My Hero Academia Season 7 Finale Review

The My Hero Academia Season 7 finale (episode 21) was brilliant in more ways than one. While the fandom said its final goodbyes to Toga as she gave her own life to save Ochako’s, the shift over to All Might’s battle with All For One ended up becoming the perfect pick-me-up. But the ending was bittersweet. It reminded me that we’re just one more season away from one of the greatest battle action anime in history coming to its end.

Ochako and Toga

Some could find the ending around Toga’s story a little corny in some ways, especially the dialogue. But watching the anime gave it much more of a different feel than reading the manga. I feel like a broken record when I say this, but the music and voice acting did make those final moments better.

Toga doing nothing but killing all of her life and making her last choice of action to save the one girl was great writing and it can’t be argued. Cute smile mush aside, if I hadn’t read the manga, her death would’ve made me emotional. The bird flying free off into the sky representing Toga’s freedom of doing what she wanted was that nice final cherry on top.

I also think it was Toga’s last-ditch attempt at doing something Ochako would’ve done herself. Or would she? Would Ochako really have given her life to save Toga if the roles were reversed? It’s interesting to think about. But what matters most is that Toga did what she thought Ochako would do.

Toga acknowledged that even while Ochako was on the brink of death, she never once let anyone fall to their deaths. Ochako was planning on being a hero to the very end. It’s difficult to not be lost in emotion watching a moment of heroism from one of the most ruthless villains in the series. That final decree of “I’m either going to be captured and never live free again or I’m going to die and be free for eternity” was poetic in its own way. Give Kohei Horiksohi his props, it was beautiful writing.

All Might and All For One

Any depressed emotions watching the first half of this episode go sent out the door quicker than All Might being sent through a dozen buildings courtesy of All For One. I immediately went from getting choked up to being on the edge of my seat. But dammit did the staff choose one hell of a moment to leave the season off with.

I’ve yet to come across a My Hero Academia fan who hates All Might. He’s this series’ Rengoku (Demon Slayer) but older. That unwavering sense of justice and trust in those he loves is something that can make the grumpiest of viewers root for him. When All Might heads into battle you can’t help but sit on the edge of your seats as if you’re actually part of the My Hero Academia world yourself because you know he’s about to plus ultra every single time.

I once said that All For One’s monologues this season were starting to bore me so the fact that All Might picked up the mantle and did all of the talking in this episode was like drinking ice-cold water at 3 a.m. Kenta Miyake is All Might. There will never be anyone who could ever replace him as All Might. He will forever be the voice of the greatest number-one hero.

I knew the robosuit was coming but I’m sitting here at my desk still applauding the production team for nailing it. The CGI looked great at the beginning and it undoubtedly made the Iron Man fanatic in me overjoyed. The fight itself is still just getting started but I held out hope for them to just nail the suit and I can say, without doubt, job well done.

Underrated Moment of the Episode

Many not may talk about this given the two major fights going on, but Hawks’ moment at the beginning of the episode shouldn’t be overlooked. The remorse he showed on his face when he thought he was about to be killed by Toga posing as Twice was heavy. He undoubtedly prepared to die but only if it were by Twice’s hands (well, Toga).

Admitting that Twice was a good man meant coming to terms he killed someone that didn’t deserve to die in the first place. I don’t think many fans understand how heavy that is for someone, let alone one who is a hero of Hawks’ status. It was a defining moment that exemplified Toga’s ending even more as well.

My Hero Academia Season 7 Finale Wrap-Up

The clash of character dynamics is in full send and it’s giving fans some of the best writing the series has to offer. Now, with the final season officially on the way, anime-only fans were left with a massive cliffhanger during this season finale. That being said, what a way to wrap up the season.

Episode 21 rating: 9/10

If you enjoyed the season finale then be sure to vote for it in our weekly poll! Crunchyroll is streaming the anime with English subtitles.

Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project