Darker Than Black II, Episodes 7 and 8: The Doll Sings to the Dancing Snow and On Summer Days, the Sun Sways

My quest to get the longest post title possible continues with episodes 7 and 8 of Darker Than Black II. I think I enjoy this show more when I get a double dose of it. These managed to combine just about everything I loved about season one of this anime with all the best stuff of season 2, and it mafe for a great viewing experience.

The intrigue level of this anime was really ramped up, especially in episode 7. I didn't see the reveal coming at all until this episode. I'm really curious to see how it plays out. So many great plotlines were set up, and I can't wait to see how this anime follows through on them.

It looks like Darker Than Black II is back to getting better with each episode, and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. These episodes really managed to be dark but not have that ugly and uncomfortable feeling the show did for a little bit. Also, I know I've mentioned that this show has scenes after the credits before, but please make sure you see the one after episode 7. It's pretty important!

Rating: 96/100

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Darker Than Black II, Episodes 5 and 6: Gunpowder Smoke Drifting Away, Life Drifting Away and The Smell is Sweet, the Heart is Bitter

My apologies for the ridiculously long post title. I've finally been able to sit down and get all caught up on Darker Than Black II. Since episodes 5 and 6 are where I really fell in love with this anime's first season, I was pretty psyched to watch these two. It didn't quite live up to the awesomeness that was November 11's introduction, but it was throughly entertaining nonetheless.


These episodes still dealt with dark subject matter, of course, but they didn't have the ugliness of the last one. They did a great job giving several characters really humanizing scenes, even ones that I haven't considered to be major players. There was also plenty of intrigue and some callback to the events of last season. Though I've always been a fan of the music on this show, I really need to add how impressed I was with how well it set the mood in these episodes, 5 especially. I wish more animes would use music this well.

They've really set things up for some great episodes here. I hope that the show continues to live up to my high expectations. I also want to remind people once again that there are scenes after the show's credits that they probably won't want to miss, especially the last one.

Rating: 91/100

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Darker Than Black II, Episode 4: The Ark Rocks on the Lake

I'm now almost caught up with Darker Than Black II. I'll try and review episode 5 soon so that this won't be behind at all for those who care about that sort of thing. It's hard to discuss the plot of Darker Than Black II at all at this point without spoilers, so I can't do much of a summary this time around.

Season two of Darker Than Black has been pitch perfect up to this point, but for me, this episode faltered a bit. I still enjoyed it- a so so episode of Darker Than Black is still worlds better than a lot of anime out there- but it just couldn't compare with earlier episodes of the season. This series has always been dark, but I felt like this episode took the darkness into a seriously unpleasant territory. It often felt weird to watch.

The first season of this show really started to get good around the episode 5-6 mark, so I have high hopes for the next episode of this show. Darker Than Black II already feels like it's light years away from the first episode, so I'm really curious about what direction they'll take things in from here. I really hope we start getting some answers soon.

Rating: 90/100

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Darker Than Black II, Episode 3: Vanishing Into the Snow Field

At long last, I've been able to get to the third episode of Darker Than Black II. Given the ending of the last episode, I was going a bit crazy not being able to see what happened next. Luckily, this episode managed to live up to all of my expectations.

I'm not sure exactly what direction I expected this season of Darker Than Black to take, but it definitely wasn't this one. I was genuinely shocked at many of the events of this episode. There was also at least one surprise I saw coming, but I was thrilled to see it all the same. Maybe it's because I'm already invested in so many of the series' characters, but I feel a whole lot more involved in the show's mysteries this season. I'm aching for just a glimpse of what happened in the time between season one and this one. I hope to get to see that soon.

I am thrilled with this season of Darker Than Black. I almost can't believe how good it is. From the excitement of the action scenes to how powerfully the show can convey emotion, just about everything about this season seems right. I can't wait to keep watching.

Also, a note to those of you who stop watching once the ending theme starts: this episode features an additional scene after the credits.

Rating: 96/100

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Darker Than Black II, Episode 2: The Fallen Meteor

Darker Than Black continues to be excellent in its second episode. I'm really impressed with what a different tone this season has already been able to achieve in comparison to the second one. I think that there are countless stories to be told in this universe- there are already so many spin-off shows I'd be thrilled to watch. I'm so glad we're getting a chance to focus on some new characters this season.

My biggest complaint with the early episodes of the first season of Darker Than Black was the pacing, and they've really seemed to have addressed my issues with this season. I was at the edge of my seat throughout the entire episode, and the show never had a chance to drag at all. If they can keep this up, this season is going to be incredible. I already have some many new questions and so many things I can't wait to learn. I'm especially curious about what happened between this season and the last one.

Even if this show takes a drop in quality, it'll easily remain one of the best animes this season. Most of the stuff I've really enjoyed this fall has been more comedy or romance oriented, and it's so nice to have at least one quality action show that I can count on. The next episode can't come soon enough.

Rating: 95/100

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Darker Than Black II, Episode 1: The Black Cat Doesn't Have a Dream of the Star...

The second season of Darker Than Black, also known as Darker Than Black: Ryūsei no Gemini, has begun, and it's off to a pretty thrilling start. This season takes place two years after the events at the end of last season. While the show is now taking place in Russia rather than Japan, and is focusing on a different main character for now, there are still plenty of familiar faces. Some really interesting new characters have cropped up as well, and I can't wait to learn more about them.

Those that were disappointed with the ending of last season will be pleased to know that the show is already revealing more information about the Darker Than Black universe. It was really exciting to get some extra tidbits of information, especially since it focused on something in particular I'd been curious about. As for those of you who haven't watched season one and are thinking about jumping right in, you should be able to follow this episode just fine, but I'd recommend checking out season one so that you have a better appreciation for what's going on. You can find out how to watch season one online free here if you're looking to catch up.

Overall, this episode got Darker Than Black II off to a solid start. The action scenes were terrific, and it was definitely compelling. Waiting a week to watch each new episode is going to be rough. I can't wait to watch a few more episodes so I can get a better idea of the direction this season is headed in. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but I think this season just might be able to top the first one.

Rating: 90/100

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