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May 27, 2020
This season picks up right where the last one left off. Erina and Azami have their minds blown and shortly afterwards Erina explains a little bit of her past to Souma. Souma then cooks for her in an attempt to do what he swore he would do very early in the first season of the show. Souma does help Erina figure something out.
We find out next that the school itself has advancement exams and if you fail these exams you can not graduate from first or second year. Needless to say it is the final cut of students that are trimmed away from the bulk
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of the student body. This advancement test will be in phases and as you pass each phase the students will travel throughout Hokkaido. Souma just helping Erina to realize something very important makes Erina want to help him as well as the rest of Polar Star who have all grown on Erina to pass these advancement exams.
Not gonna lie, it was nice to see a kinder side of Erina for me even though it did take a little getting used too. She still manages to maintain some of her snottiness but it's a nice change and I wouldn't say it was "too much too fast" that it was extremely awkward or anything like that. She was still pretty tough on them but she knew what was gonna happen considering all of Polar star and the few added additions were gonna be zeroed in on. Her seminars came in very handy as expected given the situations presented. (Trying not to spoil things here.
The "rebels" as a whole do really well for themselves and then a few "shocker" things happen. (Trying not to spoil much here again) There is some build up right before a Shokugeki and then the season comes to a close in the midst of that Shokugeki
All said I really enjoyed this season. The show itself has certainly changed pace a bit. There's no doubt but that is certainly to be expected considering the kids are all melding together now. You have Erina where she is... In the presence of the people she is... I never would expected to see her at Polar Star dorm with consistent drop ins from the Aldini's and Mito when this whole series started. Even Hayama is coming out of his shell a little bit thanks to a few people. There's no way the shokugeki would run wild anymore. They did all that and became a make-shift group of friends. Plus how can any of that continue to happen when they are constantly having to face the short end of the stick because they are all being super targeted for expulsion. Considering I've seen many Shounen before this one I think I know whats gonna happen with the shokugeki of course but the ride that this show has taken me on so far has been a very enjoyable one and I hope it continues to do so.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 25, 2020
The stagiaire finishes and this season picks up with all of the main Autumn Elections finalists getting to meet the entire Elite Ten. Pretty sure anyone who has watched the series up until now and knows how Souma is can guess what he does, and the immediate result too of course.
From there we step into the Moon Festival where students at the academy can set up their own food booths if they so desire for the masses. Through this Souma gets inspiration and thus trials and tribulations occur throughout. We definitely get to see some of Soumas crafty thinking through the process which ultimately helps
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him through what should have been one of those circumstances where he bit off way to much more than he can swallow.
Most of the cast takes part in the Moon Festival in one fashion or another and in some way, shape or form gives a helping hand to our reckless main stay. There were certainly a few things that happened that I never expected which I won't spoil to much but the surprise coming together was really nice. I even did one of those cheesy one word reactions with a fist pump type thing. Kinda like what you'd see in a sports anime like Haikyuu except its not as cheesy since its a sports theme and it also didn't happen in my living room in front of my laptop with nothing else going on...
Toward the end of the Moon Festival we get thrown another twist that I certainly didn't see coming and the latter half of the season is just building up to whatever is gonna happen next. I gotta say and I am sure I'm not in the minority in this but I'm with Alice, I don't like that man. At the very end we get left with a huge cliffhanger and Erina finally finds out what we've known this whole time.
One thing I must say is I really don't quite understand why the ending of the season when the bomb drops hits me so hard but the way it was executed was amazing for me. It must have something to do when the way they made it flow with the ending theme and the screen effects combined with the voice acting because I really enjoy watching the small clip of that little segment. It's easily one of the most stand out and memorable moments of all my anime experiences so far and I think I've seen quite a few...
This one is definitely a nice installment of the show and I for one am glad to say that for me personally the quality of the show hasn't really diminished over the course of the seasons or years and I'm super grateful for that. That doesn't happen often in cases like these.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 17, 2020
Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara picks up right after the preliminaries of the Autumn Elections have concluded. The 8 people who made it through are brought together and told just how things will work on the main stage.
The matches have their own themes of course and things are carried out as anyone would expect. There is a specific food that must be used in the cook-off and judges to see things through. The winner advancing to the semi-final and then ultimately the final of course.
There was a mix up or two thrown into the Autumn Elections. I won't say much because it
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would spoil things for the people who haven't watched it but Souma while definitely can be a little air-headed at times, respects certain people for sure. When he feels one of them is done wrong he goes berserk in a sense, usually losing all his senses in the process it seems.
The Autumn Elections come to a close and after that there is some laser focus on Souma for the rest of the season and to his surprise he gets re-acquainted with an old "friend" or maybe not so "old" friend he had dealings with in the past.
Through the rest of the season we see Souma in a different light. I might be in the minority on that one but seriously... We all know Souma isn't perfect and he's had his struggles but never have we seen Souma like he was.
I gotta throw some respect toward Souma for what he was able to pull through during his second week of the stagiaire and even his "old friend" while hard on him certainly does respect him as well.
This season feels like it took a little more of a serious tone compared to the initial one. I don't think it was overbearing though. It felt right to be a little more serious as this was ultimately a time where the kids at school had to go from academy level competition to something more into the real world. There was still little bits of lightheartedness and comedy sprinkled around so it maintained a nice flow for me.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 15, 2020
Seeing as I saw the show is getting some TV time in current seasons as of late I figured what better time to go back to this than now? I didn't want to just jump back in starting the third season with just the scattered memories I have of the show (Which were all very good memories by the way)
The show itself centers around cooking. The way you might think its gonna go is totally thrown sideways when Souma is told by his dad that hes shutting down the family restaurant for a few years to help someone in America and that his dad is
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sending him off to a culinary school. Obviously Souma isn't happy to hear this because he wants to keep learning and improving his cooking at the restaurant.
Few episodes pass and Souma realizes that there is definitely good things that can come from this school for him and that initial anger dissipates. Along the way we meet quite a few interesting characters and each of them have their own unique styles, and not just in cooking either. Some get featured more than others of course, that's normal but each has their own spot here and there where they get their feature and that was nice for me.
Through the series thus far I have to say my favorite aspect is the moments of instant in your face comedy that is usually brought on about by Souma's "I don't give a crap" realist attitude at times or his inability to notice a thing or two that leads to someone getting a little upset.
What I liked the least is the amount of fan service that was inserted at times during the tastings at the end of the cook-offs. I get it, they put it there for multiple reasons, and I get that food is great enough to make you feel all warm and tingly inside sometimes and touches the soul. However I do think they did go a little to far at times with the moaning and other "features" Gratefully it doesn't ruin the show for me like it might for others.
Overall I really enjoyed the show and anyone looking for a comedy or slice of life centered around a cooking school would more than likely also enjoy this.
P.S.
I have been wanting to learn a thing or two about cooking for a long time now and I will certainly do just that but watching this does make me curious as to if most of the food knowledge points they put in the show have any real world bases attached to them or if they are just fictional. My gut leans toward the first option. All I know is that the likelihood of me watching this whole series again somewhere extremely far down my lifeline when I do have much more knowlege on the subject is when I will re-visit this series in its entirety again and see what is what.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 9, 2020
Roberta's Blood Trail definitely is a title deserving of this installment. No doubt in my mind about it. Be prepared for a lot more cruelty and gruesomeness this time around compared to either of the first two.
This one as one might come to expect is centered around Roberta and her desire for revenge based on what happened to what might be the only family she's ever known. That's all I can really say without spoiling much...
Roberta pretty much snapped for what is the last time. I mean she's 100% willing to start a war with the world if it means accomplishing her end goal it
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seems. She ends up reverting completely to her old self, which will certainly be needed for the task shes about to take up.
After all her preparation is complete she really doesn't look back. It's just forward steps no matter what comes in front of her. I gotta stop for a second and admire her sheer determination through it all. Yes I know its all fiction, and animated and there's plenty of determination littered around these two art forms but for me Roberta's level of determination is some of the highest of the highs. As twisted as it gets at times I really respect it.
Through the journey we get to see a few things that really stuck out to me.
1. Garcia definitely has changed since his first experience on Roanapur. It was clear to me that even though he's still a spoiled brat, he certainly has matured a little bit.
2. The time Rock has spent on Roanapur has definitely begun to influence his mental a little bit. Even without physically pulling the trigger on someone yet, there is a clear difference in the sort of methodical darkness that seems to overtake him toward the end. Still hard to believe he can get that way while keeping his "light" I liked that development. I had a feeling it was going to happen eventually. but I didn't expect to see it in the TV adaptation since its been such a short show.
3. Revy's interactions with the "baby maid" made something apparent that I don't think I would have realized otherwise and it is just sitting there in front of everyone's face the whole time. What Revy told Rock on the boat toward the end just proves it without doubt... Rock is the outsider who got forced in. In other words, the "light" that was pushed into "darkness" and Revy was drawn to that for her own reasons. To see her light showing glimpses of "darkness" was hard for her.
Roberta herself definitely battles both physically and mentally and she even realizes it and tells Garcia what she does at the end. To think if Garcia took a few more steps in his maturation a little faster maybe he wouldn't have frozen up the first time he had a chance touch Roberta and that in turn would have froze her in her tracks and snapped her back a little quicker to change her fate for the better.
Rock himself has always struggled and ultimately hasn't succeeded anytime before this to "save" anyone. I don't know if I would call him successful or not this time around but that man, while never having pulled a trigger yet in the show has turned out to be one twisted dude who seems to be ridiculously stubborn while hes at it. I do think his end plan for Garcia was genius. Garcia accomplished what he wanted because of Rock all while keeping his own sanity and not truly stepping into darkness like everyone else in the show who wasnt a victim or Benny-boy.
If you sat through the first two parts of Black Lagoon pick this up and finish it. If you haven't yet attempted to pick this up and have interest in either of the genres attached to it, then do so. They are short installments and well worth it if you ask me. It might really end up pulling at your heart a little bit. I'm glad I got to experience this one.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 8, 2020
"The Second Barrage" pretty much picks up right where the first installment left off. Still on the same Roanapur, with similar indulgences that one should expect if you watched the first installment. I won't spoil anything but I will say that the show remains very dark. There was a curve thrown in though. I thought back to it when I finished the season and I said to myself "I don't know if it was a subtle hint planted on purpose or was it actually just one of those things that happened to go hand in hand with one another"
I'm 99% sure I am over
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thinking that but regardless Rock and Revy end up taking a trip away from Roanapur. Rock has to help Balalaika with some things and in the process Revy goes with him to keep him safe. This excursion, not being one filled with pleasure in a paradise setting as one would come to expect. This being Black Lagoon and all, I guess that should be more of the normal for them, right? That being said I can say that the show itself seemed to "grow" a little over the course of both seasons.
With the closing of the first season being around the happenings of Garcia and Roberta and that seeming to be a much more plotted out short story, followed by starting the second season with the kids and counterfeiting it just felt like the show put more time into each sub story. Rock and Revi's time away from Roanapur was no exception.
I'm not exactly trying to say that this show evolved into something crazy. The show most definitely stays true to its roots. I personally got some small "Ghost in the Shell" vibes with the chess that was being played so to say at times and how if you really cared to try and follow the chess game you had to pay more attention then you expected.
Rock and Revy's time away from Roanapur was nice for me. There was a little more development to their relationship and you can see, even if its just a little bit that Revy actually cares for Rock and I think he does more for Revy then she might even realize at the current timing in the show. Rock kind of struggles within himself too but by the end of it he makes his choice clear to himself and everyone around him of what his life is now. What he told Revy to do for the kids in the playground was a clear indication of that for me, even though it probably scared those kids for life.
If you liked the first one I'd say pick this up and continue running with it. There are a few more moments that might make you feel a little something for one of the newer support characters introduced in this season but hey, a little feel or two never heart anyone. Balalaika even had a moment or two. It's obvious that chick not to be messed with but damn does The Second Barrage really give us a few big views on how detached/attached she can be. Stay on that chicks good side.
Another review for this show that I worry about struggling with something to write for multiple reasons but at then end of it all there's a waterfall... Hope these reviews can get a few people who are into Seinen or Action to finally pull the trigger on this series. It's definitely worth it if you ask me.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 2, 2020
Black Lagoon was a show I heard mentioned a few times over the course of time and I kind of just always left it alone. Fast forward many many years after recently stumbling across a few YouTube clips about Rock/Revi and I decided to give it a go.
The story while certainly fictional does have some elements within it that can make it seem as if it takes place in a time in our own history that isn't to far removed from today, around 1990 something. Modern day pirates of sorts. Getting hired to do a job and then attempting to carry out said job with
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as little headache as possible. I found it amusing that on occasion the internal bickering brought about headaches that made their jobs harder than needed.
There is definitely no shortage of profanity, tobacco, ammo, and weapons for all that ammo. I certainly can't forget all that machismo from some of the cast throughout the show. That's to be expected thought considering the circumstances. If you don't like any of those things then I'll say now, the show is not for you. The show itself isn't really "organized" which I actually like about it. I think it fits the theme pretty well.
Character development in the show kind of fits along with the theme of things too. How Rock gets thrown into Black Lagoon is a perfect example of this. He never expected it. It just happened. The cast kind of just coexists with each other along the way. There are little bits and pieces stirred up throughout that give us little glimpses into a persons deep dark past at times but that's about all we get.
Black Lagoon itself is a pretty dark show despite its bright setting and sometimes beautiful scenic shots. It would definitely be beneficial for the watcher to take a few things with a grain of salt. The bar fights, the chases, the duels and some other things are most certainly indulged because its an animated show. If you can handle all that and you just want some action with a pinch of sass then the show will do wonders for you.
Wow.... I wasn't expecting all this... If you stayed to the end I'm grateful. Really hope you found the read enjoyable.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 20, 2020
Every so often I'll take a look at an Anime compilation video. It just so happened I found out about World Trigger that way. I think it was one of those "Best fights of the 2010s" type things. I'd be lying if I said I remembered which fight from the show was featured but the important thing is that I found this Anime.
I was expecting a more usual 24ish episodes so it was to my surprise when I saw it was 73. This like some of the other longer Shounen out there start off kinda slow with the introductions of people and plot and whatnot
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but am I glad I sat through it. I was definitely surprised at the overall result and I'm super glad I stumbled upon this show.
I'm pretty sure this isnt the first Shounen that had aliens as the antagonists but I really enjoyed how everything was presented to the viewer and carried out. It all seemed to be going at a nice pace (Aside from those few episodes where half the episode was a recap of the last one or two episodes and then the second half was advancement. That happened more in the latter part of the show.
I liked the fact that even though the cast is pretty big and it is very obvious who the story is centered on a lot of people get a little screen time and get to have their own impact in their own ways. I feel you could really tell that it was a big organization filled with many different type of people with their own views and goals when it came to advancement and competition within Border but when it was time to get serious each of them would come together for the most part and handle serious business as needed to keep the citizens safe.
It might seem a little crazy but ever since I started my Anime watching I haven't come across many long Shounen that actually take time to build their supporting cast even a little bit. World Trigger reminds me of Yuu Yuu Hakusho and Hunter x Hunter and it was real nice. The only thing that started to bug me was the speed at which Mikumo is developing. This is mainly because he tried to do things that were above his level and he wasn't going to be able to absorb and learn from. Thankfully toward the end of things there were some nice steps taken and for me it felt like he made a nice amount of overall progress.
When I first started this adventure I wasn't expecting much, just a little time sync where I could get my fighting fix. Little did I know I was about to get hooked into another one of the Hunter x Hunter, Hajime No Ippo types. I recommend this to almost anyone who likes Shounen and those wanting to take a first dive into Shounen coming from Sci-Fi will have a relatively easy transition.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 5, 2020
Recently I found myself thinking back to shows I have seen in the past that took place in times of war. That left me wanting to see something similar again and I have to say Madan no Ou to Vanadis most certainly caught me a little off guard. Admittedly that is more than likely because I didn't bother to look at the genre tags. All I did was look at some of the pictures and glanced the synopsis
Given how it starts off I was expecting it to be exactly what I was looking for and while we do get that for sure, there is certainly
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some "Ecchi" and a whole lot more "Harem" throughout the short show.
I don't think that completely kills the show. It does still have some niceties about it, particularly in some of the characters themselves. Tigre himself might not seem like much at first glance but when the tough get going hes right there with them and I liked that. I was surprised the first few times when things happened as well. (Trying not to spoil here) He might have taken some heavy hits here and there but his brain as well as his precision with his weapon definitely don't make him one of those "ghostly" mains if you know what I mean
Similarly for Elen, I like that she was able to hold her own in her own way as well. The way it was done made it seem like they both contributed. I was very glad because I personally hate when a female lead who is portrayed as one who can contribute but is consistently shifted into the "damsel in distress" and starts screaming for her savior after her first attack. Some of the supporting cast made their own real impacts as well which is always a nice thing
I also won't hide the fact that this show actually made me do one of those "oh my that was unexpected" on a couple occasions that made me all hyped. Never thought I'd be saying that about this one.
Although Madan no Ou to Vanadis probably wont be one of those that really make you want to go watch it again and again over the years I do think its a good few hours away from reality that will keep you decently entertained. Ecchi and Harem aspects are just a bonus if you like those sort of things.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Aug 2, 2018
Hamelin no Violin Hiki isn't something I was really expecting to find in the world of Anime. I should know by now, with my ten plus years surfing the Anime ocean that there are some very unique series in a broad genre such as Shounen, Slice of Life or Comedy. This show definitely being one of them in the Shounen world.
This show begin more than 20 years old certainly shows its age. Most shounen these days don't get as "mythical" if I may as this one. That by itself is not necessarily a bad thing.
The story itself does take a few episodes to pick up
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in pace but was not done poorly overall for me. Centered around the mixed race Hamel and his quest, we see quite a bit of trials and tribulations during the journey. This is to be expected from the Shounen genre of course but the ending for me was a little unexpected.
It is actually put together pretty nicely and the touch of classical music added in the way they did it was pretty great in my opinion. How they went about naming all the characters that see more than 2 minutes of screen time around instruments in an orchestra was pretty neat too. There is also quite a bit of emotions going on which I think reflects well on the voice cast. They matched the energy that some of the compositions brought I think.
My biggest complaint about the show is actually the animation. I know the show has aged but seriously, there were plenty of times where you could see some obvious attempts at shrinking budget. Most common would be a still frame picture of the character who is taking on the screen with all their audio running. If it wasnt for that I would have definitely rated this show a little higher.
Hamelin no Violin Hiki is going to appeal to only a select group of people, especially with all the flash and style we see in current shows today. However if you are one who considers yourself adventurous I'd say give this one a go. If you can see passed the animation tragedy you might get to the end of the story and see the real one that was told.
P.S.
During the entirety of me writing this review its felt a little lackluster. I feel like I could have done better with it and part of me feels like I've managed to mirror what I feel about the animation job done in this show.
Hopefully this one is still an okay enough read and doesnt burn eyes out. Have a good night everyone. =D
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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