

Another huge plus I have to give to this season is Kirito as a character. Finally do we see the build-up of everything he's gone through to really ask "would he be able to live with all this tragedy?" And so we see a kind of purgatory hell that he finds himself in, unable to forgive himself for all that he has caused or the lives he's taken. It's an interesting approach to giving the weight of his actions and mistakes front and center attention. However, this does not really elevate anything beforehand, because we don't really see it building up besides a failed attempt at exploring his PTSD in season 2. We know he's witnessed a lot of death in his life, some being his own fault but wasn't very well explored until now. But nevertheless, this segment was very well done and made Kirito engaging to watch.
And of course, we have the rape scene. It's never going away is it? This one is arguably one of the worst, tentacles are back and the scene in question is boring, gross, and completely out of left field. It really goes to show that not only does the author (I'm assuming its in the manga) like rape scenes as a kink, but uses them for the sole purpose of saying "bad person bad" and that's about it. Gross stuff, and really goes to show that these are used as mere sick "fan service."
I also feel the need to address the end of the season, the aftermath portion. Typically I appreciate when a story does this, giving more closure than simply ending it right after the final climax if the story has reason to. In Sword Art Online's case, I do think it is necessary to have but I won't act like its anything engaging or interesting. It makes Alice a real world person, somewhat like Yui but in full human form which is a bit unnerving. It also sets up a potential next season with the consequences of this season which I am a fan of. Actions and consequences from the past having effects on the future is always much more impactful than throwing in the towel and setting up something completely new.
With all of that in turn, we have a pretty good season with worse things that stick out compared to the first half but have interesting and well executed ideas that have been building throughout both parts in a satisfying way.14 out of 18 users liked this review