We start this episode with a strange confession from the woodwinds instructor. Niiyama-sensei apologizes to Mizore, admitting she was wrong about something she said to her earlier, that she “convinced herself there was a limit to Mizore’s potential”. It seems pretty odd that an instructor would give up on a student like that, but it gives Mizore a chance to prove her wrong, which she does but not seemingly in response to her sensei’s words. While the idea of having one’s limits is brought up by the teacher, it seemed to be just a way to show how far Mizore has come and the skills she’s developed through mindless devotion. Wouldn’t want to cram too many thematic elements into this show, after all. Continue reading →

So I had to look back into the previous season to confirm whether or not Kumiko was the character through which we followed the entire story. I know it sounds silly, she is the main character after all, but for some reason I felt the show was a little more open in terms of perspectives than what has been shown in the current season so far. From what I found, season one definitely follows Kumiko, at least in the beginning. Later on we get to see more points of view and scenes with other characters where Kumiko is not present. The reason I bring this up is because in the current season I feel like we’re may be following her a little too much. Right now, it’s through her that we find the viewpoints of the others, and it feels like Kumiko just happens to be in that position to inform the audience. Continue reading →

Before we get into this episode, I’m going to break it down into two simple parts: Pool, and not pool. The pool part of this episode is the pretty much the obligatory pool episode that finds its way into seemingly every modern anime out there. I obviously hyperbolize, but it does feel like a majority of high school slice of life series have a pool or beach outing in at least one episode. Now, I know some consider this to be pandering and “fanservice”, and for the most part I’d agree it usually is. However, a lot of people tend to dismiss these kinds of moments because, in a very simplified way, it’s needless sexualization. Continue reading →

Yup. It’s finally here. The much anticipated sequel season to what I’d argue was the best anime of 2015. That being said, I didn’t really watch much that year, so my opinion on the matter is pretty unreliable. But…look, it’s really, really good, okay? So of course I was going to do an episodic review of it this fall. I’ll be interested to see what those of you following along with my reviews think too, so don’t be afraid to share thoughts in the comments. Now, without further ado… Continue reading →