Seven years. For fans of the anime adaptation of Kimitake Yoshioka and Kenji Inoue`s “Grand Blue” manga, it`s been a significant wait. Seven years since we last plunged (quite literally, on occasion) into the gloriously chaotic, alcohol-fueled world of the Peek a Boo diving club. Now, the wait is over. The second season has premiered, and the critical question arises: can it recapture the magic of its predecessor, or has the tide of time washed away its charm?
For the uninitiated, let`s clarify something upfront: “Grand Blue” is an anime about a university diving club that is paradoxically less about diving and significantly more about drinking, nudity, and the boundless, often humiliating, absurdities of student life. Our protagonist, Iori Kitahara, arrives at a seaside town for college, expecting serene waves and perhaps some gentle romance with his cousins. Instead, he is immediately shanghaied into the Peek a Boo club, a haven for musclebound upperclassmen whose primary activities involve consuming copious amounts of “oolong tea” (read: alcohol) and engaging in public displays of nudity, often under duress or extreme inebriation.
While the premise involves diving – and characters *do* eventually learn and appreciate the underwater world – the comedic core lies in the outrageous interpersonal dynamics and the sheer, unadulterated chaos that erupts whenever the club members gather. It thrives on slapstick, misunderstandings amplified by alcohol, and the juxtaposition of bizarre, exaggerated facial expressions with otherwise mundane situations. It is, unapologetically, a show that asks you to turn off your brain and laugh at the spectacle of young adults behaving incredibly foolishly.
Picking Up the Oolong Tea
Given the lengthy hiatus and the episodic nature of the first season (which lacked a significant cliffhanger), the premiere of Season 2 feels remarkably like simply picking up where things left off. There is no grand, dramatic reintroduction; instead, it slides back into the established rhythm of the characters` lives. The humor remains firmly rooted in the familiar “Grand Blue” style: misunderstandings, over-the-top reactions, and borderline-questionable situations played for maximum comedic effect.
The primary focus of the first episode is the introduction of a key new character: Iori`s younger sister, Shiori Kitahara. Initially presented as a seemingly traditional, well-behaved schoolgirl who communicates via polite, handwritten letters to her “respected brother,” her arrival promises to shake up the existing character dynamics. Naturally, her apparent innocence immediately sends the perverted otaku Kohei into a frenzy, while also creating potential friction with Iori`s existing circle, particularly his cousins Chisa and Nanaka. However, the episode hints strongly that Shiori possesses hidden depths, suggesting she may not be quite the demure figure she first appears to be, which bodes well for future comedic scenarios.
Trailers and the ending sequence also tease the arrival of other new faces, including a potentially eccentric university professor and a character described as an “arrogant bitch” named Busujima, slated to make Iori`s life considerably more challenging. These additions suggest the show plans to inject fresh dynamics while relying on the established formula.
Consistent Presentation
Regarding the production side, the animation style remains consistent with the first season. It is functional rather than flashy, often relying on dramatic freeze-frames and exaggerated character reactions reminiscent of the manga panels themselves. While some might find it visually modest compared to higher-budget productions, this approach has become part of “Grand Blue`s” identity, prioritizing comedic timing and character expression over fluid animation spectacle.
The new opening and ending themes feature notable Japanese artists, Shōnan no Kaze (known for their work on the Yakuza game series) and Atarashii Gakkō! respectively. While personal preference for the original music may vary, the continued involvement of prominent musical talent is a positive sign.
The Verdict: More of a Good (Absurd) Thing
The premiere of “Grand Blue” Season 2 delivers exactly what fans have been waiting for: more of the same hilarious, vulgar, and ultimately endearing college chaos. It doesn`t attempt to reinvent the wheel or pivot dramatically; it simply returns to the well of absurd situations and strong character chemistry that made the first season a hit. While the initial episode might not feel like an earth-shattering return, it successfully re-establishes the show`s tone and introduces elements that promise further comedic potential.
If you enjoyed the first season`s blend of diving, drinking, and debauchery, you will undoubtedly find the second season a welcome return. It`s a show best enjoyed by those who appreciate bold, often crude, humor and can find the fun in the sheer, unapologetic silliness of young adults navigating university life with questionable decisions and copious amounts of flammable “oolong.” It might not offer profound insights or intricate plots, but as a vehicle for consistent, high-energy comedy, “Grand Blue” Season 2 seems poised to remain comfortably afloat.