Peter Grill to Kenja no Jikan: Super Extra

Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time: Super Extra

Characters

Peter Grill

MAIN

Fulltalia Eldoriel

SUPPORTING

Glucose

SUPPORTING

Luvellia Sanctus

SUPPORTING

Misslim Netherlant

SUPPORTING

Bresaria Eldoriel

SUPPORTING

Lisa Alpacas

SUPPORTING

Albatross Sanctus

SUPPORTING

Dora Musuko

SUPPORTING

Mimi Alpacas

SUPPORTING

Tim Robinson

SUPPORTING

Vegan Eldoriel

SUPPORTING

Antonio Spartokos

SUPPORTING

Vegetalia

SUPPORTING

Piglette Pancetta

SUPPORTING

Mitchie Peregrym

SUPPORTING

John Goodman

SUPPORTING

Lucy Grill

SUPPORTING

Zubabaro Dadadomu

SUPPORTING

Undaba Zudogeraioin

SUPPORTING

Gordo Netherlant

SUPPORTING

Gobuko Nggiell

SUPPORTING

Ngapopo Upopotamas

SUPPORTING

Cellulose

SUPPORTING

Tsubomi Taiin

BACKGROUND

Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time: Super Extra (Season 2) – A Deeper Dive into a Divisive Ecchi Comedy

Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time: Super Extra, the second season of the anime adaptation of Daisuke Hiyama’s manga, aired from October to December 2022, continuing the misadventures of the world’s strongest warrior, Peter Grill. This season, animated by Wolfsbane and Seven, doubles down on the ecchi and harem elements that defined its predecessor, while introducing new characters and conflicts that push the boundaries of its controversial premise. Below is a comprehensive, spoiler-light review of Season 2, focusing on its unique aspects, strengths, weaknesses, and thematic undercurrents, without promotional fluff.

Plot and Premise

Peter Grill, having secured his title as the world’s strongest man, remains committed to his fiancée, Luvelia Sanctos, a naive guildmate who believes babies come from storks. However, his reputation attracts a relentless parade of women from various races—ogres, elves, orcs, and now goblins and dwarves—who pursue him to produce powerful offspring. Season 2, subtitled Super Extra, escalates the stakes with new challenges, including a goblin invasion, political schemes, and the arrival of Peter’s fiery sister, Lucy, and his former mentor, Tigra. The narrative juggles Peter’s attempts to stay faithful amidst constant temptation, guild politics, and his own moral failings, all wrapped in a comedic fantasy framework.

What’s New and Unique

Season 2 distinguishes itself by expanding the worldbuilding and introducing fresh dynamics. Unlike the first season’s focus on individual encounters, Super Extra weaves a broader tapestry of political intrigue and interspecies tensions. The goblin arc, for instance, explores themes of coexistence versus extermination, adding a layer of social commentary absent in Season 1. New characters like Gobuko, an elite hobgoblin, and Fruitalia, an elf with a tragic backstory, bring emotional depth to the otherwise risqué plot. The inclusion of Lucy Grill, Peter’s sister, adds a volatile familial element, raising questions about loyalty and personal honor that challenge Peter’s character in unexpected ways.

The animation, a collaboration between Wolfsbane and Seven, maintains the vibrant, exaggerated style suited to the ecchi genre, with improved fluidity in action scenes compared to Season 1. The soundtrack, featuring the opening theme “Kurenazumu Yakusoku” by Isekaijoucho and the ending “Koigokoro” by Hilcrhyme, complements the show’s tone, blending playful energy with moments of introspection.

Strengths

1. Bold Character Additions: The new characters, particularly Lucy and Gobuko, inject unpredictability. Lucy’s aggressive protectiveness and Gobuko’s quirky loyalty contrast with the more manipulative ogre sisters (Lisa and Mimi Alpacas), creating a dynamic ensemble. Their interactions drive some of the season’s best comedic and dramatic moments.
2. Subtle Worldbuilding: While not the focus, Season 2 hints at a richer fantasy world. The goblin invasion and the elves’ diplomatic struggles suggest deeper societal issues, offering a glimpse of potential beyond the harem antics.
3. Short-Form Efficiency: With 12-minute episodes, the show maintains a brisk pace, delivering its mix of humor, fan service, and plot progression without overstaying its welcome.

Weaknesses

1. Moral Ambiguity and Controversy: The show’s central conceit—Peter’s repeated infidelity, often under coercion—remains polarizing. Critics argue it glorifies NTR (netorare, or cheating) and portrays Peter as a weak-willed hypocrite, undermining his claims of loving Luvelia. The use of non-consensual scenarios, like Fruitalia’s illusion magic to seduce Peter, can feel exploitative and uncomfortable, alienating viewers seeking lighthearted comedy.
2. Repetitive Formula: Despite new characters, the core loop of Peter succumbing to temptation grows stale. The show struggles to balance its ecchi humor with meaningful character development, often prioritizing fan service over narrative depth.
3. Limited Animation Budget: While improved, the animation occasionally suffers from inconsistent quality, with static backgrounds and rushed sequences in less critical scenes. The sound design, while functional, lacks the polish of higher-budget productions.

Themes and Reception

Super Extra attempts to grapple with themes of fidelity, duty, and the burden of power, but its execution is divisive. Some viewers appreciate the show’s unapologetic absurdity and self-aware humor, finding it a guilty pleasure akin to Interspecies Reviewers. Others, however, criticize its lack of moral clarity and Peter’s failure to grow, with reviews on platforms like MyAnimeList and Reddit calling it “trashy” or a “waste of time” for its reliance on shock value over substance. The show’s polarizing nature is evident in fan discussions, with some praising the new characters and others decrying the repetitive betrayals.

Standout Episodes

• Episode 2: “Peter Grill and the Goblin Who Returned the Favor”: Gobuko’s introduction adds a fresh perspective, blending humor with a surprising act of loyalty.
• Episode 4: “Peter Grill and the World’s Strongest Little Sister”: Lucy’s arrival shakes up the status quo, offering a mix of action and sibling rivalry.
• Episode 7: “Peter Grill and a Family Disgraced”: This episode delves into the elves’ plight, providing a rare moment of emotional weight.

Final Verdict

Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time: Super Extra is a bold, if flawed, continuation of a niche series. It shines when leaning into its expanded cast and subtle worldbuilding but stumbles with its repetitive formula and contentious themes. Fans of ecchi harem comedies will find enough to enjoy, particularly with the new characters and brisk pacing, but those seeking deeper storytelling or ethical clarity may be disappointed. It’s a next-level escalation in audacity, for better or worse, best suited for viewers who embrace its unapologetic chaos.

Rating: 6.5/10 – A guilty pleasure with moments of brilliance, held back by its own excesses.