Iruma-kun season 2 episode 17 is an absolute masterpiece. In the wake of destruction from last week, Iruma and company finally get a chance to shine. However, an interesting aspect is that the main character Iruma isn’t the main focus. This isn’t to say that he doesn’t get a chance to develop, just that the focus of this arc becomes clear. The Walter Park arc is the chance to showcase how far everyone has developed, not just Iruma.
Despite their growth, this week’s episode provides a cruel lesson. Massive credit to the studio, directors, animators, and voice actors alike. This has been some incredible storytelling and it’s all thanks to their performances. Now for the episode itself, be aware that this is your checkpoint because of spoilers ahead.
Iruma-kun episode 17 wraps up the Monster Fights from the previous weeks. 2 done, 1 to go, but this one might be the worst of the bunch. Now the key point is that in Balam-Sensei (Iruma’s) group is that there are only 2 real fighters. Sabnock and Asmodeus are the ones to step forward and put up a valiant fight. Capitalizing on their strong familiars, as well as their natural bloodline abilities they wreak some havoc.
Tragically, this is where we learn lesson #1: Sometimes you’re just not ready. The boys are strong that much is clear, but if Sabnock doesn’t step in Azz-kun ends up a stain on the sidewalk. The boys regroup, and probably for the first time in his life, Sabnock becomes the voice of reason. He shows how much he has developed as a character by telling Asmodeus how much he has learned. Such as when to admit you are just too weak, and it’s a cruel reality check for Azz.
He has desperately been fighting for Iruma, and while admirable Sabnock has pointed that he has lost his focus. Asmodeus has sacrificed his own development for Iruma, which may possibly be why they aren’t able to defeat the monster. This provides the hardpoint for him to refocus. To remind him that he cannot sacrifice himself and become weak if he wants to serve Iruma so badly.
This also leads to the other tragic lesson which is for Iruma to learn of his own faults. Lesson #2 is what I call ” Stop suffering from Main Character syndrome”. In a lot of shows, especially in the shonen genre, the main characters are brave but self-sacrificial. They believe that they are strong enough to win any fight, and even if they don’t they are ok with dying.
Unfortunately, while valiant, when you become a leader and people follow you, this is not a good trait to have all the time. When Asmodeus was about to turn into a red mist Iruma learns what Kalego meant in the teacher meeting. Iruma as nice as he is will jump into any threat, however, when people like Clara and Azz are right behind him, they may end up in some danger.
Iruma gets to face the sad truth, that if you continue living as a hero, you need to be prepared to sacrifice everything. Not only yourself but everyone around you as well. A massive step in his character development as well, there were a ton of great moments this week. Immense growth for several characters, really cool animation in these fights. What more can I ask as we look to head into the arc’s finale next week?
If you enjoyed this week’s episode then you can vote for Iruma-kun episode 17 in our weekly poll here!
All images are via the Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun 2 Episode 17 stream on Crunchyroll.
Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 2 Official website
©西修（秋田書店)／NHK・NEP
