Review of Overlord II

So, I thought a good way to organize my thoughts is to say what season 2 did better than season 1 coupled with where it was lacking in comparison. What went better: The fights and tensions are a lot more "real" than the first season. We know that most of the main guild are nigh invincible with the exception of World Class Items. Yet, the series focuses on the manipulation and battles of less powerful empires and races for the gain of the guild. This allows us to become invested in these new characters and gives a real "Game of Thrones" vibe to anyone outside ofthe guild. Past this, the character development of the guild when shown is going even farther. While loyalties are not crushed, you get to see how these once NPC backstory characters are now trying to "advance" and "improve." It touches on ideas of them living up to expectations, still trying to become better either as people or as weapons. Finally, this show was able to match up to the "smash kill" of Clementine the previous season with some of the work Sebas was doing in his bid for side quests. Overall, it was a good season of Overlord that did well introducing a new and extensive cast of characters.

Where it needs some work: Many have been claiming you can't write "there wasn't enough action" because it's not that kind of series. I completely agree, but I think those who say it are actually missing something more prevalent in Season 1. In this Season we see more of the subcommander planning and machinations of Ains rather than Ains himself. I understand why they took this route, however, Ains' character is so compelling that it leaves plenty of scenes wanting when he's not in them. The previous season we had more of his alter ego, Momon, to enjoy on screen. However, this season we only see him in the final few episodes essentially. The main issue was that less of his screentime meant less of the interactions I enjoyed in the first season. He bounces off his subordinates so well that even the times we saw them in this first season they stole the show for me. Unfortunately this drug the season down from "very good" to "good" for me, yet I don't think they made these decisions without merit.

Honestly with the announcement for Overlord III this summer, I believe (yet without a shred of proof) that Overlord II was probably a two tour season of 24-26 episodes that was split in half. It seems like much of this season is buildup for a payoff we haven't seen yet. I also think this is where people are getting the "disjointed" feeling for the season; it's most likely loose plot point threads that haven't quite been tied back in. Regardless of what I think of this season on its own, I am excited for the continuation of Mr. Bones adventures. This summer will hopefully bring more of him and his gang to the forefront to shake up the world and establish his empire.