The plot continues where the first season left off. Both Lawrence, our beloved travelling merchant, and Holo, his goddess (literally) travelling companion, continue their adventure to the north in hopes of returning Holo to her native homeland. During their travels, the duo run across old friends and new enemies, making this mecca no easy feat. And of course, Lawerence, being a skilled barterer and sly businessman, attempts to make a few extra coins to ensure they both travel in style and luxury.
There are a number of reasons why I enjoyed the second season just as much as the first and reasons why this season signifiantly fell short of my expectations.
The story itself was enjoyably simple. However, Lawerence and Holo spent most of the season hunckered down in one of two cities, trying to line Lawerence's pockets with gold and silver, then on breaking ground on a well beaten path. The adventure part of the first season, one of the most exilerating aspects of the show in my opinion because of its uncertainty, takes a back seat to second-class economic lessons spewed from the lips of our Wolf's protector and his collegues.
Now this was not necessarily all bad. Exileration comes in many forms, and the sheer excitment of making a fortune or losing the same can be just as heart pounding, if not more so, then escaping the clutches of evil. Spice and Wolf certainly takes its time in explaining exactly what deals are being made, the risks involved for both parties, the the possible outcomes, be it possitive or negitive, should the deal be struck. And then they explain it again. And then once more. This may come as tedious to some viewers, but I do enjoy the concepts of ancient dealings, and how they closely resemble todays trading as well.
As for characters, Lawerence is not only a skilled merchant, but as suave and charming as they come. His background knowledge of trade items obviously comes in handy, as do his trustworthy contacts and friends. He also preforms due dilegence before stricking a deal with an unknown client; a new, yet very necessary trait found in merchants. His character is that of a classy businessman, based off todays standards, and he is well rounded in his morals. Because of his trade, he is sometimes required to trust scoundrels, barter those dearest to him, and take the shady path in order to make a profit.
Holo the Wise Wolf is Lawerence's beautiful and enticing travelling companion. She is the love interest of the series, either beknown of unbeknownst to those who are willing to lay their hearts at her feet. Her beauty is unparelled, her tounge is sharp, and her taste buds seek only that of meat and mead. She is truly a goddess, not only as a term of flattery, but as for the fact that she has existed for centuries. She has amassed a great knowledge of many things worldly, yet is a complete virgin to others. She lives a care-free existance, with no stress in her life, and enjoys all the small things the world has to offer. She is a perfect counter-balance to Lawerence.
The animation thoughout the series sored on high standard wings yet again and I was often dumbfounded by the absolute brilliance of the architecture skewed throughout this season. The authentic look of churches, markets, and townhouses literally were jaw-dropping. The lightening was perfect, and with flawlessly timed background music, set the mood, so the viewer could feel like a fly on the wall.
But the most enjoyable part of this season was in the interaction between characters. It should go without saying that the most passionate and profound conversation invovled Lawerence and Holo, but all the dealings with all the minor characters were just as enjoyable. Each one felt very thought out. Words were not wasted and it felt like I was sitting in on two intellegent people conversing about meaningful topics. This was a nice change from the usual one liners, mindless quips, and filler speechs throwen in to extend many other anime series of today.
The slow pace, lack of adventure, and dialogue marathons, took some time to get used to. And the ending of the series, without spoiling anything, was very lack-luster, and empty feeling. But once you get into the series, once you embrace it for what it is (a unique and interesting story, a lesson in trade, and a "finding yourself" series), you will be hard pressed to not enjoy it. Without question, worth a watch.
