Yowamushi Pedal: Limit Break

Did you enjoy season 2? Want to watch it again? Then watch season 5! Oh sure, some things might have slightly different names (such as "piranhas" instead of a snake). Some things might be said by a different person. There are even moments when something that was only implied in season 2 is made explicit. But basically, plot point for plot point, season 5 is identical to season 2.

You even still get to keep all your favorite characters from before, not only because some of them return to watch the inter-high, but because many characters are carbon copies of characters who have graduated, only ... with different hair and/or eye color.

Oh, and they are trying so hard to make Midousuji his old terrifying self, but suddenly he could hardly be less scary. He even seems rather ... reasonable?!? Just leading his team in the Machiavellian manner that is his wont, and doing it rationally and - dare I say it? - politely.

I really had hope that they might be able to find new stories to tell for this once-awesome show. I suppose all the reminders even in season 2 of how "the rider who wins is the one who crosses the finish line first" and how the best way to speed up is to ... go faster *probably* indicated that they were already running out of ideas and I should have picked up on that then, but the first two seasons were full of such great characters and such obvious passion for the sport, I really, really hoped there would be more great Yowamushi after season 2. Alas, no.