OP Sequence

OP: 「」 (Semisweet Afternoon) by (Aira Yuuki)

「商社」 (Shōsha)
“The Trading Company”

Greetings, everyone. Today, I’m delighted to discuss the return of “Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou desu,” also known as “The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent.” For brevity, I’ll refer to the series as “Seijo” from here on.

Seijo held a special place in my heart during the spring of 2021. Its debut coincided with a time when the world was beginning to emerge from the grips of a pandemic. The show’s arrival seemed almost providential, offering a heartwarming narrative about a young woman summoned to another world to assume the role of their Sage. I’m pleased to report that the essence of the series remains largely unchanged. However, I had momentarily forgotten how much the characters engage in dialogue about seemingly mundane topics, yet Seijo manages to transform the ordinary into something truly extraordinary.

As we embark on this new season, it captivates our attention from the outset with an intriguing scene featuring our protagonist, Sei (Ishikawa, Yui), exploring a cave and confronting a formidable miasma dragon. While we can safely assume Sei will survive, the show masterfully hooks its audience and encourages us to stay invested throughout the season. It’s highly unlikely we’ll revisit this particular scene until the series reaches its conclusion, likely sometime around New Year’s. Whether Sei encounters a genuine peril or an unexpected twist awaits us, only time will reveal.

Speaking of Seijo’s unique attributes, it’s noteworthy that roughly halfway through an episode, I found myself exclaiming, “Finally, a show where men appreciate a woman’s intellect!” Seijo’s progressive nature stems from its treatment of the female protagonist, a testament to the original light novel being penned by a female author. I’ve always found the show intriguing for precisely this reason. Placing a female character at its core, it takes a nuanced approach to character development, steering clear of clichés and never objectifying Sei, portrayed by the talented Ishikawa Yui. Instead, it unveils her humility and genuine kindness organically, endearing her to viewers.

Seijo thrives on its commitment to worldbuilding and the gradual development of a heartwarming romance with a charismatic young man who possesses qualities that may leave you both charmed and amused. Hawke (Sakurai, Takahiro), is a character I hold in high regard. His untroubled demeanor in interpersonal relationships, coupled with his innate ability to understand Sei like an open book, makes him a captivating and thoughtful figure in the realm of romance. Will their relationship deepen this season? The uncertainty adds an element of excitement to the narrative.

As for the supporting cast, Sei finds herself assuming greater responsibilities within the scientific community, this time receiving a package that will aid in the creation of cosmetics. The trope of a protagonist leveraging their knowledge from the modern world to innovate in a medieval-like setting has been thoroughly explored, and Seijo might well be the show to retire it. Sei’s entrepreneurial aspirations are endearing, and one can’t help but wonder if she’ll embark on a quest to establish her own frappuccino empire in this quasi-medieval world.

Setting humor aside, I was a fervent fan of Season 1, and thus far, Season 2 appears to maintain the same level of quality. In an age of daring and innovative premieres, Seijo may seem somewhat traditional. However, its unwavering commitment to its unique identity could be its saving grace.

Consider this my endorsement if you’re contemplating watching Season 2. Yet, by all means, you may have already made that decision. As premieres go, Seijo offers the comfort of familiar storytelling, best enjoyed in moderation, much like a beloved comfort food. Unfortunately, I have commitments to other series such as JJK and Sousou no Frieren, so this first impression will remain just that. Blogging about it on a weekly basis might lead to a skewed perspective due to its unconventional pacing. Nevertheless, this is precisely what allows me to disconnect from critical analysis and immerse myself in the sheer enjoyment of the series. Seijo is that kind of show, and its deliberate pacing, paradoxically, is one of its strongest assets.

Lastly, I’m also looking forward to previewing “Paladin S2” and “UNDEAD UNLUCK.” Stay tuned for more on that front.

Full-length images: 36.

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