The last few episodes of My Hero Academia have delved into the consequences of Dabi’s shocking revelation about Endeavor’s past. But in “The Wrong Way to Put Out a Fire,” we are taken back to the past, this time through the tragic perspective of Toya Todoroki. In this heart-wrenching episode, we witness the pain and longing of a boy who simply wants to be seen and acknowledged by his father.

Toya’s childhood is filled with heartbreak. Desperate for his father’s attention, he becomes overshadowed by the birth of his younger brother, Shoto. The Todoroki family gets a “do over,” leaving Toya feeling discarded and ashamed. His yearning to impress his father slowly but surely turns into something darker, leading him down the path of becoming the ultimate villain. It’s distressing to watch, as if a little love from his family could have changed his fate.

“The Wrong Way to Put Out a Fire” also highlights the complicity of every member of the Todoroki family in Toya’s transformation into Dabi, even the more passive members like Rei. Toya’s chilling threat, “I’ll make you glad I was born,” still haunts Endeavor, leaving him tormented by the possibility of what could have been if he had made different choices. The episode forces us, the audience, to ponder on the consequences of our own actions, just as Endeavor has been doing for the past decade.

While we already know the broader strokes of this story, it’s the finer details that make this episode truly shine. The societal criticism of arranged Quirk marriages adds an interesting layer to Endeavor’s character. Instead of learning from the judgment, he doubles down on his pursuit of Shoto. The moments of tenderness between Rei and Enji, despite the manufactured nature of their marriage, only make the pain more palpable. The symbolic blue flower from Sekoto Peak becomes a poignant motif throughout the episode, hinting at its recurrence in the future.

Perspective has been a powerful tool in recent seasons of My Hero Academia, challenging our preconceived notions of heroes and villains. “The Wrong Way to Put Out a Fire” portrays Endeavor and Rei as monstrous figures during the climax of the flashback, emphasizing the fear and innocence of the Todoroki family. The animation beautifully captures the intensity of traumatic experiences and their impact on our memories, making the final conclusion even more satisfying. The Todorokis come to the realization that this burden is theirs to bear collectively, and together, they will extinguish Dabi’s fire.

This episode of My Hero Academia Season 6 is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, redemption, and the consequences of our choices. It reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is a little love and understanding to change the course of someone’s life. As the Todorokis come together, let us eagerly await the resolution of this gripping storyline.

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