After what seems like decades of waiting, fans of the hit anime series The Promised Neverland can now watch the first episode of the highly anticipated second season, and I’m happy to say it pulls no punches or delays in getting the ball rolling.
For Lack of an Introduction
However, both new and returning viewers should be aware that the first episode does not include any dedicated time for a recap to refresh the audiences’ memory. It picks up right where last season’s finale ended with Emma, Ray, and the rest of the kids outside the walls of the Gracefield House as they continue their run from the monsters in their pursuit. Odd as it sounds, I don’t mind the lack of a recap, as it gives us more time to familiarize ourselves with the new changes this season. The episode finally satisfies our curiosity by showing us what outside the walls is like. While most of what’s shown in this episode are the forestry outside of Gracefield, we also got to see the strange animals, plants, and especially monsters that inhabit this strange world.
The Relentless Pursuit
Emma and the rest of the kids have done a surprisingly good job of evading their pursuers so far, no doubt thanks to their cautious preparation from the previous season and their understanding of the world beyond their sheltered walls. Luckily the kids’ journey is also made much easier with the presence of a technologically advanced pen that houses a computer which will help them locate William Minerva who’s last their hope of finding a haven in the dangerous world they’ve found themselves in.
Being the group leader, Emma is still as determined as ever to get the rest of the kids to safety. As a result, she is visibly on edge, worried, and lacking in confidence, which makes sense as anyone would be in her situation. Ray is also just as determined as Emma and keeps a clear head while still cautious and desperate in his own way. Even Don and Gilda have shown some growth and have changed in their own way, highlighted with their new leadership roles among the kids and the responsibilities that come with it.
The Monster’s in the Details
Other than that, the episode also shows the monsters in their full form and showcases what they’re capable of. So far, we’ve seen two types of monsters, those that lack intelligence and solely operate on instincts, and those that show intelligence and are able to communicate with the same language the humans do while also having a monster like strength and abilities.
The episode also highlights the clear hierarchy between the monsters and, in the end, also indicates that not all monsters have the same agenda regarding humans, (seen when two other mysterious monsters outright save the kids from being captured) along with other subtle differences. It’s quite clear the overall plot of the anime is about to expand and change in more ways than one as the kids will now be facing much more significant and more immediate life-threatening events, signifying just how intense things will get from now on.
In terms of animation, I’ve seen very little change this season, with the exception of the noticeable 3D environments shown in the episode, which thankfully does not hinder the viewing experience whatsoever. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it works well in its favor to explore the anime’s fantasy aesthetic. What doesn’t, however, is the very obvious CG animation of the hulking monster that chases the kids at the start of the episode, whose movements were highly jarring if not awkward to look at. Still, this wasn’t enough to negatively impact the anime’s viewing experience as it is a rather specific thing to criticize, at least for now.
Final Thoughts
The anime’s new opening also grabbed my attention. It showcases grim and morbid images, which also pairs well with the somber song “identity” by Kiro Akiyama and really highlights the nature the anime is heading towards. Overall, I enjoyed the first episode of The Promised Neverland season 2. While it lacks any sort of recap for returning viewers and includes some questionable CG animation, it is still an excellent introduction that gives us a good glimpse of what’s in store for us this season.
If you haven’t seen The Promised Neverland season 2, its available to stream right now on Funimation.
Have you seen the first episode of The Promised Neverland season 2? What do you think of my impressions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.