Fire Force Season 3 has been blazing across screens, and episode 4, titled “Golden Secret,” has definitely ignited some discussion. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Fire Force Season 3 Episode 4 was released on April 25th, 2025. You can stream it on Crunchyroll, where it’s available with English subtitles. Hulu is also confirmed as a streaming platform for the season.
Episode 3 Recap: Incarnation of Flame
Before diving into episode 4, let’s quickly recap the key events of episode 3 (“Incarnation of Flame”):
- Shinra and Joker Infiltrate Fuchu Prison: The dynamic duo infiltrated Fuchu Prison to rescue Captain Obi.
- Burns’ Betrayal: Shinra and Joker were confronted by Captain Burns, who has allied himself with the White-Clad. Burns revealed that he no longer believes in God because of what the Evangelist showed him and intends to turn Obi into an Infernal.
- Hinawa’s Group Enters the Fray: Hinawa and the rest of Company 8 broke into the prison to provide backup.
- Confrontation with Gold: Hinawa’s group was immediately confronted by Gold, one of the White-Clad’s “Destroyers.”
- Company 5 Doppelganger Link: Hibana discovers a connection between doppelgangers and her orphanage.
Episode 4: Golden Secret – Synopsis and Key Events
Episode 4 focuses on Company 8’s struggle against Gold and Shinra and Joker’s confrontation with Burns.
- Tamaki vs. Gold: Tamaki leads the charge against Gold. Tamaki struggles against Gold as her attacks are easily deflected.
- Licht’s Analysis: Licht analyzes Gold’s powers, but initially fails to find a countermeasure.
- Hinawa’s Attack: Even Hinawa’s strongest attack is ineffective against Gold.
- Lisa’s Redemption: Lisa Isarabi, a former member of the White-Clad, challenges Gold, marking a significant moment in her character arc. Lisa overcomes her past traumas and confronts Gold.
- Vulcan’s Invention: Tamaki uses a device created by Vulcan to boost her power.
- Burns’ Plan for Obi: Shinra and Joker confront Burns, only to witness the White-Clad begin the process of turning Obi into an Infernal.
Story Arcs
Season 3 is set to cover several arcs from the manga, pushing the Fire Soldiers closer to the truth behind the Great Cataclysm. Given that the manga concluded in 2022, the studio has had ample time to adapt the complete story.
Final Season
Fire Force Season 3 is confirmed to be the final season of the anime series. It will be split into two cours:
- Cour 1: Aired from April 4, 2025, to June 20, 2025, consisting of 12 episodes.
- Cour 2: Scheduled for release in January 2026.
Fan Reception and Discussion
While Episode 4 delivered on action and plot progression, it has also sparked debate among fans.
- Pacing and Tone: The episode blends action, comedy, and character moments. However, the shifting tone can sometimes undercut the seriousness of the situation.
- Fan Service: One of the biggest criticisms of Episode 4 is its excessive fan service, particularly regarding Tamaki. Some viewers feel that the camera angles and focus on her “lucky lechery” went too far, undermining her character development.
- Lisa’s Development: Lisa’s character development is a highlight, with her confronting her past traumas to save Obi.
Episode 5 and Beyond
The release schedule for the remaining episodes of the first cour is as follows:
- Episode 5: May 2, 2025
- Episode 6: May 9, 2025
- Episode 7: May 16, 2025
- Episode 8: May 23, 2025
- Episode 9: May 30, 2025
- Episode 10: June 6, 2025
- Episode 11: June 13, 2025
- Episode 12: June 20, 2025
Where to Stream
- Crunchyroll: The primary platform for streaming Fire Force Season 3.
- Hulu: Also confirmed to be streaming the third season.
- Netflix: Streaming the series in Japan and Ex-APAC countries.
Final Thoughts
“Golden Secret” delivers key plot developments and character moments, but it has also faced criticism for its fan service. As the first cour progresses, it will be interesting to see how the remaining episodes build toward the final confrontation.
