Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 1: Each One’s Promise
Re:Zero 2 episode 1 – Like Dejà Vu All Over Again
Well, here we are at what has to be one of the most anticipated anime debuts of recent times and certainly the most anticipated of the season. Before we start, let me just tell you about my thoughts on season 1, since I don’t think I ever reviewed it. To be honest, I haven’t watched it in a while, and I realized pretty quickly that I had forgotten some details. But still I do remember that I enjoyed the first season quite a bit. I liked the groundhog day device, I really enjoyed the high fantasy world and even the political machinations were interesting to me. And I remember that it got really brutal towards the end, and I enjoyed that as well. It seemed like a natural escalation and the shock worked on me. This said, I think it could have used more Beatrice, because most things can, and the love triangle plot was by far my least favourite part. Just don’t like love triangles… Except maybe in Utena… also remember that I found the ending of season 1 very disappointing but I don’t remember why…
How about you Crow? Any thoughts on season 1 before we start?
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 2: The Next Location
Re:ZERO Episode 27 – The Lost Forest Of Clemaldy
Re:ZERO Episode 27 (or Re:ZERO Season 2 Episode 2): If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Re:ZERO, it’s that if Subaru and Emilia are getting along, something dreadful is about to happen. You could argue that dreadful things are always happening in Re:ZERO, and I would have to agree. But Emilia enjoying with with Subaru seems like a leading indicator. This episode drove that message home again.
Before we get into season 2 episode 2 (or Re:ZERO Episode 27), “The Next Location,“ how are things with you, Irina? Have you gotten used to wearing masks yet?
Oh yeah, I actually took to it pretty quickly. I worked in labs for a long time so I was used to protective gear. Now I feel like I’m cosplaying a yankee character or something. It’s a ball. We’re still super careful up here. New cases have been declining for a good while now, but regulations are getting stricter and I’m all for it. In fact everyone is.
I wonder if there are protective kitsune masks…. That would be cool.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 3: The Long-Awaited Reunion
Re:Zero 2 episode 3 – Sanctuary
I really like the word “Sanctuary”. I think it just sounds nice. I have this weird thing where I randomly like words sometimes. My favourite in English at the moment is clockwork. Great word! This is an even weirder start to a post than my usual offerings. Sorry about that Crow, seems you’re in for a rough ride. How about you tell us a bit about your week to get everyone eased in.
It’s been an interesting week in the USA. Too interesting. So, let’s stay with the word “Sanctuary” instead! It reminds me of Logan’s Run. Loved the movie. Jenny Agutter and Michael York were great leads. The book was better, but the movie caught me at a good time. Great soundtrack, too.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 4: Parent and Child
Re:ZERO Season 2 Episode 29 – That Should Not Have Worked
Re:ZERO season 2, episode 4 (or 29, depending on which numbering scheme you subscribe to),“Parent and Child,” hit me like a bag of hammers. It reminded me a lot of season 1 episode 18, “From Zero,” when Subaru and Rem basically stood around and talked. Seriously, now: how the heck does Tappei Nagatsuki make that kind of thing so interesting? In this episode, I just watched a kid hang out with his mom and dad for 20 minutes until he met a witch. And I’m emotionally exhausted!
Before we get into the episode, how are things with you, Irina? Having a decent week?
So far so good. We’ve been having a cool wet summer so far and I’m certainly not complaining. It’s perfect for staying at home and enjoying some anime! Admittedly I would probably have done that anyways.
Irina will be in bold this week; there will be spoilers.
I will and there will!
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 5: A Step Forward
Re:Zero 2 episode 5 – Once More Unto the Breach
Hello one and all. I’m glad you could join us for this 5th episode of re:Zero. We are creeping to the midway point already. Man, seems like the season just started. But before we dive in, How are you enjoying the shorter more concise posts I’ve been trying to put out Crow?
Wow! Start off with a loaded question! I’ve always liked your writing style and content, and I still do. It’s like comparing two gems. Do I like the emerald, or the ruby? They’re both high quality gems, so I’ll invoke my Old El Paso rights and say I like both!
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 6: The Maiden’s Gospel
Re:ZERO Season 2 Ep 31 – Knifey And The Three Maids
I’m glad you could join us for our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2 Ep 31 (or 6 if you’re counting from the start of the season) called The Maiden’s Gospel. If you’re wondering if the show’s lost any of its punch, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say no, it’s still very punchy. Before we dive in, any opening remarks, Irina (of I Drink and Watch Anime fame)?
I’ve updated my router and now my streaming is all smooth and quick like a bunny. It makes watching anime a real pleasure. You know it’s the little things you don’t really notice. I never had any issues watching anime before or anything. It’s just that once in awhile the image quality would go down. No big deal. It’s a little thing I probably would have hardly noticed at all if I wasn’t taking all those screencaps.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 7: Friend
Re:Zero 2 episode 7 (32) – Beatrice’s reasons
Hello, all. I hope you are enjoying your summer despite everything. If there’s one thing I’m appreciating, is that we are actually having a pretty mild summer here. And with just the perfect amount of rain. You know where it rains almost every day, but only for about an hour or so. Most of the time it’s nice and sunny but everything is all green and lush. If it wasn’t for well… everything… it would be a really wonderful summer.
How about you Crow? How are things on your end?
Aside from everything, not bad! I’m super grateful my job is something I can do 100% remotely. I’m also happy I bought my Acer Predator gaming monitor. Turns out it’s great for work, too! As far as the weather goes, we were lucky the derecho missed us. Those things are dangerous!
Looks like I’m in un-bolded text (what a relief!). Also, there will be spoilers.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 8: The Value of Life
Re:Zero 2 Episode 33 (Or 8) – Before I Heard You, I Saw You
Before we talk about Re:ZERO 2 episode 33, I’d like to say that the weather’s a bit odd here in Ohio, USA. We’ve had a few storms strike north to south and a few others striking south to north. We’re pretty much a west to east sort of state, so this change in status is bewildering. I think 2020’s trying to tell me something, and it’s probably a monosyllabic Anglo-Saxon word. Ending in “you.”
How’re things in your part of the world, Irina?
Montreal weather traditionally s*cks. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Aside from about a month and a half during September and October, it’s really more of an indoor city. Winters get unpleasantly cold. There is lots of beautiful snow that pretty much turns to brown slush instantly and freezing rain ice storms have become increasingly common. Our power lines aren’t buried cause we never learn. We cover the streets in salt that corrodes everything, ruining boots and cars alike. The summers get uncomfortably hot and it’s ridiculously humid making everything instantly sticky.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 9: Love Love Love Love Love Love You
Re:Zero 2 episode 9 (34) – Natsuki Subaru and the Magical Maniacal Menagerie
Hi Crow, you might have seen my Twitter earlier today. If you did you know I’m currently in a mood to talk about anime with someone that happens to like anime and well, I couldn’t have picked anyone better than you!
I’m not sure you’ve ever watched an anime you didn’t like and that’s exactly what I need right now. Fortunately, most people seem to be digging ReZero this season!
So how was your day?
I just saw your Tweet. Sorry I didn’t see it sooner — been a bit of a rough day. The problem with negativity is that in the moment, it can feel so sweet. Its cumulative effects, though, are usually painful. I talked about it a bit in an editorial back in summer 2018. I’m glad you reached out like you did — you’re smarter than I was! And full disclosure: There was one anime series that I didn’t like. I tried, but it beat me. That anime was Taboo Tattoo. And it had such promise, too!
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 10: I Know Hell
Re:ZERO Season 2 Episode 35 (Ep 10) – The Witch’s Tears And The Apostle Of Greed
Irina, do you remember Planet With? This isn’t a random question, though it looks that way! I ask because one of the things that struck me about the series is how much it was able to pack into a single episode. I’d never seen a series be so plot-rich. Not only that, but it felt right. It never felt overwhelming. I thought it was unique in this regard. After watching I Know Hell, Re:ZERO Season 2 Episode 35 (a.k.a. episode 10) in particular and this season in general, I think Planet With has met its match. I usually take about 400 words of notes about an episode. I’d taken about that much in the first four minutes of this episode.
Before we dive in, how was your week, Irina?
So far so good. That long weekend really came at a good time. I’m looking forward to the next one. Who should I be petitioning to just have 3 day weekends from now on? Or maybe I should just stop working during my usual weekends and that would make everything better.
I’ve never watched Planet With, but you have piqued my curiosity. I’m adding it to the queue.
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 11: The Taste of Death
Re:Zero 2 episode 11 (36) – Fridge Horror
I’m not sure how I’m going to go about this one. I have very mixed feelings about this episode. Not very strong feelings mind you. I started out not liking it. I know the fans of this series are pretty protective and I’m bound to get a comment or two. That’s fine, it’s all good to stand up for your favourite show. But tears and shouting have never really been my thing and there was quite a bit of both in this episode.
But even though there are a lot of elements I simply didn’t like at all, I sort of ended up interested in what the episode implied. And to me, that’s always going to be a plus. I am looking forward to Subaru taking a step forward. With two episodes left in the season, I wonder if he’s just going to get stuck in this present loop until the next one. At least, it’s already scheduled so he won’t be in limbo for years to come.
What do you think Crow, would you like to see him break out of this particular reset before the end of the season or are you good with waiting till next summer?
This episode was tough. I’m so invested in these characters that I was exhausted by the end. More than a little freaked out, too. I like how you said that you’re interested in the implications. Despite the powerful, over the top emotional moments, the episode had a lot of subtle gestures, and I’m looking forward to talking about those!
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 12: The Witches’ Tea Party
Re:Zero 2 Episode 37 (Or 12) – Evil Rem And The Uninvited Guest
Welcome to our collaboration review of Re:ZERO Season 2, episode 37 (or 12, depending on how you’re counting), “The Witches’ Tea Party.” Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I are about to share our reaction and perspective on the episode. I think we’ll have some interesting thoughts to share with you. And if previous episodes are any guide, I hope you’ll have some fascinating comments to share with us. This series has generated some fantastically thoughtful and insightful comments.
Before we get started, how’re things for you, Irina? I’m about to have new siding installed. While I’m excited about the new look, and I won’t mourn for the loss of the old siding (it’s about 30 years old, I think!), my finances are really annoyed with me!
I’m on the tail end of a pretty bad flu that has been chasing me for a bit over a week. I’m really looking forward to not having my nose and ears clogged. Otherwise I’m o.k. No siding issues here!
I’m still working from home and we got a first notice of a tentative return to the office in January 2021. I told them they would have to physically come get me and drag me back kicking and screaming. They think it’s a joke… I wish them luck!
Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World – Season 2 Episode 13: The Sounds That Make You Want to Cry
Re:Zero 2 episode 13 (38) – What is Taken Shall Be Returned
Here we all are! It’s the end of another anime season and I must say, fall is looking very exciting indeed. II have been feeling the buzz all over the internet for this new season. Everybody is looking forward to the new shows. And I must say, I am as well.
For those of you who don’t know, I only watch currently airing anime that I am reviewing episodically. That’s not exactly a rule but it just worked out that way. And I try to cajole, trick, blackmail Crow into doing at least one with me every season. In fall we are continuing with the fantasy anime by watching the latest season of Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon or IIWTTTPUGIAD… I guess you could also call it Danmachi. I hope that wasn’t supposed to be a surprise Crow? I can edit this out if you like!
By myself, I will be continuing my Fire Force review. You guys are missing out if you are not watching the second season of Fire Force. The second cour of Haikyuu To The Top. The First cour was phenomenal and this is probably my most anticipated new season. And I’m picking up Noblesse to continue my Crunchyroll x Webtoon coverage.
Are you looking forward to the new season Crow? If it’s not a secret, do you know which shows you’re watching?
RE: Zero has turned out to be the top anime of the season for me. It just keeps getting darker and darker! Subaru seemed like he was trapped in a loop that got even more horrific with every iteration until it completely broke him. This anime started out as an adventure isekai and evolved into straight-up horror as the victim struggles uselessly against a dark fate. (I like it when I get to use the words anime and horror in the same sentence.)
I hear what you say about “Logan’s Run.” One of the great SciFi movies of that era. Loved her and York. I was reallyhoping Darling in the Franxx would go in that diresction. It kind of sort of did but not before taking detours through a half dozen other borrowed plotines before getting there. This created a muddled mess.
If you want to see Jenny Agutter at the beginning of her career, check out an Aussie film titled “Walkabout.” She is still active. She had small roles in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “The Avengers.” Currently, she plays Sister Julienne in in the BBC series “Call the Midwife.”
I like the way you phrased how you look at this series. It’s the equal, I think, of any Greek classical tragedy. I think it’s one of those series that has crossed into the realm of literature, even though society’s current sensibilities don’t recognize it.
Their loss.
“I was reallyhoping Darling in the Franxx would go in that diresction. ”
Me, too. The potential in that series was astounding. They set up one series, took it to the breaking point, then change to another thing entirely. I cannot think of another series that disappointed me more, and it was primarily because they’d set the my expectations so high.
Sigh.
I saw Jenny Agutter in Walkabout a while ago. I didn’t know she was still active — I’m glad to hear it! I had a huge crush on her when I was in high school!
I think it was too many studios arm-wrestling over what they wanted it to be. Evangelion knockoff? Brave New World? Star wars? Mecha? Native genocide by technologically superior culture? Teenage angst and love story? The ending came straight out of “What Things May Come.” It didn’t pick an arc and stick with it.
Still, the swimming scene is still the most fabulous character introduction!
“Still, the swimming scene is still the most fabulous character introduction!”
That’s the kind of thing that breaks my heart. The series had such amazing potential. Zero Two was wonderful. The supporting cast worked, especially with Zero Two at the center. But the direction they went…
Zero Two was such a wonderful character that I’m seriously tempted to go back into fanfic to give her a better ending.
And they started some yuri and really never did anything with with. It drove me nuts!
They had a blank slate, too. They could have made some strong statements. But didn’t.
Yeah, and drove me nuts, too!