OVERALL COMMENT (8.8):
- Season 2 is a whole new level compared to season 1.
- Sometimes deep, other times, cheesy.
- The storytelling in ep 13 - 16 is MUY BIEN. I really wished the main storyline took the same somber feeling as the mafia backstory.
(I) VISUALS, DESIGNS, CINEMATOGRAPHY (9) & AUDIO (9.5)
(A) General Comments:
- Just like season 1, Bungo Stray Dogs greatly excels with their visual style.
- The transitions between scenes is smoothly done.
- I particularly like how the black screen comes in as the dialogue continues, giving the conversation a mysterious and ominous vibe.
(B) Title Screen cards:
- I appreciate they way they design Title screen. I also like how they start off with one-liners which sets the tone of the episode.
(C) Intro/Outro (Audio and visuals):
- Intro AND outro song is a VIBE.
- The neon noir visuals in Intro #1 is gorgeous. The use of neon typography over saturated scenes gives off dark mafia vibes.
- Intro #2 is also sick af
(D) Use of Audio/Music:
- Unlike s1 which used a lot of techno music, this season used classical instruments to depict a deeper and solemn atmosphere.
- Ep 15, the ringing, the muffled voice.
- Transitions between title screens, intros, and outros in this season is impactful.
(E) Character voice:
- The actors ARE the characters. They blend in so well and display emotions as if they were real (esp with Odasaku).
(II) CHARACTERS (9)
(a) General Comments
- Unlike in season 1, the atmosphere surrounding characters is much darker.
- Characters are mysterious, dimensional, and human. No one is truly bad, nor is anyone truly good either.
- Makes up for what season 1 had lacked.
- I really enjoyed seeing in the perspective of the Mafia, It was so well executed.
- The way they wrote in the character's perspective (esp with Odasaku) is *chef's kiss*.
Spoiler, click to viewclick to hide
(b) Dazai – visually aesthetic. I really enjoy his dark aura. Being able to divulge into his back story gives him more life.(c) Odasaku – ANGEL. Daddy vibes with the biggest heart. His dialogues were impactful and nicely written. The depth of character and complexity of his emotions was executed so well to the point that you can hear it through his voice and see it in his eyes.
(d) Akutagawa – Has a Danzai complex. Puppy at heart.
(e) Relationships – The relationship between Dazai and Odasaku, which explains the backstory of Dazai and his decisions, yet giving Odasaku the main platform. Well executed. I'm interested to see how Akutagawa grows next season and his relationship with Atsushi.
(f) Growth – Character growth this season is well done. Not just for the Armed Forces, but also the mafia and the guild was dimensional.
(g) Mafia – Has love for the city and has their own way of protecting it. A nice touch.
(III) PLOT (8.5)
- Ep 13 to 16 has the best story telling. Smooth and touching. But kind of went downhill after that.
- Some dialogues felt a bit forced.
- I'm glad they finally explained how Atsushi had gained control of his powers.
(IV) PACING (8.5)
- The first four episodes was such a BIG improvement, however, that momentum did not last. The consistency in story-telling is a bit weak.
- The beginning of the season started off so strongly. Oda's background and character, the dialogue and premise was memorable. If I could rate "Oda's arc", it would be a 9.5/10. But because I have to rate the whole season, it drops to an 8.8 (which is still good in my opinion).
(V) ENJOYMENT (8.5)
(V) PERSONAL IMPACT (8)
Spoiler, click to viewclick to hide
- Ep 15, with the ear-piercing ring, Odasaku screaming. 'I can no longer write a story'. This scene really makes your heart break along side his.
- Ep 16, The fact that the mafia became a licensed govt organisation, which explains why they're virtually untouchable in s 1. Odasaku's fight scene and final words is a 10/10 sad. He was such a beautiful and complex character.
- Ep 20, the end bit is nice, I like how the mafia is multi-dimensional, not good, but not bad.
- Ep 24, 'all we have is the right to waver. Like stray dogs that have hit rock bottom'.(VI) ENDING (9.5)
- Great wrap up.
- Connection to the beginning and an intro premise for the next season is nicely done. I also appreciated the humour.
