Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts - Season 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 8 Class F has fun, relationships get a bit more complicated, and school is almost forgotten. If you watched and enjoyed Season 1, you'll definitely find Season 2 enjoyable. I also recommend it to anyone who just wants some fun fluff, but if you haven't watched Season 1, you will face some points of confusion. The premise of the story in Season 1 is forgotten for at least the first half of Season 2. They use their avatars to fight, but the fighting isn't for amenities.The humor is ratcheted up with even more gender-related and cross-dressing humor. This series also includes a lesbian girl and a gay guy. They are used for humor, but less so than the straight relationships; plus, we are allowed to appreciate their feelings as "true" and not something to be mocked or thought less of, even when the person of their attention doesn't reciprocate those feelings. The first half of this season focuses on beach-side vacationing and attempts to peak on the girls' bath. I have to admire the various strategies the guys come up with, and they certainly get an A for effort, but I'm also glad to see them fail and get punished. No new characters are introduced, but two background characters from Season 1 are made the prominent "bad guys." They work well as foils (especially since they're royal jerks) for the main guys in Class F, Akihisa and Yuuji. Some episodes focus on relaying the history of a certain character; these are very well done and really explain how these characters got to this point in life and in school. Minami's is insightful, but very heavy compared to the rest of the episodes. The one that focuses on Yuuji and Shouko is my favorite, and I love finding out that Yuuji really is a genius (no wonder his strategies are awesome, even if the goals are sometimes flawed). The love triangle with Akihisa gets more complicated, and I find it difficult to decide who I would ship him with. Another episode I really like is the one where everyone's avatars turn into "monsters" showing their true nature and there is a scare-off of sorts. Many of these new avatars are a perfect depiction of their character's true nature; I particularly like Yuuji's werewolf. I also like that the two gay characters team up since their goals are similar; they are a scary team to behold! There was a third disc marked "Extras," but my copy was just a duplicate disc of disc 2, so I have no idea if I missed anything or not. Disc 2 does contain a commentary, but I avoid watching those. While I wouldn't consider this anime to be re-watchable, it is a guilty pleasure to enjoy something mindless that takes the time to develop the characters. Written: March 31, 2013
|
|
|
Home |
Features |
Columns |
Culture Vultures |
Report Card
Indicia | Contact | Archives © Sequential Tart, 1998 – 2021 |
