This is a stunning, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking start to season 2 of Vinland Saga. Meeting a new character and spending 24/25 minutes with him was certainly a risk, but it paid off in spades. We learn so much about Einar in just over 20 minutes and become fully absorbed in his struggle to survive and will to live. From a harrowing experience with his family and village, to being sold off as a slave, we are left to wonder where his journey may lead. All signs point to Thorfinn by episodes end. This was the best possible start to this arc that I could have imagined! Strap in, it's going to be top tier!
14 Reviews
Not what I expected... but certainly a good start
thefoochie9 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I don't have a whole lot to say about this episode because it didn't really do anything wrong, but there wasn't much stand-out material either. It's just a solid start to the new season.
The new main character is eilar, who lives on a farm with his sister and mother until they are captured by slaves. I thought the sudden shift in tone was a little jarring but I think it works. Because that's how it worked in real life. People would just be happily going about their day and then out of nowhere they would be attacked by pillagers. I wasn't attached enough to eilar's family to feel much when they died, but it was still pretty sad.
My favorite scene (besides the ending of course) was probably when the slavers throw that sick woman off the ship without even hesitating. Although it isn't as brutal as eilar's family's death, it's still quite disturbing because it shows how little slavers cared about their slaves.
By the second half of the episode I was starting to get confused about where this story was going. I hadn't seen Vinland saga in a couple years so I wasn't sure if eilar was some important character that I forgot about lol. Fortunately, it doesn't take long for him to become involved in thorfinn's story. Eilar is bought by a slaveowner and then is brought to the guy's farm. This is when I started to get hyped. Thorfinn's introduction was just... amazing. I loved the music, cinematography, and especially thorfinn's new look.
Overall, a pretty good start and I'm excited to see where this is going. Im especially looking forward to seeing thorfinn and eilar interact. They definitely have a lot in common. And I'm sure by the end of the season eilar will have become a badass. It's a solid 8/10.
The new main character is eilar, who lives on a farm with his sister and mother until they are captured by slaves. I thought the sudden shift in tone was a little jarring but I think it works. Because that's how it worked in real life. People would just be happily going about their day and then out of nowhere they would be attacked by pillagers. I wasn't attached enough to eilar's family to feel much when they died, but it was still pretty sad.
My favorite scene (besides the ending of course) was probably when the slavers throw that sick woman off the ship without even hesitating. Although it isn't as brutal as eilar's family's death, it's still quite disturbing because it shows how little slavers cared about their slaves.
By the second half of the episode I was starting to get confused about where this story was going. I hadn't seen Vinland saga in a couple years so I wasn't sure if eilar was some important character that I forgot about lol. Fortunately, it doesn't take long for him to become involved in thorfinn's story. Eilar is bought by a slaveowner and then is brought to the guy's farm. This is when I started to get hyped. Thorfinn's introduction was just... amazing. I loved the music, cinematography, and especially thorfinn's new look.
Overall, a pretty good start and I'm excited to see where this is going. Im especially looking forward to seeing thorfinn and eilar interact. They definitely have a lot in common. And I'm sure by the end of the season eilar will have become a badass. It's a solid 8/10.
The Triumphant Return
Tasteless_Critic_Takes9 January 2023
This episode was beautiful visually, paced to absolute perfection and has the dynamic and compelling plot that Vinland Saga had throughout the first season. A change of studios certainly did not make a difference to the quality of the masterpiece this show truly is, and when it's by Studio MAPPA I'm really not surprised.
If you didn't come to this episode reading that manga, there is uncertainty, yes, but confusion or disappointment never fits into the equation in this show. If you did read the manga, you just waited patiently until the end in excitement. It's easy to forget how well constructed manga is until you see a slow unfolding of something like this episode. I would not have adapted this episode any different - it was a perfect adaptation, and the opening art and song fits this arc perfectly.
Once more, Studio MAPPA tries to make me disappointed in anything not made by their studio by dropping a banger, and I patiently await the next episode.
If you didn't come to this episode reading that manga, there is uncertainty, yes, but confusion or disappointment never fits into the equation in this show. If you did read the manga, you just waited patiently until the end in excitement. It's easy to forget how well constructed manga is until you see a slow unfolding of something like this episode. I would not have adapted this episode any different - it was a perfect adaptation, and the opening art and song fits this arc perfectly.
Once more, Studio MAPPA tries to make me disappointed in anything not made by their studio by dropping a banger, and I patiently await the next episode.
Excellent way to start the new season
Guts_Fring9 January 2023
A brilliant way to launch fans back into the brutal and unforgiving world of Vinland Saga. Right from the very beginning of the episode the animation is truly incredible to view. From the designs of the characters to the beautiful sceneries. The introduction of the newest character, Einar, was excellently handled in letting us understand and sympathise with him by being shown his backstory. The soundtrack throughout this episode was also terrific, from its new opening 'River', to the more somber moments such as Einar arriving at the new farm. Great episode all around and leaves you wanting to see what will happen next.
A perfect start
8izxq10 January 2023
The perfect start to a new chapter in Thorfinn's life. This season will not focus on fighting. The focus will be on the story of Thorfinn's search for peace and some other historical matters in the era of the end of the Vikings.
- The studio has changed from "Wit" studio to "MAPA", but the production team has not changed, so the style of graphics, coloring and shadows will be the same as the first season.
- There will be a development in the level of writing, the development of characters, and a focus on the goals of each character in the story.
- I will divide the episode into several sections (production, directing, story, and comparison to the beginning of the first season). For me, the start of Season 1 is on the same level as Season 2, but Season 2 is somewhat superior 2/2. Einar's story was touching and makes you empathize with the character and understand the suffering he went through 2/2, the directing was great, but I felt it could have been better in some shots 1/2 , the production was beyond amazing. There are some scenes that I felt as if I was looking at a drawing in Museum 2/2, a great start and I hope the work team maintains the same level from a technical point of view 1/2 .
- The studio has changed from "Wit" studio to "MAPA", but the production team has not changed, so the style of graphics, coloring and shadows will be the same as the first season.
- There will be a development in the level of writing, the development of characters, and a focus on the goals of each character in the story.
- I will divide the episode into several sections (production, directing, story, and comparison to the beginning of the first season). For me, the start of Season 1 is on the same level as Season 2, but Season 2 is somewhat superior 2/2. Einar's story was touching and makes you empathize with the character and understand the suffering he went through 2/2, the directing was great, but I felt it could have been better in some shots 1/2 , the production was beyond amazing. There are some scenes that I felt as if I was looking at a drawing in Museum 2/2, a great start and I hope the work team maintains the same level from a technical point of view 1/2 .
Vinland Saga Is Back!
Xarx11710 January 2023
After a little more than two years this masterpiece comes back with a second season! I have to say that having enjoyed the first season enormously, I really think the second season could come close to being has good has the first one. Just like in the first season the setup is very good and very promising. This episode brought us some spectacular animation, splendid new characters, a fantastic debut for a new plot and like always, some stellar music. I find this episode introduces us very well to the new situation which is drastically different than the one in the previous season but still manages to keep us in suspense has to what is going to happen.
Overall, I find this is a very strong start to this new season with plenty of potential to keep up with the first season and possibly be even better.
Overall, I find this is a very strong start to this new season with plenty of potential to keep up with the first season and possibly be even better.
Amazing start to season 2!!
and_mikkelsen16 January 2023
This first episode caught me by surprise in a good way! From the beginning the tone feels different and It is clear that this will be a different kind of Journey! Just like season 1 it takes its time to tell the story!
This episode introduces Einar and his character! There were a sense of dark realism and I really enjoy when this show does that! Its an exploration of this time-period and the culture! Its brutal and mercyless and hard to figure out what your purpose in life, is!
Animation and soundtrack were also really good! Great landscapes and clean colours! Soumdtrack did a great job of settimg the tone!
Ready for a character driven season 2!
This episode introduces Einar and his character! There were a sense of dark realism and I really enjoy when this show does that! Its an exploration of this time-period and the culture! Its brutal and mercyless and hard to figure out what your purpose in life, is!
Animation and soundtrack were also really good! Great landscapes and clean colours! Soumdtrack did a great job of settimg the tone!
Ready for a character driven season 2!
A beautiful yet tragic introduction to best bro Einar
sebysooraj9 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I speak as a fellow manga reader for the Farmland Arc, and i can only say that i have never been so impressed with an anime adaptation in such a long time (besides JoJo Part 6). Opening? Masterclass. Ending? Top-notch. All fitting for this arc in my opinion. And now to the episode, i don't recall some scenes in the anime in contrast to the manga, that being said, it's still amazing. They perfectly introduced Einar into the series and shows one striking difference between him and Thorfinn and that is one of them didn't attempt to take revenge. I am only excited as how far the studio attempts to take this anime as a manga reader. But i only have the highest of expectations. Common Mappa W.
Vinland saga is back
evansjoshyr19 March 2023
This is such a great introduction back into Vinland saga, even if thorfinn is barely in it. Following Einer, who we don't know, is such an intriguing decision that hooked me from the first moment. You see his life change from peaceful village to warzone just like Thorfinn's arc in season 1. But where it gets interesting is how differently both of them turned out. We'll get to see much more of that through the season, but for now, this episode stands tall as a great introduction to a superb character.
It's also worth mentioning that the music and animation is gorgeous. The writing is what makes this show as incredible as it is, but honestly, there's very few areas where it fails. In many ways, this is a perfect episode of television.
It's also worth mentioning that the music and animation is gorgeous. The writing is what makes this show as incredible as it is, but honestly, there's very few areas where it fails. In many ways, this is a perfect episode of television.
Immaculate
ciprianpirvu-786919 January 2023
What can I say, this is the beginning of one of what will be one of the best seasons of anything, ever. The music, the cinematography, everything was top notch and also the opening is one of the best I've seen. The song is extremly catchy and rhythmic and the visuals are very unique, I like that they didn't just use scenes from the episodes. Other than that the voice acting was superb and the characters show so much enotion. I guess we're in for a treat for the next 24 weeks
Honestly, MAPPA I think is the best studio in the business right now and deserve all the praise. With l the projects they've got going on right now they are doing a fantastic job so props to the animators.
Perfect new Beginning
jace-rynearson10 January 2023
This is how you start another season. I'll admit I was a little leery when I heard another studio was doing it this time, but I was also so glad to hear that the same people were working on it. And now that the second season is finally here, everything that shined the past season arguably shines even more here. The breathtaking animation, the wonderful musical score, the incredible new characters who bring so much to the table, the deeply emotional narrative from the first one, the staunch realism, and so much more. It even brings back two beloved characters and takes a different approach to the story, one outside of war and about a time of peace and character growth instead. I positively cannot wait for what's to come, even if I had already read a great deal of the manga storyline.
Rather unexpected but great start
moritzherz9 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Vinland Saga's Second Season starts with something rather unexpected. But this doesn't cause a loose of quality. The episode fits well to the theme of the series and introduces a new character, I am looking forward to follow on his journey.
Story: It's not as good as the premiere of the first season but it still catched me. It's a story about slavery and introduces the character of Einar, which shurely will be important through out future episodes. I also liked the connection to Thorfinn at the end of the episode. On what adventures will they go together? (7/10)
Intro is solid, better than the rock music of season one. (7/10)
Animation is as sharp as in the first season, Mappa does a really great job. (8/10)
With this said I'm happy to have you back Vinland Saga and cannot await the secon episode in one week.
(7/10)
Story: It's not as good as the premiere of the first season but it still catched me. It's a story about slavery and introduces the character of Einar, which shurely will be important through out future episodes. I also liked the connection to Thorfinn at the end of the episode. On what adventures will they go together? (7/10)
Intro is solid, better than the rock music of season one. (7/10)
Animation is as sharp as in the first season, Mappa does a really great job. (8/10)
With this said I'm happy to have you back Vinland Saga and cannot await the secon episode in one week.
(7/10)
Typical Shonen Garbage
TheBlackSwordsmann11 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What a ridiculously weak start to a new season. The entire episode was a snooze fest filled with "please cry" moments. Typical shonen anime, 'the weak male protagonist sees his family die in front of him and he's too weak to do anything but cries and one day will become some beast savage seeking revenge.'
How many times have I seen this story before? For the love of God, please Japan, do something original. It's bad enough that series like this get the green light from major studios like Wit and Mappa over real seinen manga like Berserk and Vagabond that actually deserve the Mappa level treatment. This episode was so painfully dreadful to have to sit through. The new character Einer watches his sister get kidnapped and eventually murdered, she even puts up a better fight than him. Terrible. Already dislike this character more than cry baby Thorfinn. Season 1 was very overrated, they literally killed off the two best characters the series had in Askeladd and Thors, and I just don't find the story that is playing out here or any character as enjoyable or interesting by any means.
Only good thing here is that MAPPA of course has incredible animation and sound design. Music was decent. Character designs look good. But still a very weak start. Massively disappointing.
How many times have I seen this story before? For the love of God, please Japan, do something original. It's bad enough that series like this get the green light from major studios like Wit and Mappa over real seinen manga like Berserk and Vagabond that actually deserve the Mappa level treatment. This episode was so painfully dreadful to have to sit through. The new character Einer watches his sister get kidnapped and eventually murdered, she even puts up a better fight than him. Terrible. Already dislike this character more than cry baby Thorfinn. Season 1 was very overrated, they literally killed off the two best characters the series had in Askeladd and Thors, and I just don't find the story that is playing out here or any character as enjoyable or interesting by any means.
Only good thing here is that MAPPA of course has incredible animation and sound design. Music was decent. Character designs look good. But still a very weak start. Massively disappointing.
One of my favourite anime, Vinland Saga is Back!
TomiMaster1410 January 2023
Yeah Ladies and Gentleman Vinland Saga is back!
I've been waiting for this moment since the first season ended...
What a sensational start to the second season!
The animation, direction and soundtrack... everything was beautiful!
The new opening and ending was really good and it was so good to se Thorfinn again. It's time for Thorfinn's character to shine!
I heard that the Farmland Arc is not a joke at all, so many people called as one of the best manga arcs that ever exist.
That's why I can't even describe how long I've been waiting to see and experience it with my own eyes! I'm terribly excited and I hope it won't disappoint, based on the first episode it hasn't so far, so I'm really optimistic.
We are about to witness Peak story and characters and I'm so ready for it!
I've been waiting for this moment since the first season ended...
What a sensational start to the second season!
The animation, direction and soundtrack... everything was beautiful!
The new opening and ending was really good and it was so good to se Thorfinn again. It's time for Thorfinn's character to shine!
I heard that the Farmland Arc is not a joke at all, so many people called as one of the best manga arcs that ever exist.
That's why I can't even describe how long I've been waiting to see and experience it with my own eyes! I'm terribly excited and I hope it won't disappoint, based on the first episode it hasn't so far, so I'm really optimistic.
We are about to witness Peak story and characters and I'm so ready for it!
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