The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Part 2 Review – A fine continuation with more depth

Episode Guide

Episode 13: Nothing Venture, Nothing Have. I -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 14: Nothing Venture, Nothing Have. II -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 15: Needs Must When The Devil Drives. I -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 16: Needs Must When The Devil Drives. II -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 17: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May. -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 18: Coming Events Cast Their Shadows Before -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 19: Man’s Extremity Is God’s Opportunity -| Review Score – 3/5
Episode 20: Even A Worm Will Turn -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 21: A Burnt Child Dreads The Fire. -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 22: Give A Thief Enough Rope and He’ll Hang Himself -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 23: Of The Two Evils Choose The Less -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 24: The Show Must Go On. I -| Review Score – 4/5

During the Fall 2023 anime season, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 returned with its next batch of content to wrap up its College story arc. In the Fall of 2023, the second season of The Ancient Magus’ Bride returned with new episodes to conclude its College story arc. Although the first part had some flaws, it managed to introduce intriguing topics and questions to keep fans engaged. Although this part has similar issues, in addition to new ones, it concludes season two on a satisfying note. 

The Ancient Magus Bride Season 2 Part 2 continues following Elias, Chise, and her new friends’ endeavors at the College. Previously, Adolf, an alchemist at the College, told Chise that he might know a way to remove her two curses. This enticed Chise to attend the College with Elias and Ruth tagging along to monitor her. After several issues occur in the College, its Headmistress Quilyn seals the College to protect the students. Chise and her friends must stop the mastermind behind it all while overcoming their inner demons.

The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2’s second cour was a step up from the first in some ways. This cour gave fans pleasing reveals, fascinating flashbacks, and backstories, and had a nice mix of action, drama, tension, and secrets to keep folks invested every week. Whether fans loved examining Philomela’s tragic past or enjoyed seeing the students strengthen their skills or friendships, part two seemed more gripping than the first half and even closes on a festive note. 

Coupled with compelling themes like determination and self-acceptance, touching character conversations, and alluring portrayals of witchcraft, there was a lot to enjoy in episodes thirteen to twenty-four. Despite being a huge improvement over part one, the second part has its shortcomings. For instance, the slice-of-life content, though enjoyable at times, often hampered the series’s pacing a bit. Instances like the College ghost hunt and exam preparation scenarios come to mind. 

While it fits with the arc’s theme, many will wish the story leaned more into the magic book assailant’s plot thread sooner than later. Moreover, the story reintroduces characters and powers from past endeavors without giving audiences a brief description or recap of these aspects in question. While simply rewatching season one and its OVAs can solve this issue, viewers would’ve appreciated a snippet of intel about Morrigan, Chise’s dormant powers, and other instances that fall within this category. 

In addition to leaving fans puzzled about Veronica’s need for the magic book and Lizbeth’s reasonings behind the Webster Family Tragedy, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2’s second cour left much to be desired. Although the plot had its ups and downs, the characters were a delight to follow in this part, especially Philomela. Philomela receives incredible development and depth in this part. From her engaging backstory to her courageous actions, fans will end up admiring her by this season’s finale. 

Chise and Elias, our overarching protagonists, have chances to shine in this part. From Chise helping Philomela overcome her insecurities to Elias assisting Philomela’s protector Alcyone with Lizbeth’s curse, fans will be satisfied with the roles they served in The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2. As for this season’s overarching villain, Lizbeth, the story exceptionally makes her a villain worth rooting against in this narrative. While she can feel one-dimensional at times, her actions will instill mild fear and anger in audiences. 

As each episode involving her character comes and goes, you’ll be wishing for her to receive her comeuppance. As for the other characters like Lucy, Rian, etc., they served their roles accordingly and received minor development occasionally.

Regarding the anime’s visuals and animation, The Ancient Magus Bride Season 2’s second cour looked fine and up to par with the first cour. However, there were instances, like in the final battle between our heroes and Lizbeth, that could’ve used better lighting. Nonetheless, fans will be pleased with the fascinating creature designs, magic battles, and vibrant scenery portrayed in The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2’s second cour.

The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2’s second cour’s soundtrack was pleasing to the ear. From its background music to its voice acting, nothing about the second cour’s OST felt off-putting or terrible to listen to. If anything, the soundtrack for the second season is on par with the first and captures the anime’s fantasy nature well. 

As a whole, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 was an interesting endeavor, to say the least. Despite not capturing the same magic as the first season, the follow-up introduces new twists, characters, and ideas to help viewers get excited about its future material. 

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