Oct 4, 2022
As many point out, season one was fresh and exciting. It felt original, each episode opened us and the characters up to a new portion of the world and the mysterious curse of the abyss, and I was there for it. The films began to shift my view a little; the writing got obvious and the characters became more 2D. My engagement in the world diminished, but with season one showing so much potential, I started season two in the hope that the serial writing would return us to that original wonder.
However, what I found with season two was nausea. The abuse of the human
...
form and of child characters is nothing new in this series (and nor is it new in anime full stop), but in this, it seems to reach new highs. I found myself almost gagging at one episode, and my stomach isn't usually that weak when watching things. I put off watching the final two episodes for a little while, not because I didn't want it to end, but because I wasn't convinced I wanted to watch it anymore. I felt the sexualisation of the main characters to be unnecessary whereas in the past it had served a light purpose. The writing was messy, and while the overall plot wasn't dreadful, trying to piece it all together while watching it weekly was a challenge at times. I think if it is binged, it would be fine.
This might all sound like I hated the show; that I should have dropped it long before the end; and that I wouldn't recommend it, but that isn't what I am wanting to say. I still think the majority of fans of the series will like the show. The animation is still beautiful. They still have this way of introducing new characters in a way that makes you care about them very quickly and want to learn about them. The voice acting highlights all those emotions twists and turns in excruciating detail.
I would still encourage viewers to follow these characters on the next stage of their journey as there are so many unanswered questions and so much more of the abyss to explore, but in a way, I feel I am entering my own abyss in watching this show. How much of my humanity could I lose in the process? Will I be able to come back from the torture this anime will predictably bring in the future?
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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