Tower of God season 2 episode 4 review: Voice acting steals the show as the Tower's cruelty reappears

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 was set to continue The Trustworthy Room game, which fans were incredibly excited to see given the game’s cruel nature and rules. Officially released on Sunday, July 28, 2024, the installment continued its focus on the game through its end, giving a much-needed focus on just how cruel the Tower can be in the process.

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 also excelled in its voice acting, with this opportunity for excellence created by the emphasis on the tower’s cruelty via The Trustworthy Room game. While the episode was far from perfect, it was a refreshing change of pace from what fans had seen in the second season so far.

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 review: Voice acting, a reintroduction to the Tower, and character development are the positives

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 review (Image via The Answer Studio)

As mentioned above, Tower of God season 2 episode 4’s emphasis on just how cruel the titular structure can be was one of the best aspects of the release, both in and of itself and for what it allowed. Inherently, it reminds fans that each and every test has death lurking around the corner, with almost no one safe from a potential demise on the way to the top floor. In turn, this reminds fans of the stakes these characters are truly wagering when dedicating themselves to climbing.

This becomes most evident in the episode via the death of Nia at the hands of Kim Lurker, revealing that Lurker lied to, manipulated, and used Nia for his own benefit before murdering him. It’s a heartbreaking scene that shows that those who are the kindest in the tower are the most likely to be used, reminding viewers why so many choose to be cruel instead. It’s a subtle yet incredibly well-executed reintroduction to what climbing the tower means.

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 also uses this reintroduction of the Tower’s cruelty to get a truly stellar and memorable performance out of Wangan Ja’s voice actor, Yuma Uchida.

The raw emotion behind Wangan’s mourning of Nia and anger at Lurker is comparable to Junya Enoki’s performance as Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 following the Shibuya Massacre. It’s a viscerally saddening yet enthralling reaction that feels as real and tangible to viewers as the remote in their hands.

Unfortunately, there’s not much else to speak of in the way of voice acting performances, but this also stems from how Wangnan-centric the episode is. The execution of this scene from Uchida as Wangnan is likewise impactful and powerful enough to excuse a lack of opportunity for others to shine via their vocal talents. Likewise, with the season only a third of the way through, there’ll be plenty of other opportunities for the rest of the cast to show their stuff.

There’s also great character development for Wangnan in Tower of God season 2 episode 4, which is spurred on by his loss of Nia. Much like Yuji after the Shibuya Massacre, Wangnan steels himself to keep pushing forward, simply because it’s what he knows he must do. Yet, even in this state of mourning, Wangnan is characterized as someone who always thinks two steps ahead, using the moment to execute a plan for victory, which leads to Bam being his ally.

While it’s far from a major step forward in terms of Wangnan’s development, it is incredibly helpful in emphasizing what his core values and ideals are. He’s a kind, compassionate person who can put aside his troubles to pursue a greater goal, whether it’s for his benefit, that of others, or both. His teaming up with Bam, a known FUG Slayer Candidate, also emphasizes that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to climb the Tower and achieve his goals.

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 review: Flat fight-scene animation and a too-little tease are the negatives

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In prior reviews of the second season thus far, a constant critique has been the new art style and aesthetic, which is a major downgrade from season 1 in terms of distinction and spirit. Unfortunately, Tower of God season 2 episode 4 seems to confirm that even in fight scenes, this new generic look offers no major benefits whatsoever. The final stages of Bam and Mule Love’s fight scene are uninspired in their animation, offering nothing flashy for viewers to visually gorge on.

While the battle was somewhat limited in scope, the team at The Answer Studio could’ve made up for this by extending the fight scene slightly. Although a tall task given what they’re expected to cram into a 13-episode season, it surely would be worth it if only to justify the change in studio and style to returning fans. Instead, the change in aesthetic continues to prove infuriating and uninspired, with no real justification for the shift being provided thus far.

Tower of God season 2 episode 4’s second and final major negative comes from the appearance of Khun Aguero Agnes in the installment’s final moments. While cliffhangers are always welcome, the execution of this one in particular is somewhat dubious for how it toes the line. Rather than giving fans a line of dialogue or tease of what Khun is up to, a simple still of Khun appears to end the episode on, with no additional context.

It’s certainly a unique choice that banks on Khun’s popularity as a character, which in and of itself is not a bad route to take. Yet where the execution fails is in relying solely on Khun’s visage to create the kind of cliffhanger fans will immediately go to discuss online. Instead, The Answer Studio leaves fans with the knowledge of Khun’s return, yet nothing additional to inspire discussion, praise, or controversy in the time until the fifth episode’s release.

Tower of God season 2 episode 4 review: Final thoughts

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While it has its bright spots, Tower of God season 2 episode 4 is unfortunately something of a misfire for the series on the whole. The poor execution of Khun’s return is specifically emblematic of this, as is a lack of dedication to proving that this new, generic art style is the right choice for the series. Although voice acting and character development make up for it, the series needs to give viewers something more to keep them engaged in the weeks to come.