Episode 9 of the anime Solo Leveling Season 2 has finally delivered an emotional conclusion to the Demon Castle arc, showcasing Jinwoo’s growth as he struggles with the aftermath of his brother’s condition. Every moment leading up to this has been leading to this pivotal scene, and it must be said that A-1 Pictures and Hiroyuki Sawano have done an exceptional job.
However, many fans of the series were not satisfied with the latest episode, rapidly turning it into the most disliked episode of Solo Leveling Season 2, drawing attention to a growing debate among the shonen audience.
Despite being filled with emotional moments and serving as a key narrative point for the character Jinwoo, Episode 9 received quite a negative reception from a portion of the fanbase. The episode garnered nearly 2,500 dislikes on Crunchyroll, the highest for any episode of Season 2 so far.
In terms of statistics, Episode 9’s dislike ratio is notably lower than that of Episode 8, which had 3,800 dislikes, and Episode 7.5 (the recap episode) which had 81,400 dislikes.
Many fans criticized Episode 9 of Season 2, labeling it as “boring filler,” and while this opinion may not represent the entirety of the fanbase, it does reflect a growing concern among shonen viewers who were hoping for something beyond mere action in each episode.
The negative reception of Episode 9 of anime Solo Leveling Season 2 highlights the unique relationship between Shonen and hype
It is worth noting that Solo Leveling is set to be one of the biggest anime releases of 2024. This anticipation has also translated into Season 2, especially regarding the inclusion of major names, intense battles, and highly anticipated story arcs like the Jeju Island arc.
The plot of Season 2 revolves around battles that make Jinwoo stronger with each new opponent he faces. This storyline, coupled with the anime’s rapid pacing, is a significant reason why Solo Leveling can attract even those who have never engaged with the web novel or webtoon before.
However, this construction also serves as a double-edged sword, as the engagement with the most recent episodes of Solo Leveling Season 2 exemplifies what can happen when action scenes overshadow deeper narrative development. Viewers await thrilling moments in each episode, often leaving little room for the story to breathe.
In the case of Episode 9 of anime Solo Leveling Season 2, this episode was a crucial moment in Jinwoo’s character journey, playing a role in grounding his emotional experiences amid the chaos he has faced. This might serve as a reflective point for all the struggles he has endured, dating back to when the Double Dungeon offered him a second chance, arguably the most significant turning point in his awakening.
It can be said that while Episode 9 lacks action or thrilling twists, it does not mean it is merely a filler episode. The episode captures a poignant moment of vulnerability for Jinwoo, as he hopes for a miracle different from his past experiences. In this moment, his hands tremble when he grasps his sword, and he hesitates as he brings the healing potion to his lips, reflecting a moment that puts Jinwoo in a state of worry.
As he faces the challenges of his past, Jinwoo struggles to hold back tears while reminiscing about the memories of his loved ones and the sacrifices he has made for his family, realizing that nothing could ever be more precious than that.
