Review of Vinland Saga Season 2
"Violence is the last choice. But if that's the case, what's the first choice? What would be the best thing to do from the start? I want to live as someone who'll always take that 'first choice,' no matter what, and never have to resort to the 'last choice'... There can be no such thing as a good person that hurts others." — Thorfinn Vinland Saga, the historical epic about the age of Vikings continues after three, long years. The story takes quite a shift both tonally and narratively, which makes it a difficult watch for many. But if you're someone like myself, who enjoyedthe previous season for its incredible philosophy and character-depth, rather than for mindless action and gore, then I can assure you that you'll absolutely love this arc.
Choosing to switch the setting and tone for a series previously defined by its war-elements is a bold move on behalf of author Makoto Yukimura, but it's one that certainly pays off. This season possesses some of the best character development in anime, taking the previously basic Thorfinn of the past season, stripping him of everything, and pulling himself back together in what is one of my favorite character arcs in recent memory. Even just putting aside Thorfinn, this season is generally much more character-oriented, where people who initially seem rather insignificant--like Olmar for example--end up getting entire arcs of their own that ends up being masterfully integrated into the series' central theme of avoiding violence at all costs.
Although that isn't to say that any semblance of a plot vanishes with this arc. It is true that season 2 is far less plot-centric than the past season, but it's certainly there. This time around, we have two major plotlines going on--Thorfinn and Einar attempting to regain their freedom on Ketil's farm and the newly-crowned King Canute trying to deal with the "curse of the crown" that his father spoke of. I'm a huge sucker for politics, and so add that with the plotline of a leader trying to avoid the corruption caused by "absolute power" and you have a truly fascinating subplot. On the other hand, while the Thorfinn/Einar arc doesn't possess anything too crazy in terms of a plot in the first cour, the latter half of this season most definitely does.
The animation this season isn't really allowed to show off too hard considering the lack of action, but the art itself is truly something else. The backgrounds and lighting are spectacular, especially in the season's final couple of episodes. As per usual, the voice acting is top notch, and Yutaka Yamada's score is just as strong this season as it was the last. Though, if I were to nitpick a little bit, I noticed a lot of repetition of previous tracks throughout the show and couldn't pinpoint many newly-composed tracks for this season, but I'll have to wait and see when the full OST is released. The opening and endings for this season are mind-blowingly good. All across the board, the visuals in terms of the vibe, colouring, and symbolism are amazing. I especially love the first opening, "River" by anonymouz, which masterfully ties in all of the aspects of the arc into one sequence. And I also have to give them props for bringing back Survive Said The Prophet for the second opening theme.
Suffice it to say, I absolutely loved this season and as someone who has yet to continue on in the manga, I'm very excited to see the continued story of Thorfinn on his path to becoming a true warrior. Very few shows have managed to emotionally effect me quite like this one, and as silly as it sounds, on countless occassions I've found myself rethinking my thoughts, decisions or words because of the lessons of this show. I hope Vinland Saga can inspire more people like it did myself in the future.