The only department I believe Re:Zero lacks in compared to its 2016 entry is it's overarching story arc. The premise of these 25 episodes is much harder to summarize and understand. Even as a veteran web novel reader such as my self, the "end goal" of arc 4 is somewhat difficult to keep track of. Contrasting this story to that of season 1, and there are much easier digestible narratives. Arc 1: Stop Elsa from killing Emilia. Arc 2: Find out who is killing Subaru at the mansion. Arc 3: Kill the white whale and stop the witch cult. The best summary I can give to arc 4 is to "save the sanctuary". Now the whole, "what" and "why" of this plot does not really reveal itself until almost the very end. It seems that the characters with all the knowledge pulling the strings behind the scenes don't even know what the sanctuary is themselves.
Is this this to say the story is bad? Absolutely not. In fact, many web novel and light novel reader agree this is one of, if not the best arc so far in the story. There are definitely elements of this plot I love and prefer to that of season 1. Although the story is more convoluted and mysterious, does not make it bad.
The very beginning is what hits hardest. Subaru losing Rem puts him at his lowest yet. This is an element that I love.
Compare the end of season 1:
To the beginning of season 2:
The parallels are extremely prevalent. The ending of season 1 is joyful, happy, feels like the work has finally paid off. Then everything is immediately taken away at the beginning of season 2. Right back to square one. Right back to zero (I'm sorry).
In all seriousness though, this is a great element for storytelling and subverting expectations which is brought up a number of times throughout this season. Other examples include us being introduced to Roswaal in full body bandages the first time we see him. Subaru's parents being extremely supportive of him etc. These are parts of the story that you don't expect. You don't expect such a powerful figure such as Roswaal to greet Subaru in a full body cast. You don't expect a NEET like Subaru to have an athletic and outgoing dad along with a caring and loving mother. There are dozens of other great forms of expectation subversion in this arc which is what kept me coming back for more.
I also really enjoyed the trials of the sanctuary. It was an amazing idea to tie them in with the whole "what if" part of Re:Zero. The dealing with your past, what could have been, and what could become is a subtle but ingenious nod at the "return by death factor". I was a lot more engrossed in the first of both Subaru and Emilia's trials compared to both of their second and third ones however. They just didn't feel as developed.
Along with the trials there is a a great deal of this arc expanding on the lore of the world of Re:Zero which in my opinion is one of its strongest elements. Tappei has really fleshed out the history and background of the world, magic, characters, and mythos. We got glimpses and hits of such aspects in season 1, but season 2 cranks it up twofold. Seeing new monsters, learning about new technology, and meeting new characters is what keeps viewers interested.
Season 2 also contains some of my favorite episodes of the whole series. Season 2 has some of the strongest continuing streaks of just incredible episodes, I was thoroughly impressed on just how good the episodes continued to be. Part 2 especially started on the right foot incredibly well. Some of the best episodes in the entire series are shown within Season 2 which I did not expect.
Overall season 2 definitely sets itself to be ambitious and expand on the scope of the Re:Zero story. Although more sophisticated, it has continued to deliver some of the greatest fiction in current anime.
Natsuki Subaru: Comparing Subaru from the beginning of season 1 the beginning of season 2 is incredible. He has grown so much throughout the story. The story of season 1 showed us how he overcame his selfish tendencies. Season 2 shows us how he becomes a leader. He takes initiative of the his opportunities and does his best to help everyone. Is he perfect? Absolutely not, he still makes mistakes which cost his own and other people's lives. But he is much more of someone you'd strive to be like in this season. I am excited to see him on screen in the future because he will only keep improving.
Echidna: I somewhat figured the anime community would go crazy of Echdina, but didn't foresee the extent of her popularity. She is terrific. Not necessarily the "antagonist" of the season, but definitely not someone you're exactly rooting for either. Her development builds up slowly throughout the two parts, but the second cour gets most of the meat from her backstory and motivation established. I greatly enjoyed her interactions with Subaru and the other witches as well, she definitely carried herself as the most sophisticated and "pleasant" of all of them. Overall, a fine edition to the series who I'm excited to see more of in season to come.
Emilia: Emilia is easily the most improved character from season 1. Her screen time is easily doubled from her previous 25 episode inclusion. If season 1 was the Rem show, season 2 is the Emilia performance, we get to know so much more about her motivations, struggles, and insecurities. She by no means has been pictured as the "damsel in distress" in the series, but she also didn't seem that much more capable than that of Rem or Ram to defend herself. Her timid persona grew out of her shell with the help of the trials and becoming a leader to the people of sanctuary. Her backstory was one of the highlights of the entire series, seeing child Emilia along with a pre-insane Petelgeuse was extremely satisfying. To me Emilia has been "best girl" since the beginning, but I think season 2 really showed how greatly written a character she really is.
Garfiel: Another fantastic addition to our main cast. He was the character I was probably most excited to seen on screen from reading the Web Novel and I think they nailed him perfectly. His persona and short fused personality was captured perfectly. Garfiel's backstory as well was very adapted. Nothing much more to be said other than he is a great ally to the Emilia camp.
Otto: From watching season 1, I thought Otto would be a one off character that wouldn't be seen again after season 1, but I'm glad they didn't because he was a delight to watch on screen and compliments Subaru well. Although it is interesting to learn and get to meet the "extra ordinaries" of the Re:Zero world, the regular people can be just as alluring as well. Granted, he can speak to animals due to his divine protection, but he's about as grounded as it gets when you're apart of Subaru's team. Otto was definitely a captivating member of this season and I am anticipating more of him.
Beatrice: Beatrice was also a greatly improved character form season 1. She doesn't see the limelight that much, but when she has the audiences attention you know there's bound to be something funny happening I suppose. Her finally accepting Subaru even though he wasn't "that person" was gratifying. She plays a lot larger role in later arcs and her relationship with Subaru is one of my favorites of the entire series so I can't wait for future content featuring our favorite magical loli.
Roswaal: Roswaal's motivation was left as a mystery in season 1. We get to learn more about his relationship with Echidna and how he became the person he is today and his tie in with the whole story. If there were any antagonist in this season it would probably be him. I was still left a bit by some of the decisions he decided to make and his place in the story, but he wasn't awful. I still think he is a great part of the season and hope we get to see more of him in the future.
Although I don't think Re:Zero is doing anything exceptionally different compared to it's peers in the anime industry, its animation is nothing to scoff at. White Fox's level of detail is as good if not better than it was in season 1. I know there were some strange complaints of of the animation during the beginning of part 1 but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
The animation overall is great, I think the action was very stratifying to watch and they nailed what Tappei was trying to show in his writing. My favorite scene was easily the battle between Garfiel and Elsa outside the burning mansion, you could tell quite a bit of the budget was put in to make it look especially nice and it was noticeable.
Re:Zero's art isn't something industry defining, but it doesn't need to be, as long as it keep you engaged and isn't distracting it does its job perfectly.
Although I prefer the season 1 OST, season 2's is still done exceptionally well. Realize was easily my favorite OP of the season and Believe in you was my favorite ED. The insert songs were a particular highlight of this season. I tend to not focus too much on the music besides the OP and ED, but a lot of the voice over music really caught my ear and made me enjoy the season quite a bit.
As stated with the Art section, as long as it isn't distracting and takes you out of the element, then its fine. Very few anime I think can redefine how the music is used in anime and I don't think Re:Zero is one of them, but it isn't a bad thing. Re:Zero's soundtrack is commendable for its great work in season 2.
Although it doesn't mean much I REALLY hope the composers at White Fox continue to feature these songs starting with "re". Redo and Realize are both great. Season 3 perhaps could feature "Redemption" or "Remember"? I have plenty more suggestions for them if they'd like.
It's no surprise that Re:Zero is my favorite anime series of all time. Season 2 definitely impressed me with how genuinely perfect some episodes were. Some of the strongest points across the board came from season 2. I fell in love with the story from the very start, and I haven't given up on that love since. Season 2 strengthened that love even further and I'm more that excited to see so many others find out how great this show is. There is so much to love about season 2 of Re:Zero, it truly was a great continuation to my beloved anime. If you have not already done so please watch season 1 and immediately follow it up with season 2 some of the best fantasy isekai in all of anime.
I really enjoyed the follow up to the 2016 hit season. I just pray we don't don't have to wait another 4 years for a third season.
Favorite Episodes
Episode 1: Each One's Promise
Episode 2: The Next Location
Episode 3: The Long-Awaited Reunion
Episode 4: Parent and Child
Episode 7: Friend
Episode 8: The Value of Life
Episode 10: I Know Hell
Episode 11: The Taste of Death
Episode 12: The Witches' Tea Party
Episode 13: The Sounds That Make You Want to Cry
Episode 14: STRAIGHT BET
Episode 15: Otto Suwen / A Reason to Believe
Episode 16: Nobody Can Lift a Quain Stone Alone
Episode 17: A Journey Through Memories
Episode 18: The Day Betelgeuse Laughed
Episode 23: Love Me Down to My Blood and Guts
Episode 24: Choose Me
Episode 25: Under the Moon, A Crazy Step
Official Scores
Story: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Art: (9/10)
Music: (8/10)
Personal Enjoyment: (10/10)
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