Review of Fire Force Season 2

Maybe it's just my perception, but the tension is a bit lacking. Though the show had a series of high points and in between those points were standard flat lining stories. Story The story's main selling point in my eyes is the mystery of the world. From bird's eye view learning more about the white cloaks and the adolla link, haijima's influence, the creation of the empire and the people's reliance on it's religion. How that religion is seemingly the only true one in the whole country except the small region of asakusa. What the pillars are meant to do, and the grand scheme of it allis what I want to see. In this sense the fact that the anime makes me wonder and care so much is great. What's not so great is the fairly trite conflicts. Let's compare two battles that happened in this season both of which were stylistically good and animated wonderfully, although only one shined while the other sunk into the ocean of forgetableness. I'm talking about the fight in which Shinra and some of the other "newbies" went outside the Tokyo empire fought infernals , learned about the outside world, and shinra then had an adolla link with the lady in black. ya know that plot line. One where we found arthur may be a secret genius while learning more about the world's history, newish characters, and talking animals. It was a bright multifaceted story with not a lot at stake, because running away was always an option, but the adventure and possibilities made it worth the while. In comparison, the three way battle between Haijima, the 8th fireforce batallion, and the white clad was nothing short of boring. It seemed exciting because a pillar was at stake, and this was going to be a free for all wehre everyone had their own motives but instead of an open world, we got a turn by turn match. A fights B, then C comes out of nowhere , A now fights C, gets beat down, B now fights C . While B is fighting C, A tries to go help all the other A's to save nataku, except natku is a giant infernal about to go nuclear. In the end no one accomplishes anything, no one achieves anything, the only thing we got was everyone showing of their tech and skills, as well as new partner. The only saving grace of it all is Nataku's new relationship with his protector. Oh and don't get me started on the Maki arc. Though sidenote, the Benimaru+Joker team up was pretty damn sweet though I do wish they actually fought the Capitan of the 1 Fire Force Branch(the eyepatch guy).
Art
The art lends itself well to making the story come to life. Character designs are unique and expressive. The imagery is on point and animation is fluid and beautiful

Sound
The openings and endings are boppers. The osts on the other hand feel forgettable and average. Sound effects of beat downs are on point though, especially the last episode's. Uwah it sounded so painful.

Character
I think the main characters are fun and when they interact with each other , especially when they aren't in the standard locations(like underground, or their homebase etc.) Though I have to say they are a bit static. , maybe it's becausetheyare already rounded out but we as the viewer can't really see their growth, maybe except for Tamaki. Shinra, Arthur, Obi, and the others stick to their guns which isn't wrong but it gets stale. It's like knowing side A will do so and so regardless of any new info/doubt and so will side b, therefore conflict is inevitable so... blah. Its because of these feelings I really like the super weird characters in the story more than the heroes. Haumeiya, Sho, Sho's protector, Nataku's protector, Haumeiya's protector, the puppet lady from Haijima, the pink haired bimbo who let her friends die because she wanted to experience the thrill of almost dying. You know the type.. the eccentrics.

Enjoyment
It was worthwhile more often then not especially after a long day of studying and exams. Though if you asked me to rewatch it , I'd drag my feet and roll around the bed until finally hitting my head against the keyboard groaning out no. It's good not great, but it's worth watching. Interestingly enough, the anime is at least 10 times better than the manga, it's better paced and much more immersive.

Overall
A lot of my problems are personal ones. I have certain expectations and taste requirements , so while I might not find certain parts interesting, it's not to say you won't. Ultimately, what made me give this a 7 is the stale characters and the so-so interesting story, where some parts are amazing while others are all hype, no content. If there's a third season I'd watch it, though I definitely am not planning on picking up the manga.