Freezing: Vibration - The Complete Second Seasonby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 8 Satellizer is a Pandora (a girl compatible with special nodes implanted in her body, giving her strength and powers), and Kazuya is her Limiter (male assistant, who can "freeze" Pandoras). In this second season, they, and many other Pandoras and their Limiters, have been sent to Alaska to help test the new E-Pandoras (Evolution Pandoras). The E-Pandora girls are not compatible with the nodes, but scientists are using them as guinea pigs to find an artificial way to create more Pandoras. As the truth about the experiments comes to light, the girls choose sides and gain insight into the bigger picture regarding their "alien" enemy.As with the first season, there is a mix of bloody, violent battles and large naked boobies (there is one petite girl). Even though they create their clothing in the same way as their weapons (almost digitally), the clothing tears easily, while the weapons hold up to battle. I guess logic wasn't as important as seeing naked breasts when this series was being conceived. Also, the girls spend most of their down time either naked or in sexy swimsuits in the pool, shower, and / or spa. We do see a couple actually working out in the gym as well, but it's an eye-candy show, for those that like this sort of thing. At least all this down time is used for conversations that actually pertain to and move the plot. There's lots of boobie groping as well, especially between one specific pairing of Pandora (the groper does seem to actually like the gropee, so there are feelings and not just the titillation of checking breast size as seen in many other series). The experimentations are truly scary. We learn about the reasons why these girls signed contracts to be E-Pandoras, which provides some perspective. Even with that perspective, I'm glad they decided to fight back when they realized just how expendable they were. The battles are not as brutal as Season 1, though the wounds are still nasty (and make me wonder how they can keep moving let alone fighting). It's interesting that the wounds Elizabeth gives Satellizer can't be healed at this location, but the wounds were specific on her body and served to get her temporarily out of Alaska for important plot purposes. I like that we get several new characters in this second season (with special powers / weapons we haven't seen before). Along with the three main E-Pandora girls, we get introduced to the top five world-ranked Pandoras, and before it's over, we get to see all of them fight. Interestingly, while Season 1 was very much about Satellizer and Kazuya, Season 2 isn't really about them. They're a strong part of Season 2, and we get to see Satellizer overcome the issue with her half-brother, but the story is really about E-Pandora Amelia, Pandora Elizabeth, and top-ranked Pandora Chiffon. Things unfold wonderfully, and by the end I appreciate the shift in focus, but I was not expected Chiffon to be such a major player -- the truths about her and the role she plays here are shocking and amazingly integral. I admire Amelia, but I also feel sorry for how things turned out for her; I wish there had been another way for her and Chiffon in the end, but it works well at the same time. Season 2 gets up close and personal with Satellizer's trauma as she once again falls into the twisted hands of her half-brother, Luis. Injured and cornered, she easily succumbs to her assailant's whims, once again being sexually assaulted by him. Thankfully, Kazuya's words and actions give her the strength, courage, and support to finally face her fears and stand up to her brother (also a Limiter) and his Pandora, Holly. I hated seeing her degraded, but it made this win so much sweeter. The only part I had trouble with was how quickly Luis accepted defeat, had a change of heart, and realized he had Holly all this time, though this does move the plot in the direction it needed to go. He is obviously quite mad, and such an obsessed, possessive, sadistic nature isn't just switched off like that. Holly, too, was warped by his madness, as she loved him and he spurned her because he wanted his half-sister. The whole thing is unpleasant to watch, but very well done. I'm glad to see this series continue, and I like the deeper (and darker) direction it's taken. There are some aspects that definitely made me think of Neon Genesis Evangelion, but Freezing managed to stay true to its own storyline. Once again, it wraps up while leaving things open for more, though I'm not sure how it could top this season. You can watch this without watching Season 1, partially because it assumes you know what Pandoras and Limiters are and partially because the character focus shifts. However, it's better to get the whole picture. There are several OVA episodes in the extras section that are short and push the envelope on the sex side of things. The first one has Amelia masturbating Satellizer while the other two E-Pandora watch (and all three E-Pandora are hooked up to cables that let them feel what Satellizer feels). I'm not sure what the clear suction cups over Satellizer's nipples were for, but it also takes place in a pastel vacume, giving it a dream-like feel. These mini-episodes mainly seem to push the envelope with Satellizer in particular, probably because she's the "Untouchable Queen," who is least likely to do anything sexual in this series. The one episode involving Luis is actually the least appealing, knowing that relationship (even though Satellizer is paired with Kazuya while Holly is with Luis) it just seems in poor taste. The last one is just silly, but it is also spoilery, so make sure to watch the OVAs after you've finished the series. I enjoyed this season equally as well as the first, though in different ways. It has great characters and an interesting story. The question you have to ask yourself is: Are you okay with lots of large, naked boobies, especially during battles and serious conversations? Written: April 7, 2015
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