This review contains spoilers 220https://gaijinpot.scdn3.secure.raxcdn.com/app/uploads/sites/4/2019/07/Aggretsuko51e1564109483495.jpg Summary Retsuko is a red panda working in the accounting department of a Japanese trading firm trying her best to navigate through the typical problems encountered by young adults in 21st century Japan. Taken straight from Wikipedia the short summary above tells you everything you need to know about Aggretsuko but chances are if youre reading a review about the second season you are well aware of the shows premise. You know what this shows about you know the deal. Were not here to read a SparkNotes of the show that tells you what you already know. Were here to talk about the 2nd season what you may have missed first time through and how this show and its writers were able to tell a gripping and meaningful story depicting the brutal truth and sometimes scary reality of modern romance. This is in this reviewers opinion the best season of Aggretsuko with a fun interesting plot in the first half tackling the new guy mentality in the workplace that gracefully leads into the 2nd half of the shows plot about romance. First Half: The New Guy The first half of the show deals with Anai who is the perfect stereotype of a young workaholic who didnt get any social skill in school. With Anai the show points out the absurdities of the seniority complex in office culture but more than that the young startup who fears that sort of culture and bullies their coworkers in some delusional attempt to protect themselves. 400https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BestTestyAztecantsizerestricted.gif I cite a quote from Jasmine Lav: This is referencing kind of a Japan/Asiaspecific issue. Since forever workplace superiors there have taken advantage of younger workers by verbally abusing them and forcing them to do work that FAR exceeds what their job actually is. Apparently that kind of thing has become a lot less common in modern times now that workers have the tools to fight back but it still happens. Anai is like someone whos hypersensitive about racism or sexual harassment to the point where he sees it in EVERY comment or interaction. Thats why hes so unbalanced and cant relax. Its not that his fears arent real hes just taking it WAY too far and assuming the worst out of everyone. Its an issue that isnt exclusive to Japan/Asia however. We see this in every walk of life from work culture to politics to even high school clubs. Its something Ive seen in my life in such school clubs the senior vs the newb mentality and it almost always ends in a shitty situation for all involved. The show both hilariously and accurately depicts this dynamic with over the top absurdity and onthedot satire of what this mentality does to people all while remaining a fun comedy for the viewer. Second Half: Romance 300https://64.media.tumblr.com/a424d981dd91fab7e3fde5eb229bd4dd/tumblrpt9zbdRS0E1txsff9o3r1500.gifv Now for the romance plot. Personally on a first time watch I actually hated the romance story. I thought it was boring had no build up and I didnt feel Retsuko and Tadanos connection. But on a rewatch I realize I was a braindead moron and didnt see how this show has what is by far one of the most realistic depiction of a romance Ive ever seen in an anime. Its a deep dive so here we go: The show spends the entire season leading up to its main motif. Take Gori and Washimi two returning and fan favorite characters geting into a fight on the topic of marriage. Long story short: Gori despite reaching her 40s is still looking for the perfect someone and dreams of getting married. It cant hurt to dream of that prince charming to come in one day and sweep you off your feet However Washimi we learn had been married for a few months and divorced. She has a much more pessimistic view on romance and marriage. Its foolish for people to think that signing your name on some piece of paper will just make you happy and guarantee things will work out. I tried it and it doesnt work. Its this clash of two mindsets that leads them to fight for several episodes in the season but its a theme that well seen throughout the WHOLE season. 220https://cdn.anisearch.com/images/character/cover/full/78/78787.jpg 207https://i.pin.com/474x/b1/cb/ee/b1cbee90045198ef7a0f0d6622fd4e26.jpg Gori: Whats wrong with a girl dreaming? Washimi: If you ask me marriage is a trap. Even if its great at first people change. Do you really want a life where youre always lying to yourself? Retsukos mom is introduced in this season and along with providing some great comedy brings her own more pushy views of marriage into the equation. Shes arranging matchmaker dates photoshopping the candidates and manipulating Retsuko into going on these dates. She embodies the old fashion and at times hypocritical view of marriage. The rush into things get a guy before they are all married mindset. 220https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/550910121434152960/771124648393179186/450.png By the time youre ready to finally settle down all the good men might have gotten snatched up and then youre going to kick yourself because you missed the boat On the opposite side we have people like Fenneko with the viewpoint that marriage is a waste. Committing yourself to someone is a scam and a crappy deal. Its a waste of time old fashion and is a mindset that exists in fairytales. This is becoming a much more common viewpoint especially in the younger generation. I currently go to college and have heard this viewpoint on the topic of marriage brought up plenty of times. Many people in their 20s are no longer seeking marriage or life partner. Its a clashing viewpoint from the older generation that places such an importance on getting married and starting a family. 220https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/550910121434152960/771124367236005898/fenneko.png Marriage is so old fashion. In a poll taken on over thousands of people our age 60 of men and 75 of women say they are not actively seeking a longterm partner or have any interest in marriage and starting a family. People are opening their eyes to the crappy deal marriage really is. We have many different viewpoints ideas and opinions on marriage in the modern age. From old to young generations from experienced to inexperienced. None of these are a correct answer it is a subject that should be handled on a person by person basis. Whats important on this subject is the individual. Which leads to my next point. Notice how no quote here comes from Retsuko the main character of the show. They come from other people outside her life and other influencers. What is her stance? What is her opinion? I wont spoil it as if youve seen the show youll know the answer. But point being the show puts her in a relationship that will force Retsuko to answer: Do you want to get married? Do you want to have kids? If you found the perfect man who had the opposite opinion and did/didnt want those things while you did/didnt would you give up set those needs aside to be happy with that person? Or do you need to stick to your guns and not give up on what you may genuinely want in life? 500https://i.kinja.com/gawkermedia/image/upload/toriginal/ijhnjav8q1mycfsijph8.png The answer isnt a pretty one. Sometimes people work well together but there are too many bumps hicups and differing opinions for the pieces to fit. Though you may want to stay together you must face reality and each person must do what is truly best for themselves at the end of the day. The show really explores every viewpoint on the topic giving a meta commentary to the viewer while creating an interesting story for the characters. Perhaps Im reading too much into a show with a metalhead red panda. We did a lot of analyzing and dissection in this review. For some they may have noticed these messages and themes but for others this show is a fun silly sliceoflife with cute characters and emotional moments. 500https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/550910121434152960/771087308081332275/d5a467d40df79f72c75de50cc9c95a89.png On the technical side of things everything from the 1st season is here. The chibi Sanrio animation style the spectacular voice acting the music all of it is still here. The show doesnt dip in its technical quality so if youve enjoyed the 1st season youre sure to find enjoyment in this one. Even if we take away the themes and motifs the team explores this season the show can still be watched and enjoyed as a light romcom with cute characters funny jokes and some heart warming moments. Aggretsuko stands as one of the best and at times most underappreciated sliceoflife shows that I think most everyone can get enjoyment from. Whether its the thoughtprovoking themes and message or the fun slapstick the show has consistently delivered viewers are sure to get something out of the 2nd season of Aggretsuko.