As the climactic “Final Season” of My Hero Academia unfolds, every episode brings viewers closer to the ultimate resolution of the decade-long conflict between heroes and villains. Episode 165, officially titled “Pry It Open! Izuku Midoriya!!”, serves as a pivotal installment, delving deep into the psychological and strategic complexities of the final confrontation between Izuku Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki. This episode isn’t merely a display of raw power, but a testament to Midoriya’s profound growth and unwavering resolve in the face of insurmountable odds.
“Pry It Open! Izuku Midoriya!!”: Episode Title and Release Details
Episode 165, which is the sixth episode of My Hero Academia‘s Final Season (Season 8), premiered in Japan on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM JST. The episode’s title, “Pry It Open! Izuku Midoriya!!”, hints at the intense internal and external struggle taking place, focusing on Midoriya’s desperate attempt to break through Shigaraki’s hardened exterior.
Global Release Schedule for Episode 165
For international viewers, the subtitled version of Episode 165 became available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll approximately an hour after its Japanese broadcast. This translated to a release around 1:30 AM PST, 4:30 AM EST, and 9:30 AM GMT on November 8th. Fans preferring the English dubbed version typically see a release approximately two weeks after the original Japanese airing.
The Climactic Confrontation: Deku vs. Shigaraki
At the heart of Episode 165 lies the continuation of the desperate battle between Izuku Midoriya, the inheritor of One For All, and Tomura Shigaraki, the successor to All For One. This isn’t just a physical clash; it’s a battle that ventures into the mental and emotional landscapes of both combatants, shaping the very fate of hero society.
Kudo’s Daring Strategy to Halt Shigaraki
A critical development in this episode is the implementation of a high-stakes plan proposed by Kudo, the second user of One For All. Recognizing that Shigaraki’s immense power is fortified by deep-seated psychological trauma and a corrupted mental state, Kudo suggests a radical approach: forcefully transferring One For All’s power directly into Shigaraki. This audacious move aims to exploit a mental crack within Shigaraki, previously created by the sacrificed hero Star and Stripe, in hopes of reaching the tormented child still residing within him. By passing the “Gearshift” Quirk, infused with One For All, Deku intends to widen this mental vulnerability and potentially incapacitate Shigaraki from within.
A Battle of Wits and Wills, Not Just Power
While My Hero Academia is renowned for its dynamic action sequences, Episode 165 shifts focus to the internal monologues and strategic thinking of Midoriya and Shigaraki. Midoriya is shown meticulously planning his moves, a significant departure from his earlier, more impulsive heroics. His willingness to “forcefully pass One For All to Shigaraki” demonstrates his profound selflessness and his ultimate goal to save everyone, even if it means sacrificing his own Quirks and potentially his life. Conversely, Shigaraki senses Midoriya’s unusual intent, making the confrontation a tense game of psychological warfare. The episode subtly portrays Shigaraki’s fear of Deku’s “touch,” highlighting the symbolic weight of hands throughout his character arc.
The Evolution of a Hero: Midoriya’s Selfless Resolve
Episode 165 powerfully illustrates Izuku Midoriya’s journey from a Quirkless boy to a true symbol of peace. His readiness to become Quirkless again if it means defeating Shigaraki and saving the world encapsulates his ultimate commitment to the “One For All” ideal. This selfless decision, rooted in his genuine admiration for Quirks and his unwavering desire to protect others, underscores his maturity as a hero. The episode emphasizes that Midoriya’s strength isn’t solely in his immense power, but in his compassion and his strategic mind, showing a hero who is willing to transcend conventional battle to achieve peace.
The Final Season’s Trajectory
The “Final Season” of My Hero Academia (Season 8) is set to encompass approximately 11 episodes, concluding around December 13, 2025. It adapts the remaining arcs of Kohei Horikoshi’s original manga, specifically from the beginning of volume 40 through the end of volume 42. This season is designed to be the concluding chapter of the TV adaptation, bringing the intense battles between the heroes and villains, including the ultimate showdowns involving Izuku Midoriya, Tomura Shigaraki, All Might, and All For One, to their highly anticipated conclusion. Episode 165 is a crucial step in this final narrative, setting the stage for the dramatic resolution of the entire series.
