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.

Fall 2010 Plans

I never write up comprehensive previews of upcoming seasons (let alone with a quill pen), I like to leave that sort of thing to those more knowledgeable, so take a look at the Star-Crossed Anime Review, for a thoughtful and comprehensive write up of the season. For those more visually oriented, He Who Propels the Cart Forward has prepared a chart for at-a-glance consultation. Instead I merely want to convey my plans regarding Fall 2010 anime viewing/blogging.

First the shows I’ll be blogging:

1. Arakawa Under the Bridge X Bridge. The first season was very fun and I’m hoping this second season will deal directly with the lingering question of Nino’s background (mental stability).
2. Hakuouki 2. Historical drama with fantasy extras. The Shinsengumi have retreated from Kyoto at the start of the Boshin War.
3. Bakuman. I’ve been looking forward to this since Sapphire Pyro recommended it as a story about people pursuing a career.

These shows didn’t make the above list because three shows is enough, but did show potential:

• Iron Man. Definitely will be reading reviews as they come out in hopes that this turns out well.
• Kuragehime. I’m behind on my Noitamina series. I’m working on a Paradise Kiss review, and after that I want to pick up Tatami Galaxy again, so this one is going to have to wait.
• Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru. I like the girl in love with mystery angle, but am burnt out on maid cafes.

Arakawa under the Bridge 13 (S1 final)

Nino X Ric.

Arakawa under the Bridge‘s final episode … scratch that. The final episode of season one has aired. Yes! A second season has officially been announced. As some had previously guessed, this episode was dedicated to comedy, and barely touched on the deeper plot. As a result, Arakawa under the Bridge left me laughing, and looking forward to more.

Arakawa under the Bridge 12: wishes

Sister doesn't just bake cookies.

This episode wrapped up the series about as much as you might expect. Due to Nino’s wish, or the intervention of a wandering samurai, or Papa Ichinomiya’s final acknowledgment of the legitimacy of Ric’s efforts, the village has been saved.

Arakawa under the Bridge 11: ties that fail to bind

Arakawa under the Bridge episode 11 features the various relationships, familial, business, political, and lover, that constitute Ric’s ties to the world. In the meantime the Village seems headed towards certain destruction, despite Ric’s every effort to save it.

Arakawa under the Bridge 10: fire drill

Sister thinks the Mayor is a great man, but WHY?

Episode 10 of Arakawa under the Bridge begins with a fire drill, and ends with a declaration from Nino. In between Ric will learn of the great respect that the mayor commands under the bridge, and of the plot his father has instigated to drive Ric from the village.

Arakawa under the Bridge 9: what can fix this broken heart?

Ric learns more about the village residents than he ever wanted to know.

Surprisingly, episode 9 of Arakawa under the Bridge delves into the backstory of several village residents. This episode also examines different ways of handling rejection by the one you love, and is pretty funny.