Demon Slayer finale review: A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light

The Demon Slayer Season 3 finale is the best episode of the season and rivals the ending of the Mugen Train arc.

Demons Slayer’s season 3 finale is quite the rollercoaster ride.

What a phenomenal journey of suspense, thrill, and emotional turmoil. A landmark episode that sent shivers down my spine and tears down my cheeks, all in the name of extraordinary storytelling. Fans have been walking on thin ice ever since Tanjiro’s quest for a new sword began in the Swordsmith Village. The excitement ramped up with each episode, ending in cliffhangers that left us gasping for more, and boy was the finale worth the wait!

Fair warning though, there are some MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. So if you haven’t caught up on the series yet, you might want to take a moment, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions.

Still with me? Alright, let’s dive in.

Demon Slayer season 3 finale review

Episode 11: “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light”

The third season finale, in my opinion, was the magnum opus of the season, challenging even the high standards left by the Mugen Train arc. It launched us on a journey filled with all sorts of intense emotions, ranging from heartache to unparalleled joy – a rollercoaster ride that never seemed to end.

Arguably the most emotional segment in the finale was Nezuko’s heart-wrenching exposure to sunlight. As a big fan of the show and Nezuko (I have everything from Funko Pops and hoodies to blankets and little miniatures of her), I announced to my husband, “If Nezuko dies, I’m turning this [REDACTED] [REDACTED] off and [REDACTED] going to bed.” Other than being absolutely heartbroken, I’d have to explain to two little girls in the morning that the character they also love so much had died. Relax, they’ve never actually watched the show, they just think she’s cute.

My and my kids’ own heartbreak aside, Tanjiro’s struggle with having to choose between his sister and killing Upper Demon Four Hantengu once and for all was heart-wrenching to watch. No matter how hard Tanjiro tried, using his body as a shield or shrinking Nezuko down to size, he couldn’t ward off the inevitable tragedy.

As the decapitated torso of Zohakuten began to terrorize the villagers and Tanjiro was visibly torn on what to do, Nezuko makes the decision for him and yeets him off her with a kick that I’m pretty sure we all felt in our hearts. As he flies backwards, he has to witness his sister burn and suffer on the ground.

After Tanjiro finally slices through Hatengu’s torso and reveals the real Upper Four demon, he loses to time in cutting its head off. Instead of celebrating, he falls to his knees and breaks down, lamenting the loss of his sister. Just when all hope seemed lost, there was movement – a first-person perspective of someone rising and approaching Tanjiro. Don’t lie – I know you either squealed with joy or cried happy tears when we see Nezuko, the HUMAN Nezuko walking towards him.

And when she finally talks? Ugh,  my damn heart!

Not only did she survive the sunlight exposure, but she was also able to interact with Tanjiro for the first time since her transformation into a demon, uttering the words ‘Good Morning.’ This was nothing short of a miracle, showcasing the love and bond between the siblings, beautifully encapsulated in this scene, and at the same time setting up the metaplot for the show: Muzan now wants to consume Nezuko so he may conquer the sunlight.

Yeah….. No.

The production team deserves a standing ovation for creating such a highly immersive and emotionally gripping episode, which is something Demon Slayer absolutely nails. Many fans, myself included, agree that this episode was, without a doubt, the best episode of the entire series.

The season 3 finale of Demon Slayer was indeed a spectacle and exceeded all expectations. Now, as we bid adieu to the Swordsmith Village arc, we can keep the momentum going for the confirmed season 4. The next season promises more thrilling adventures with the Hashira Training and potentially the Infinity Castle arcs.