This review is for the second season of Yowamushi Pedal. For the first season (episodes 1-38) summary and review, check out this post.
Does anyone else get exhausted after binding a series? Maybe it’s because this is a sports anime, but I am exhausted. I just pedaled up Mt. Fuji; somebody get me a water!
Review: 
/ 5
The best part of this season was Midousuji’s character roundness. This was a flashback that I was totally cool with–it added to his character and allowed me to feel sympathetic for him. I mean, just look at this adorable, yet still creepy, smile:
I mean in comparison to what he looks like for the majority of the series, this is bunnies and puppies, right?
Even better, is Midousuji isn’t “healed” in the series, he still is broken, sadistic, and chaotic evil. One of the most aggravating things in a series it to watch a character go from villain to redeemed instantly–to have them change from bad to good with little acknowledgement that change is difficult and gradual. Ultimately, no one can change who they are, and I like that it’s reflected here. They don’t make Midousuji more likable; they make him more understandable, and that to me is huge. Well done!
Let’s also talk about the ending– SPOILER ALERT
Our otaku takes first! I have mixed feelings about this, honestly. On the one hand, it was what was expected, and ultimately what would make me most satisfied as a viewer. We like to see the little guys win; the teamwork and friendship triumph over talent. On the other hand, I question the realism– there’s no way someone who’s just learned how to cycle road-race style is going to be able to win an inter-high, a competition among the best of the best. That’s not believable.
Adding to this is the pacing. While the first season was paced well (a good balance between the training arc and the competition arc), this season seemed drawn out. Yes, this is the final day of the inter-high, but a lot of the flashbacks could have been cut. In writing, we’re always talking about making sentences tighter, omitting needless words, and condensing your prose. This lacks some of that editing and would benefit from it. Many times I felt like skipping episodes (not like One Piece or Naruto, but I did feel it a little), and this could have been concentrated into 12 episodes.
The main negative, though, is this snake-boy, Machimiya Eikichi:
Is he going on a trip, because those are some bags he’s carrying beneath his eyes!
… I laughed.
Anyway, this fool pops out of nowhere, starts talking about stars, and just serves as a poor excuse of a wannabe-antagonist. His motives are shallow! He lacks depth! WHY would you introduce him after giving us the Midousuji backstory? No— I don’t want to hear your excuses! In all seriousness, the time spent on his quest for vengeance could have been used elsewhere, adding to another character while serving as a plot device.
For these reasons, Yowamushi Pedal remains at a solid 4. Am I wrong? Let me know in the comments below!
Watch on, Annieme-niac!
~Annie
Annieme 