Otakuism

The second season of Black Lagoon was even better than the first, refining some of it’s rougher bits, and helping all of Black Lagoon become my best anime of 2006. Let’s look at how awesome the second season was.

First, there was the emotionally powerful and dramatic Hansel and Gretel arc. I think this was the best story Black Lagoon has ever done. I believe this was due to the particular tragic villiany of Hansel and Gretel’s characters, an element that re-occurs throughout the season. Swan Song at Dawn was a perfect finish for the arc, excellent in both cinematography and the ending song, The World of Midnight, an absolutely stunning and sad song for the finish. The Greenback Jane arc was a fun side diversion, giving us such classics as gothpunk mute Sawyer and Rotten Za Wizardo. And then the whole season concludes with the epic Fujiyama Gangsta Paradise arc.

The Highlight of this whole arc was Rock, and the payoff for all the small bits of character development he’s had over the series. We know he can be tough when he wants to, like figuring out how to destroy a helicoptor with a torpedo, or standing up to Revy. However, for most of the second season, I think Rock’s been in crisis about who he is. It began with his discussions with Gretel, before seeing her shot down. Rock knew how cruel and violent the world he lived in was, but this was an in your face example. This was struck in all the deeper when he talked with Yukio.

Yukio was forced to sacrifice everything to step into the darkness, while Rock still stood in the twilight, undecisive on what to do. As she saw it, he was a man who didn’t know where to go or where he belonged, and was weak for it. But, as Rock found out, this so-called ” indecisiveness” was his greatest strength. He could still understand things like hope and love, and was able to abide by his own rules instead of following anyone elses, even in a world where might made right. While everyone else had already given themselves up for dead, Rock still saw the value of life, no matter how dark. This is why, after everything, Rock was the one still standing, while Yukio was dead.

Yukio was a very interesting foil for Rock. Both had been dragged into the world of darkness without them wanting it. But Yukio fooled herself into thinking she had no other choice, while Rock always saw the other choices before him. As he said, Yukio could of ran away at anytime with Gin to start a new life, but she wouldn’t let herself do it. And by the time she realized this, it was all over. There were too many dead for this normal girl to account for, and she ended her life because of it. Through Rock’s realization of his choices, he’s finally decided where he stands, and to take full responsibility for everything he does. He chooses to live however he wants in the twilight.

Even though this arc was great with all the manly Rock and all, the plot was really confusing for me. I’m still not too sure what all was going on. I guess I need to brush up on my inner workings of Yakuza gangs. The Revy vs. Gin battle, for this hyped battle of the titans, should of been more epic also. Revy in a skirt is still incredibly awesome, though. More development for Dutch and Benny would of been nice also, but I guess that’ll come in time. So, basically, the second season of Black Lagoon is an even better continuation of the first season, and should be watched by all action and drama fans.