Unveiling the 1 Remarkable Aspect That Made Demon Slayer Season 2 Outshine Season 3

Ufotable's anime adaptation of Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer has become a cultural phenomenon. The third season, which just concluded, focused on the Swordsmith Village Arc from the manga. It depicted the intense battle against the Upper Rank demons Gyokko and Hantengu. This season also delved into the characters of Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji, who aided Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Swordsmith Village inhabitants in their fight against the powerful demons.

Notably, Zenitsu and Inosuke were absent from this season's main storyline, allowing the spotlight to shine on the two Hashira. Additionally, compared to previous arcs like the Mugen Train and Entertainment District, the battles in the Swordsmith Village fell a bit short in terms of grandeur. Nevertheless, the season still offered an engaging plot, interesting lore drops, and the revelation of Muzan Kibutsuji's backstory. While it may not have reached the heights of Season 2, Season 3 still had its merits.

5 Fitting More Content In A Single Season

Content

Demon Slayer's first season spanned over 50 chapters and included six story arcs. While the episodic format became tiresome at times, the abundance of content ensured that fans would be thrilled during the story's climactic moments. Similarly, Season 2 adapted the Mugen Train and Entertainment District Arcs into 18 episodes, each delivering a thrilling spectacle that left viewers in awe of the fast-paced narrative and Ufotable's exceptional animation.

However, Season 3 took a different approach, focusing on only one arc across 11 episodes, with the final episode serving as a double episode to wrap up the story. Despite the high quality, the limited amount of content worked against Ufotable, as they had to maximize the impact of each episode. The result was a mixed response compared to the achievements of Season 2, with viewers feeling divided due to the fewer high-stakes moments in Season 3.

4 Better Pacing & Buildup

In the Mugen Train and Entertainment District Arcs, there was a heightened sense of mystery surrounding the demons that Tanjiro and his allies were confronted with. The suspenseful buildup in both arcs took numerous episodes to reach their climax, leaving fans in constant anticipation. This was particularly evident in the case of Enmu, who skillfully manipulated the dreams of the main characters, and Daki, who was later unveiled as the Upper Rank Six demon alongside her brother Gyutaro.

The introduction of Akaza, the formidable Upper Rank Three demon, towards the end of the Mugen Train Arc was a brilliant move that elevated the stakes to a whole new level, just as it seemed like victory was within reach. However, in Season 3, the suspense only lasted for a brief episode or two after the introduction of the Swordsmith Village, and the major battles swiftly ensued. While this trimmed unnecessary elements from the story, it also prematurely diminished the tension, creating a rushed contrast to the more measured pacing of Season 2.

3 More Interesting Antagonists

The Swordsmith Village Arc's biggest drawback lies in its portrayal of the antagonists, Hantengu and Gyokko, who hold the titles of Upper Rank Four and Five demons. Enmu, Akaza, Daki, and Gyutaro exhibited incredibly menacing abilities that proved challenging for the main cast of Demon Slayer. Furthermore, the backstories of Daki and Gyutaro evoked deep emotions and shed light on their motives, aspirations, and loyalty to Muzan.

In contrast, Hantengu and Gyokko lacked substantial backstories and received only a brief flashback at the end regarding Hantengu's origins. This absence made it challenging for viewers to emotionally invest in the outcome of the fight against them, as it compromised their understanding of the demons' decision to become what they are. While Hantengu possessed unique and formidable powers, Gyokko's Blood Demon Art paled in comparison to his predecessors. Both demons lacked the fierce strength and impact that distinguished Akaza and Gyutaro, further contributing to their shortcomings as antagonists.

2 Higher Stakes

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Season 3 brings forth a noticeable contrast in the level of danger faced by the Demon Slayers. With the exception of Muichiro being temporarily trapped in Gyokko's Water Prison Pot, he remains in control throughout the entirety of the fight. Even Mitsuri, while battling Zohakuten as Tanjiro, Genya, and Nezuko search for Hantengu's main body, appears to be in command despite her diminishing stamina. Tanjiro and Genya endure multiple attacks from Hantengu's alternate forms and continue to fight. The only moment of genuine tension arises when Urami relentlessly pursues the swordsmiths to consume their flesh and regain his strength.

Conversely, the fights against Enmu and Akaza, as well as the Demon Slayers' clash with Daki and Gyutaro, instill a constant sense of overwhelming odds against Tanjiro and his allies, leaving fans uncertain of their success against such formidable adversaries. This victory also comes at a significant cost, with the loss of Kyojuro Rengoku, Tengen Uzui's left eye and hand, and the injuries sustained by the main trio.

1 A Stronger Final Showdown

The final battles against Akaza in the Mugen Train Arc and the fight against Daki and Gyutaro in the Entertainment District Arc were astonishing displays of action. With Ufotable's exceptional animation, the emotions and intensity of these sequences were truly captivating, offering a visually stunning experience. Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, Tengen, and Rengoku had to go beyond their limits to defeat their enemies, keeping fans engrossed in every frame.

On the other hand, the battles in Swordsmith Village, while entertaining, lacked the same level of intensity as those in Season 2. Even with the lives of the swordsmiths at stake, it always felt like Tanjiro and his allies would find a way to triumph over Gyokko and Hantengu. Once Muichiro unleashed his Demon Slayer mark, the battle quickly reached its conclusion, despite Upper Rank Five's transformations. A similar situation occurred with Hantengu, who was not taken seriously as a threat due to his cowardly and indecisive nature, leading to a disappointing final battle.