Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge

Where to start? Slight character development spoilers ahead. Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge focuses more of the interactions between Riku/Kou and Nino than the underlying social commentary that the first season reflected in a community of people whom in most cases would be shunned by others. But who despite their superficial eccentricities are still more or less normal human beings inside, with all the flaws and strengths that encompasses, who find a home together in the middle of, yet separated from the judgmental eyes of society. In some ways Riku/Kou is the most bizzare among them. But despite his constant attempts to separate himself from thegroup and establish himself as the only normal human being among them he eventually reaches a sort of acceptance of the situation, not out of necessity, but from honestly looking past the superficial attributes to the persons underneath the facade and finds people who aren't controlled by his father's egocentric, conceited outlook on life, and through that learns to see the fundamental flaw in his own reasoning. That in his constant attempts to imitate his father he has completely accepted his father's twisted world view and morality as his own, without ever questioning whether or not it is right. Neither objectively nor subjectively. Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge, and prequiel, take the viewer on a journey, where we get to follow a deeply incomplete and arrogant man through a world that constantly challenges all of his convictions, most fundamental principles and ideology, in a battle against his own prejudice and maladaption. A journey in which he learns the meaning of true happiness; trust; family; and love.

What a disappointment... The season started off with such promise but completely faceplanted. Maybe I expected too much from the start... A deepening of Nino and Riku's relationship, clarity on Nino's current situation and her past, Riku resolving issues with his father, Riku's growth as a person through seeing different ways of living and interacting with life under the bridge, but instead we get... nothing. Just unfunny gags that run ad-infinitum. I guess it wouldn't be a problem if they show didn't tease some sort of serious plot and actual character growth then just compelely ignore it. In season one it felt like a quick pace,even if some gags were bad, they didn't overstay their welcome, but this season they can encompass entire episodes. We never make it to Venus, and not a Nino hair windmill to be seen (at least in the latter half of the season). Too many bad characters got too much screen time.

Unoriginal, Safe and linear compared to the first season are all true when talking about Arakawa Under The Bridge x Bridge. But WAIT! Before you instantly disregard this sequel you MUST know that in many ways Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge is better that it's predecessor and if you loved the first season, than I guarantee you that you will definitely love this season. You may be treading some familiar ground, but hey, who said that more of the same is a bad thing? Welcome back to the crazy, yet humbling place that is, Arakawa Under the Bridge! Story: (+) For starters, this is indeeda straight up sequel to the original, Arakawa Under the Bridge. This means that if you haven't seen that yet than I urge you to go back and watch that first before coming here; since there will be plenty of references to it's original that might strike you as odd rather than hilarious. For those who of you that have seen it, the story's no different: a story about the daily lives of all the people under the Arakawa Bridge doing more wacky endeavors, with a few new added characters to rattle up the bunch! What makes the story different however is that this series wanted to focus more on the relationship aspect between Ko and Nino since you didn't get a lot of that in the last season. Because of this, there is a more centered and focused story line between the two. This can make for some nice emotional scenes, and great Character development centered around our main lovers. It was very heartwarming when you can see the two characters grow because of each other. Furthermore, we definitely can't forget about the comedy. As a matter of fact, I would go as far as to say that there was even MORE over the top comedy present here than the first season. Since Ko is now use to life under the bridge, he gets involved in even more crazy events which can honestly make some of the most hilarious scenes throughout the show. Another nice feature was to include comedic references to pop culture. Even though some might be unfamiliar, the way they handled it was comedy gold. GO KAMEARI! (-) As previously mentioned, this show can outright be unoriginal, safe, and linear and sadly most of these faults come from the story. as I stated, the creators of this show decided to go for a more linear over-arcing plot featuring our main characters. This turns the show from a show about acceptance into a more romance based series. Although it may be a nice addition to some, it loses the charm that it's predecessor had. I found the series had less hidden morals that people can really understand and relate with, and instead I found a show ONLY about the two characters. Another thing I should note was that this show remained constant throughout the series. There wasn't any situations where I truly felt any emotion for the characters, since all sub plot lines were able to conclude by the end of the episode. Therefore, I enjoyed the episodes as a whole, but wasn't urging to watch the next one like it's first season was so masterfully able to do. Another thing I should mention is the ending itself. Even though the ending finished on a nice and subtle note, by the end of the series there are still so many questions left unanswered and the big thing that has been leading up to the conclusion just never got fulfilled, making the closing as a whole anticlimactic. For a series that's not known for it's story, it's really saddening when they do try to include a solid plot but then don't faithfully end it the way it's led to be. 7/10 Art: (+) Once again Shaft was able to re-create the whole surrounding of silliness perfectly through its art. Everything you loved about the art is still there, right down to the colorful opening theme to the live action segments at the end (Now even more present!). (-) Since everything is the same in terms of art, you don't see any upgrade or further development because of it. The character designs still look the same and the Arakawa Bridge is definitely the same one you saw the last time. No extra detail was added and if you're not a fan of the silly art style then this is no different. 8/10 Sound: (+) Continuing from the first season, all the sound effects are carried on here, and are ever so present now. Another worthy thing I should note is the opening, "COSOMOS VS ALIEN" and the ending, "Akai Coat." Keeping it in the same tradition of the first season, the opening theme acts to show the whole over the top vibe that Bridge X Bridge has, while the ending theme gives the slow and emotionally serious tone that this sequel may drop on you time to time (Go Suneohair!). Oh and once again, Losers Wail makes it comedic return and might even make you chant it time to time! "Himo Hi-" 9/10 Character: (+) The quirky comedic characters of the Arakawa Bridge are back and better than ever! Everything you loved (or hated) about the character are present and are once again reprising they're loved (or hated) roles. But now they're even more over the top! Since they are doing more extreme miscellaneous things, I would say that all the characters are even more energetic and crazy than they once were! Whether it's trying to bunk together for a week or all going on a diet to lose wait, the interactions between each character are still ever so comedically funny and can make up for some serious laughs. Second, the series even added more characters to this larger than life cast. An Amazoness and battle star defender (who's not really a space defender) are introduced and even though they have the least screen time, they still left an impression on me and I was laughing every minute they were on screen. (-) I think this is the one time I would probably say that Character Development would be a negative. Since as mentioned before, the series went for a more solid story line focusing on Nino and Ko. But that's really most of all we get. Sure they get TONS of character development, but in return most of the side characters lose screen time. You might get a little development from a few side characters, but most of the time, they're hardly the center of attention. In some ways this is a bit of a wasted opportunity since all these characters are interesting in their own rights and each deserved the attention. There was even more hints to future character development that ended up never getting it, particularly to The Amazoness. Stella is probably one of my favorite characters in the show, and her personality hardly ever shines off throughout the show! 8/10 Overall/Enjoyment: When I look back on Arakawa Under the Bridge, I remember the first season for it's charm and the second for its comedy. Dropping such relatable themes and forgetting some of the side characters really puts this season a step back from it's original. It's also more of the same so if you seen the first season and you absolutely hated it, than this is not the right place to change your mind. Still, the enjoyment I had for this season is IMMENSE and was easily worth the time I spent with such amusing personalities. So, with one recommendation and one question I ask you, Will you come to Venus? 8/10

Arakawa Under the Bridge Review Part 2 Quick Note: I don’t like repeating what I said from my last review for the first season unless for comparison sake. Feel free to check out my Arakawa Under the Bridge Review Part 1 if you haven’t. Arakawa Under the BridgeXBridge continues where the series left off. The animation and art style still retain the same quality and consistency from the previous season. How you experience the weird atmosphere is still carry over in the sequel. The cinematic techniques use in illustrating the narrative are the same with some added improvement. Some innovations in thecomedy are the shifting perspective to other character's viewpoints. Instead of the standard where the protagonist is the main focal point of the story. This time side characters have the same role as Kou's in giving off some satire commentary on bizarre situations. The show provides more character exploration and exposition. It showcases a combination of interaction between the supporting cast, it spices up the already establish comedy of the show and thus delivers unexpectedly fun to watch outcomes. The fact it’s no longer about Kou’s meeting each resident from the bridge anymore. The story focuses attention on the daily lives of each resident co-existing with each other’s weird behaviors. The show is becoming more of a well-written slice of life comedy which is a little bit different from the initial rom-com with social satire commentary the first season focus on. The show comedy is becoming more of a risk-taker by partly exploring some experimental and referential style on its humor. Characters become more lovable. We got the chance to learn more about the resident’s personal interest. This gives depth to character ideas and motivation. Providing a far more relatable cast and adds some variation. It makes the show have a uniform theme on each character's core personality that doesn’t feel random and out of place. In the first season, the story focus is more on Kou’s character development and internal conflict. The second season, on the other hand, reveals a marginal fraction of Nino’s background story as a Venusian. Though they gave some hints on Nino’s past, it wasn’t explored enough to be considered a consistent plot progression. Nino's past serves more as a soft catalyst to progress the story. Well for once we got a real plot but it was not the main focus of the story in general. The comedy is still good as the first season and characters are still fun and for me, that's what matters for now. When you think the OP of the first season is weird enough. "COSMOS vs ALIEN " by Etsuko Yakushimaru will blow you away out of orbit with its outrageous shenanigans. Though it took me some time to love it. But as I continue to watch the anime I learn to love it more than the 1st Opening Venus to Jesus. "Akai Coat by Suneohair just becomes of one my all-time favorite guitar pop-rock in the entire franchise. Smoking with a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere, it blends to the feel-good slice of life aspect of the show. A welcome edition in the show and a solid piece to remember for years to come. What’s new about the Characters? We got to know more about P-ko, Whitey, Jacqueline, Big Brother Billy, and Last Samurai. A nice dose of exposition is always welcome in my taste for it provides more content in the show. Last Samurai was a normal person after all with some awesome sword skills. Billy and Jacqueline's relationship by far is the most convincing romantic relationship in the series I have ever seen in a comedy show. Whitey is a capable athlete that is supported by his own family, who knew right? And Exploring P-ko background interest is indeed a respectful type of fan service for me. She also took a role similar to Kou for representing to the girl side which is lovely, while Kou's represent for the boys. The Amazoness is a great addition in the show bizarreness. Kobayashi, Yuu did a good job of expressing two different voices, from the intimidating muscular warrior women's voice to the cocky and quite annoying “ganguro” like Japanese highschool girl mannerism. Thought the Captain is the complete opposite. I never liked his style of humor but I admire his talent as a manga artist. He’s just too normal for Arakawa Under the Bridge standard and he’s doesn’t contribute much to the comedy and main plot. For me, he’s an unnecessary edition, unlike Amazoness that did something fresh in both comedy and plot. Speaking of character development. When it comes to Kou’s and Nino’s Relationship. They do slowly progress as a solid couple with some little love quarrel here and there. The serious romance is at the minimum but their cute and funny bonding is still enjoyable to watch. [SPOILER SECTION if you haven’t seen the 2nd season proceed to the FINAL THOUGHT SECTION] [COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS] These are the specific scenarios that I enjoy in the entire series. Here the Following. The Isolation Chambers between the Boys and the Girls This might be the funniest social experiment on people in solitary confinement I have ever seen in an anime. It has an accurate satire on the topic which is plus in my book on creativity and uniqueness. Imagining this set of bizarre characters confine in 7 days in a closed space is a comedy of itself. Getting Tired of Qwik-Kits Gag Routine. The Iconic ending gag of the anime gets removed permanently because it’s become too repetitive and got replace with Kou’s daily lesson instead. The only instant the show tries to break the status quo. Chief getting sick of it is evidence of itself. Sadly it was introduced on the remaining episodes of the show. Though I wish I get more of those Daily Lesson Gags, it quite fun to watch. The Traditional Japanese Tea Party. This might be one of the most interesting satires of nitpicking. It’s funny how they explore the topic of pretentious people VS elitists. The gag is all about how they go all out on finding each other’s flaws is pretty funny. This type of scenario is really common in internet forums nowadays. A lot of people pretend they know everything and embarrass to admit defeat and will do everything just to prove they are right. Resulting in people hurting themselves for being pretentious. The Clash of Titans! The Difference Between Girls and Boys Diet Routine. This is the funniest moment in the entire Second Season. I love how the comedy built upon this episode. Starting from the simple but funny strawberry diet of the girls, to the satire of men getting slimmer body than girls, somewhat hilariously gay. Escalating to Sister's Manly Military Boot Camp Training that cracks my vocal cords from laughing so hard. A satire of a totally different level. It doesn’t end there. It later becomes a well-crafted parody of shounen anime that is fueled with pure testosterone and masculinity. You’re just a girl with superior genes worthy of accepting my seed and bearing my child! -Tetsuo And then soon I forgot I was watching Arakawa Under the Bridge and Not Baki the Grappler or Jojo Bizarre Adventure to an extent. This is by far the best comedy of the entire season. Oh, wait? Power? Tetsuo? It’s this an Akira reference? [FINAL THOUGHTS] Arakawa Under The Bridge X Bridge did a very good job as a sequel to an already successful series. I like how it becomes more creative when it comes to comedy and extending the story. The sequel also shed light on characters that didn’t get enough spotlight from the first season. I love how some character development in this show took an unexpected turn. The OST’s remain the same and good as ever and the new OP and ED is surely a good thing to have in the show. Though, to be honest, I did get a little bit disappointed in the show's final episodes not because the comedy was bad or the characters are getting boring but the fact that this anime didn’t end in a closed conclusion. I understand that the manga is still ongoing from the time they made the second season but I wish these anime get pick-up again for the series finale. Arakawa deserves the 3rd season. Studio Shaft did justice in the adaptation of the show. It is always nice that the studio put some effort into retaining the visuals intact and the overall theme. The best thing the sequels offer that it tries to innovate and come up with new ideas to keep the show fresh and engaging. So far this is the first anime sequel review I made so this might come-out different from my usual writing where I always give the main message of the show. But Yeah I already discuss it in the first season and I don’t want to repeat it. Overall Score [7.9/10] The Reason why it's a little bit higher than the First Season Score is because of Better OP and ED song. My Final Verdict for the Sequel in Numerical View Story [7/10] Good Comedy but lacking a Solid Plot for a Sequel Character [8/10] Still very Good for What They are, No Complaints. Art [8/10] Visual is always Nice and Clean to Watch. With some Surprising Presentation from time to time. Music [9/10] S2 OP surpasses the S1 and ED for S2 is amazing, to say the least.