Everyone's favorite titular bastard is back and honestly? I liked this batch of episodes more than the first batch, but it was still plagued by the problems of the source material. When I say mixed feelings about this anime, it's more like a swirled cone of like and dislike. Things like the characters, general plot, and ability to create dramatic tension and suspense while punctuating it with humor keeps me watching this series. However, things like dubious consent, parental figure to child exploitation that's reinforced by other characters, and ripping away female character's agency strategically just gives this anime an antiquated and nasty feel. I watched the first batch of episodes not knowing what all would go on in this anime and somehow it's compelling enough I'm still here and I'll probably watch the next installment when it arrives as well. I just want to know what will happen next and if this new anime will get a proper ending since the manga was cancelled years ago.
If you enjoyed the first batch of episodes, then you'll like this batch too. I think that this second batch is more engaging and has higher stakes. You can tell the narrative is more solid here. If you're new to the series and reading this because you're trying to decide if you want to watch the anime in general, then please be aware that the main character is truly a bastard but the narrative and other characters around him can't always see it and sometimes end up approving of some of his bastardness (like the aforementioned adopted daughter/lover). It's one of those anime where sometimes you just have to hit the fast forward button every so often depending on how you feel about such things. This is why I don't think I could ever properly recommend it.
