Tower of God Season 2, Episode 17 was anticipated to kick off the long-awaited Workshop Battle, following extensive groundwork. Released on Sunday, October 27, 2024, this episode indeed introduced the Workshop Battle, but only in the closing scenes after addressing further plot developments.
Despite this being perceived as a setback by some, it appears that The Answer Studio intentionally structured episode 17 to pave the way for more captivating, high-budget episodes ahead. The gradual enhancement in quality throughout the Workshop Battle Arc indicates this, along with the precise moment at which this episode concludes in relation to the source material.
Review of Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17: Strong narrative progression and promising future developments
The most significant achievement of Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17 lies in its effective advancement of the storyline in a compelling and meaningful way. A major factor in this is the return of Rak Wraithraiser, which creates internal conflict for Khun Aguero Agnes, adding to the drama. This is particularly notable since Khun has faced little to no adversity since teaming up with Wangnan Ja’s group.
This conflict’s interest is heightened as it revolves around their efforts to save Bam from FUG, generating palpable tension given that either could potentially sabotage the other’s plans. This situation is further complicated by the fact that both are ostensibly allies striving toward a common goal, resulting in a whirlwind of circumstances that builds anticipation for an intense climax.
Moreover, Bam’s internal struggle occupies a similar space of tension as he navigates his identity as Jue Viole Grace, the Slayer Candidate. His encounter with a civilian who implores him to act as a deity for revenge unsettles Bam’s typically gentle nature and provides him with further motivation to disentangle himself from FUG when Khun and Rak make their respective moves.
In summary, the narrative strides accomplished are the standout feature of this episode. However, this does mean that action sequences take a back seat in this episode’s focus. Nonetheless, this absence of high-octane scenes is a positive angle when considering future developments. The last nine episodes of the season are destined to spotlight the high-stakes action of the Workshop Battle Arc, likely showcasing enhanced animation quality.
The fact that Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17 refrains from unnecessary flashiness—lacking scenes that demand grandiose presentation—reinforces this expectation. Coupled with the steady overall improvements in the Workshop Battle Arc, it’s evident that significant advancements in animation are anticipated. The episode even sets the stage for these enhancements by commencing the first round of the Workshop Battle just before its conclusion.
This clear foresight and focus on future events stand out as a particularly commendable aspect of this latest episode, providing a refreshing contrast to earlier, similar installments. This applies on both narrative and visual fronts, directly reflecting improvements noted in the second course.
Aside from the highlights, Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17 lacks standout moments, yet it manages to address various elements sufficiently. New characters are introduced with adequate screen time, and the voice acting meets the standards without being extraordinary overall.
The only significant downside in Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17: Questionable use of screentime
While the episode showcases strong character development and storytelling, some aspects feel a bit muddled and could use more focus. A prime example is the initial scenes featuring Shibisu and Endorsi Jahad. Shibisu’s scene essentially adds no plot value, whereas Endorsi’s at least provides background on her reaching the Archimedes.
However, certain portions of Endorsi’s segment could have been abbreviated or entirely omitted to prioritize other elements. A greater emphasis on Khun and Rak would have likely utilized the episode’s time more effectively, as Endorsi’s characterization has been well-established by now, making her interaction seem redundant.
Similarly, Shibisu’s storyline contributes little, as he faces criticism from Anaak Jahad while simultaneously hinting at another Workshop Battle contender. While it does confirm the participation of the strongest E-Rank regular, this could have easily been integrated later in the narrative. The issue lies not in the content itself, but in how the episode could have better distributed its focus and time.
Fortunately, this constitutes the primary significant drawback, and it does not diminish the overall impact of Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17, even if it is notable enough to be considered a misstep. Nevertheless, The Answer Studio’s decisions may have been influenced by the constraints of the original material crafted by SIU. Nonetheless, the critique stands valid for both the creators regarding their execution during this stage of the series.
Tower of God Season 2 Episode 17 Review: Concluding thoughts
Certainly, the most awaited sequel anime of the Summer 2024 broadcast season is showing marked improvement in its second cour. These enhancements have been evident from the outset and continue to amplify in significance as the Workshop Battle Arc progresses. Although pitfalls do remain, it is fair to assert that The Answer Studio has solidified its fans’ confidence for the final act of this second season.
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