Short Synopsis: Natsume finds himself having to choose between Kai and Natori.
Episode Rating: 7,5/10 (Good)
Well, the creators did it, even though they had to stuff two chapters into only one episode. It makes a lot of sense to save this story for last, because it really forms a conclusion to the development of Natsume throughout the second season: for once, he’s being forced to choose between humans and youkai.
I also liked that little scene at the end, which symbolizes how much closer Natsume has gotten to his classmates now. It’s time for the guy to grow up and stop only interacting with youkai. It was a very nice idea for an ending, and while not the best ending I’ve seen this season, it was definitely a good one; something that most other shows this season can’t boast.
Overall, the second season wasn’t exactly among my favourites, but it was nevertheless enjoyable to watch and the character-development on Natsume was very nicely done. Let’s hope that there’s going to be a third season some day.
Wow this actually IS two chapters (with some minor editting on Kai doing some senseless beating and some dialogue). Shame the series won’t be on for a while as there isn’t enough source material as of yet.
I really hope this series continues, it would be a travesty if it didn’t. I just found the whole series incredibly stirring and heart-rending. Something about this show just resonated with me and I was often left teary-eyed with a box of tissues at hand through most of the series.
For me, this show just seemed to have the right mix of humor, emotion, and action. Though, I think I watched it to see the development of Natsume’s relationship with the rest of the cast more so than anything. I do wish that some of the characters were better developed though, but it’s understandable when you look at the size of the cast and the amount of episodes there were.
I think I most enjoyed how Natsume’s relationship with Madara has developed. Like peering through a key-hole, the reasons for their unlikely bond was revealed little by little with each Youkai encounter and resolution. The Youkai’s dilemmas also seemed to serve as a catalyst for Natsume’s own introspection about his bond with Madara–the Youkai’s worries and sentiments often reflecting and exposing his own lurking concerns.
Natsume and Madara’s connection is a tenuous one; both with contrasting motivations and reasons for helping one another and staying together; but, gradually, we discover that maybe they’re very similar after all: both lonely, both longing for a connection that justifies their existence.