Episode three ofThe Devil is a Part-Timer!Season two fulfilled all the promises made by episodes one and two. Viewers were treated to an in-depth backstory for a main character, as well as some more intrigue revolvingaround the season’s arc. Of course, the newest heavenly antagonist also managed to make an amusing appearance as well and side characters were given room to grow and enjoy their own personal moments. This might be the best episode of this season yet, but all of the credit can’t go to episode three alone, had episode two not spent so much time setting up the background then this episode wouldn’t have had the room to flourish as it did.
The Devil is a Part-Timer!follows the story of the devil himself as he adjusts to life in the human world and attempts to climb the ranksfrom fast food workerto ruler of all. Along the way, he gathers his allies and converts his enemies to his cause but of course, heaven isn’t ready to just let the devil go that easily.
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Humor
This episode leaned into the humor that was lacking in the prior episode. It nailed the balance between darker story moments and lighter humor that keeps the show feeling fun. From Ashiya with his tight budget and weak stomach to Emi and her perpetual inabilityto settle her feelingsabout Sadao, there were more than a few light moments that easily outweighed the heaviness in the rest of the episode.
Even newly introduced characters such as Gabriel came with their own flair and jokes that were a breath of fresh air for the entertaining show, despite the suspicious and intimidating air around his arrival. Even the brief moments between Bel and Urushihara haven’t ignored opportunities for a small quip, as usual at his expense.
Story
This episode really drove the story forward and introduced new elements and questions that give audiences plenty to think overuntil episode four airsnext week. Who is the woman in white, whose side is she on? Why would an angel ever help a demon? And what is Alas Ramus really? Each of these questions was posed subtly and with a certain amount of danger implied in the answers, but the intrigue cannot be ignored. By giving us a look at Sadao’s history it deepened our understanding of who he is as a person without weakening his character or the mystery surrounding him. As for Emi, her reaction to the idea that perhaps not all demons are soldiers humanized her and gave her a depth that her prior obsessions lacked. Instead of making her feel flat previously it instead rounded her out in a way that only augments her role in the promised impending conflicts.
On a lighter note, the developing relationship between Ashiya and Suzuki was an adorable moment that softened the blow of Emi, Sadao, and Chi’s story growingmore complicated by the minute. And the heaviness that was introduced by Alas Ramus and her words was lightened by Gabriel’s inane desire to not be viewed as a bad guy by Chi. His character promises a complicated and amusing antagonist for Sadao and Emi to hopefully unite against.
Looking Forward
This episode developed the characters and plot beautifully while also leaving the way open for the story to continue to move forward. It is unclear at this time whether or not Gabrielwill be the main antagonistfor this season or if he will be a minor hiccup as they continue to learn more about Alas Ramus and the role that Yesod has to play in the intertwining of Earth and Ente Isla.
What will be most interesting will be to see what the writers choose to focus on as the main story, will the development of Emi and Sadao’s respect for one another take the forefront? Or will Alas Ramus andthe implied corruption withinheaven be the driving force for this arc? What is certainly interesting in this season is the increased bleed-over between Ente Isla and Earth.
It would seem with the concrete knowledge that the conflicts that he had hoped to leave behind will only continue to pursue him in his new life that he should return to Ente Isla. There, he has a hope of maintaining the power required to face his enemies head-on and deal with the challenges that he faces before returning to earthsecure in the knowledgethat his new life can progress uninterrupted. As it stands it seems that remaining in the human world is simply handicapping him in a fight that will happen regardless of which realm he is within. By remaining in the human world for the fight he is only endangering the humans he is befriending, as well as risking his place in this new world.
