Beware × of × Prisoners

Although nothing truly spectacular, we have another solid Hunter x Hunter entry here! This episode essentially serves to add a bit of depth to each of the characters and strengthen their overall chemistry. Gon's naïveté and earnestness, Killua's cynical nature, and especially Kurapika's deep-rooted thirst for vengeance are all wonderfully expanded upon here. The scene where we see Kurapika's scarlet eyes for the first time is one of the more unnerving of the series thus far, with its impact augmented by the deafening silence. The way he felt relieved that his fury hadn't been quelled in the time that had passed since he witnessed the extermination of his clan made his character even more compelling. Our quintet's banter is as delightful as ever, and the bonds forming between them become even more charming. The prisoners serve to highlight established character traits of our main cast, while also drawing out new ones.

Regarding the other review here, I don't think they fully understood the rules or stakes that were established in the previous episode. After Tonpa forfeited the first battle, Bendot explained that if the exam candidates were to lose outright they would have to remain in the tower for the rest of the 72 hours. Thus, if this scenario played out, the prisoners would have those 72 corresponding years removed from their sentences. Since Tonpa gave them a win to begin with, it makes perfect sense that the prisoners would try to reach three wins as efficiently as possible. However, as this match progresses and the prisoners lose consecutive battles, they switch tactics and begin to stall for time. So from my point of view, this unfolded in a perfectly natural and logical manner. There aren't any writing problems that I can find quite frankly.

Honestly this was one of the more enjoyable episodes of the series up until now aside from "Showdown x on x the Airship". It continues to capture the magical spirit of Hunter x Hunter and got me even more attached to these wonderful characters!

WARNING SPOILERS. Beware x of x prisoners was one of the more enjoyable ones soo far. It showed Gon being the gullible naïve boy he always is and it also called back to episode 4 (Hope x and x Ambition) when it told us about Kurapikas need for vengeance against the phantom troupe. Leorio however gets no development. He is presented as a raging jerk and a fairly unlikeable character. This episode continues with the 1v1 duels that we finished off with in Solution x is x Majority Rules.

Summary: It is Gons turn for his 1v1 and the opponent presents two options. A long candle or a short candle. Whichever one loses its flame first is the person that loses. The opponent lets Gon choose first and he decides to choose the long one. However the opponent had tricked him because they brought 2 long ones and two short ones which each had one tampered with which therefore results in a guaranteed win. However Gon puts his candle on the ground and quickly runs and blows the opponents candle out which results in an easy win. Next is Kurapikas turn. As said in a previous episode, he has vengeance for the Phantom Troupe and his opponent claims he is one of them. Kurapika punches him soo hard which knocks him out. Next is Leorios turn.