set in by now, considering that Bungo is not the only action anime hesitant to kill off its main characters. It is not the usual approach for most beloved TV shows. Bungo gives off the impression that it kills its characters more often than it actually does. The few deaths that have occurred were significant, dramatic, and essential to the plot.
That is why Episode 54 felt like a significant turning point. Unlike last season's fakeout when Tachihara shot Yosano, there is no deception here. Akutagawa is truly dead. It is a shocking twist, especially considering the moment he shared with Atsushi, where he opened up about his illness and their newfound trust in each other. In this series, there is always the possibility of a character returning, but regardless of the permanence of his death, the story clearly emphasizes that no one is safe.
Enter, Bram Stoker
Bungo Stray Dogs now introduces vampires as a crucial element in the villains' plan to create chaos worldwide. This addition is attributed to Bram Stoker, the fifth and final member of the Decay of Angels, expertly voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda (known for his role as Kishibe in Chainsaw Man). Bram Stoker, named after the legendary Irish author of Dracula, is an authentic vampire whose existence is a result of a mutation caused by his extraordinary ability. This ability enables him to transform others into obedient vampire-like beings under his control. Bram's debut in the story acts as a potent catalyst, rapidly escalating the level of threat in just one episode. This dramatic turn of events could potentially shape the entirety of the current season, and even impact the future of the series.
Bram's bite on Akutagawa sets off a chain reaction, with the infection spreading from Higuchi to the entire Mafia, and eventually reaching the rest of the world. This cunning plan by Fukuchi aims to sow chaos and convince the United Nations to agree to his proposal for a unified Earth military. The second half of the page holds the key to completing his grand scheme. It may seem complicated, absurd, but undeniably electrifying.
Some may be tempted to label this as the moment where things go off the rails, but it's only fair to acknowledge that Bungo's ideas have always been eccentric in a way that perfectly suits an anime adaptation featuring such diverse literary icons. Among countless possibilities, incorporating Bram Stoker's work in this manner is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant approaches the author could have taken.
Tachihara's Stand
For the second consecutive week, Fukuchi finds himself confronted by someone who has exposed their true identity. However, this time, the situation feels notably different as Tachihara initially gains the upper hand. Fukuchi is unable to mount an effective defense against his opponent's manipulation of metal. It is immensely satisfying to witness Tachihara seizing control, boosted by Mori's directives, as he realizes that Fukuchi is a member of the Hunting Dogs.
The revelation of Fukuchi's true identity serves as a blessing, providing the audience with a glimpse of their fallibility. Despite appearing as a mastermind, they are not impervious to errors, unlike someone like Fyodor. Fukuchi is meticulous in constructing a deceptive persona to deceive those around them, and any obstacles that arise on the brink of victory ignite their anger. It is this vulnerability that may ultimately lead to their downfall, although they certainly won't be defeated easily.
He possesses extraordinary power and immense skill, bolstered by a weapon that allows him to manipulate the outcome in his favor, making him an infuriating adversary. Even as Tachihara appears to have him cornered, a sense of impending defeat permeates the audience, akin to a dagger twisting in the wound left by Akutagawa's demise. This epic clash culminates in a necessary defeat, further underscoring the formidable challenge of ultimately overcoming Fukuchi.
With a rapidly spreading infection and a villain desperate enough to manipulate time to avoid failure, Bungo Stray Dogs has significantly elevated the stakes. The series has undergone a remarkable transformation, and if it manages to maintain its focus on storytelling rather than solely relying on spectacle, this season has the potential to surpass all previous ones and become truly outstanding.
