Platinum End Episode 2: The Other Candidates

Platinum End episode 2 is out! This time around, viewers get a glimpse of some of the other God candidates Mirai must compete against. This further heightens the tension around the show, raising the stakes and the danger Mirai faces. In this discussion of the episode, we’ll be looking at the key talking points we can gather. Spoilers ahead!

Interesting worldbuilding

Platinum End episode 2 features some interesting worldbuilding that adds complexity to the world we’re introduced to. For example, the episode’s introduction features a flashback where what appears to be God assigns thirteen angels to the task of finding a replacement.

Furthermore, throughout the episode, the parameters of what the angels and candidates can or can’t do are built upon as well. The powers the candidates have depend on the ranks of their angels. Nasse appears to be of the highest rank, so Mirai’s competition will have powers that are either similar or lacking when compared to his.

Additionally, it shows more interesting uses of the powers the angels grant. Through other candidates, viewers get to see the angels’ powers used in ways that Mirai wouldn’t necessarily use them for. We get to see the red arrows used for indulgent, lustful purposes through Tonma Rodriguez. We also get to see the red and white arrows used for justice by Metropoliman.

That Platinum End introduces worldbuilding concepts through interesting story beats is a real strength the show has. It’s only got two episodes under its belt, but has presented a strange and complex world with considerable depth. Hopefully there is more to come of this worldbuilding, as it will definitely take the show a long way should it continue.

A strange superhero?

Additionally, Platinum End episode 2 properly introduces viewers to Metropoliman. He was first seen at the end of episode 1, but now not only does he get a name, but viewers get to see him in action too.

He appears to be someone who is trying to enforce justice in his own manner using his angel powers. Donning a suit of armor which seems to be from an in-universe franchise, whoever is under that mask seems to be a sort of a superhero wannabe.

When he’s in action, he certainly looks the part though. He communicates in a very confident and strong manner. He also uses his red and white arrows in ways that look flashy and stylish to ordinary people. What’s interesting about him is that he declares to the world, and at the same time to the rest of the God candidates, that he’s ready to face them at any time and will not hesitate to kill.

This interesting character appears to serve as an antagonist for Platinum End’s story moving forward. He tips the scales a little bit and puts Mirai on edge. Metropoliman’s introduction adds something different to the story, and surely viewers are curious as to when and how he and Mirai will eventually come to blows.

Chasing happiness

A certain amount of time passes between Platinum End’s two episodes. Off screen, Mirai used his red arrow to get his uncle to confess to the police. Consequently, this led to his money being given to Mirai, who used it to get his own place. Now, all Mirai wants to do is to go to high school and try to find some semblance of ordinary happiness.

Naturally, that doesn’t happen. Platinum End episode 2 sees Mirai face Metropoliman’s threat. Not wanting to die by the vigilante’s hand, Mirai goes into a bit of a panic. He asks Nasse if he can return his powers, but she explains that if he were to do so, he would die. There’s no easy way out for Mirai this time.

Ultimately, this reveals where the tension of Platinum End’s story will arise for the forseeable future. Mirai will be chasing the happiness he so wants to find, and will have to do so under the threat of Metropoliman coming to kill him. It’s a fun dynamic that introduces tension that is only further heightened by the end of episode 2, where, while trying to skirt by an angel, it takes him by surprise and elicits a reaction from him.

Where oh where will Platinum End go from here? It’s so hard to say, as literally anything could happen moving forward. That’s the best place for any story to be.

It’s been a great two episodes for Platinum End so far! Let’s hope the crazy goodness continues!

Platinum End is streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation! Episode 3 will air on October 22nd, 2021.
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