When Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen burst onto the scene from Weekly Shounen Jump, their meteoric rise to global phenomena was far from guaranteed. Initially, discussions around Demon Slayer often questioned how something seemingly simple could achieve such immense popularity, despite visually appealing anime being commonplace. The success felt almost like a fluke. However, with Spy x Family, the formula for success was immediately apparent: a Cold War spy action-comedy centered around the timeless theme of found family. Spy x Family struck a perfect balance – lighthearted yet engaging enough for its target demographic. Its explosive popularity last year was no surprise, and the initial twelve episodes only amplified the excitement.
My personal experience with Spy x Family was unique. I found myself enjoying it far more than anticipated and was unexpectedly moved by it. Witnessing Loid’s tender reaction after scolding Anya, exemplified by him buying the penguin and following her, triggered a surprisingly emotional response. This simple act of parental care resonated deeply, possibly touching on personal experiences where such casual tenderness was absent. Like the characters in Chainsaw Man moved to tears by an ordinary movie scene, Spy x Family‘s subtle kindness had a profound impact. After the first cour, I was firmly in Spy x Family‘s corner, eager for the season’s completion.
However, as Spy x Family season one concluded, a noticeable dip in fervent enthusiasm occurred, at least in Western online circles. Despite this cooler reception in the West, Japan remained captivated. The manga sold incredibly well and achieved impressive ratings, even in a late-night timeslot. Season 2 was inevitable, but the question lingered: how would it fare?
To be blunt, if the episodic side stories in the middle section of Spy x Family season one frustrated you, season two will likely exacerbate those feelings. In fact, you might find yourself disliking Spy x Family altogether. A common critique of the manga is its tendency to lose narrative momentum, a frequent issue in comedy manga. While Spy x Family initially hinted at higher stakes, season 2 leans further into episodic, slice-of-life content. What initially captivated audiences, even casual viewers, was the carefully constructed early scenarios that balanced engagement with narrative progression. Now, situated in the story’s mid-section, far removed from the focused beginning and distant from any potential emotionally charged twists of the ending, each episode’s success hinges on its individual, micro-level entertainment value. Spy x Family struggles to deliver compelling slice-of-life comedy, often resulting in episodes that feel like filler. Consequently, a significant portion of season 2 ranges from mediocre to outright boring.
This isn’t to say Spy x Family Season 2 is entirely devoid of merit. The season does adapt one of the manga’s longer arcs, which offers moments of genuine entertainment. However, this arc alone can’t compensate for the pervasive lack of engagement in the other episodes, regardless of their fluctuating quality.
Spy x Family season 2 feels like a compromise between interesting and uninteresting. It’s not that Tatsuya Endo, the creator, lacks novel ideas, but rather that he seems compelled to dilute the more unconventional aspects of his writing to cater to a broader audience. This approach appears to resonate with the Japanese general public, who are consuming Spy x Family voraciously. However, for the English-speaking anime fandom, particularly those new to slice-of-life anime through Spy x Family, season 2 may fall flat.
I don’t intend to completely dismantle this season. The animation remains excellent, and the direction is solid. Visually, it embodies quintessential modern anime, both in its strengths and weaknesses. While some art direction elements feel rushed, and the inexplicable use of CG crowds is present, the overall visual quality is high. Produced by Cloverworks and Studio WIT, studios consistently exceeding expectations due to their talented teams, Spy x Family Season 2 avoids significant animation errors or poor artwork. Kazuhiro Furuhashi, whom I admire, is a reliable director adept at maximizing his staff’s potential on major projects. Thus, visual appeal was always guaranteed. Even some slower-paced episodes are decent; however, whether an episode is engaging feels like a coin flip.
Despite its inconsistencies, I remain invested in Spy x Family. However, if your initial enthusiasm for Spy x Family has already waned, perhaps it’s best to stop here. The series’ intended length remains unclear, but given Shueisha’s likely desire to capitalize on its popularity, Spy x Family may continue for longer than some might hope. This review is written during a personally challenging period. I’m still far from my desired position in life and uncertain if I’m even on the right path. Anxieties about potential failure are persistent. Spy x Family Season 2 hasn’t alleviated these feelings, but thankfully, it hasn’t worsened them either.
Have a nice day.
