We’re back for round 2 y’all. Sakamoto Days pilot started real strong, and episode 2 did not miss a step. After Shin got conscripted out of the hitman life into retail, he is still very much in a reluctant adjustment period to the significantly slower pace of life. That said, his ESP makes him very good when it comes to customers, and he is getting to work with his idol. His idol, of course, is still loudly and idly daydreaming of ways to take out Shin. if he bothers him too much, but that’s neither here nor there.

Interestingly enough, episode 2 actually skips two chapters from the manga. Admittedly, those two chapters were relatively inconsequential in the grand and served more as just ways for Shin and Sakamoto to play off each other. While I’m used to anime following its source, there’s an argument that those chapters were filler, and episode 2 serves to introduce the latest character you recognize from the OP and wonder how they fit into the plot.
Episode 2 focuses on Sakamoto and Shin running into Xiaotun Lu, who also sports an updated visual look from the manga. It’s a more modern and contemporary look, and the redesign works well. We drop some stereotypical Chinese Girl Martial Artist elements in exchange for something a little more 2025, while keeping the distinguishable long ponytail.
The episode does not reinvent the wheel, but the fact remains the execution is impeccable. The fights are well directed and dynamic. The music is top notch. The jokes hit, the voice acting’s great. There is an incredible amount of heart that manifests in ways both small and large.
I know in my last review I said that Sakamoto Days felt like it had more in common with anime from the early aughts, but this episode really accentuates the feel good vibes we see in Spy X Family. It’s a story about a dude who loves his wife, loves his simple life, and takes to heed what his wife says to him.
The sitcom-y nature of the series means that I’m probably not going to be reviewing past this episode and I’m not in the business of recaps these days, but you should know that I’m definitely still going to be tuned in Saturdays.
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