The popular anime Solo Leveling is nearing the conclusion of its second season, and with it, it has set remarkable records on Crunchyroll. This series has become the highest-rated show on the platform, surpassing fan favorites like One Piece and Demon Slayer, and boasts the most-liked premiere episode to date.
Controversy Arises: Solo Leveling Season 2 Faces Dislike Surge
Despite these victories, the second season has encountered a troubling trend reminiscent of past backlash faced by the Tokyo Ghoul fanbase. Specifically, Solo Leveling’s episode 9, titled “It Was All Worth It,”has ignited a wave of discontent and emerged as the most disliked episode since the recap in the first season.
Fans may find the reasons behind these dislikes puzzling, particularly since this episode features a poignant moment in which Jinwoo rescues his mother from eternal slumber with the Elixir of Life. In contrast to typical episodes that showcase action and conflict, episode 9 pivots towards emotional depth, as Jinwoo experiences a heartfelt reunion after a four-year wait, leading to tears of joy.
Jinwoo’s journey as an E-Rank Hunter, fueled by his desire to protect his mother, serves as a testament to his determination. His transformation into a formidable S-Rank Hunter and the emotional release in this episode resonate with themes of perseverance and love. However, a segment of the audience was displeased with this emotional display, preferring Jinwoo’s more formidable persona during battles over vulnerability, leading to a barrage of dislikes.
This reaction recalls a similar controversy from Tokyo Ghoul: re, where episode 19 garnered significant backlash due to a scene featuring protagonist Kaneki Ken in a moment of emotional vulnerability. Fans were vocal about their disappointment, with many stating that the portrayal diminished his previously established “untouchable aura.”
“They ruined his aura by showing him crying.”
This sentiment highlights a troubling trend in fandoms, where emotional depth is occasionally viewed as a weakness or a betrayal of character identity. Despite this, it is worth noting that many fans also appreciated the emotional nuance in Solo Leveling’s episode 9, helping to offset some of the negativity.
As the landscape of anime continues to evolve, it remains essential for creators to balance character development with audience expectations. The dialogue emerging from these controversies can ultimately enrich the anime community, encouraging more nuanced perspectives on storytelling and character arcs.