After the last weeks filler episode, My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 17, “The Hellish Todoroki Family,” returns to the main narrative. Bakugo, Shoto, and Deku continue to chase after Endeavor. The number 1 hero challenged them to surpass him just once during patrol. The top three students from U.A High School are still league behind Endeavor. However, they refuse to give up. Back at the agency, Endeavor receives a phone call from his daughter, Fuyumi. She excited to hear that Todoroki and Endeavor are working together. Endeavor was an abusive father and husband. His abuse caused his wife’s breakdown and his children’s hatred. While they may resent their father, it’s clear from the reactions to Endeavor’s near fatal fight with Nomu that they still care. Endeavor is desperate to make amends. Will his sons lets him? Should they?

An Awkward dinner at the Todoroki’s

The next day, Shoto, Deku, and Bakugo are determined to “surpass” Endeavor. He tells them the more “experience you get, the more accurate you’ll be.” It’s important to observer you’re surroundings, look for evil. He argues that a hero is always looking forward. At sundown the three are exhausted. They haven’t surpassed the number 1 hero, but they are getting closer. Next, dinner at the Todoroki’s. Deku is his usual polite self and Bakugo is not. Shoto’s brother, Natsu, is in attendance. He has the most hostility toward his father. They make the meal awkward and Natsu leaves early. Despite sometimes feeling like her brother, Fuyumi thinks this is the best chance to reconcile. Shoto reveals that his mother has been writing him and has made enough progress that she can be released.

He still doesn’t know what to. Deku and Bakugo overheard the conversation. Deku is sure Todoroki is going to forgive his father because he’s “so kind.” I don’t think kindness is the issue here. The damage Endeavor has created is still being felt and until that subsides I don’t envision a change. However, spending more time with each other will likely help heal the relationship between Shoto and Endeavor. Natsu would be last as he’s the most hurt, however, he might feel pressure to forgive if his sibling both do so. Endeavor’s going to have to work harder and consistently to prove himself to his family. It still might not be enough and it will all be his fault.