Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara

Shokugeki no Souma's characters all have one goal: be the best chef. They all have different reasons for wanting to be the best, as the show will often remind you, but in the end their goals are one and the same. Perhaps that's what makes this second season of Shokugeki fall a bit flat. They're simply not progressing towards that goal for the majority of the show. It starts to make everything feel a bit pointless.

The majority of my complaints for this season come from the tournament arc:

-It barely matters who wins.

Winning the tournament simply shows that you are the best in the class. While ... that definitely aligns with the characters' goals, it also has no significance in the grand scheme of things. The series often reminds the viewer that these are just students we're following by showcasing the alumni of the school who are successful chefs. These constant reminders doom the arc's conclusion into the winner believing they still have a way to go. Of course, the losing characters all have the same thought. If the characters aren't satisfied with the conclusion and there are no tangible results win or lose, it's tough to find purpose in the events. Contrast this with the first season when expulsion was the result for failure and you can see how the intensity was dialed down a notch.

-The fights themselves are tough to follow.

This might be a personal thing, but I'm not extremely well versed in cooking. When Hayama is describing all these spices that I last used to cure status conditions in Star Ocean, I'm stuck just trying to imagine how these things would taste. When you're watching an action show you can tell who's winning by how much damage each side has taken. In a sports show you look at the points. Winning conditions are easy to follow. In Shokugeki it's much more difficult to gauge who is winning the battle. In the tournament in particular, you're often relying on the judges' and crowd's reactions to tell you who's winning. The results of the fights could be switched and I would be none the wiser.

-There's little forward impact on the characters (yet).

The arc gives a little motivation to Souma in the end, but by and large the cast is static. There's nothing inherently wrong with static characters. However, Shokugeki wants its characters to progress and get better at cooking. In that sense, it needs the characters to constantly improve. The best the arc does towards that is getting the characters to be more creative. In the short arc afterward we see some brief glimpses of the cast but no one besides Souma has seemed to change at all... and Souma is pretty much the same anyway. The tournament ends and it feels like the show is just like "Welp, on to the next arc."

Take my criticisms with a grain of salt. Obviously this season isn't a full adaptation of the manga. The results of the tournament might become more important later. It's the fact that there are little immediate results that makes the arc feel unsatisfying.

Thankfully, the following short arc brings the show back to its strength: high-pressure situations that aren't cooking battles. It puts the characters (but focusing on Souma) in a high-pressure situation in which they are quickly forced to improve or else face negative consequences. It's far more interesting and intense. I wish it had been longer.

Art/animation/sound... it's all basically the same as the first season. It's not so bad that you're going to complain. It's not so good that you're going to be awed. It's good enough to get the job done. Frankly, that's good enough for me.

Despite my complaints about the tournament arc, it still had its moments of fun. Shokugeki's cast is fun to watch. So even if what the characters are doing isn't interesting, the cast's exaggerated personalities and silly reactions can make it enjoyable all the same. If you enjoyed the first season because of the cast interactions, then this season will not disappoint.

So, a 2nd sequel of Food Wars has just ended, needless to say I had my fill of food porn, so I'm getting down to business:

Storywise, there hasn't been any much development in a romance sense, it was still all about food , exaggerated factoids, and over the top aphrodisiatic judging, and If Gordon Ramsey, Antony Bourdain, Jamie Oliver and other celebrity chefs watching this, will surly give the creator, Yūto Tsukuda an earful of ridicule , then again since this anime's story line is still connected to the original anime, it was basically as mediocre as it can be thus a 5 over ... 10.

Art, nothing much has change, despite of the fanservice we see, well, we can't expect to see any, Panchira, nipples or hairy pussies. So far, Yukihira is still in his middle school uniform, man what the fuck is keeping illustrator Shun Saeki from making Yukihira wear the standard Tōtsuki uniform? The best fanservice we can see was with Ryoko in her underwear, inpsite of it this category is still a 5 over 10, I may have given it a 10 if I could have seen some Mito fanservice at least in a full bikini.

Sound, I gave this part a 7 over 10 due to the opening and for Megumi's seiyu, Minami Takahashi, since I find it cute.

Character, still a 5 over 10, since we still see the same characters as from the 1st season, as mentioned "No Development", despite of the addition of new judges. I don't have to go any further....besides the star of this anime were always the food..........

Enjoyment, I enjoy this anime up to the end of the Shokugeki, I've started to get bored on the 11th episode, where I've skipped ep 12 and just waited for the 13th, frankly they should have ended on the Shokugeki part and not go to that Stagiaire , thing, so its a fair 6 over 10.

Overall, a 5 over 10, it's obvious that Yūto Tsukuda, was banking on the food preparations as if he's making something like an over pumped up Master Chef, frankly , his work isn't that bad, but overtime it becomes boring as if one is too full to eat more, so no to season 3, if there will be one.


I'm full!

Making a sequel for an existing series usually implies trying to accomplish one goal: Don't screw up too much. It's common knowledge that sequels are usually never as good as the original, so the general baseline when making a sequel is to make the newly made material up to at least the standard of the previous season to try and eradicate the stigma as much as possible. So what happens when you adapt a second season of one of the two most popular cooking manga into a 13 episode series instead of its predecessor's original 24 episode run? Well you get Shokugeki ... season 2.

Story: Picking up from the cliffhanger that the first season ended on, season two focuses on the end of the Autumn Elections competition arc and the Stagiare arc that comes right after the Autumn Elections are over. Complete with the normal shenanigans of the Shokugeki series and growth with some of the characters, why is the story that we get so faulty?

There's no questioning that J.C. staff has done a faithful adaptation, especially for the Autumn Elections arc. Much like the original manga series, the Autumn Elections take up a huge chunk of the series in order to complete, spending the majority of the season 2 runtime to finish up the remaining battles and rivalries that come later with rather great detail. It's the kind of adaptation that most series can only dream of since J.C. Staff rarely leaves out any of the details involving that arc. Everything including character development, side interactions, and pacing are kept in rather well and succeed in bringing a close to the second largest arc of the Shokugeki no Souma series. Then there's the Stagiare arc.

In order to compensate for the sheer amount of detail that Autumn Elections give us, J.C. had to pawn away time from the second arc that they were doing in order to bring that big one to a close. This unbalance left the proceeding story to rush through in three episodes and the end result was abysmal. The pacing was quickened through, development for characters got cut short, and overall left a bad taste in my mouth. Character development was there, but it wasn't left on the plate long enough for us to sit and take in, thus leaving what we saw to feel hollow and unnatural.

In the end, season 2's story was the dessert to end the main course we were introduced to in the first season; a little sweet treat with a slightly bitter aftertaste to end a decently satisfying meal. While I am personally disgruntled at the quality of the Stagiare arc, I can say for certain that the overall quality is still moderately well executed.

Overview:
+ Good detail to finish its cliffhanger
- Second arc severely lacked the same treatment

Characters: Quite honestly, characters are really not that big of a deal to talk about. Due to the nature of this sequel, the cast save for a few exceptions are the same as last season with those few exceptions being nothing more than other rivals or side characters that add to the particular arc that's being shown at the current moment of time.

Instead of going through the actual characters (since well they still the same people), first up is the meat of this entire season, growth. The entire season is more or less dedicated to the growth of its characters. Souma, Megumi, and many other members of the recurring cast get varying degrees of growth and/or character motivations that're sprinkled in episode after episode. Sometimes focusing entirely on a single character for the whole episode, sometimes only for a scene or two, the story puts them together surprisingly well to create some meaningful changes that evoke care from the audience. Some however are better treated than others, so not everything is perfect. (Poor Hisako)

As for the new additions to the cast, all of them are side characters that pertain to one arc or another. Quite a few of them are memorable side characters, so there's an upside I suppose. But don't expect to see much more of them or add them to the main set of characters since they're side characters and by the law of shonen, if you don't show up for more than 1 arc, you're time is up.

Overview:
+ Good character development
+/- Memorable side characters (That is a shame that on some cases we don't get more of them)
- Some character development was rickety and/or rushed through

Art: J.C. Staff's art quality only skyrockets or goes to a decent level when the company gives a sh*t about the series that they're adapting. In Shokugeki's case, they care very, very much.

Much like the first season, the overall quality of the series is bright, inviting, and has a lot of appeal with all of the imagery that the series uses in order to represent the current emotions or cooking style that every character uses. From anime references to demonization, and the ever classic "Shokugeki no Souma is a cooking series" hentai foodgasm scenes, the overall quality and look of the series really has nothing truly terrible about it. I will say that the foodgasm scenes have drastically reduced, or at least to the point where you don't see them every other episode, or something. They're still there, just not as frequent.

But the true testament to how good the series looks is the food. Food is by far the most focused part of the art as the glistening and shimmering sauces on the turtle or duck that they characters prepare show just how good food in anime can actually look. Every dish was animated with such care to the point you might want to lick your screen trying to get a taste of whatever these high school students prepared.

Overview:
+ Quality food animation
+ Good animation all around

Sound: The soundtrack for the series is admittedly not really the best. Personally, I prefer the tracks to season one since what they showcased and used here really didn't sound or feel all that memorable. Good tracks, but not anything I'd listen to over and over again like other OPs that I know of.

Personal Enjoyment: I'm still pissed about the Stagiare arc. It's probably my favorite arc considering how non-competition focused it is and how the show focused in a wacky shonen-like way what it's like to be cooking outside of Tootsuki. It was such a different dynamic from the rest of the series that I grew attached to it and actually saw some kind of learning experience from the series since up till this point it's been nonstop cooking competitions with little to no actual learning shown. (I know it's a battle manga, but this is a school. At least show us them learning something sometime.)

Did I like this show?

I did. Admittedly, I'm not the biggest Shokugeki fan, but it's definitely a series I roll with and have a lot of fun both watching and reading. This season tied up loose ends and did well to adapt the source material despite its flaws, so it's good in my book.

What didn't I like about this show?

If my rant wasn't clear enough, the last three episodes focusing on the Stagiare arc. Rushed through that faster than someone cowering from Souma's experiments.

Would I recommend this show?

If you watched season 1 and you want a conclusion, you can watch this. Aside from that, don't. Due to the nature of the adaptation, watching season 2 will get you sorely lost and would lead me to question why you even tried to watch the sequel before the original.

Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara is the second season of the popular Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Souma series. It is the continuation of the trials, tribulations, and misadventures willingly taken on by culinary prodigy Souma Yukihira. As in S1, most of the episodes in this season fit together well and did not rush into advancing the plot prematurely. There were no "fillers", with each episode providing a unique step forward in the overall plot.

The art style is neither realistic nor overly basic. It is, however, extremely suggestive. If you're a fan-service enthusiast, you will definitely be pleased. ... While the seductive nature surrounding many of the female characters may have coaxed some comedic elements out from the other characters, I do believe it detracted, slightly, from the plotline. That being said, the animation was fluid and well-made without any significant deviation throughout the season.

I watched the English DUB of this show and can confirm that the voices harmonized with their respective characters well. This was not the case in S1, but seemingly over time, significant improvements were made. The background music fit each scene well, as did the OP/ED. The sound effects relating to the preparation and cooking of dishes was superb. It caught me off-guard in S1 but I was prepared this season. Thankfully, I was not let down.

The characters did not develop appreciably from S1, they were neither basic nor complex. Nobody, including Souma Yukihira, seemed to evolve over time. He and many of the other characters simply became better culinarily but no effort was given to display growth in other aspects - there was a distinct lack of well-roundedness. Using the same formula from S1, the show focused too much on building each character into a master chef rather than expounding upon their personal feelings, thoughts, and desires.

Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara is a decent sequel to Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Souma. I feel somewhat disappointed because this season had the chance to fix some of the issues found in S1 and didn't. I won't be re-watching Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara for the time being. It isn't a terrible season but it failed to impress - it's the very definition of average.

Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara aka: Food Wars! The Second Plate

Compared to season 1, this season of food Wars felt completely rushed, I think they should of allowed the season to have a slower pace, but I guess the network only allowed the 13 episodes so the studio had to rush it. Season 2 was alright but first season was definitely a lot better, this season felt so fast pace and also it felt like information was missing from designated episodes and missions. I hope there will be more seasons to come, at the same time I also hope that it won't be ... fast fast pace as this season was.

Honestly - they should have ended this anime after the first season which was very good.

People are really doing this series a disservice by rating it far higher due to their love of the first season.

This second season is truly pathetic, over the top, and BORING.

Seriously. I enjoyed the first season very much but this 2nd season is leaving nothing but a horrible taste in my mouth. I honestly can't see how people are rating this any higher than I have and even I'm giving it more than I should because I'm biased due to the first season.

I just feel like I'm wasting ... time now. The progression has disappeared and I feel robbed.

The second season of "Shokugeki no Souma" picks up where the first left off. If you liked season 1, then you should find season 2 about as entertaining, and I would recommend giving it a try! I will focus this review on the differences between the two seasons; please see my review on season 1 for a full discussion of the series' merits.

Separated into two main arcs, Shokugeki season 2 begins by completing the food tournament from season 1. This section doubles down on its sensory overload with foodgasms and gushing monologues describing the dishes. Personally, I felt this to be uninspired and saccharine (hence ... my lower overall rating). However, the second arc accommodates for this by investing in character development. In total, Shokugeki remains fun and sets up well for another upcoming season.

Story [5/10]
Pacing [7/10]
Art [7/10]
Sound [7/10]
Character [6/10]
Enjoyment [6/10]

Overall: [6/10]

SnS Ni no Sara begins with a battle. A battle that is depicted as incredibly unlucky and disadvantageous. A battle where the MC faces with one of the most formidable opponent. In metaphorical way, the first episode is a battle between a hero and the grand-daughter of the demon lord himself. The ominousity, the darkness that envelops the battle field, the semi-final boss’ giggles that send a chill down in our spine. This battle is so impactful and can be called as an epic......I wish i could say all of those.

After seeing the fail-adapted first episode and the almost non-existent opening plot, it’s only natural ... that people’s expectation become low. Not only for a few episodes ahead, but can be for a whole season. This is one factor that makes this second plate pale in comparison compared to the first plate. The very first beginning of the story wanted to be epic and impactful, but what we find is an epicly fail-cooked adaptation from its original source.

After that beginning, only battles and battles await the viewers. Battles which speak of the characters personality, potential, strength, their struggle, their motivation etc – but it is only spoken without much development. And unfortunately, those battles are the main ingredients of this second plate.
Yes, those ingredients are fixed ones, can’t be changed – those ingredients were the first pitfall of its original source, and become trouble for the chefs in the anime production. Just be thankful for the viewers that can eat those ingredients in 2 and half months. The original source took more than a year.

But this second plate isn’t entirely worse. In a single glance, we don’t see any useless jello in this plate. The over-used abstract backgrounds are still there, but now being used in a more moderate way. In the first part of the first plate, what we hear from the characters are mainly their exotic voices, which is trying to emphasize their sexual strength instead of their personality. In this second plate, however, this doesn’t happen...not as much as the first plate. Technically, things are better cooked in the second plate.

As this anime is trying to fully adapt the original source as much as possible, which is commendable, there’s heavy challenge to adapt Saeki Shun-sensei’s style into an anime. His style has this “sharp” nuance, which may become a difficulty to be drawn into an animation.
But then, comes episode 4 of the second plate. Truly well-adapted episode that dwarfs all of its siblings. Episode 4 is a proof that a creatively cooked “bad ingredient” can be turned into something truly delicious.

"Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara" fires up the stove for more cooking showdowns. It's a feast of epic battles, but if you're hoping for a side dish of friendship feels, this season might leave you a bit hungry. It's like they dialed up the heat on competitions but forgot to add the secret sauce of deeper themes. 😕 However, the endgame spices things up when Yukihira faces the need for speed – something every real cook can relate to when the kitchen's on fire. ⏱️🔥

The story's a bit of a familiar recipe - cooking battles galore - but hey, if you're a fan of ... this shonen culinary drama, it might still hit the spot for you. The intense competition serves up the thrill and excitement many viewers crave. 🍲💥

As for the art, it's as delicious as ever. The food looks so good, you could almost taste it! And those battles in the kitchen? They're served up with all the sizzle and spice you'd expect. 🎨😋

The characters, well, they're kind of like top-notch chefs focused on their culinary skills. But they might lack a bit of that extra flavor. You won't find a ton of personal growth or depth in this season’s menu. 🧑‍🍳📉

When it comes to reactions, they handle the heat of the kitchen battles like pros. But, you might miss the emotional punch that makes a dish truly stand out. 😕🍽️

If you're a hardcore fan of culinary spectacles and high-stakes cooking clashes, "Ni no Sara" could be your main course. But for those craving a more balanced mix of story elements or deeper character arcs, it might feel a bit like a dish missing its final seasoning. 🌟🍽️

it was pretty good
like i didnt appreciate the fan service and mitos titties bouncing like theyre getting paid to (they probably are tbh) and ig the people getting naked n shit was funny at first but i kinda started ignoring it and read 2 words of text before skipping becoz idk alot of boobage and the woman to man ratio of nakedness was just bad #equality is lacking. but anyways the food was fire and the people saying french words here and there was funny and this anime really gets u on the edge of ur seat for reals and yes anime fire
viewer (me) rating:: ... 3