Another strength to this installment is that “Deku Vs. Gentle Criminal” implements a ticking clock element as the respective time gets frequently shown on screen. This creates inherent tension and makes events feel more boiled down and important, even if it’s not yet clear why. This structure is one of the most entertaining aspects of the episode and it makes it feel like the climax of a JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure episode, which is high praise.
These JoJo parallels become even stronger when Midoriya and Gentle Criminal randomly encounter each other in the wild and there’s a battle of wits that occurs where subtext is everything. These two need to quickly think on their feet and suddenly their inevitable battle happens right away. It’s a strategy that My Hero Academia hasn’t really turned to before, but it works so well here, not only as a reflection of Midoriya’s growth as a hero, but also in contrast to the lower stakes that have preceded it.
It’s incredibly gratifying that My Hero Academia doesn’t just tease things and have Midoriya and Gentle part ways without actually calling each other out. “Deku Vs. Gentle Criminal” doesn’t cheat the audience and it immediately delivers on this animosity. This quick response to battle also makes a lot of sense since Midoriya clearly still carries baggage over how he initially let Eri go the first time he encountered her with Overhaul. Midoriya’s learned from his past and he doesn’t want to let passivity lead to another criminal getting away, even if that means the School Festival has to suffer in the process. It also provides a fun and valid excuse for Midoriya to show off his new toys, courtesy of Hatsume.
It’s been already hinted at in previous episodes, but Gentle Criminal confirms that his Quirk is elasticity, but it can even manipulate elements like air to bend to his whims. Gentle Criminal continues to entertain. In spite of how powerful and adept he is he’s still completely terrified and tries to run away from battle when he realizes who he’s up against. He’s simultaneously clumsy and competent, which makes for a strange, albeit fun dichotomy of sensibilities. His theme music that plays throughout his moments in the spotlight is the perfect touch to it all.
This fight between Deku and Gentle is really entertaining because of how against type it is. In the past, Gentle’s efforts to retreat would be successful, but Midoriya just won’t let him get away here and that furious devotion to victory really gives this battle a strong atmosphere. Midoriya is always a passionate fighter, but that’s especially evident here as the entire enjoyment of U.A. High, Eri included, is on the line.