Subculture Anime Blog

AHHHHH GODZILLAAAAAAA!!!!!! ….My final impression is included.

Summary:

Still attempting to stop the Bel Masque’s plans, Shana and Wilhelmina struggle against Hecate and Sydonay. Marchosias attempts to heal Margery in the meantime, as she is in a dire situation. Outside the barrier, Kazumi again struggles about her decision on using the hogu. Wilhelmina is unable to hold up her masked form when Sydonay continues to attack her. When Shana runs to her aid at the base of the tower, she is surprised to find that the enemy will not attack them. Flying around to dodge Hecate’s attacks afterwards, Shana confirms that they are not attacking to avoid damage to the structure. In the caverns below, Yuuji regains consciousness. Realizing how the situation has changed, he sets off again. While Shana and Wilhelmina hold their ground, Yuuji runs from his many pursuers. Kazumi almost uses her hogu out of desperation, but she suddenly remembers Shana’s promise of return. Kazumi decides to believe in her words, putting the hogu back into her pocket. Using a bit of his existence to stop those chasing him, Yuuji realizes that he will disappear if he uses too much power of existence. However, he realizes that he is now somehow unafraid. He simply wants to protect everyone in his city.

While Wilhelmina fends off the Bel Masque, Shana begins to search for Yuuji in the caverns. When Shana finally finds Yuuji, she realizes that he has become close to fading away. She and Alastor explain to Yuuji that his Reiji Maigo is being used to power the Go no Ritsuzo, which also involves the rest of the world outside. Realizing the location of the Reiji Maigo, Yuuji accompanies Shana in going to take it back. Preparations are set in motion by Hecate, as a giant beast rises from the now broken barrier. Kazumi sees this from the outside, as Margery creates a fuzetsu just in time. Shana and Yuuji finally find the central chamber, forced to fight the armored suit they have seen in the past. Outside, Margery saves Kazumi in the nick of time. In the meantime, Wilhelmina does her best against Sydonay and the giant monstrosity. Yuuji realizes the location of the armor’s heart, telling Shana where to attack. The armored suit, affected by the memories of Konoe, is unable to attack Shana. With this, Yuuji is able to regain his Reiji Maigo and escape the caverns with Shana. The Bel Masque is disappointed with the failure of their plans outside, but only decide to retreat. Hecate is confused by the tears she sheds, before escaping as well. As everyone returns outside to safety, Kazumi happily greets them back.

ED: “sense” by Mami Kawada - We’re shown most everyone enjoying their Xmas eve, with Kazumi and Shana continue their challenge. Kazumi sheds tears in her waiting spot, and it is implied that Yuuji chooses Shana.

Impression:

LEND ME YOUR POWERS. Um, what the heck! Let’s cut off the ending in preparation for another season….AGAIN! Woo, I love Shana! So, bondage maid with bondage sword was win in this episode. Margery having seizures and then saving the day was fun too. Yuuji’s assisting Shana in defeating the big armored suit seemed really forced and silly though. I think everyone and their melon pan knew that Konoe’s emotions were going to get in the way of the plans, but just seeing the giant mecha rise for no reason was a real downer. Friendship power saves the day again!!!! Yuuji’s “If I use too much POE I’ll disappear” thoughts made me laugh pretty hard too (No….really!?). Also, Hecate, Nanoha called. She wants her moves back. I dunno, it just seems like this would have made such a better ending if they spent just a bit more time with it. I feel like the climax we got last week just came to a grinding halt way too quickly. The big shocker that someone has constantly been mentioning to me didn’t happen either. I guess they’re saving all of that for the third season we all know we will be getting.

Final Impression:

I was very excited to see the new season of Shana when it was announced earlier last year. Having been a big fan of the first season, I even blogged the movie in preparation. When the new season started, it seemed like Shana would be the same great adventure we had the first time around. After awhile though, many started becoming confused at the direction it was taking. Gone were the spectacular fights we were all used to. In its place were silly love challenges and a new friend named Konoe. This may actually be one of those times where blogging an anime has actually made me like it more. While everyone else was busy complaining about these clearly filler episodes, I was having the time of my life parodying how hilariously bad awesome they were. Love. Power.

When the second half of the season came along, things finally began picking up again. With some excellent fights against Pheles and Sabrac, there was little to complain about. Shana certainly had returned to the greatness we all remembered. It was all too short, however. Even with my developments arising towards the end of the series, we were cut off once again in preparation for another season. But hey, I won’t complain about that. I’m more than ready for more Shana. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the second season of Shakugan no Shana. So what if there were low points that didn’t even need to exist in the story? Those were awesome! There isn’t much else to say really. We’re just going to be waiting a long time for the third season now.