“I’m not sure if it’s coincidence or fate, but this guy just said a name that I can’t believe I heard”
What They Say:
“Shining D (Diamond) is Unbreakable, Part 1”
The Review:
While the episode itself was its standard length, it was the kind of episode that felt incredibly short due to just how thoroughly enjoyable it was—which is especially strange when you consider that a good chunk of material gets covered.
Starting off, we find that Hayato, having Groundhog Day’d his way to imminent doom, has finally found a way to escape his horrid fate, working around the restrictions of Kira’s “Bites the Dust” ability thanks to a simple phone call to the Higashikata household. It’s such a simple resolution to a seemingly impossible situation, and yet just seeing Josuke arrive in the nick of time as the rain dramatically falls was such a satisfying scene to watch. And while the exact details of Kira’s “Bites the Dust” ability are explained and resolved at an almost breakneck pace, the sudden increase in pacing only makes the situation that much more dire. Rather than focus on their over-the-top reactions that have become expected of Jojo at this point, focus has finally switched to the showdown of Kira and Josuke itself. Add to this the fact that the episode has worked in the series name into it, and you know things are getting serious.
As the final fight begins, we’re reminded of the fact that Kira simply wants to live a normal life. He doesn’t partake in fighting and finds it rather cumbersome in that if he defeats one foe, he must always be on his guard for the next one to come. For someone with such serial-killer tendencies, he always makes a point of maintaining his composure just enough to keep a low profile—something that’s practically the antithesis to a series as in-your-face as Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. And yet he continues to serve as the perfect villain for Josuke because of how different he is from our hero.
Beginning the fight, we immediately see some solid back-and-forth between Josuke and Okuyasu. The two clearly have each other’s back as fists fly, using their well-formed fighting chemistry to ensure that Kira never has a second to breathe. Compare this to Kira himself, who claims to work alone (regardless of how many mini-boss enemies we’ve seen up to this point) in addition to loathing having to fight. It’s not like Josuke and Okuyasu live for the next fight, but the two aren’t the kind to back away from one, either. It’s this raw, shonen spirit that defines both their characters, and what truly makes them the best match against Kira.
Meanwhile, we’re also treated to Hayato’s continued acts of bravery, as he not only serves as the voice of the peanut-gallery viewers, calling out to Josuke with every play-by-play, but also as an active member dedicated to the cause of defeating Kira once and for all. Seeing him work alone for so many episodes prior, we’re finally treated to just how he would work when it comes to a fight where he can rely on multiple people. Unlike Okuyasu and Jojo, he doesn’t fight with the sensibilities of keeping his allies safe, but he’s noble in a different way, going so far as sacrificing his own life as long as it means ending Kira’s in the long run. Sure, he doesn’t take the simple way out and call the other ally Stand Users who are literally just around the corner from the fight, but what fun would that be?
As-is, the fight itself is kept entertaining with tensions at an all-time high because of how isolated the heroes are from each other. With Jotaro, Rohan, and Koichi around the corner, yet still unable to help fight, you’re given a sense of helplessness that you wouldn’t feel had they been at home or somewhere else further from the action. Add to this Kira willing to use every mind game and powering up his Stand(s) to even greater powers, and you have the solid beginning to a final fight.
In Summary:
“Shining D (Diamond) is Unbreakable, Part 1” is the kind of episode that goes by in the blink of an eye. Even considering breakneck explanations and frustrations with Jotaro and co being within hollering distance of the fight, the episode takes full advantage of the tension it’s built for itself, making for a thoroughly entertaining beginning of the end.
Grade: A-
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
