Dude, MHA had me On the Edge of My Seat This Week!

My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 8 Review
OH. MY. GOD, YOU GUYS! My Hero Academia was in full force this week as the Joint Training Arc between the Hero courses continued, and both sides were giving their absolute A-Game. In other words, MHA is once again beginning to go beyond, PLUS ULTRA!
No One is Holding Anything Back.

As the third match of the Joint Training Arc hits his climax, we get to see what each of the aspiring heroes is truly made of. And, my God, you guys, is it amazing to watch! Iida’s improved his Quirk to super-speedster levels, running around the battlefield like nobody’s business. Tetsutetsu proves to be a Tank incarnate as he shrugs off everything Shoto throws at him. And Shoto? We see him show new levels of control over his fire and ice that I didn’t think possible. I was so engrossed in the action that I didn’t even realize the episode was half over until the eye-catch came up.
In the end, though, the heroes went so Plus Ultra that most of them end up out cold or unable to move. As a result, the match ultimately ends in a draw. While not as devastating as a flat out lost, a draw can still be a bittersweet pill to swallow, especially when both sides gave it their all. In the end, though, I don’t think it matters who wins and who loses. The fact that both classes show such incredible growth is a sign that they’re going to become amazing Heroes.
Bakugo Steps Up to the Plate
With the round having ended, we are then led into the fourth round, which, most notably, includes Bakugo. And since it’s Bakugo, that automatically makes this a hundred times more interesting. The guy’s just too much fun to watch! However, his chief opponent on Class B’s side, Setsuna Tokage may be a bit of a problem.

I won’t lie: I didn’t even remember Tokage from the manga. I had to look her up on the MHA wiki to jog my memory. And what I read wasn’t good. She could be a big problem for Bakugo’s “Leeroy Jenkins” mentality to overcome. However, I’m not that worried. Bakugo’s one of the strongest in the Hero Course, so he should be fine. In the meantime, I can’t wait for the fight!
Overall, this was a visually stunning episode; one of the season’s best thus far, and I’m grateful knowing that MHA is back in our lives. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Match 4 Conclusion” a 4/5
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I remember what Bakugo wanted to do with this match- to “have an absolute victory.” And BOY OH BOY is it fun to see how he gets it. And Tokage- I just think of her as “Buggy’s Illegitimate daughter.”
Shoto vs Tetsutetsu was always my favorite battle in this arc- seeing Shoto “turn up the heat” like that, to the point where he speculates that he might be able to MELT Tetsustetsu. It was just really interesting to see him take it up to that level.
I remember how Bakugo said he wanted an “Absolute Victory” on these guys. And I like the idea that they “Won REALLY HARD.” It’s just funny, you know? And because it’s Bakugo and his imposing personality; it’s gonna be cool to see it animated.
I can’t believe how engrossing the episode was and I don’t remember liking that fight in the manga. I just hope they’re not blowing their budget on this arc leaving crumbs for the next.