Hell’s Paradise – Season 1 Episode 4 Recap & Review

Hell and Paradise

Episode 4 of Hell’s Paradise begins with a flashback involving one of the condemned criminals named Tamiya. He’s visiting a lord called Tatsumi because he wants Tamiya to become his officer. Tatsumi welcomes Tamiya into his building but doesn’t believe he can slay a dragon. He chops up the dragon statue on Tatsumi’s gate to strike fear in him.

In the present, he tells his monitor that Tatsumi’s clan came after him, and he got sentenced to death. Tamiya asks his monitor (Fuchi) about what types of meals he eats with the beheading profits he earns. Fuchi explains that the Asaemon clan also tests swords and produces medicines.

Fuchi pulls out his sword and warns Tamiya not to share ill words about his people. Tamiya tells Fuchi he plans to wipe out the competition before searching for the Elixir of Life. We arrive at the cliffhanger from the previous chapter involving Tamiya and Gabimaru’s group fighting Shinsenkyo’s monster inhabitants.

Gabimaru engages with the fish monster, but it overwhelms him. He recalls the words of his former master and wonders if he or Sagiri should retreat. Gabimaru powers up and starts using his supernatural techniques to lay waste to the monsters in front of them. Sagiri watches on and realizes their situation has changed drastically. Gabimaru notices Sagiri’s in danger, so he saves her despite wanting to fend for himself.

Fortunately, another criminal named Yuzuriha and her two monitors arrive to help. Gabimaru questions why Yuzuriha and her monitors saved them, while Sagire wonders why she has two guarding her.

Yuzuriha tells Gabimaru not to sweat it and attempts to seduce Gabimaru into assisting her. Gabimaru wrestles Yuzuriha to the ground. He tells Yuzuriha her tricks won’t work on him. Yuzuriha apologizes but suggests it’d be safer to travel in a group of five. Sagiri asks Yuzuriha why she has two Asaemon with her. Genji, a fellow Asaemon, confirms he was assigned to Moro Makiya, but Moro died due to Yuzuriha fooling him.

He felt a single executioner could not control her, so he decided to accompany Yuzuriha and her assigned Asaemon, Senta. Sagiri tells Gabimaru that if they agree to work together; she has no issues with it.

Although Gabimaru’s hesitant, Yuzuriha says he can offer her his strength in exchange for Yuzuriha’s information. She tells Gabimaru the bugs are the real threat, not the monsters. Yuzuriha says she attained this information from Makiya before she killed him. Senta explains how many monsters wear items that feature Buddhist or Taoist designs. Yuzuriha tells a story about why she’s a criminal, but Gabimaru uncovers she’s lying. Yuzuriha laughs and says she doesn’t need a reason for wanting to return home alive. Gabimaru asks Yuzuriha how she killed Makiya, and Yuzuriha warns him now to worry about others.

Gabimaru accepts Yuzuriha’s partnership but reminds he they’re simply fighting together and not cooperating. Sagiri watches Gabimaru discuss things with Yuzuriha and starts lacking purpose an feeling powerless.

Meanwhile, we focus on a new Asaemon (Toma) and a criminal duo who are brothers. They’re fighting the deity-like monsters who can speak properly, catching them off-guard. After slaughtering the beasts, Toma’s brother tells him he plans to wipe out every monster, criminal, and Asaemon on the island. He wants to secure the Elixir, so he and Toma can drink it. Toma warns his brother that they’ll need to compete with other worthy groups as the episode closes.

The Episode Review

This chapter of Hell’s Paradise gives us more character introductions and monster-slaying mayhem. Yuzuriha is a great addition to Gabimaru and Sagiri’s group and will certainly assist them during their venture through Shinsenkyo. Not only does Yuzuriha hold the power of seduction, but she’s also withholding a deadly power that’s sure to get many fans speculating.

Unfortunately, the episode doesn’t spend as much time on Tamiya and Fuchi’s characters as I’d like. We get introduced to them at the beginning but they’re tossed aside in favor of focusing on this new alliance between Gabimaru and Yuzuriha. Many would have perhaps preferred if the backstory bit would have been saved for an episode dedicated to Tamiya and Fuchi. This way their backstory wouldn’t feel like a random inclusion.

On that note, Toma and his brother’s pairing feels fresh compared to the others. Not only do these two share a deeper connection, but I can see their brotherly dynamic working wonders for them if they ever square off with our protagonist’s group or other pairs.

Overall, this was another fun and insightful episode of the anime. It had great action and nice characterization. It sets us up for some exciting quarrels and mysteries down the pipeline. I’m looking forward to seeing what other creatures and secrets our characters will find during their travels.