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A Spy… An Assassin… More Excitement! 

Back in 2022; Spy x Family was one of the most anticipated adaptations long before its premiere. We had been infatuated with the Forger family thanks to the manga fans and the memes. The first season lived up to those expectations while setting the foundation for the series. Season 2 continues the story while also allowing a better spotlight on the other characters. 

Season 2 of Spy x Family continues to unfold the escapades of the Forger family. As Loid words to preserve world peace and Anya engages in mischief, the season strategically amplifies the spotlight on Yor when she steps into the persona of Thorn Princess. These are the hijinks you could only expect from a spy, an assassin, and a telepath pretending to be a family.

It should be noted that I’m anime only regarding the series. Hence this review will not be comparing Spy x Family with the manga. Instead, my critique will be based on the anime adaptations’ own merit.

Mission and Family

Meet the Forger family. On the surface, they present themselves as exemplary citizens residing in Berlint, the capital of Ostania. Beneath the facade, each member harbors a concealed agenda. Loid Forger operates covertly as a spy for Westalis, known by the codename “Twilight”, to discreetly monitor the activities of the National Unity Party. Yor Forger is a proficient assassin known by the moniker “Thorn Princess.” Anya Forger is a telepath and the only one who knows the truth about her adoptive parents. 

Season 2 focuses on the “Cruise Adventure Arc” while several side stories are interwoven into the season. Yor Forger finds himself entrusted with the mission of safely escorting Olka and Zed Gretcher, the final remnants of the Gretcher crime family, out of Ostania. Their chosen route involves utilizing the Princess Lorelei as a means to traverse the open sea, where they plan to rendezvous with a contact facilitating their secure passage. However, a formidable obstacle arises in the form of Leonardo Hapoon, the syndicate’s new leader, who has commissioned a group of assassins to eliminate the Olka and Zed.

The mission takes an added layer of complexity when Anya unexpectedly secures a pair of tickets for the same voyage. Now, Yor faces the challenge of not only accomplishing the mission and evading potential threats but also safeguarding her true identity from the family. 

The Fearsome Luxury Cruise Ship

Immediately, I want to delve into its handling of Extra Mission 2. Yor finds herself in a rather uncomfortable situation – a bullet wound to her posterior during a mission, causing considerable pain. Loid, interpreting her expressions of discomfort, mistakenly believes he has been a neglectful husband. In an attempt to demonstrate his appreciation for Yor, he takes her out on a spontaneous date. Yor, despite her pain, goes along with the charade, attempting to conceal her discomfort. This particular episode brilliantly captures the essence of what has endeared the series to its audience. It effortlessly combines the right style of humor while also showcasing each character’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities.

The Cruise Adventure Arc stands out as a distinctive narrative for its emphasis on Yor in the role of Thorn Princess. Until now, our exposure to action and danger has predominantly been with Loid in his Twilight persona, with only fleeting glimpses into Yor as Thorn Princess. This arc provides a valuable opportunity for viewers to gain deeper insights into Yor’s character as she navigates the challenges of her alter ego. It offers a glimpse of her adeptly managing a perilous situation while maintaining her poise and safeguarding her true identity.

The season also provides a more nuanced understanding of Yuri Briar, alongside Damian Desmond and his companions. While Yuri’s sister complex has often been the subject of jest, “Mission and Family” offers a deeper look into his involvement with the State Security Service. Revealing his earnest desire to create a safer world for Yor. In “Damian’s Field Research Trip,” the narrative delves into the intricate emotional landscape of Damian Desmond. It sheds light on the isolation and pressure he faces. Emile Elman and Ewen Egeburg emerge who comprehend these complexities, willingly sacrificing their own happiness to ensure Damian’s well-being.

Make My Family Sad

Season 2 of Spy x Family has everything that has defined the series but also some issues that damper the show. Most notably are unnecessary fillers and poor pacing. 

Returning from the previous season are the inconsequential fillers that contribute little to the overarching narrative. While certain side stories enrich the lore, others come across as gratuitous fillers. These moments fail to contribute meaningfully to the storyline and lack entertainment value. Instead, they come off as time-wasting elements, serving to elongate episodes without a genuine purpose. Rather than enhancing the narrative, they appear more as placeholders.

Not helping the storytelling is the poor pacing during The Cruise Adventure Arc of the season. Too often suspense is built up only for the episode to end. Then everything is resolved within the first five minutes of the next episode, undermining the purpose of building suspense. I find this pacing to be annoying as it undermines the build-up while the conclusion doesn’t have the same impact a week later.

Part of the Family

A distinctive aspect of Spy x Family is its approach as a family spy comedy that does its own thing. It also sidesteps the obnoxious tropes associated with the genre. Season 2 seamlessly continues this trend, maintaining the series’ unique identity while steering clear of the clichés that typically accompany family spy-themed stories. At the same time, Yor is allowed to shine not as a mother but as an assassin. 

Season 2 of Spy x Family continues the escapades of the Forger family while allowing Yor to shine in her Thorn Princess persona. It has all of the defining elements that has made the series so beloved but also some unsavory aspects.

Disclaimer: I watched the entire season on Crunchyroll, which I pay for myself.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Spy x Family (Season 2)

8

Excellent

8.0/10

Pros

• Its adaptation of the Extra Mission 2 is a great start to the season.
• Yor gets to shine in her Thorn Princess persona.
• A nuanced look at Yuri Briar alongside Damian Desmond and his friends.

Cons

• Fillers that offer nothing to the story or are worth watching.
• Poor pacing that at times undermines the build-up to intense moments.