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Dec 13, 2024
To say this blew me out of the water would be an understatement. This season does everything the first did wrong and, not only does it right, perfects it down to a tee. It’s daring in every way, experimenting with its perception, what studio is out here making gambles like this.
The first nine episodes are practically a meta-documentary on the making of an adaption, with all the fine details you could ever ask for. The only way you can get more meta is by turning the page on the animators themselves. Needless to say, not only does it pay off in some of the
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most intriguing character development no one could’ve expected from the relatively lackluster first season, but it blows everything off the stage right towards us in the crowd.
Characters who weren’t even thought about in the past season are not only expanded on here, but totally revamped into ideas beyond what they would be associated with prior. Each character is the star of its own episodes, and while it does sometimes feel a little slow, it’s never boring, always captivating our attention with its exceptional writing. Even when four episodes take place in the same building, it’s somehow spun into being the best part of the series.
My major gripe with the first season was heard, even if I said it after this season came out. That being the complete lack of any trauma within the main character, who literally watched as his mother died from blood loss. I’m not sure why it was totally lacking in the first season, but they certainly made up for it here. The more minor issues weren’t ignored either, with an in-depth look at screenwriters, adaptations, and theatrical work. Effortlessly exploring the nuances between each while simultaneously delivering an emotionally powerful exploration that are all connected together like well-supported, powerful bridge.
If you liked the first season for its unflinching depiction of the entertainment industry, both good and bad, you’ll love this season. While the first hardly highlighted the collaboration aspect of the art form, this season puts it in bold and italics. We finally get everyone coming together to make something greater than themselves, even better is that it’s done through the addition of a new character. We watch as the heavily structured and organized nature of entertainment gets ambushed by an original creator wanting to see her work flourish. It’s great in its depiction of this, not just for being what was missing in this first season, but for connecting back effortlessly with that very season. Everything missing that I wanted in this show is finally here, and hopefully it’s here to stay.
Fucking hell, even the character relationships are expanded on in every way, which is the one thing I found to be fantastic in the first season. I no longer feel disturbed with the thought of a 35 year old man being with teenagers. The show is utilizing its own template on being a behind-the-scenes look on the entertainment industry to showcase the light on its characters and their many developmental issues, constantly using lighting equipment to showcase character development and other absolutely wonderful techniques. There isn’t anything like this season, throughout the whole world of animation.
It’s no shock that the whole murder mystery aspect of the story is the weakest. Well, it’s rather under-seasoned compared to the five star royalty dinners the show offers in other categories. Even so, the last couple of episodes delving into the lacking main storyline are finally interesting, having multiple key moments which make me anticipate what is to come, even if I’ve heard that this series will only go downhill from here. As the show facilitates my thoughts for it's overall direction, I can't figure out where they are going to take this series.
I know I've just been praising the shit out of this season, which it is fantastic, don’t get me wrong. But there are very minor inconsistencies with characters, mainly the newest mangaka. Aquas motivations start to seem strange and repeated, but it never oversteps. Some songwriter, who’s apparently amazing or something, gets a supportive email and it’s enough to make him get out of his writers block (a little ridiculous). It's minor on the nose moments with little reasoning or build up that hold this series back. Still, it's a glorious mix of the experimental nature of the first half of the series and the slice of life aspect we had in the first season. It’s a slightly jarring change, but it boats fine as long as you enjoyed the first season. Still, this is a minor drawback which doesn’t really hinder the quality at all.
In fact, the last couple of episodes are great in their own right, since we finally see them looked back on their previous lives after being reincarnated. We are finally making good progress on the shows ability to interweave the previous lives of its main characters with their current lives, something they neglected entirely in the first season, actually avoiding it in most cases with poor writing and explanation. I see so many people saying this show is pretentious, and that’s ridiculous. Give this a watch, it’s fantastic. Ain’t no show doing anything like this one, like who is putting 2 minute long static shot in the opening scene? Only concerns to have now are where we are going next, and whether that is going to be off a cliff.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 12, 2024
Ever since I dropped the series two episodes in when it first started airing, i’ve only heard good things. I couldn’t comprehend how, seeing a 30 year old foaming out the mouth for a 15 year old is beyond weird. Yet, we get past the large question mark rather quickly, getting straight into the strong point of the show. That being, its depiction of the entertainment industry. Of course, there is more to the show than I realized, in fact, it’s very thoughtful in its presentation. But, there is so much that could’ve been done with this show that really could’ve pushed it beyond anything
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previous.
The whole depiction is good, unlike anything we’ve really seen in anime before. Looking into the abyss that is the entertainment industry, a hole that no one comes out of happy. A root for psychological suffering, an industry of lies. The worst part about the showcase is the little they do to show the good of entertainment. I’m not saying it isn’t accurate in its portrayal, but rather one-sided towards the negative. The collaboration aspect, the making of something bigger than yourself. Instead, they largely look at how the individual can carry, harm, or make a show. Don’t get me wrong, they do highlight this aspect, but with the most lackluster and dead highlighter they can find.
On another note, the whole depiction of the filmmaking industry is very surface level, with little understanding of the intricacy of the art. I just wish they would bring more attention to the smaller aspects of filmmaking, and how big of a difference it makes. Mainly, sound. Sound is the most important part, and the show clearly understands that with its delicately crafted soundscape. So far, editing and atmosphere are the two main subdivisions of filmmaking that are explored. There is potential to make something truly great here.
I mean, they take the whole “starting again” aspect of the reincarnation in the Isekai genre, which is arguably what makes the genre so great, and flips it into the entertainment industry. That’s practically a gold mine for self-improvement and character realization. There were loads of options in which they could've utilized this to deliver whatever the show pleased. There’s an alternate universe out there where this whole first season told the story of their adolescence as they have to hide their true identities, pretending to be babies that have no idea what’s going on. Not only would it have wonderfully explored the crippling aspect of the entertainment industry with how it effects Ai, who I thought was criminally underused in this season, it would’ve built up a story of trauma that could easily be carried into the second season when they are high-school students.
That’s one of my main issues. They handled the whole tragedy of Ai way too early. Afterwards, they did little to show how it affects them to this day. I mean, Aqua plays the same exact type of person who killed his mother. All he thinks about it is that is ironic. It’s clear they suffer in silence, but jumping over 10 years is absurd. It totally skips over the whole traumatic beginning. Not only that, how can they possibly put up with keeping their identities secret while also being traumatized by their pasts? In general, they don’t utilize this whole reincarnation aspect enough.
In fact, they kind of dodge around the most intriguing aspects of the reincarnation. That being, the fact they knew each other in their past lives and were heavily influential on each other. It’s all so sloppily done, like how Ruby doesn’t want to reveal her true age thinking “he’ll look down on me”, and the whole idea of them not questioning how they remember their past selves, or how this is even possible is ridiculous. They expect me to believe these characters are genius prodigies, yet they can’t grasp how they are even in the situation, let alone try and figure out anything they can about it. The performances in the show aren’t great at all, nor are the songs. Yet the show wants me to believe Ai and her children are geniuses, as well as the other characters. It’s not believable at all.
The characters themselves are intriguing nonetheless. Even Aqua, who I thought was a total creep and abysmal character when I first watched the show as it was airing. They aren’t perfect, and very often not agreeable in the slightest. But, they surely have charm and the show understands how to grab your attention using them. Unfortunately, some of the more intriguing characters aren’t given as much attention. In fact, the best themes the story touches on are sprouted from the minor characters who don’t get as much screen time as they deserve.
Still, the series is good and definitely worth watching. If you aren’t familiar with the nature of the entertainment industry, this will be an eye-opening experience. If you are familiar with the industry, this will be a good look at how everything operates in a nicely oiled machine. But, if you’ve been involved in entertainment industry, this will be rather disappointing depending on how you view it. I personally think the industry is one of the most artistically advanced, and an epitome for the capabilities of collaboration. Not only that, it’s a work heavily infused with the doubtful nature of the industry, whether is self doubt or not. This is where the story really shines, when it isn’t focused on the main storyline of a revenge fantasy that is hardly developed.
It’s the little things like the posters in the directors room hilariously decorated with posters like “Foam Club” and “Truck Driver”. The damaging effects of media on the individual, this show gets so much right. It doesn’t paint the industry in a good light, and don’t get me wrong, it really isn’t the best industry to be involved in. Still, there should be more stances on the greatness it offers. Give this a watch, it has its moments.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 9, 2024
This is what season two needed. Spy x Family finally embraces subtly, baking up this show into a sweet treat, mixing the film with the already grounded themes of family connection in a cold war espionage world, into an action-packed, explosively festive joy on the same proportions as Die Hard. It's a fiery movie that gets a lot of what the show does beautifully even more elegantly. It's clear as day this is the best thing to come out of the series, condensing everything about the show into a standalone movie anyone can enjoy.
For one, we finally get the authoritarian military commander who rules
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through fear, something that was absolutely needed in this show. The art direction in the film is outstanding! Wit Studio and CloverWorks showcase exceptional improvement within their own experimentation and composition. Not only is the writing witty, no stone is left unturned. Every piece of this puzzle fits. No matter how you look at it, Spy x Family: Code White took flight with the shows themes, combusting into a more expansive look on the series as a whole.
Even though the film embraces the slice of life side of season two, it leaves room for the subconscious comedy and absurdity that made the parent story so great. It's a dedication to balance, effortlessly switching between action, laughs, and heartwarming moments. Some top-notch, outlandish sequences in this fucking movie. Whether it's the surrealism of the Poop God's habitat, or the power of cosmetics. It maintains your attention and propels you into the craziness.
We just keep being stacked with more twists and turns, leading to a fiery finale where the makeshift family must unite to escape. A excellent family movie to play for the holidays. This movie is an absolute must for fans of the show and even works as a showcase of the show for those unfamiliar. Even if it's not canon, this is the best of Spy x Family. Don't miss this!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 9, 2024
This season isn't bad at all, by any means. Sporting a great opening yet again, and an even more phenomenal ending credits track, there are a lot of great moments here. Here, we are narrowing down on the themes of family and tradition, putting aside the main mission completely. You can absolutely view this as the slice of life season, even though these themes have been here since the start. The show is starting to test its limits with its running premise, mainly with trying to pull out as many jokes as one can from this premise.
This show might be the most tonally consistent
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anime here. A true specimen of chaotic elegance, wrapped up with a ribbon in all its fancy presentation. Yet, it is so hit or miss. The comedic side of the show can either be fantastic or subpar, and it isn't crazy to say certain gags are significantly less funny. This season is lacking some of the magnificent side characters that are absolutely hilarious to watch. The episodes we do get to see them are without question some of the best. The whole side story with Yuri cracking down on a Westalis propaganda printing scheme. It's somehow realistic and humanistic, with a nice touch of absurdity.
Spy x Family is really pushing how far they can take these gags. We are showed the same thing structurally, repeatedly, yet it still somehow manages to make it hilarious. At least, most of the time. Certain gags are more sound than others, leading to a mismatch in quality when they are recycled. Some allow for more spin-offs in it's comedy while others are cut and dry, leaving a creative difference between the foundations. Even so, Spy x Family manages to interweave its slice of life aspect with it's chaotic, comedic world quite well, especially in this season.
What really bugs me about this show is it misses so many opportunities. There are many instances where, production-wise, things can be improved. It's not that they are bad, it's simply neglecting the experimentation it once showed. It's so weird, since we've clearly seen in other seasons that the studio is willing to innovate in its presentation. For instance, the montage sequences are abysmal. It's more formulaic in this season, even when they try their hardest. There are some simple fixes that can be applied simply by adding subtly, something this show only utilizes on occasion. Then we have Spy x Family overworking the narrator on pointless recaps, because at this point it's a running gag how many times they bring up the most basic summary of the premise this show offers. They do this multiple times throughout the season and I am not sure why they even bother.
Still, this season finally asks some important questions, but it has yet to answer these questions, even if we already know the answers. The cruise ship storyline itself is well-polished, but we should have got more out of it. The show still scratches that surrealist itch, with outlandish fight's and characters being introduced. The side characters in this show are so enthralling, as well as our three lovely protagonists. It's a big buildup for the next season and I don't doubt they will deliver, but if you're expecting any conclusions here, you won't find them. That itself makes it difficult to recommend, even when there is so much character in this show. Still, this is a worthwhile watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 4, 2024
This is literally just a short promotion for the show, and I haven't even watched the show it is trying to promote. Now, did this grab my attention to make me watch the show? I guess. This show is an absurdist's delight. A delicate balance of every other school anime that has come around, plotted alongside the military training hellscape of a futuristic, war-trodden world. Anime girls are A-10's. It's ridiculous in every sense, but that's fucking entertainment at it's finest.
I was sold for the first minute or so of this. Once the more character driven aspects picked up, I couldn't be bothered to
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care. It's a very basic, formulaic story that has been done a million times over. It's insanely face paced and not for its own good. The characters are very uninteresting as it is, they throw around these names like we are supposed to recognize them later on. Fan service shots are sprinkled in with zero purpose, possibly only to show that this show will have sexual content, getting everyone's panties in a bunch. It's all very sloppily done in order to just show us how the series will be.
We are supposed to care about these girls fighting in a war that we have no idea about. They say the enemies are "unknown", whatever that means. I'd say this is watchable, mainly due to it being so short. So if you are interested, give it a watch. Besides that, this OVA tries to do too much in too little time, causing total failure in the final minutes.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Nov 19, 2024
This is an absolutely absurd season. We have terrorists strapping bombs to super intelligent dogs. I can see why the conclusion of the first part was unfinished, they couldn't fit more insanity in. Spy x Family excels in delivering a joke, even just the basic premise of what is happening on screen is hilarious. There are some of the funniest scenes in the whole show so far, right here.
Every scene featuring Loid and Yor is hilarious. We have a new side character, one that steals the show for multiple episodes at that. I mean come on, they play tennis on a booby trapped court.
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We just started being introduced to the familial relations of the Desmond family, and it's a wonderful comparison between the Forgers. The show never left the track, still opting in to deliver one of the best anime's regarding family, more specifically, what makes a family.
These characters are all very intriguing. Even if the spy related stuff isn't very serious, it works since it's just outright insane. I couldn't help but pause when some of the most ridiculous shit I've ever seen happens. Even so, I can't stand watching Anya as she is in school. Her friend is the main issue, we haven't gotten anything relating to her other than she is insanely rich. She holds no value to the story except to praise Anya and be her one friend. Her scenes just aren't funny, in fact all the jokes between Desmond, Anya, and Blackbell are overplayed. The whole shopping sequence was downright bad and hard to watch, the only entertaining part being the driver silently judging the kids.
Certain character storylines are better than others. It's really just a shame that the main storyline where Anya has to get into the Desmond inner circle is painful to watch. It isn't necessarily bad, just very boring. It is basically the same thing that happens every time. Anya tries to click with Desmond, he gets confused about his feelings and yells her off. Then Blackbell goes, "aww you like him". I'm just tired of it now.
The final episode itself is very well-done. Mainly the meeting between Loid and his target. I'm still not sure what too think. Desmond looked suspicious, in fact, the whole encounter was very strange. It wouldn't be too out of bounds for Desmond to think Loid is a spy just off that conversation alone. Loid watching as Desmond walks away with his entourage is menacing. Anyways, very good entry. Even the openings can slightly compare to the masterful openings of the first part, and that's a compliment!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 18, 2024
The hardest mission of them all, is raising a family.
Like a Pierre-Melville French noir film with an explosive jazzy atmosphere, filled to the brim with Cold War-esque counterintelligence shenanigans that is, half the time laughably ridiculous in a self-aware sense, and half the time pure entertainment galore. Pack this all together with the amazing production from CloverWorks and Wit Studio, you got yourself Spy x Family.
I can see why this won Anime of the Year. The first four episodes are fiery, setting up the story, arguably perfectly. There is so much to praise. I stopped watching a while back only a couple episodes
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in, yet re-watching them was even better than before. Not to mention the absolute units of an opening and ending this show has. They should be studied for how well they represent the show, without even being noticeable.
The premise of the story itself is absolutely insane, so I couldn't wrap my head around the comedic aspect of it all. But, it works. They have flipped the whole premise into poking fun at the insanity of everything. A spy is married to an assassin, with a daughter who is a psychic. The daughter knows everything about them, since she can read their minds. It's a perfect setup.
Yet, Spy x Family is an anime that lacks any subtly. I mean, this is a show that repeats this same premise to you, even if it is the season finale. I don't know how many times I need to be told the situation they are in before this show realizes I understand. There are many opportunities to make use of the whole psychic child aspect, yet they kind of just don't. It's often just used for cheap jokes that sometimes stick. It's one of the weaker parts of the show, and it is done a whole bunch.
As the story continues, it loses steam. And I mean it when I say the show slowed down dramatically from the fast paced brilliance of the start. Not saying the story turns straight off a cliff, but it goes for the more scenic route. A route with a lot more possibilities to lose interest. They have the foundation laid out, yet there wasn't really much of a conclusion to the first part. Seems they really wanted to release both parts together in one, but that never came around.
I wouldn't be quick to drop this, especially if you are thinking the story might not be worth it. There are parts in this that are actually great. Largely, the whole family dynamic is very well put together, illustrating what it truly means to be family very clearly. They are a fake family, yet it's coming into question more and more whether that is truly the case, especially as each character starts warming up to each other. I'm just stuck wondering, what is coming next? How will this end?
Give this a watch, chances are you will enjoy it. It's a very unique show with a very fresh spin on family life.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 15, 2024
While it is a rushed finale (should've just been a season 3), it still has a complete finish and ends exactly how I was expecting. It's not bad, only a little disappointing with how anticlimactic it all was. There are a number of unanswered questions I have that could've easily been resolved in this if it was a season long.
Now, I couldn't see this show ending any other way besides Miku or Yotsuba being victorious. Don't get me wrong, every other character has it's own set of unique feelings, each being as complex as the last. But, Miku care the most. Yotsuba had the
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most emotionally relatable background. She looks as though she is a standard archetype, but there is so much more bubbling under the surface. Her background with Fuutarou not only makes her the right choice, it's his impact on her throughout her life, and her impact on him. Funny enough, he never mentioned that he knew she was the girl from his past. If Yotsuba wasn't chosen, I don't see how her character arc would've been completed.
The execution of this last arc however is problematic. I didn't realize the two episode special wasn't released before this movie, so I can see how the movie handled Yotsuba's flashbacks worse than Shaft. They didn't handle Yotsuba as delicately as Shaft did in this movie, let alone being able to match the emotional standard of those two episodes. I couldn't imagine seeing this movie after just completing season two. It would actually be terrible. The special fixes this movie, maybe that goes to show how great the special was, but still I wouldn't feel right recommending this off that basis.
The story is over, yet didn't end like it was over. I guess they must've been planning the honeymoon arc for a while. I just can't say it was bad, in fact it was pretty conclusion with every character getting their own respective ending. It just lacked in the execution a tad. Thankfully, you can really just ignore that lack as Shaft released the o' so great special which revamps loads of the pivotal flashback scenes from this ending. I personally couldn't have ended it better myself.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Nov 15, 2024
Possibly one of the only specials to a series you can truly call special. While it is filled with some needless fan service, and while it is just a two episode special, this is more of the phenomenal storytelling we gladly received in the second half of season two.
I was waiting for Yotsuba’s background to be realized and was fairly disappointed with the minimal attention she was getting throughout the show, especially being the most emotionally compelling character in the show. This is exactly what I wanted to see in the past two seasons, and it is wonderfully delivered in a nostalgic, stylistic way
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as typical of Shaft.
Why couldn’t Shaft animate the whole show? This has possibly the best episode in the show and it’s just from their two episode run. Not only that, the opening and ending are wonderfully crafted. Alongside the already fantastic voice acting, Shafts stylistic touch adds so much more life to the show. Considering the flashback filled nature of this special, it’s no wonder Shaft is such an excellent choice. It all builds that nostalgia until we are left on the final depressing shot. I haven’t even got to mention the improvements with the soundtrack, there is much more care going into this show than I realized.
There was no time wasted getting into the meat, and all we are left with is the tragic feeling of being alone. The final shot of Yotsuba on the swing was utterly brilliant. The urge to call out on your desires, do what you want to do, alongside the limits you set for yourself. She only wants her sisters to be happy, to keep a family happy. She looks over at the houses below and swings, alone.
What a great special. A meticulously planned story of love. Don’t skimp out on these two episodes.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Nov 15, 2024
Similarly to the first season, this show gets better as it goes on. While this season is lacking the comedic quirks of the tutoring dynamic, it substitutes it with very good character development. These characters aren’t much more complex now than they were in season one.
I was questioning whether this show was going to holdup, even with the production budget being increased. The first four episodes didn’t leave me expecting much, so I was blindsided once things picked up. Not only is it just a very entertaining romantic comedy with the nostalgic lover factor from Nisekoi, it’s an excellent showcase of sisterhood itself. We
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dive straight into the ins and outs of being a quintuplet.
While I never thought the quintuplets were bad characters before, the are much more humanistic in this season compared to before. We learn how they tick, and how their individuality is closely tied to the very fact they are quintuplets. Their comprehension of identity is very skewed, for some characters more than others at least. We also have an expansion of the main character as well. We didn’t see much of anything from the main character before, but he is much more alive this season.
I never brought up the specifics of production, such as the voice acting and soundtrack. However, I now realize this show has some of the most natural and flowing voice acting i’ve heard from an animation. The soundtrack is your standard romantic comedy anime soundtrack, but the voice acting is so strong. I’m starting to believe everyone involved in this work is exceptionally talented
All in all, we have very human characters being changed by a new love. Emotions that lead to hatred, betrayal, and forgiveness. The dysfunctionality within family, especially in the sister’s case. It’s a great show under the disguise of your standard seasonal garbage. Don’t be ashamed to pick this up.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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