Demon Slayer Season 4 Review: The Hashira Training Arc and Beyond

The debut episode of Demon Slayer Season 4 premiered on Crunchyroll on Sunday, May 12. Eager to see what the new season had in store, I jumped straight into the 48-minutes episode. Given the anticipation, I expected a fair amount of setup and filler, and while there were some engaging elements, the overall impact was somewhat lackluster. Here’s a brief overview of my impressions, with only mild spoilers to guide you on what to expect.

The opening episode kicks off with a bang

Right from the outset, *Demon Slayer* Season 4 dives headfirst into the action. Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, and Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, are front and center, displaying their abilities as they face off against a swarm of demons.

Without wasting a moment, the new season thrusts viewers into intense battles. Sanemi and Obanai steal the spotlight as they take on a formidable group of demons, showing just how powerful they really are.

Focusing on the Hashira

The potential for *Demon Slayer* Season 4 looks promising. I’m particularly eager to explore more about the Hashira, especially those who haven't had their moment in battle yet. The brief action scenes featuring Sanemi and Obanai grabbed my attention and left me curious about their abilities, as well as the powers of the Stone Hashira, who remains largely unexplored.

This episode focused heavily on the Hashira and their next moves. Fans were treated to more details about the mysterious marks that appeared on some Hashira at the end of Season 3. Additionally, there was some insight into Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Hashira, providing more depth to his character.

Primarily filler

Despite the initial excitement, this episode didn't quite live up to expectations. Beyond the opening fight, much of the episode consisted of filler, recaps, and exposition, without adding much new information beyond what was shown in the movie. The characters gathered to discuss the events in the swordsmith village and their recovery, but it felt more like a retread of old ground.

There were a few humorous moments, especially involving Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko—the kind of lighthearted banter the show is known for. However, these scenes were sparse, as the episode aimed to give attention to a broader range of characters.

An episode you can easily skip.

If you've already seen the movie and are considering bypassing the first episode of Demon Slayer Season 4, you likely won’t miss much. The episode doesn’t offer anything particularly new or crucial. I’d suggest checking out the opening minutes to catch the fight between the Hashira and the demons, but beyond that, it’s safe to wait for episode two to release.