‘Twas Herodotus who wrote, “Whom the gods love, dies young.” Was this Greek historian speaking of single-season anime when he penned this iconic quote? Likely not, but I’m choosing to believe he is smiling down upon us, as we apply his wisdom to our consideration of three series’ short-lived runs on the air.
Though very different, all three of these anime have one major thing in common, that being the echoing cries of fans around the world begging for a second season. It does beg the question though: just because the people wanted more, does that really mean they needed more?
Death Parade, 12 Episodes
Did it need a second season? Yes
At first glance, one might be inclined to say that the narrative in Death Parade was self-contained. The show almost feels like an anthology, focusing on new characters during each episode in order to push forward the overarching story and development of our main cast. By the end of Season One, we find ourselves bidding farewell to the character that we’re meant to experience the world through. That being said, the reason why this anime deserves a second season is because the anime ends with more questions than answers. The introductions of higher powers and the allusion to more important players will leave the viewer feeling as though they were being set up for more. The writers weren’t done with us, and you can feel that in the way that they’ve wrapped things up.
Watch on Crunchyroll
Ouran High School Host Club, 26 Episodes
Did it need a second season? No
Listen, I know that this is a controversial take, but I’m willing to die on this hill; Ouran didn’t need a second season. Yes, I did read the manga and I LOVED it. Just ask my husband, who was trying to exist peacefully with me screaming, crying, and throwing up in the background as I tore through the written series.
That being said, the anime tells a complete story. The writers of the on-screen series knew that they might not have much time to do everything they wanted to, so they made it count. At the heart of the show, it’s largely a slice-of-life. Sure, there were hints at a budding romance, but with where the anime ended, there was never enough of a focus on it to necessitate further exploration. The goal of the anime was to tell a story that was focused on family, which is what it ultimately did.
Watch on Netflix.
Yuri!!! On Ice, 12 Episodes
Did it need a second season? Maybe
Let’s get this out of the way; WE NEED MORE VICTOR. WE NEED MORE YURI. WE NEED MORE YURIO. This tale is not done, and we are starving for more. So… why didn’t I label this as a “HECK YES?” Well, because I think it’s the kind of show that’s meant to leave you wanting more. That answer might feel like a bit of a cop-out, but let me explain.
Yuri!!! On Ice was written beautifully, keeping the audience glued to the screen for all twelve episodes. It holds our hands through the ups and downs of Yuri’s return to the ice AND his relationship with Victor as his… coach. By the end of the season, we were definitely set up with a million possibilities for more content, so why was there no follow-through?
In a way, the sentiment of endless prospects brings us full circle and it gives us a form of closure that most people wouldn’t expect. Would we like to see more romance and see Yuri continue his career? I personally would, but I also feel satisfied knowing that the writers said what they needed to say.
Watch on Crunchyroll.
So, did the anime gods take these series from us too soon? Did we get just enough to really appreciate them after they were gone? To quote another great, “ ‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Regardless of whether Alfred Lord Tennyson was speaking of anime is truly beside the point, but once again, I think he too would be delighted to know that his words are just as relevant now as ever.
