High Card Season 2

Here we are at the conclusion of this sublime season 2 and, at the risk of offending some, I find this sequel all the more accomplished than s1. I risk going against everyone's grain, but let's take it point by point.

We find ourselves in a season that reveals a plethora of things about the history of this universe, how the card system works, our characters' pasts, and especially the link between Finn and this Dark Knight. I won't go into too much detail about the story to avoid spoilers. Instead, I'll concentrate on the technical aspects and the storyline.

DA: 8.5
Animation: 8.3
OST's : 10

The technical aspect ... remains just as high quality as in season 1. Despite a few moments that were a little average, notably on the characters' faces, the overall animation was really well done. I'm thinking in particular of the Theo/Ban fight in the cemetery and the final confrontation in episode 12. As for the AD, I was blown away by the series' consistency in offering us a subtle blend between a monarchical universe typical of the Middle Ages and a certain modernity reminiscent of the United Kingdom. As for the series' greatest quality, it's obviously the ost's without a doubt. Jazz is my favorite musical style, so maybe I'm a little biased, but I found this soundtrack simply perfect. To blend flute and saxophone so seamlessly to create such upbeat jazz shows great talent but also great knowledge of this musical world.

History: 8
Characters: 9
Character development: 8.5
Worldbuilding :

However, despite a rich and complex universe, there were times when I found myself a little lost in the various explanations, particularly those surrounding the creation of the Joker, his purpose and the true history of the kingdom of Fourland. As for the characters and their development, we find ourselves in a fairly classic construction, but one that works very well in this case. Ban and Theodore's flashbacks moved me, and their confrontations were the pinnacle of their development. As for the story, it was greatly fleshed out in season 2. The end of s1 was a bit of a letdown for me, but this s2 brought me back to the series after that slight loss of interest.

I'll end my review by saying that this series is the perfect compromise for anime fans and fans of works such as Kingsman. Despite a final rating as catastrophic as that of Blue Exorcist Illuminati saga (I seriously don't understand the fans), I recommend that you ignore the rating and embark on this incredible story that will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions and leave an indelible mark, just like 91 Days can.

Disappointment with Season 2 of "High Card" Due to Forced and Fast Pacing

As an avid fan of High Card, I eagerly anticipated the release of Season 2, hoping for an immersive continuation of the captivating storyline established in Season 1. Initially when I watched episodes 1 to 4 it was fine and quite good but after that that was where my disappointment began.I can't say that the anime is boring or not worth watching, but when you watch it you will definitely feel that this is an average anime because the story is fast and compelling.

One of the most glaring issues with Season 2 of ... this anime is its pacing, which feels rushed and forced. The plot moves at breakneck speed, with crucial character developments, plot twists, and emotional moments crammed into each episode. As a result, the narrative lacks depth and fails to fully explore the intricate nuances of the story and its characters.

The fast pacing not only detracts from the overall viewing experience but also undermines the impact of pivotal moments within the series. Scenes that should have been given the opportunity to unfold naturally and build suspense are instead glossed over, leaving viewers feeling disconnected and unsatisfied.

Furthermore, the forced pacing of Season 2 gives the impression that the creators were more concerned with pushing the plot forward quickly rather than allowing it to organically evolve. This approach sacrifices the integrity of the storytelling and diminishes the emotional resonance that made Season 1 so compelling.

Additionally, the rushed pacing of Season 2 exacerbates other issues within the series, such as inconsistencies in character development and lackluster world-building. Without sufficient time to delve into the intricacies of the story and its universe, this anime fails to live up to its full potential and leaves viewers craving a more fulfilling viewing experience.

Overall, Season 2 of High Card falls short of expectations due to its forced and fast pacing. While the series may still hold some appeal for fans of the franchise, it ultimately fails to deliver the depth, complexity, and emotional impact that made its predecessor so beloved. As a viewer, I can't help but feel disappointed by the missed opportunity to further explore the rich tapestry of High Card's world.

My main problem with this show is that it has a chronic problem with its identity. I found S1 painfully average but saw some potential. And I wanted to give S2 the chance to let it land, and so far its getting worse.

It has no idea what it wants to be and because of this it doesn't do anything well. It's trying to juggle so many elements within the plot that it ends up bouncing from uninteresting character to uninteresting character. For me, the only character I found remotely interesting (that actually got more than 5 mins of screen time mind you) was Leo. ... He got most of episode 5 dedicated to him, and they even messed that up. Episode 5 perfectly represented everything wrong with this show - Poor. Execution.

Another reviewer for S1 thought that High Card was advertised to be a mix of Kingsman and Bungou Stray Dogs and that's what I thought too. But it isn't either of them. It isn't anything. It doesn't deliver anything comedic and wacky. The way the characters use the Cards is laughably incompetent. The plot is very weak mainly due to the worldbuilding and characters being so flat and devoid of any substance or care.

The best way I can describe this show is that its a really bad Power Rangers adaptation that takes itself too seriously. Ultimately, I really wanted to like this show. It has great potential. But if only did it focus more on its narrative structure then it would have delivered on what it actually wanted to be.