Review of Vinland Saga Season 2

What a masterpiece. I remember watching the first season when it came out, enjoying the violence and action packed episodes with the mindless revenge theme. Now, being much older, I just watched the second season and it truly exceeded my expectations. Thorfinn goes from being the embodiment of rage and anger, honing his skills and perfecting violence in the name of vengeance. Now, at the start of the second season, his source of anger is gone. He becomes empty. This season's journey of discovering how to fill that hole, how to appreciate life, and how to overcome violence in a world of strife and deathis marvelous. He morphs into a pacifist, having understood the consequence of murder, the mc tries to find purpose. Yes, the pacing can be slow but unlike heart-racing violence, character development takes time. Thorfinn needs to cultivate an understanding of life and appreciate the goodness in everyone. To avoid violence. To abandon that rage and to understand that everyone is simply human. That people can be forgiven and people can change.

The shift from action to philosophy and ideology shows the maturity of the author. And, unintentionally, as someone who watched the show as I got older---only seeing this season after my teenage years---I can understand the intent the author was trying to convey in his writing. What a wonderful journey this was. I think this season, as well as other new anime like Frieren demonstrate a change in the anime world. We are changing. The stories are getting better, the characters having more depth, and the messaging richer. Truly, a masterpiece.