Dear esteemed reader, while your refined sensibilities might typically gravitate towards narratives of profound depth and artistic subtlety, allow me to introduce you to a corner of animation that thrives on a different kind of artistry: the glorious chaos of collegiate life, questionable decisions, and “burning Oolong tea.” Yes, after a seven-year hiatus, the legendary comedy anime Grand Blue Dreaming has finally returned for its second season, and the Peek-a-Boo diving club is ready to resume its… activities.
For the uninitiated, Grand Blue Dreaming isn`t your typical “cute students doing cute things” show, despite the seaside setting and the nominal focus on diving. While diving is indeed a plot point (we`ll get back to that, perhaps), the series built its reputation on masterfully executing a simple premise: the misadventures of university students, primarily centered around excessive drinking, public nudity, and the kind of over-the-top reactions usually reserved for life-or-death situations.
The first season followed the protagonist, Iori Kitahara, as he moved to a seaside town for university, hoping for a peaceful student life filled with attractive women and the allure of the ocean. Instead, he was immediately dragged into the chaotic world of the Peek-a-Boo diving club, populated by hard-drinking, musclebound senpais, a fellow otaku roommate (Kohei Imamura), and his initially disapproving cousin (Chisa Kotegawa). The humor is relentless, often physical, and consistently pushes the boundaries of decency, all delivered with impeccable comedic timing.
Seven years is a significant gap between seasons, and fans might have expected a grand, explosive return. Curiously, the premiere episode of Season 2 doesn`t deliver a shockwave. Instead, it feels remarkably like picking up where things left off mid-season. It offers a casual re-entry into the characters` lives, serving both as a gentle recap for returning viewers and an introduction for a crucial new player.
This new addition is Shiori Kitahara, Iori`s younger sister. Initially presented as a polite, traditional schoolgirl who corresponds with her brother via formal letters, she seems like the antithesis of the Peek-a-Boo madness. Naturally, this instantly throws the perpetually anime-obsessed Kohei into a frenzy and promises delightful conflict with the established character dynamics. However, as the episode hints, Shiori might possess depths (and perhaps a hidden capacity for mischief) that belie her demure exterior. Trailers and the ending sequence also tease the arrival of other new faces, including a potentially eccentric university professor and a character named Busujima, described by the source material as an “arrogant jerk” destined to make Iori`s life significantly more complicated.
Despite the understated premiere, the core appeal of Grand Blue Dreaming remains firmly in place. The first episode serves up the familiar blend of character interactions, cringe-inducing situations, and the signature brand of absurdity that made the first season a hit. The humor lands, the character reactions are priceless, and you`re instantly reminded why this series is so beloved by those who appreciate its particular flavor of comedy. It`s the same delightful dive into madness fans have been craving.
Visually, the series continues its established style. While it may not boast the hyper-detailed animation budgets of some contemporaries – indeed, some moments feel more like dynamic manga panels than fluid animation – this functional approach serves the comedy well. The focus is clearly on character expressions and comedic timing, rather than elaborate visual spectacle. It has a distinct look that prioritizes laughs over lavish backgrounds, and arguably, this fits the down-to-earth (or perhaps, under-the-water?) nature of the story.
The new opening and ending themes mark the passage of time, though individual preferences may vary compared to the first season`s tracks. It`s notable that artists associated with the series` specific vibe, like Shōnan no Kaze, return, maintaining a connection to the established atmosphere.
In conclusion, Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2`s premiere signals a welcome return to form. It`s an anime that unapologetically embraces the silly, the lewd, and the downright ridiculous. While it might cause a gasp or two from proponents of “high culture,” it`s also, at its heart, a story about friendship, youth, and finding your place (often face down in a puddle of questionable liquid). It`s the perfect antidote for anyone stuck indoors, missing the chaotic energy of student life, or simply in need of a genuinely funny escape. And yes, buried beneath the layers of comedy and questionable decisions, it`s also still an anime… about diving. Maybe we`ll discuss that more in the review of Season 3.
Jasper Hawthorne