With only the season finale remaining, Suicide Squad Isekai is an underrated gem that needs to be appreciated more. It is by no means a perfect show. In fact, there are many ways in which it can be criticized. WIT Studio is usually rather adept with the animation style, having some acclaimed anime under their wing. The first few seasons of Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga, while also animating Spy x Family.
The roster is one that has shown time and again just how wonderful WIT can be with the animation. So it begs the question as to why DC’s attempt at a strong anime is getting such treatment. The series could have been so much better if certain aspects of it were taken into consideration, but what it lacks makes it difficult for a larger audience to hold onto it.
Suicide Squad Isekai Does a 180
Episode 9 of Suicide Squad Isekai sees the castle falling from within as the Queen reveals herself to be none other than the Undead King. It was the people who sealed it previously and the more death and chaos there is, the stronger it grows. So the original Queen was also ‘disposed of.’ One of the ministers takes control of the Thinker’s cap and things start derailing at an alarming rate.
While Princess Fione tries to deal with the fact that her mother is dead, Cecil comes to save her. He gives her a dagger, demanding her to be strong because, at a time like this, a ruler cannot afford weakness. Throughout the series, Fione and Harley’s interactions have been full of underlying tension that suggests a deep-rooted understanding.
Upon seeing her Kingdom fall, Fione cracks. She picks up the bat Harley left behind and adorns the makeup she had seen the fierce and strong anti-hero wear. While she mumbles to herself, one thing becomes evidently clear, Princess Fione will no longer bow down to subjugation, keeping her head held high.
Harley Quinn, the Ultimate Influence
As Cecil and Fione begin to fight, the former comes to notice just how much frustration the silent princess had been suppressing within her and almost feels jarred by the way she takes it out. Wearing the face of the woman who was strong when she couldn’t be, she also channeled a little bit of her crazy side. At the same time, the Suicide Squad also goes about fighting the undead army that is now thrashing the Kingdom.
Upon noticing how Fione copied Harley’s makeup, people in the squad wonder the same thing we do as fans – is it the right idea to take Harley Quinn as an inspiration? However, the team pushes the thought to the side, prioritizing the brewing war.
Peacemaker and King Shark deal with Killer Croc and the Leviathan, Clayface and Rick Flag battle Katana; and Harley, Cecil, and Deadshot deal with the Enchantress and the undead army. Chaos is everywhere but the action sequences are worth the watch. The dragon finally comes into play but it still isn’t enough to grab the spotlight.
Acceptance is the Key
Cecil had criticized the Suicide Squad and their weaponry ever since the series started. However, when things became grave, he didn’t think twice before picking up two guns and charging into battle. Deadshot was both amused and skeptical about this development because on one hand, he saved the anti-hero but on another, he had terrible aim.
At the same time, Harley comes to discover her own potential at using magic using the stone she stole. She puts the stone on her gun, making it powerful enough to face the Enchantress. Although she and Katana seem to be helping the Undead King, everyone seems to notice how frequently they pull their punches.
Clayface and Katana’s battle gets cut short when she seemingly decides not to strike the finishing blow and run away. At the same time, Harley questions Enchantress and why she fights the battles for the Undead King while saving them at the same time.
What comes into the picture is that Enchantress is being kept as a hostage by the antagonist and Katana did her part in leading Clayface and Rick Flag to her. While this makes it obvious that their allegiance lies with the Suicide Squad, a new visual was revealed earlier in the day that gave it away even before the episode was released.
Rating: 7.5/10
Suicide Squad Isekai is available to watch on Max.
