Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro, Second Season review

 Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro, Second Season Discussion

After establishing a familiar and entertaining formula in its first season, the follow-up series, "2nd Attack," shifts away from its fetish-porn pretenses and emphasizes a surprising amount of sincerity. The sincerity of Nagatoro and Senpai's relationship was the most accessible element for audiences despite the show's layers of kink, so it makes sense to center the new season around their relationship. However, this shift necessitates some noticeable walkback, as Nagatoro and Senpai seemed to be sure of their feelings for each other through the first season's climax, even though they weren't officially dating.

In the new season, Nagatoro's bullying takes a backseat to a more mutual and flustered "will-they-won't-they" dynamic. The anime seems aware of its backtracking, with virtually every character in the series regularly questioning why the two aren't already dating. Given the hormonal fluctuations typical of high-school kids, particularly a shy and inexperienced Senpai and a teasing Nagatoro, the couple's slow progress towards dating seems believable. However, those expecting significant advancements in their relationship may be disappointed. While there are plenty of blushy-crush moments between the two, it takes them the entire season to go on a "real" date or work their way up to a simple hug. This may be a knowing jab at the complexities of showing "normal" affection, considering Nagatoro's initial behavior in the first season. Navigating the complexities of romance can be truly labyrinthine.

As the second season of Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro progresses, it becomes apparent that the show has moved away from its previous focus on fetishistic bullying. This shift in tone also means that there is less emphasis on the metatextual exploration of the artistic concepts that were present in the first season. Even the character of the art club president, played by Nana Mizuki, has become more of a source of jokes about providing fanservice than a symbolic embodiment of the intention of sexualized art. However, the show still manages to land its comedic punches and exhibits an understanding of the awkwardness and complexity of teenage relationships. The main focus of the second season is the development of the relationship between the two lead characters as they slowly grow closer to one another. The show achieves this through small moments of progress, such as Senpai choosing to wear contacts instead of glasses or learning more about Nagatoro's past and family. The culmination of this growth comes in the form of a judo tournament, where the characters shuffle priorities and positions, ultimately leading to the big date ask-out in the final episodes.

Miss Nagatoro displays growth in character via apparently little incidents. For example, when Senpai goes from spectacles to contacts, he noticeably changes his appearance, and this isn't a one-time prank. The characters grow over the season, such as when Senpai learns Nagatoro's first name and looks at further into her family and background. The season's peak revolves around a judo competition, it reveals Nagatoro's propensity for sticking inside her comfort zone, as well as emphasizing her tendency to flirt-bully Senpai while waiting for him to take the lead in their relationship. This plotline causes a reshuffling of goals and places, setting the groundwork for the final episodes, in which the big date ask-out becomes a reality.

Despite the shift from the show's saucier origins, it still manages to hit the mark with well-crafted jokes that understand hormonal teenage mating rituals. The show's development of Nagatoro's character, in particular, is notable. Her previous advances are now seen in a new light, as we understand that her lack of critical experience with courtship and intimacy may have instigated her playful bullying. This nuanced approach adds depth to her character, which was once just a fantasy object for perverts.

The show's shift towards a more standard rom-com may not be as groundbreaking as its previous exploration of the nature of art, but it is still a significant achievement. It has allowed the characters to be analyzed within the context of stories and relationships, turning Nagatoro from just a face in a CG set to a character with multitudes. Overall, the second season of Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro is a noteworthy improvement that showcases the show's ability to tell a compelling story while still maintaining its comedic edge.

The anime now hinges on your attachment to the characters and their dynamics, as the animation quality seems to have taken a hit. Nagatoro's appearance looks more flat and stiff this time around, with her character design devolving into a noodle-limbed caricature or featureless black blob. The show also rolls back on the whole bully-fetish angle, meaning there are fewer close-ups or framings of the previously depicted sexual tension. Despite this, Nagatoro still maintains her trademark teasing, and Senpai retains his nervous glasses-pushing tic even after ditching his glasses, which has become an amusing running gag.

The show adds some new quirks, such as the introduction of the Club President's cousin and her love for Naruto-running, but ultimately relies on the viewer's pre-existing fondness for the two main characters. This isn't a series where newcomers can easily understand the teasing dynamic between Nagatoro and Senpai, especially if they missed the first season. However, for fans who fell in love with the characters in the first season, watching them fall for each other in this solid rom-com is entertaining. It's fair to say that if you enjoyed the first season of Miss Nagatoro, you'll likely enjoy the second, albeit in a different way.