Review of Sword Art Online: Alicization - War of Underworld Part 2
Sword Art Online’s Alicization arc has been one of the most complex and gratifying storytelling in its franchise history. From the depths of the underworld, we are thrown into a labyrinth of conspiracies. As a matter of fact, this arc has been so complex that it had to be told in multiple parts to explore its story at its full potential. From the first episode titled “The War of Underworld”, part 2 immediately jumps into the chaos with characters we were familiar with from the previous seasons. In this case, we are reintroduced to Sinon, Leafa, Klein, Lisbeth, Silica, and among others as they maketheir journey to the Underworld. Furthermore, Kirito still remains in a comatose state with viewers wandering if he can ever recover to normalcy. With the full weight of the ongoing war, characters such as Bercouli gets their triumphant yet sorrowful moments. It’s his moments of tragedy that is depicted not by fear but with a resolve, a way for this show to exemplify his character’s personality at its apex. And as I watched more and more of this season, I realized that every character has its importance, not like random fodder thrown away.
For the sake of part 2, we are treated with 11 episodes with the ultimatum to conclude this saga. As the longest story arc to date, SAO Underworld wanted to fully capitalize its themes such as identity, loyalty, and love. When we realize what SAO Underworld has been selling to us, it makes sense to see how characters behave. It’s important to know that the war is much more about one side trying to gain dominance over the other, but rather why characters fight with their lives on the line. Bercouli, Alice, Sheyta, Iskahn, and Asuna are among a few of those who finds a reason to fight. And it is because of their reasons, they put everything on the line. For what’s worth, SAO Underworld isn’t afraid to also pull the trigger with character betrayals such as Yanai. With every action, there is a consequence as startling revelations are discovered.
Meanwhile, fans will also have a lingering question on their mind. Will Kirito ever wake up from his coma? He’s the black swordsman that stepped foot into the virtual world of the franchise from the very beginning and make no mistake, he is an integral part of the Underworld arc. The memories grows to show his despair but somewhere within him, Kirito will find a way to become what he once was before. That is, during mid-season, he reawakens to battle against Vassago (Prince of Hell) and reunites with his friends. The moment between him and Asuna is imperative to show that despite them being apart for so long, they’ve never forgot about each other or their reason to exist. It’s a characterization element of the show that makes up their character roles this season. Furthermore, Kirito’s resolve to fight the good fight again shows that is able to conquer his personal demons and that anyone can overcome any obstacle in the SAO world.
On the outside world, there’s also the threat of the government with the world at stake. This season shifts the balance between the virtual and real world to a surprisingly satisfying effect. The betrayal of Yanai is one such example to capitalize on how characters are motivated by their own morals. When you throw the government into this complex arc, the stakes are raised even higher. For what’s worth, you should expect SAO Underworld to deliver its best arc to date. It manages to woven together the multiple arcs together to meets its ends. This isn’t some half-baked game project like Sword Art Online Alicization Lycoris. It may not be perfect but certainly manages to evade a disastrous launch from the beginning. With every episode that progresses, we see more and more of the story unfold and why characters fight the way they do. SAO Underworld is the best for what this franchise has to offer and this one really hit the ball out of the park.