Just to get us back in the groove, we are re-introduced as the war with the Neuroi takes a twist for the worse. Kicking off, we get straight to reassembling the team that led the fight starting with our friend to all living creatures protagonist and her mentor figure. But this is where the story lapses back to its slice of life mode and parallels the first season in how the story is presented. Its not saying that its bad, but the excitement built up is washed away, only to be replaced by the excitement you get for indulging in such a guilty pleasure. Thankfully, the series kicks back in to high gear once the pleasantries disperse. Its a great ride with a conclusive ending and there isn't much more satisfying than that.
Fanservice and the blatant lighting effects involved aside, the art is well done. Given that in-flight witches are sometimes rendered in 3-D, we are treated to more dogfights, and more action with little decrease in quality but say hello to uncanny valley. At least this time, there aren't any more plastic landscapes. Equipment is still as detailed as ever while the landscape looks as picturesque as could be, especially Rome (and I've been to Rome).
The sound holds up especially well, with the sound effects matching up well to the equipment used. However, it is once again, the soundtrack that does the score justice. It goes well with the scenes despite being a bit more prominent and adds to the series. In fact, there was this one track which serves as a prelude to an epic battle that should really have been named "Play this song and you will kick arse" and that serves as a triumphant example of what a soundtrack should do (in my opinion).
It is still more or less the same cast of characters so I was relieved when they were able to draw out more characterisation, how very little of it was left. Passable, and at least the side characters get some of their own little moments as well.
I can't say I didn't enjoy Strike Witches, guilty pleasure that it is, especially the Roman Holiday episode. Even if the plot is an excuse to see girls with a lack of pants fight aerial battles over the scenic Adriatic Sea, I find it hard to dislike. If you liked the first season, the second gives you more. And for those pining at the formal dissolution of the 501st, fear not, I suspect the 504th will pick up the sword and continue the fight.
