Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season Part 2

The second part of the second season of Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- follows through on expectations with an extremely strong start and finish, and is the climax of character motivations, backstories, and questions built up over the arc. Subaru, in addition to other noteworthy examples such as Emilia and Otto, are great examples of endearingly imperfect characters with infectiously optimistic convictions struggling to people despite their mistakes or weaknesses. This includes displaying trust and reliance for others, gaining understanding through misunderstanding and meaningful discourse, and striving to improve as an individual. Even our seemingly minor actions can lead to positive change.

The second part of season 2 is probably the best of the series. I am relatively indifferent about Re:Zero and was not impressed with season 1, the movie, and season 2 part 1. However, things finally start making sense! At least, to a certain point.

Following the first part, Subaru wants to save everyone from impending doom. Unlike previous times, he seems determined to reach this goal this time. No more whining, despair, etc. - actual action and resolve. From this aspect alone, I thoroughly enjoyed these episodes much more than the prior 40-odd episodes.

As for what I don't like, the world-building is not good. ... Yes, the characters get fleshed out more in this season, yes, we learn more about the history. But I'm stuck with the feeling that there is so much I don't understand and yet expected to know about. As a simple example, why was the Sanctuary even created? From my understanding, there was some sort of attack about 400 years ago, but there isn't much detail on it besides that. For a location that spans the course of 2 seasons, I would have hoped there would be more explanation on the background. I am left with many questions regarding the actual magic and fantasy of the world. Since the focus of the story is more on the relationships and personal virtues of each character, this quality falls under.

I absolutely despise the relationship between Subaru and Emilia. Why does it feel like there has been no actual development between these two characters in the 40 episodes leading up to this season? Oh wait, there hasn't. This guy, who probably spawned into this made-up world about a month ago, is suddenly and instantly devoted to this white-haired half-elf, with no real good explanation except for the fact that she is a kind soul and pretty. It's the fact that Subaru has been dying over and over again and trying different things to save everyone, that there has been a complete lack of relationship development between them. I have hated Subaru's devout worship of Emilia because 1. it's boring (and unrealistic, but that's beside the point), and 2. there was nothing leading up to justify why he should be a complete suck-up. I also fail to see why Emilia is shown as some savior of the world, why she needs to be protected at all times, when she realistically has not done anything special. And the gimmick gets old - Puck is sworn to protect her at all times, Subaru is supposedly her knight in shining armor - at this point, can she even do anything by herself? All in all, if this anime is a "romance," then I'm Batman.

Overall improvement compared to the disappointing prequels. Not perfect by any means, but it has its moments.

The second season amplifies the first's problems while dragging out its story. The Sanctuary arc introduces Echidna as yet another addition to the potential harem, complete with manipulative tea parties that try to be unsettling but end up feeling like another romance flag. Can you imagine drinking someone sperm? No, right? Why would you drink her disgusting stuff. If Subaru took up her contract, it will be If route: Greed, Subaru would died 100 mil times of cheap death which is a viral sound on tiktok. Absolutely lame

Emilia yaps more. Despite her supposed power and importance, she constantly needs Subaru's help. Do you feel this ... is like blind lead blind? Pathetic. Her past trauma but never quite delivers on making her a fully realized character.
Beatrice's storyline is weird, she choose to be alone and wait for THE ONE, she can even just die inside the castle BUT subaru has to safe her because she can also become his harem partner. The "choose me" scene aims for emotional impact but leads to awkward parent-child dynamics, just because he choose to save everyone. A 400 years old women stuck in an underage girl's body, he constantly hugging her and hold hand like she is a child. If this not promoting pedophilia behaviour, I don't know what is.