Arakawa Bridge^2 – final thoughts

And so the final curtain closes, and the spectacle under the bridge comes to its end.

Arakawa under the Bridge season 2 has ended. Here I offer my thoughts on the series as a whole. Normally I would reassure or warn based on whether I was including spoilers or not. In truth, I’m not even sure what “spoilers” are in relation to this show. In summary, I enjoyed watching this show, although some weeks more than others. I tackle the question of whether the ending was satisfying or not below.

Bulk Update: Arakawa Bridge^2 9; Bakuman 9 10; Zakuro 9 10

The face hidden behind the mask is revealed in Otome Youkai Zakuro.

I’m catching up on a bunch of titles. This seems to be the part of the season that shows use for filler-ish material. After this the mad rush to make things seem like they are coming to a conclusion will begin, so this time is often taken for side-tales and development of minor characters. The one real exception in this batch was Zakuro, which is slowly but steadily developing a real plot.

Arakawa Bridge^2 8 – delicate flower

The second half of this episode took place during a glorious sunset.

Episode 8 of Arakawa under the Bridge^2 sees the arrival of a new student in Ric’s class. A delicate flower who has the hots for teacher, she manages to steal Ric’s affections, leading to an epic battle with Nino.

Arakawa Bridge^2 7 – test of love

Nino warns everyone that space travel is dangerous, so before you pierce the atmosphere, make sure to get a check-up, okay?

Episode 7 of Arakawa under the bridge^2 is set clearly within the main plot. Unlike some episodes, in which the lovable hijinx could have taken place at almost any time in the series, here there is clear follow through on the idea that the village is planning to travel to Venus with Nino. Given the prudent thinking that typifies the under-the-bridge villager, it is only obvious that they would do a thorough examination of all of the villagers to assess their readiness for space travel. Actually it looks like Whitey and the Mayor had a disagreement, while draining a bottle of sake, over which of them was healthiest. Well, regardless, the result is that the villagers undergo a rigorous examination that assesses their readiness for astronaut duty.

Arakawa Bridge^2 6 – confession

Nino can even make a tux look good.

Episode 6 of Arakawa under the Bridge^2 returns us to the main arc for the season. This is exactly when Arakawa is at its best. All of the funny events that go on under the bridge due to the wacky characters that can be found there are entertaining, but I love this show best when we get to see the surprisingly serious side of these folks.

Bulk Update: Arakawa bridge^2 5, Bakuman 6, Hakuouki 16

Their boss is the Green Pheasant.

This post contains remarks about Yakuza, manga authors, and the Shinsengumi. Arakawa under the Bridge^2 episode 5, Bakuman episode 6, and Hakuouki Hekketsu-Roku episode 16.

Arakawa Bridge^2 4 – Halloween Special

Whaaaat!?! A Halloween special?

Yep. Episode 4 of Arakawa under the Bridge^2 is specially designed to scare Ric, and put everyone in costumes. Instead of following through on the storyline suggested last week, the village residents take some time out to smell the pumpkins.

Arakawa Bridge^2 3 – embarrassing secrets

Cookies! I'll give you cookies.

Arakawa under the bridge Bridge^2 episode 3 is remarkable, because there is a single plot throughout the episode. The main issue involves Nino’s mysterious background.

Arakawa Bridge^2 ep:2 – invasion

Arakawa under the bridge (Bridge^2) episode two picks up the story of the Amazoness, and introduces the Captain of the Earth Defense Force, making this the most confusing episode to date.

Arakawa under the Bridge x Bridge 1

Domestic tranquility under the bridge.

Arakawa under the Bridge is back for a second season (Bridge x Bridge, hereafter Bridge^2). Impressively they managed to kick it off not only with the usual random hi-jinx and crazy characters, but also with some strong hints about where the second season is going. For those unfamiliar with the first season, this is a wacky comedy show, with some unusually serious content swimming just below the surface.