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A man's reach should exceed his grasp. This sums up Akiba Maid Sensou for me.

Akiba Maid Sensou is many things, both good and bad, but it never betrays itself by trying to be something it’s not. It’s an absurd premise about pseudo Yakuza like maids that kill, blackmail, and fight each other for supremacy. If that’s not wacky enough for you then know the show does not hold back it’s punches; literally. The same goes for guns, knives, and whatever manner of weapons for that matter. Starting to get the picture yet? More importantly it never disrespects the viewer by leading them on. Certain ... characters will get more development than others, but it’s not a character piece. There is an overarching theme that runs though the show, but it’s not a narrative piece. There will be bouts of the show that will be more serious than others, but it’s not a drama. It can do all these things and at it's core still remain a violence riddled, over the top, cute girls galore because it’s meant to be the burden lifting escape that a true Akihabara maid will endeavor to provide.

There is a sincerity to this show that most people don’t pick up on; both those who like it and those who do not. It doesn't need to be confined within the box that are genres to explore ideas beyond it's premise. Akiba Maid Sensou will unapologetically give you whiplash at how quickly they can change their tone, direction, and plot in order to do the one thing every show strives to do; entertain you.

I won’t delve into the finer details. I simply recommend watching it.

I don’t write much anymore because in this climate I find there is not much to write about. I’m making an exception this time because in my opinion I think season two of Made in Abyss is genuinely amazing. Many of us asked how were they going to follow up the first season. It was magical, thrilling, and sparked a sense of wonder that many of us thought couldn’t be found anymore. I’m glad to say once again Made in Abyss returns to the mystery of the pit, the casual indifference of life inside, and the struggles that comes with pushing further and further.

The ... first two films recapped the story with the third preluding Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou and if you thought the third film was setting the tone for the second season and you’d be in for a surprise. It’s no longer about Bondrewd or the white whistles, there is no archvillain to overcome, and there is once again the sense that their journey is just beginning. Here we see another group of adventures, hundreds of years prior, that set off to find the Golden City. Not to spoil too much but much like other tales of those who challenged the Abyss their fates were tragic and forgotten. Cue to the present day we have Riko and friends who take the final plunge; they enter the sixth lair which there is no return. It is in this place we discover what exactly happened to the expedition we were introduced to before, gleam into the mysterious sixth layer, and learn a little more about our brave little protagonists.

That's a quick synopsis for refreshers' sake but now lets get down to brass tax. Structurally it’s different from the first season. It’s no longer a linear route that goes from top to bottom. Much of the story is centered on this layer, in and around the Golden City. This gives room for the dual narrative to stretch its legs and properly establish itself as the foundation that much of the plot is centered around. Fellow long time Anime goers, if history has taught us anything is that long-winded flashbacks or jumping back and forth between narratives rarely pans out in Anime but thankfully this is one of the few exceptions to the rule. There is no single narrative that hogs the attention and neither overstay their welcome before they intertwine. The story takes it's time to blossom and each episode seems to end quicker than the previous one with how much anticipation there is to find out what happens next. True to form the story is grim, miserable, and this time around just a little more Lovecraftian. Unless you’re the nitpicky type there’s not much else a Made in Abyss fan would want.

It cannot be overstated that this time around was the musical accompaniment is nothing short of spectacular. Kevin Penkin previously composed the first season's score and the more recent Tower of God but thoughts then about his music was still mixed. There’s talent there but it felt like Mr.Penkin was playing it a bit safe. There were a few standouts but overall it seems there was still a bit of room to take a few risk and grow. However, this time around it is like night and day. The music is one of the highlights of the show and I dare say it’s even better than the first season. It’s melancholic, haunting, gleeful, joyous, and even bizarre. There is something that just exudes the idea of that there is beauty everywhere; in anger, sorrow, delight and even tragedy. A sentiment that goes hand in hand with the atmosphere of the show and in due time an OST that’ll definitely be in my hands.

I could keep on writing on and on but at the end of the day it’s something that needs to be experienced rather than dictated. I understand this show isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. I understand not everyone will enjoy the direction the show is taking and that’s okay as well. Value is a recurring theme in this show and yours will surely differ than mine. There's just so much to consume and ponder that it's just the nature of it and that's okay; but what’s not okay is staying in your comfort zone and never watching it. It’s not true to life, Anime, or Made in Abyss. You don’t have to watch it now, or soon, but when you’re ready you will because deep down an adventure is something we all long for.