Fire Force Season 3, Episode 2: “Prisoner”, reintroduces Joker to the series. Along with Viktor Licht, Joker was initially presented as a villain. He became disillusioned with the church’s teachings after experiencing an Adolla Link that cause him to lose his eye. As I mentioned in the previous review, the 8th Company was going to need more help now that they decided to go against the Empire. Joker will become an necessary ally.
Shinra sees Captain Leonard Burns talking about how devout followers of Sol will be repaid by returning to flames. He also says that Akitaru Obi is going to get implanted with one of those bugs that turn people into infernals.
After hearing that, Kusakabe tells Company 8 they’ve got no time to waste. There’s a quick flashback to the early days of the 8th, and you can tell Hinawa and the rest are more determined than ever. Meanwhile, Obi’s still alive. Even locked up, he’s just working out in his cell like it’s no big deal.
Allies new and old appear
A news report plays in public, claiming Captain Obi’s been arrested for kidnapping Shinra, an Adola Burst user. It frames Company 8 as criminals and makes it look like they’ve taken Shinra hostage. Most people buy into it, but allies like Benimaru from the 7th clearly don’t trust what they’re hearing. Meanwhile, Company 8 is on the run, with the empire chasing them down.
Viktor introduces Company 8 to Joker who offers to “live as outlaws”. The unlikely duo leads them to their not-so-secret “secret base” in the sewers. Inside, Joker and Licht drop the big news — they’ve already tracked down Obi. He’s locked up in Fuchu Penitentiary. Meanwhile, Haumea and Leonard chat, showing just how deep Leonard’s bought into the Evangelist’s message.
Shira and Joker prepare to rescue Obi
He’s flipped his view on human combustion, now seeing it as some divine trial for Sol’s faithful. Both of them agree: Obi deserves to feel that “joy.” Back in the prison, a White-Clad named Gold shows up to Obi’s cell with a bottled insect and some floating coins, ranting about the value of money. She tells him he’s getting out — but only as an infernal.
Shinra heads out with Joker while the rest of Company 8 rides with Licht, who casually reveals he uses the Nether to get around. The squad’s still pretty wary of Joker, but Viktor tells them to trust the “Dark Hero” the same way they trust him. On the way to save Obi, Shinra and Joker talk. Joker explains he’s helping because he believes in Obi—and in Shinra too. He says living in the dark so long makes it easy to spot real light. Then, after warning Shinra how strong their enemies really are, Joker promises he’s got his back.
