B: The Beginning Succession

B: The Beginning: Succession

Characters

Keith Kazama Flick

MAIN

Koku

MAIN

Lily Hoshina

MAIN

Yuna

MAIN

Kaela Yoshinaga

SUPPORTING

Mario Luu00eds Zurita

SUPPORTING

Izanami

SUPPORTING

Boris Meyer

SUPPORTING

Yukikaze

SUPPORTING

Eric Toga

SUPPORTING

Kazan

SUPPORTING

Kirisame

SUPPORTING

Asagiri

SUPPORTING

Brian Brandon

SUPPORTING

Gilbert Ross

BACKGROUND

Erika Kazama Flick

BACKGROUND

B: The Beginning Season 2 (Succession) – A Visually Stunning Yet Narratively Uneven Continuation

B: The Beginning Succession, the second season of the original Netflix anime series by Production I.G. and Kazuto Nakazawa, premiered on March 18, 2021, with a compact six-episode run. Following the ambitious and chaotic first season, Succession attempts to deepen the lore of the dystopian, tech-laden archipelago of Cremona while continuing the intertwining stories of vigilante Koku, genius detective Keith Flick, and the Royal Investigation Service (RIS). This review dives into what makes Season 2 unique, its strengths, shortcomings, and its place in the broader anime landscape, offering an informative perspective for fans and newcomers alike.

A Unique Blend of Ambition and Aesthetic

B: The Beginning Succession stands out for its unrelenting commitment to its distinctive aesthetic and genre-blending narrative. The series, set in a near-futuristic Cremona inspired by Italy’s Lombardy region, merges crime thriller, supernatural mystery, and psychological drama with a touch of political intrigue. Season 2 pivots from the first season’s focus on serial killer “B” and the shadowy Market Maker organization to a coup-driven plot involving a royal family, ancient prophecies, and Koku’s demihuman origins. This shift introduces fresh themes of power, betrayal, and destiny, setting it apart from typical anime sequels that often retread familiar ground.

The animation remains a high point, with Production I.G. delivering breathtaking visuals. The muted color palette, punctuated by vibrant neon backdrops, creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that complements the story’s dark tone. Action sequences, particularly those involving Koku’s shape-shifting abilities (wings and blade-like limbs), are fluid and kinetic, with standout moments like a high-stakes ambush by Kirisame’s subordinates showcasing the studio’s technical prowess. The use of CGI for vehicles is subtle and improved from Season 1, avoiding the jarring transitions that plagued some earlier episodes. The series also experiments with unique visual storytelling, such as overlaying text on-screen to convey information, adding an elegant, almost cyberpunk flair to the presentation.

Strengths: Character Dynamics and World-Building

Season 2 shines in its character-driven moments and expanded world-building. Keith Flick, the eccentric detective with a tragic past, remains a compelling anchor. His analytical brilliance is highlighted in scenes where he unravels complex conspiracies, though his arc takes a darker turn as he grapples with hallucinations and personal demons. Koku, the demihuman protagonist, gains more depth through revelations about his origins and connections to Cremona’s ancient history, making his journey more emotionally resonant than in Season 1. New characters, like the enigmatic Kirisame, add intrigue, while returning figures like Lily Hoshina inject humor and heart, particularly in her irreverent interactions with the royal family.

The world-building is another unique aspect, delving into Cremona’s mythology and the origins of its “new humans.” The exploration of a royal coup and the shadowy forces manipulating it adds a layer of political intrigue rarely seen in anime of this genre. While Season 1 leaned heavily on crime-drama tropes, Succession embraces a more fantastical scope, drawing comparisons to works like Code Geass for its blend of conspiracy and supernatural elements, though it lacks the same narrative cohesion.

Shortcomings: A Murky Narrative and Missed Opportunities

Despite its ambition, Succession struggles with narrative clarity and pacing. The six-episode format feels restrictive, leaving major plot points—like Keith’s disappearance and the royal palace’s motivations—underdeveloped. Critics and fans have noted that the season introduces conflicts too quickly, resolving them without sufficient build-up or emotional weight. For instance, the coup plot and Kirisame’s role as an antagonist feel rushed, with villains lacking the menace or complexity of Season 1’s Market Maker.

The season also stumbles with its handling of certain character arcs. Keith’s hallucinatory subplot, including a controversial and poorly integrated tangent involving his sister, feels gratuitous and disconnected from the main story. Similarly, Koku’s motivations, while clearer than in Season 1, are overshadowed by rapid plot twists that undermine his agency. Fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed disappointment with the season’s “murky and anemic slog,” citing a lack of the “buckwild nonsense” that made Season 1 memorable, such as the infamous skateboard-chasing clown.

The reduced episode count exacerbates these issues, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger that feels more like an abrupt cutoff than a deliberate tease for a potential third season. This brevity contrasts sharply with Season 1’s 12 episodes, which, while convoluted, allowed more room for character development and mystery. The consensus among reviewers is that Succession sacrifices depth for spectacle, resulting in a season that’s visually dazzling but narratively unsatisfying.

Unique Elements: A Departure from Season 1

What sets Succession apart from its predecessor is its willingness to take risks. The shift from a serial killer cat-and-mouse game to a broader conspiracy involving ancient prophecies and royal politics is bold, if not entirely successful. The season’s exploration of Koku’s demihuman nature and the lore of Cremona’s “new humans” adds a mythological layer that distinguishes it from other Netflix anime originals like Devilman Crybaby. The decision to sideline the RIS in favor of new characters and a more fantastical narrative also gives Succession a distinct identity, even if it alienates some fans expecting a direct continuation of Season 1’s crime-drama roots.

The soundtrack, composed by Yoshihiro Ike, is another standout, blending orchestral and electronic elements to enhance the series’ dystopian vibe. The opening and ending sequences, while less iconic than Season 1’s, maintain the show’s cinematic quality, with visuals reminiscent of high-budget anime like Ghost in the Shell. These elements make Succession a unique entry in the anime landscape, appealing to viewers who enjoy dense, visually rich stories over straightforward narratives.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Reviews for Succession are mixed, reflecting its polarizing nature. On Rotten Tomatoes, Season 2 lacks the critical acclaim of Season 1, with reviewers praising the animation but critiquing the shallow storytelling. GeekTyrant noted that while the animation and quality are “as good as ever,” the six episodes leave fans wanting more depth. IMDb user reviews echo this, with some rating Season 2 as low as 4/10, citing a “complete mess” of plot twists and character inconsistencies, while others appreciated its adult themes and action. Reddit discussions highlight a split fanbase, with some enjoying the new direction and others lamenting the loss of Season 1’s chaotic energy.

Should You Watch It?

B: The Beginning Succession is a visually stunning but narratively uneven sequel that will appeal to fans of high-concept anime willing to overlook its flaws. Its unique blend of supernatural, political, and detective elements, paired with Production I.G.’s stellar animation, makes it a standout in Netflix’s anime catalog, though it falls short of classics like Psycho-Pass. If you enjoyed Season 1 for its mystery and action, Succession offers enough to warrant a watch, but temper expectations for a cohesive story. With only six episodes, it’s a quick binge, but the cliffhanger ending may leave you frustrated if a third season doesn’t materialize.

Rating: 6.5/10
For its breathtaking visuals and bold ideas, B: The Beginning Succession earns praise, but its rushed pacing and muddled narrative prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor. For those intrigued by Cremona’s world, it’s a flawed but engaging ride worth taking.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix. For more details, visit Netflix. For home media, Anime Limited and Shout! Factory distribute the series in select regions.