Review Of Naruto Season 2 (Episodes 27-52)

 

Disclaimer: This is not an actual review. I am neither a film/TV critic nor a journalist. The content of this review is mainly based on my view and opinion of this series. The word "review" is only used to categorize and grab the reader's attention.

Warning: May contain spoilers!

Netflix has divided the Naruto TV series into nine seasons. The first season has only the first 26 episodes of the original season 1 that aired in 2002-3. The second season on Netflix also has 26 episodes. The first episode is the 27^th episode of the first season (The Chūnin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death) and the last is the 17^th episode of the original season 2 (Ebisu Returns: Naruto’s Toughest Training Yet!). So overall, the second season of Naruto on Netflix has episodes 27- 52.

Overview:

Rookie Nine In Chūnin exam

The second season begins with all the candidates entering the second stage of their Chūnin exam. Soon after entering the forest of death Naruto and his team get attacked by Orochimaru and his puppets.

The second season of Naruto has more action than the first season. With Naruto and fellow participants fighting to pass the second stage, we get to see a lot of different techniques and jitsu styles. Since only the preliminaries exams are the only happening thing going on, the season feels a bit dragged and a few episodes tend to be boring.

What I Liked About Naruto Season 2 (Episodes 27-52):

I like how in this season different Jitsu techniques were introduced. It was also impressive how each Jitsu was explained. For example, the powers and techniques the participants of Sound Village were using. They explained how they use sound waves to attack, how their weapons/jitsu affect the opponent and how the whole mechanism works.

Team Dosu- Shinobi From Sound Village

In the first season’s review, I talked about Sakura standing up for herself and about her involvement in the fights. In this season I liked how when both Sasuke and Naruto were unconscious, she decided to protect them. Even though she was outnumbered she still stood up for herself and protected her teammates.

Check Out: Review of Naruto Season 1 (Episodes 1-26)

Sakura Against Sound Village Ninjas

I also enjoyed watching her fight match with Ino in episode 42 (The Ultimate Battle: Cha!). It was a beautiful episode not because of the fight sequence but for the mere emotions. I just loved to see Ino and Sakura's journey from “Friends to Frenemies”. Although they were fighting against each other they both didn’t want to hurt each other yet prove that they were not weak. Even in episode 33 (Battle Formation: Ino-Shika-Cho), Ino decides to help Sakura fight the minions of Orochimaru from Sound Village because she couldn’t see Sakura being hurt. It showed that even though they both keep bickering she still deeply cares for her former friend. During the battle as well, it was pretty evident that they cared about each other and didn’t want to hurt the other person.

Ino Vs Sakura- Episode 42 (The Ultimate Battle Cha!)

In season 1 whenever Sakura’s “alter-ego” appeared I thought it was there to create a comedic arc. It was created to show her inner thoughts whenever she was pissed. But, during her match with Ino, it was revealed that it was more like a second personality which actually helped her fight Ino’s mind control. For me, that was a clever character design. It gave Sakura a new kind of power/ability of her own. I am sure moving forward further into the story, this “alter-ego” or inner personality will play a significant role in Sakura’s life and abilities as a ninja.

Sakura's "Alter-Ego"

The last episode, episode 52 (Ebisu Returns: Naruto’s Toughest Training Yet!) was the funniest episode of the season. I just couldn’t stop laughing the entire time. I really want to see how Naruto’s abilities are formed after training with Eibsu. There was also a new character introduced in the last episode so, let’s see what new twists unfold in his presence.

Eibsu Returns As Naruto's Trainer- Episode 52:(Eibsu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet) 

What I Didn't Like About Naruto Season 2 (Episodes 27-52):

I think the preliminary exam was stretched a little too much. I think some of the battles needed to be quick and short. According to me, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Gaara, Lee and Orochimaru’s minions' fight should have been the focus. The rest could have been short and quick.

Naruto Vs Kiba & Akamaru

I personally wanted to see Gaara fighting Naruto or Sasuke but I guess we’ll get to see that in stage three. I was very disappointed with Naruto’s fight with Kiba and Akamaru. There was nothing extraordinary from Naruto’s side and it was a pretty average match. Except for the transformation Jitsu by Naruto, there was nothing impressive in that fight. More than Naruto’s fight I enjoyed the Lee vs Gaara match.

Gaara Vs Rock Lee

Although Lee and Gaara’s fight was my favorite I still don’t like how it ended. I mean it was sad to see Lee getting injured to the point of never being able to fight. But their fight had some great elements like Hidden Lotus moves from Lee. Also, it was very touching to see Might Guy stand up for his student. The teacher-student bond that Might Guy and Rock Lee share was very beautiful and heart-touching.

Conclusion:

Overall, it was an okay season. It felt a bit stretched and dragged to me with all the preliminary matches. I think if they had just quickly wrapped up the matches or side by side shown what is going on with Sasuke and what Orochimaru is up to, it would have not felt dragged. I rate the second season of Naruto 4/5. 

Orochimaru- A Character In Naruto Series

The next season is going to be action-packed with the final stage of Chunin exams. We will also know what Orochimaru is planning to do with Sasuke. I am curious to know what his intentions are against Naruto. We clearly saw him putting some kind of curse or mark on Naruto’s nine fox-tail curse mark. Will that mark have any effect on Naruto? So, far Naruto is doing fine. The only person who we need to worry about is Sasuke who not only has to face Orochimaru’s evil plans but also Gaara in his next exam. Also, can’t wait to see what Kakashi is planning to do next. He has handed over his responsibility of training Naruto to Ebisu. I am damn sure he is going to go after Orochimaru but how? Can’t wait to start next season!