The Unforgiven Offers an Emotional Look at Forgiving People

My Hero Academia S5, Episode 18 Review

You know how a lot of religions and spiritual schools say that we shouldn’t hold a grudge and learn to forgive and move on? It’s simple in practice, but in reality, it’s a lot harder to implement. There are going to be times when we meet people who commit actions that we consider unforgivable, such as Natsu’s resentment for his father, Endeavor, for how abusive he was in the past. We know that Endeavor’s trying to change for the better, yet Natsu refuses to give him a second chance. So what happens then? What happens to someone who remains unforgiven despite everything they try to do to make things right? That’s what this episode of My Hero Academia tackles.

The Unforgiven

After the awkward dinner of the last episode, Endeavor gets ready to take Deku, Bakugo, and Shoto back to U.A.. However, a psychotic villain that Endeavor put away years ago shows up out of nowhere and holds Natsu hostage in front of him. His goal’s simple: force Endeavor to kill him and end his miserable life, or watch as he kills his son. 

It’s a classic dilemma in the superhero-supervillain formula. Some villains aren’t out for power or wealth or fame. All they want to do is prove that even the Heroes can be as bad as they are. Batman and Joker have this dynamic in most incarnations, and it never gets any easier. Like Batman, the normally confident and brutal Endeavor hesitates, not for fear of taking a life, but for fear of what his son would think of him. Therefore, it’s appropriate that the Big Three of 1-A capture the villain before he can hurt anyone. 

Trying to Change

After this, Endeavor gives Natsu a genuine hug and apologizes for his hesitation. Moreover, he apologizes for being a terrible Dad over the years. However, Natsu still refuses to forgive him, despite all that Endeavor’s trying to do. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but Endeavor admits he doesn’t wants forgiveness. He wants to atone for his past sins, even if it means distancing himself from his family forever.

I personally liked this moment in the episode. It’s a very realistic outcome that I’m sure countless people have experienced. No matter how much someone might try to change for the better, some of us can’t forgive or forget their past actions. It’s hard being unforgiven by the ones you love, but it happens. And when it does, the best thing they can do is accept this and keep trying regardless. 

I understand why Natsu considers Endeavor unforgiven, and he may never forgive his Dad. However, I’m still hopeful that Natsu will be able to accept that his Dad’s changing and moves on with his life.

In the meantime, there are only six episodes left in the season, so the Paranormal Liberation War Arc better be beyond epic. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “The Unforgiven” A 4/5

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