Captain Obi is in danger, and Company 8 finds an unlikely ally in their time of need.
Circumstances are dire for the empire, although this shift may not be as obvious to the average citizen in the world of Fire Force. Episode 2 of the third season, titled Prisoner, begins by showing viewers just how dire the situation is for Captain Obi, and consequently, for the empire. Leonard Burns' reason for his betrayal wouldn’t make sense to a sane person, which only indicates that he, along with the White Clad, would undoubtedly want everything to be set ablaze. This unification of the empire is the worst possible outcome for anyone who wishes to survive and not be burned alive.
WARNING: Major spoilers ahead.
The episode opens by establishing that Company 8 is now officially an enemy of the empire, highlighting how this news impacts the other Fire Force companies. It then switches between scenes involving Joker and the 8th, as well as Captain Burns, the White Clad, and Captain Obi in prison. Meanwhile, with Company 8 on the run, they encounter Joker, who turns out to be Viktor's ally. Joker and Viktor attempt to convince Company 8 to form an alliance, and after agreeing, they head to Joker’s secret hideout. Shinra and Joker move ahead of the group to the location where Captain Obi is most likely being held captive.
Although there is very little action in this episode, it does a perfect job of conveying the intensity of the situation and the high stakes involved, all while unfolding unlikely alliances. It’s likely a good sign that the episode felt a bit short, despite the many conversations that took place, because every scene serves as a build-up to the upcoming episode.
Captain Obi is rightfully called the “light” by Joker
If there’s anything that can be said about Captain Akitaru Obi, it’s that he’s probably one of the purest characters in the entire anime. He embodies moral clarity, compassion, and the strength of ordinary humanity in a world consumed by flames and fear. Although unpowered, he is determined and driven by a deep sense of duty to protect lives and uncover the truth behind spontaneous human combustion. In contrast to the shadows in which characters like Joker operate, Obi’s approach is honest and direct. He leads not by force, but by trust, earning the loyalty of his team through example. His refusal to bend to corruption or falsehoods sets a standard within the Fire Force, making him a beacon for those who still believe in doing the right thing, even when the odds are stacked against them.
In Hinawa’s flashback, Obi said, “Depending on the circumstances, we may have to become rebels in the empire’s eyes.” Throughout seasons 1 and 2, he remained consistent with his moral compass. So, with him captured, and the real and nearly-immediate threat of him turning into an infernal, it is understandable that everyone in Company 8 wants to save him–as he is one of the few remaining true symbols of hope in an otherwise-combusting but dark world.
Where will the other Fire Force companies stand?
Throughout Seasons 1 and 2, Captain Obi, Shinra, and the rest of Company 8 made a lot of enemies, but they also made a lot of friends. Ogun Montgomery, who was part of Company 4, felt that something was off because he knew that Company 8, and Captain Obi and Shinra in particular, had a good moral compass, but it was never shown where he stood in this conflict.
In season 3, as Captain Obi and the rest of Company 8 were branded as rebels, we were shown the reactions of both the leaders of Company 5 and Company 7. While Princess Hibana of Company 5 always called Company 8 “gravel” and disliked them, fans know that she’d been occasionally helpful to Captain Obi’s team since season 1. Conehead asked Hibana not to interfere this time, for fear that the empire would come after them next. However, Princess Hibana did not respond but was shown deep in thought. As for Company 7, who were known to be allied to Company 8, Beni and his companion both agreed that the unification of the empire had gone awry.
Given this, which companies or members of various Fire Force teams will be helpful to Company 8, and which will remain neutral or silent? More importantly, will they all turn their backs during Captain Obi’s time of need?
An unlikely alliance is formed
One of the highlights of this episode is an unlikely alliance being formed between the Dark Hero (Joker) and the Observer, Viktor Licht from the dark side, and Company 8 under the sunlight. The whole sequence was done with good artistry–using the natural shadows of trees and establishments to keep Joker and Viktor in the “dark side”, while Company 8 remained in the light.
After all, both parties didn’t exactly get along well, except that Joker would occasionally help Shinra in his own weird way. The Dark Hero operates in the shadows more like chaotic neutral, unlike Company 8, who usually operate with a more or less clear moral code as chaotic good. When Company 8 decided to ally with Joker and Viktor, they crossed over into the shadows, knowing they had no choice because they shared the same goal: to save Captain Obi.
Are Shinra and Company 8 strong enough?
Once Shinra and Joker arrived from the underground of Fushu Prison, the White Clad were immediately made aware of their presence thanks to the impact of Shinra’s arrival. However, they’re about to face a formidable line-up: Haumea, who has the power to read minds; Gold, who can heat gold and control the magnetic fields; Leonard Burns, one of the strongest in the Fire Force and known to be stronger than Shinra; and more.
So the question is: have Shinra and Company 8 grown strong enough to take on these scary opponents? Will Joker’s assistance be enough to allow them to pull through and rescue Captain Obi? Viewers will soon find out, as the inevitable fight is about to take place in the upcoming episodes.
If you want to check out reviews and discussions on the rest of Fire Force Season 3, click here.
