Season 2 The Promised Neverland Ep 1

Okay, let's talk about The Promised Neverland. Specifically, season 2, episode 1. And brace yourselves, because I might have some… thoughts.
It's a Jungle Out There (Literally)
Remember how season 1 ended? Escape from Grace Field House! Freedom! Yay!
Well, turns out, freedom is a lot less "picnic in the park" and a lot more "running through a forest filled with giant bugs and questionable plant life." Who knew?
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Seriously, the jungle looks like something out of a fever dream. I wouldn't want to go camping there, not even for a million dollars.
Meet Mujika and Sonju: Our New Best Friends?
Enter Mujika and Sonju. These two demons swoop in to save the day. Or… do they?
They're friendly. They offer food. They claim to be different from the other man-eating demons. Color me skeptical.

I mean, free food from a demon in a scary forest? That's a hard pass for me. I'd rather eat bark. Maybe.
The "Skipping the Manga" Elephant in the Room
Alright, here comes the "unpopular opinion" portion of our program. Deep breaths, everyone.
I know, I know, season 2 veered off course. It skipped major arcs from the manga. We've all heard it before.
But honestly? While I understand the disappointment, maybe it's not completely terrible?
![[REVIEW] The Promised Neverland Season 2](https://cdn.idntimes.com/content-images/community/2021/09/img-20210927-132602-cfaa07b8deef99fb2f69eaad7a4f6abf-21a133c2318d02e87d5951c007297c45_600x400.jpg)
Hear me out! Maybe the anime creators thought they had a better story to tell. Maybe they wanted to surprise us.
Okay, okay, I'm reaching. I get it. But let's try to appreciate it on its own merits. As a different story.
Emma's Optimism: Still Shining Bright
Despite the danger, despite the scary demons, Emma is still relentlessly optimistic. It's almost annoying. Almost.

Her unwavering belief in finding a better world is… admirable. Even if I’d be curled up in a ball crying by now.
It’s like, girl, haven't you learned anything? This world wants to eat you! But you know, that's Emma for you. A beacon of hope in a demon-infested jungle.
Final Thoughts: Was It Good? Bad? Who Knows!
So, was the first episode of season 2 perfect? No. Did it deviate from the source material? Yes.
Did it still manage to keep me somewhat entertained? Surprisingly, yes! There's something about the desperation and the unknown that keeps you hooked.

Plus, those demons are genuinely creepy. And the soundtrack is still amazing.
Look, I’m not saying it’s a masterpiece. But maybe, just maybe, it's worth watching with an open mind. Or at least, watch it so we can all complain about it together. Misery loves company, right?
And hey, at least we got to see Norman… kind of. Even if it was just a hallucination. Or was it…?
Anyway, that’s my take. Feel free to disagree. Just don't come at me with pitchforks... Unless they're really, really shiny.
