Overlord II

Episode 3

Last episode, we were left speculating if Nazarick was behind the dire proclamation to the lizard men, perhaps with the intent of uniting them. This episode we get confirmation that Ains definitely has some goal in mind behind his threat, but it apparently isn't extermination or the proposal brought up in the first season about the possibility of using lizard men as a source for stronger undead. Given that only less powerful undead were put at Cocytus's disposal and he was forbidden from participating directly, Demiurge is probably right that Cocytus was not intended to win this battle; this is just a test, perhaps to see if the lizard men are tough enough in their unified alliance to be worth bringing into the Nazarick fold. Ains only classified them as “not exceeding expectations” prior to the battle, and that's understandable; they came together, but only under duress. Sadly, we'll have to wait until next episode to see if the heroism of the elite lizard folk strike team was enough to change his mind.

It should be, because those lizard folk put on quite the show. Zaryusu's duel against the Dragon Tusk chief Zenberu isn't anything special in terms of dynamics, although it does show that Zaryusu is capable of defeating foes with strategy instead of just brawn; when you're wielding a frost sword and your opponent decides to engage in unarmed attacks, you don't need to strike your foe, you just need to get him to strike your blade instead. It was surprising how quickly Zenberu realized that he'd been outwitted enough to concede defeat, but it shows that he's no fool and respects more than just raw power. He continues to prove this as he works together with Zaryusu, with Crusch as healing support, against the field leader of the undead horde in a much more dynamic battle. They make a pretty solid adventuring group on their own, just barely defeating a powerful foe through their combined efforts. Add to this Crusch's ongoing flustered displays over Zaryusu's bold compliments of her, and these lizard man adventures are paying off to the great commitment they've gotten in these past episodes. Their story has been enough of a blast that I'll be sorry to see the inevitable switch to other focal points, most likely no later than the end of next episode.

As fun as the ride has been though, it's about time to transition to some of the many other plot points raised by the first episode. At least this time Ains actually makes a minor appearance, though no one else except Cocytus and Demiurge has more than the briefest glimpses of screen time. And what about the mysterious distraction detail Demiurge got? Last time something like that happened, dire consequences ensued. Regardless of what's going on, the series has clearly recovered from its unfocused first episode.

Rating: B+

Overlord II is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.