Although I didn’t do a First Impressions post for Working’!!, I feel it deserves mentioning.

The core formula remains the same in the second season with the same cast of characters and only a few new faces. My thoughts about the first season over a year ago still remains mostly true when applied to this season.

Inami’s relationship with Takanashi was the central focus for a few episodes, so it really feels like they’re pushing for that pairing. I found the episodes showing Takanashi’s household to be the most interesting since it gives a break from seeing Wagnaria all the time.

The only disappointment I had was the lack of Matsumoto during most of the series. When she was introduced in the final episode of the first season, I expected she would play a larger role in the future. However, even though you catch the occasional glimpse of her working diligently, she does not get scenes with dialogue until the final episode. Save the best for last I guess, but I do like how smoothly they integrate her into the final episode. All her interactions with her co-workers gives off the impression that she’s been watching their antics the entire time and putting up with it.

Rating: Great

As I would expect from a slice of life anime based on a 4-panel, the characters have remained the same for the most part.

The series focuses on the unique quirks that each character has and plays with them to create amusing interactions amongst the restaurant staff of Wagnaria. Each worker can be easily identified by the “unique” trait associated with them, making it a simple task to predict the outcome of their encounters. As usual, some of their past histories are revealed during the anime while others aren’t even mentioned (I guess they weren’t interesting enough). With the late introduction of Matsumoto in the last episode, you just assume that they’re planning for a second season.

The main plot development was rather weak and mostly revolved around the relationship between Takanashi and Inami. I felt Inami’s extreme fear of men was overused and too much screen time was devoted to her. It would have been nice to see more development between Takanashi and other members of the staff. I was leaning towards Takanashi x Taneshima.

I do realize that this was a 13-episode deal, so Takanashi x Inami probably did not get as much screen time as I felt they did. Still, their formula worked for me. This was easily the most enjoyable series to watch this season.

As an added bonus, its OP is really catchy…

Rating: Good

A new series has aired for the Spring 2010 anime season and I didn’t even compile a comprehensive preview post yet.

Working!! is based on a 4-panel manga of the same name. The story revolves around the daily antics of the staff at a family restaurant. Just visualize other slice of life anime like Lucky Star and Minami-ke, except in a family restaurant setting.

From the first episode alone, the personality of each member of the staff is already defined. You have an energetic female lead who’s a 17-year old high school student with the appearance of a grade-schooler, and a 16-year old male lead that considers himself a “minicon” (loves miniature things). The connection there is pretty obvious. As for the rest of the restaurant staff, they each have their own quirks as well.

This anime aims to be a comedy, and it fulfills that purpose with ease. I found the first episode to be amusing enough, just don’t expect any profound plot developments.

Rating: Good