Maou-sama, Retry! R Episode 2 Discussion

So the first 2 episodes are recaps. Preferably you'd have just the first episode be the recap, but with the added backstory stuff, it's fine. For a continuation that's 5 years later and for viewers who didn't just watch or rewatch season 1, I'm being lenient, especially since I literally saw season 2 was a thing on Saturday and just a bit ago watched episodes 1 and 2, so like hell I'll remember any more than the main beats, ending, and Yukikaze. Also, really like the neet guy, both in design and character. He's funny.

Next week looks to start the proper continuation, so we'll see how that goes. Despite the changes and quality dip, I am happy to see this story continue in anime, though not how we imagined it.

Still getting used to the new art style and character design changes. One of the comments here said that season 1's designs were a lot more unique and I agree. Take Killer Queen Maiden's hair, it was a distinct style for her character's personality, bold but still with some level of elegance. But now it's bangs and straight long hair. Is this more source accurate? If so, fair enough. Personally, I don't hate it since those types of bangs are really cute to me. But that said, seems like we're in a similar situation to Devil's A Part-Timer, where the current designs and style are more streamlined and have more emphasis on moe.

Also, compared Yukikaze from the end of this episode to season 1 episode 11. And not only is he so much more beautiful back then,*pardon my gushing*, like good God half of the reason I remember the series so well is because he's just that convincing of a trap, but also some elements of his outfit's changed. I don't know if it's the source accurate fit or maybe it's a change of clothes for the North climate, which I'm assuming could be cooler than the capital's. All I'm saying is I'm gonna miss those garters. Also, Mikan got a drastic debuff.