Tower of God season 2 episode 2 review: Continuously expanding cast lacks development as new artstyle continues missing spirit and flair

After an unexpected start for the series, many fans had very high and very specific hopes for exactly what Tower of God season 2 episode 2 would do to, in their eyes, correct the season’s course. For some, dedicated focus on Jue Viole Grace (who is clearly Bam in disguise) was all that would be needed, while others were looking for fundamental changes in the approach thus far.

Unfortunately, Tower of God season 2 episode 2 is a mixed bag in this context, and will leave fans of the former camp happy while those of the latter will be left longing. While the episode does have some major positives, there are a few maladies which still linger, and likely will for at least a few episodes (and in some cases, the entire season).

Tower of God season 2 episode 2 review: Focus on Bam, explanation of his motives, and story progression are the positives

Tower of God season 2 episode 2 review (Image via The Answer Studio)

One of the most commendable aspects of Tower of God season 2 episode 2 is the specific focus on Bam, with the episode opening on a flashback to a conversation of his with Rachel. The flashback also serves as a connecting thread for Bam’s actions later on in the episode, which see him reject climbing the tower with anyone in the 20th floor testing group. While he claims it’s because they’re all too weak, it’s clear his trauma is also playing a role here.

It’s a great setup to the next episode, which will see Bam fighting Test Director Mule Love in order to climb the tower by himself as he wants. Likewise, it also serves as a natural transition into some exposition regarding what Bam has been up to. In the time between seasons, he has apparently joined a fearsome group named Fug, and has made it his mission to climb the tower and eventually kill Jahad and the Ten Great Families.

While this characterization of Bam in Tower of God season 2 episode 2 is an incredibly jarring shakeup from the kind soul fans once knew, it’s also equally as engaging. The cold, decisive manner in which Bam states his allegiances, identity, and mission naturally lends itself to piquing viewers’ curiosity and wanting to know more.

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In turn, this setup of who Bam now is also helps to further progress the story, and also sets up future developments and an overarching narrative for the series from this point on. While fans likely won’t see Bam complete his goal in this season or anytime soon, it’s nevertheless appealing to learn the ultimate direction Bam is going in on his journey. It’s also a goal which necessitates slow progress at times, in turn justifying some of the series’ likely future lulls.

All of these major aspects of Tower of God season 2 episode 2 combine to form a palpable and cohesive focus on Bam throughout the episode, even as other characters are thrust into the spotlight temporarily. It’s a fantastic execution which, when it comes to making Bam truly feel like the protagonist, fires on all cylinders and offers hope for the rest of the season’s episodes.

Tower of God season 2 episode 2 review: Too many new characters too fast and the art style continue to be the negatives

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That being said, there are still some lingering issues from the premiere present in Tower of God season 2 episode 2. One of the most notable is a plethora of new characters being introduced to the point where it’s obvious that some sort of culling game is about to take place. While this partially excuses the number of characters, the approach is still flawed from a narrative standpoint.

The character Nia serves as the best example of this, clearly being set up as a motivating death for Wangnan Ja based on their interactions and what’s known about her so far. Assuming this ends up being the case, it’s very likely her death will have little to no impact on viewers because of the lack of characterization thus far. Almost nothing is known about her, and it will require perfect execution of her presumed death likewise to elicit significant viewer response.

There’s also the fact that the time being spent on briefly introducing and focusing on those characters set to perish could be much better spent on the season’s mainstays. While the series has a massive scope, being called the One Piece of manhwa by many, the fact that there’ll be time later on to develop these characters shouldn’t excuse Tower of God season 2 episode 2’s missteps completely.

One flaw which is present both in this latest installment and will be for the foreseeable future of the series is the art style continuing to prove incredibly generic with no unique flair or pizazz. While clean and consistent, the art style is incredibly generic, and lacks any real spirit to the characters’ movements, facial expressions, and so on. Although the first season’s art style had its issues, it’s hard to argue that it was less inspired or vibrant than the second season’s.

There’s also the issue that the series’ unique identity through its art style was one of its most recognizable and attractive points. It blended incredibly well with the fantasy-like settings, creatures, and powers of the series, and was overall produced with very high quality. While the change in studio necessitated a change in art style to some degree, the full overhaul continues to prove a questionable choice in Tower of God season 2 episode 2.

Tower of God season 2 episode 2 review: In summation

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While Tower of God season 2 episode 2 is a step in the right direction in some areas, it is overall lacking more than it is hitting. Perhaps the upcoming “test” between Bam and Mule Love, which appears to be a fight in reality, will show the strengths of this new art style. After all, a sakuga-laden fight is the perfect opportunity to justify the change in aesthetic to fans.

Likewise, thinning out the currently massive cast for the season would also help to alleviate the other major pain point the series is facing right now. While more problems could very well make themselves clear in coming installments, it seems that for now, these two major issues are all that the series is missing from being as close to perfect as can be.