Sekirei: Pure Engagement DVD/BD Complete Season
Studio: Seven Arcs
Licensed by: FUNimation Entertainment
Release Date: Jan. 3rd, 2012
MSRP: $64.98

Season 2 of Sekirei is, for the most part, balanced between harem hijinks and the tortured progression of the Sekirei Plan. The story moves forward a little more fluidly than season one, and it features the same cast that you know from season 1. What it focuses on is rounding out Uzume's story and giving the viewer some details about the Sekirei Plan, past and present.

As I was breezing through the series (DVD only), I did find Sekirei season two to be well constructed. Aside from the repetitive character tropes (Tsukiumi can be grating), the fanservice cuts, and the predictable fights, the episodes were smooth and snappy. The action scenes were competent. Nothing really dragged on (much), and the flow of the tension of the show was spot on. Granted, it isn't exactly the sort of anime to take very seriously, and I wasn't left with any burning desire to check out the next episode at any moment. Nonetheless, it was easy to watch this show.

The slow build up to the climax was particularly enjoyable, up to nearly the end. Closing out Uzume's story right before the climax gave it enough of a push and elevated the overall tension of the story for the climax. The ending, however, was not conclusive enough. It left a ton of gaps for a sequel, and I'm sure people following the manga might see the lukewarm conclusion coming.

But that's all besides the point to me. Sekirei is really big on just two things: tits, and its voice acting crew. Hearing Kana Asumi's eager performance, now again in 2012, reminds me of how Asumi is really the ultimate seiyuu for little sister characters in recent years. It's always a joy for me to hear Yukana playing some sexy character that isn't shy about being, well, sexy. Saori Hayami's Musubi sounded refreshing, rather than annoying, given how it can be for the usual harem lead female. The usual FUNi dub given here also works, so I recommend going through it both ways, or at least switch them around from time to time. 

Secondly, the tits: there are great and glorious ones in Sekirei: Pure Engagement. I thought the episode where Kazehana got hooked was almost over the top in that department, although the thing that was dripping was not her chest. The details on Homura's chests, well, are either mysterious or inconsistent, perhaps just because they want to play around with that detail. Consistently, and often, for each of those fanservice moments, breasts simply filled the screen. I don't think you can really ask for a lot more.

As for the other details, there's little to note besides that they're within the usual standard deviation for a late night TV anime. The production quality is passable, the music apt if not too memorable, and at least the 5.1 English dub track makes the sound effects stand out a bit more. It's a crisp looking anime, as you'd expect of its recent vintage.

In the end, Sekirei doesn't aspire to be something great, and it isn't. If you find the visuals attractive and the chemistry between the characters enjoyable, the show does little to hinder your enjoyment. What hints and promises of romances and thematic significance add a light flavor without getting in the way. It's a fun fanservice romp. But since that is all it offers, Sekirei: Pure Engagement really ought to get a pass from the rest of us who wants something other than fanservice.

One last PSA: The FUNimation set comes with the bonus OVA episode, which serves as a prequel of sorts to the series. Watch that first before you begin the second season proper!

6.5 – Okay. 6s are flawed, but still enjoyable. These titles may not have attempted to do anything special or interesting, but they are nonetheless enjoyable. These typically make great rental fodder or a bargain grab.