I’m pleased to see the return of Beastars to Netflix. I think a season two was always likely given the breakout success of season one, but that doesn’t mean the sequel will be any good.
I’ll tell you what I think in just a bit, just below, but if you’re watching, why don’t you share a spoiler-free opinion? Is it as good as season one?
The same invitation also applies to the other shows covered in this collection of mini-reviews and to any other discoveries you’ve made. In part, Irregular Reconnaissance is a way to keep track of Geek Native’s recommendations but also as a scouting coordinator (the comments box at the bottom) for fellow geeks to gain credit by checking out shows early and calling hit or miss on them.
The format Irregular Reconnaissance anime reviews use is to tell you which anime is being reviewed, which episodes, then a few paragraphs of opinion (rather than plot), where the show can be watched and a terse summary.
You don’t need to do that. Avoid spoilers and use whichever approach works best for you.
In this Irregular Reconnaissance;
Beastars
Season 2, 1 to 4
This is weird. Beastars season 2 feels precisely like Beastars, but nothing like Beastars.
I think I know what’s going on. Beastars season 1 slowly tugs at layers of the onion. It gets darker and more corrupt with each layer down. Now we know that darkness is there; Beastars doesn’t pretend otherwise.
So, yeah, we’re back at campus. We introduce a scary and insecure security guard who has a brilliant reason for never seeing them previously. It’s a genius bit of writing and character design.
And we’re back into the seedy underbelly of beast-person society too. Our would-be heroes are either deeply troubled or naively unaware. I think that it’s, and I think it took me an episode or two to get it.
Once I did, I started to enjoy this anime much more. I was getting worried.
Status: Good.
Where: Netflix
The Seven Deadly Sins
Dragon’s Judgement 4 to 6
Fine, fine; every group of heroes needs a big baddie to fight. We’re approaching the likely end of the show. It makes sense. So what’s happening here is that big villains appear out of wherever the writers can justify it.
It’s probably more enjoyable if you’re surprised by this and consider it a plot twist. I suspect if you’re an Irregular Reconnaissance reader, then you’re experienced enough to see it coming because of the dramatic need and can be forgiven for an eye roll.
But roll those eyes, and then roll with it. The Seven Deadly Sins is still high-octane fun.
Status: Good
Where: Netflix
BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense
Episodes 7 to 12
As a recap, I watched this in English as a bold experiment. I grew used to the chipper American accents, but it’s not the same; it changes the tone.
Why did I stick with dubs over subs? I was able to watch and enjoy BOFURI while multi-tasking or while tired. In that respect, this experiment was an overwhelming success!
I had loads of fun. It was fun watching this friendly noob do well. It was pleasant seeing gamers pull together just to play the game and do well as a result. That’s not to say BOFURI doesn’t have clever bits, but they’re not very hidden.
For example, our hero maxes her defence so she won’t get hurt. What’s the series boss called? Payne, or Pain, Paine, however, it’s spelt (I didn’t see due to the lack of subtitles) – it’s both a typical PC name in an MMO and thematically appropriate.
I’d recommend BOFURI as both a starter anime and one for old grumps like me.
Status: Good, cheese fun.
Where: Funimation.
To Your Eternity
Episode 7 to 12
I’m not sure who exactly is on their way to eternity in To Your Eternity unless, as I suspect the case, eternity is a euphemism for death.
Since the show starts with an apparently immortal creature, our magic pebble, I had guessed we’d be following it for an eternity. We did for a bit, but the pace of time has slowed down dramatically.
Now even our would-be immortal seems to be in mortal jeopardy. Does that add any more spice to the show? I’m not sure, but it does mean the game of guessing which of the exciting characters the magic pebble meets will die and become a new incarnation of pebble gets a new level. You can also now imagine whether these victims die due to human evil or their proximity to the pebble wars.
Don’t let me sound too sarcastic; despite these games, To Your Eternity still tells stories that I rarely see in anime and tells them well.
Status: Good
Where: Crunchyroll
Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
Episodes 8 to 12
I happily watched to the end, and I don’t know why. Nothing happens. It’s the same wafer-thin concept (the bully actually fancies the victim) told again and again.
Okay, the cast of bullying girls slowly and inexplicably grows. Do they attract one another like magnets? Or is it a case of circling vultures over a tired person on the verge of collapse?
You might watch and hope Nagatoro herself doesn’t become a victim of bullying, but surely that just reflects poorly on her current behaviour and our apparent tolerance of it?
Or am I overthinking this and being far too sensitive? Does she actually ever stand up for senpai when it matters?
Status: Just below average.
Where: Crunchyroll
Seen anything terrible recently? Watched anything great? Share your discoveries in the comments below.
