Beastars Final Season: A Bold Conclusion to a Groundbreaking Anime
The fall anime season is wrapping up, and with it comes the long-awaited conclusion to Beastars. The Netflix-exclusive series has returned for its third and final season, delivering the first part of a two-part finale. This fresh batch of episodes transcends mere epilogue territory, intensifying the stakes of its already captivating narrative while maintaining its hallmark blend of drama, allegory, and introspection.
Created by Paru Itagaki, Beastars unfolds in a world of anthropomorphic animals grappling with social tensions, particularly between carnivores and herbivores. The story follows Legoshi, a gray wolf navigating his instincts and emotions, including his unconventional romance with Haru, a dwarf rabbit. Alongside them is Louis, a deer confronting the scars of his past as a former yakuza leader. The new season pushes the boundaries of their personal and societal struggles, introducing a crime wave fueled by a drug-laced energy drink that transforms carnivores into dangerous beasts.
This season also dives into long-standing questions about hybrid animals in the Beastars universe, introducing compelling new characters like Legoshi’s grandfather, Gosha, and the villainous Melon, a half-gazelle, half-leopard criminal mastermind. The stakes are raised further as Legoshi teams up with Yahya, a detective-like “beastar,” to stop the chaos.
True to form, Studio Orange delivers stunning animation that proves CG anime can be both dynamic and visually striking. Paired with a vibrant score that shifts seamlessly between whimsy and tension, the series maintains its reputation as a standout production.
Though Beastars is bidding farewell, its legacy is bittersweet. Some viewers shied away due to its mature themes and unique presentation, yet the show’s intricate storytelling and bold thematic explorations have cemented its place as one of anime’s most daring works. For fans and newcomers alike, this final season offers an opportunity to appreciate the rich tapestry of characters and conflicts that have made Beastars a groundbreaking journey.