Tower of God season 2 episode 6 review: Urek Mazino's unnverving introduction handled perfectly as the plot thickens

Heading into Tower of God season 2 episode 6, one of the biggest criticisms of the season thus far has been a relative lack of stakes and danger for Bam and his newfound allies. Officially released on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the latest installment for the series did make significant strides in that regard, and in multiple ways at that.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 also parlays these stakes into plot progression, emphasizing the importance of Wangnan Ja and Co’s contribution to Bam’s progress as Jue Viole Grace. However, the true highlight of the episode is something readers of the original manhwa have been waiting on for quite some time: the introduction of High Ranker Urek Mazino.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 review: Urek’s introduction, elaboration on Bam’s motivations, and more are the positives

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 review (Image via The Answer Studio)

As mentioned above, the major highlight of Tower of God season 2 episode 6 is the introduction of Urek Mazino. While he isn’t officially named or formally introduced in the installment’s events, he and Bam do confront each other as opponents by the episode’s end. The buildup to this point, however, is the true highlight of his debut, being as unnerving and borderline terrifying as it deserves to be given his status.

Much of this stems from how little fans see of Urek throughout the installment, only catching glimpses of his body or dark, shadowy looks at his face. Throughout this, his eyes glow a vibrant red as he sinisterly explains the reality of why Bam and his team were sent here. While it’s a cliche approach, it’s heightened by its execution, especially given the setting in which Bam and the others find themselves meeting Urek.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 also does a great job of highlighting just how powerful Urek is. His introduction quite literally comes on the back of enemies he’s killed, warning Kang Horyang and Prince not to run as he entraps them with lightning-like Shinsu. He then sinisterly explains that he’s killed multiple Rankers before Bam and his group arrived here, mostly silhouetted all the while, save for his vibrant red eyes.

Expand Tweet

It’s a perfect introduction for what is one of the most powerful characters in the series, and it perfectly sets him up as a major challenge for Bam to overcome. In fact, it’s a challenge Bam must overcome considering the stakes introduced in the episode, helping to heighten both the plotline of Urek’s introduction and what Bam is fighting for.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 also does a great job of introducing these stakes via the reappearance of Hwaryun and the introduction of Bam’s FUG superior, Ha Jinsung. Both are built up as incredibly powerful, with the ability to kill any of Bam’s friends should he fail a test and the lack of morals necessary to do so without a second thought. This both contrasts well with Bam’s kindness, and helps illustrate to viewers how FUG operates and how heartless they are.

This also presents an opportunity for season 2 deuteragonist Wangnan Ja to step up, with him learning this truth and speaking to Bam about it alongside Yeon Yihwa. It’s later confirmed in the episode that Ja is taking training more seriously for Bam’s sake. Likewise, this illustrates that the reveal of what Bam is fighting for will serve as a central, unifying goal for his new team as the season progresses. This will facilitate both their growth as fighters and as a team.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 also excels in its introduction of new plotlines beyond those mentioned above. A significant one is the formal introduction of Karaka, who is seemingly a FUG member associated with Ha Jinsung who appears to have a grudge against someone on Bam’s team. While there’s not much development given to this plotline in the episode, it’s nevertheless exciting to see it set up for the future.

Beyond this, the installment doesn’t particularly shine anywhere else, but most other aspects are done adequately enough to not truly be considered negatives. Voice acting is one specific area which would fall into this category, not being completely remarkable, but with all performances being of a serviceable job. The action and tension in the episode also qualifies, being somewhat minimal but still of decent quality as it clearly builds towards Urek versus Bam.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 review: Animation and artstyle being a major concern heading into next major fight are the negatives

Expand Tweet

One area where Tower of God season 2 episode 6 is particularly uninspired relates back to the overall art style and animation. While Urek’s introduction is done directorially well, it’s not quite as flashy or sakuga-laden as it felt it deserved to be. Although this may have been a choice for tension building, scenes such as his entrance and entrapping Kang Horyang and Prince certainly could’ve been given a bit more focus and special attention.

Likewise, this doesn’t particularly bode well for Urek and Bam’s upcoming fight, suggesting that some corners may be cut in a fight where they really shouldn’t be. This is also a compounding problem from earlier episodes, with The Answer Studio’s overall art style and animation having been a major letdown so far this season.

That being said, the production company also has a major opportunity to justify their choice coming out of Tower of God season 2 episode 6. The next installment seems set to almost entirely focus on Urek and Bam’s fight, and likewise, it could completely change the minds of the masses on the new art style. However, as of this article’s writing, there is most definitely cause for concern regarding upcoming major developments and their production quality.

Tower of God season 2 episode 6 review: Final thoughts

While Tower of God season 2 episode 6 does many things very well and others not so well, the nagging monkey on its back that is animation and art style continues to drag the series down. Although there is hope for Urek and Bam’s fight to justify these changes, such a turnaround seems unlikely at best currently. At the very least, the series is doing right by viewers with respect to its narrative and directorial choices.